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Average Price: $1,599
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
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High-end
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Description
Unveil the soulful blend of tradition and innovation with the Gibson ES-137 Classic. This semi-hollowbody electric gem strikes a perfect chord between the vintage allure of the ES series and modern design enhancements. With its distinctive body shape that nods to the classic ES-175, yet incorporates a center block akin to the ES-135 for reduced feedback and increased sustain, the ES-137 Classic is a versatile choice for the discerning musician. Its rosewood fingerboard and iconic trapezoidal inlays complete a look and feel that's both familiar and refreshingly new. Whether you're riffing through bluesy bends or crafting jazzy chords, this guitar delivers with a character that's undeniably Gibson.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollow body design for a versatile tone with reduced feedback
- Center block for increased sustain and resilience against feedback
- Rosewood fingerboard with trapezoidal inlays for a smooth playing experience and aesthetic grace
- Tailored for a vintage yet modern appeal, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-137 Classic |
| Finish | Blueburst, Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Lightburst, Silver, Tri-Burst |
| Year | 2002 - 2015 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Semi-Hollow Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Silver, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson ES-137 |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson ES-137 Classic |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Gibson ES-137 Classic best suited for?
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The Gibson ES-137 Classic is versatile and excels in jazz, blues, and rock genres due to its semi-hollowbody design, which provides warm, resonant tones with excellent sustain and reduced feedback.
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What pickups are included in the Gibson ES-137 Classic?
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The Gibson ES-137 Classic features a 490R pickup in the rhythm position and a 498T pickup in the treble position, offering a rich, dynamic range suitable for various musical styles.
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How does the Gibson ES-137 Classic handle feedback?
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Thanks to its mahogany center block, the Gibson ES-137 Classic effectively reduces feedback, making it suitable for live performances and high-volume settings.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-137 Classic?
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The Gibson ES-137 Classic features a set maple neck with a comfortable profile that facilitates smooth playability, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
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Is the Gibson ES-137 Classic suitable for beginner guitarists?
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While the Gibson ES-137 Classic offers professional-level features and quality, its playability and tonal versatility can be appreciated by dedicated beginners who are serious about advancing their skills.
Videos
GigGear
Gibson ES-137 Classic Semi-Hollow Guitar Review
Gibson ES-137 Classic Semi-Hollow Guitar Review
GigGear
Gibson ES-137 Review and Demo
thejay (Big Battle Bear)
Gibson ES-137 Classic Silver at The Fellowship of Acoustics
The Fellowship of Acoustics
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional tone versatility, from creamy cleans to growling overdriven sounds
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Unique neck profile, comfortable for various playing styles
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Superior craftsmanship, built before Gibson's 2008 restructuring
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Distinctive Florentine cutaway design, aesthetically pleasing
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Excellent weight balance, enhancing playability and comfort
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Multipurpose binding on body and neck adds to its visual appeal
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Easily accessible upper notes, contrary to some claims
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Outstanding sustain and smooth frets for effortless playing
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Exquisite flame or quilted maple finish on top and back
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Sound quality is impressive even when unplugged
CONS
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Logo not inlaid with pearloid, a minor aesthetic drawback
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-137 Classic.
Mods and upgrades
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Some owners recommend using Vibramate for adding a Bigsby without drilling new holes, preserving the guitar's original structure.
Source -
Owners recommend the Les Trem for ES-137, noting improved tuning stability and subtle vibrato, ideal for non-dive bomb styles.
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Owners have reported installing '57 Classic pickups in the ES-137 for improved tonal quality, although these may not be stock on all models.
Source
Features and functionality
Build quality
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The ES-137 is known for its exceptional flamed wood finish, especially in sunburst models, making it visually striking and rare.
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Comparisons
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The ES-137 is often compared to the ES-335, with users noting the different body shape and unique tonal qualities due to its construction.
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The ES-137 Custom with Lundgren Heaven '57 pickups offers superior sound clarity compared to the Classic's stock pickups.
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The ES-137's upper fret access is adequate for many but not comparable to a Superstrat, affecting playability for some users.
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Compared to the ES-135, the ES-137 features a stop tailpiece and a center block for enhanced sustain and feedback control.
Source
Use cases and applications
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Owners have found the ES-137 to be a conversation starter at jam sessions, with its distinctive look and sound that captivates audiences.
Source
User experience
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Users find the neck profile of the ES-137 less rounded compared to a '56 Les Paul, impacting playability preferences.
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Owners find the ES-137 Classic superior to the ES-175, highlighting the guitar's distinct tonal qualities.
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Some players find the ES-137 more appealing than similarly priced Les Pauls from the same era, regarding it as a "little known secret weapon."
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The Candy Apple Red Custom model is a rare find and highly sought after, with some enthusiasts going to great lengths to obtain one internationally.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
In the Rig Rundown video from Premier Guitars, Billie's guitar tech Hans said this white ES-137 was built by Gibson, you can tell that the mods on this 137 is Billie's style, two Dogear P90s and simplified controls.
Hans also said the Gibson Team might release a signature model, which they did in a Cherry Burst finish.
This guitar can be seen in Kill The DJ music video and it has been used throughout the 99 Revolution tour.
he can be seen playing im waiting on the 137
In this rig rundown, there was a silver es137 and a black es137 custom shop model made for Daughtry with custom Batman Inlays.
In the YouTube video "Enjambre - Sábado Perpetuo (En Vivo Desde Palacio De Los Deportes/ Gira Proaño D.F.)" by Enjambre, at 0:59, Julián Navejas is seen using a Vintage Gibson ES-135 Blueburst, as documented by EnjambreVEVO.
Después de una etapa seca creativamente, Extremoduro volvió en el año 2008. Se uso está guitarra para las canciones de la ley innata.
Album Usage
The Gibson ES-137 Classic has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson ES-137 Classic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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