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Average Price: $3,095
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Description
The Gibson ES-140 is a compact powerhouse that brings together vintage charm and modern playability in a semi-hollowbody electric guitar. Originally designed in the 1950s as a short-scale alternative to the larger ES models, the ES-140 is revered for its portability and rich tonal quality. Perfect for jazz, blues, or rock, its semi-hollow construction provides a resonant sound with reduced feedback, making it an excellent choice for both stage and studio environments. The guitar's P-90 pickup delivers a warm, punchy tone that captures the nuances of your playing. With a comfortable neck and easy playability, the Gibson ES-140 is suited for both beginners looking for a manageable instrument and seasoned players seeking a unique addition to their collection.
Crafted with a traditional maple body and a mahogany neck, this guitar combines durability with classic aesthetics. The rosewood fingerboard offers smooth action, while the 22 frets are perfect for musicians who appreciate a shorter scale length without sacrificing performance. Whether you're performing solos or accompanying a band, the ES-140 delivers a versatile sound that adapts to a variety of musical styles. Its timeless design and quality craftsmanship ensure that this guitar will be a treasured instrument for years to come.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody construction for enhanced resonance and reduced feedback
- Equipped with a P-90 pickup for a warm, punchy sound
- Short-scale length for easy playability
- Maple body with mahogany neck for durability and classic aesthetics
- Rosewood fingerboard with 22 frets
- Versatile tonal range suitable for jazz, blues, and rock genres
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-140 3/4 |
| Finish | Natural, Sunburst |
| Year | 1950 - 1957 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Hollow Body Guitars |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Hollow Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Brown, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson ES-140 |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 19 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson ES-140?
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The Gibson ES-140 features a set-neck construction with a comfortable mahogany neck, providing a smooth playing experience ideal for both beginners and seasoned guitarists.
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What kind of music genres is the Gibson ES-140 suitable for?
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The Gibson ES-140, with its warm, resonant tone from the hollow body design, is well-suited for jazz, blues, and rock genres, offering versatility for various musical styles.
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Is the Gibson ES-140 a full-size guitar?
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The Gibson ES-140 is a 3/4 size guitar, making it more compact and easier to handle, especially for younger players or those who prefer a smaller instrument.
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What type of pickups does the Gibson ES-140 have?
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The Gibson ES-140 is equipped with a single P-90 pickup, known for its clear, punchy sound that works well for both clean and overdriven tones.
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How does the Gibson ES-140 compare to other Gibson hollow body guitars?
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The Gibson ES-140 offers a unique 3/4 size and a single P-90 pickup, setting it apart with a smaller, more manageable body and a distinct tonal character compared to larger Gibson hollow body models.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 1953 Gibson ES-140 3/4 Scale | Norman's Rare Guitars
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-140.
Build quality
Setup and maintenance
Value and pricing
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The ES-140 3/4 is valued between $2,000 and $5,000 depending on condition and year, as determined by the serial number.
Source
Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
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The ES-140 3/4 has a unique distinction where its thin or full-depth body design affects its tonal properties and application versatility.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Dan Auerbach's Gibson ES-140 was a part of his personal collection before being sold as a part of the "Dan Auerbach Collection" at Gruhn's Guitars.
Pat talks about his first guitar here:
I had a paper route throughout those years, and I told my parents, “I think I want to get a guitar.” For them, that was like, “I think I’m going to join the devil worship church down the street. Is that okay?” They said, “No, you’re not. You’re not going to play electric guitar.” So that made me really want to do it.
This went on until finally for Christmas, when I was 11, my Christmas present was their permission to use my own money to buy a guitar (laughs). We looked in the Kansas City Star, and for 75 bucks there was an ES-140 three-quarter for sale. My dad being a car dealer, he talked them down to 60. That was my first guitar. Sort of an odd choice, and not what I was thinking. But I knew that Gibsons were good, and 60 bucks was about what I had. For about two weeks I played in a little rock band called the Beat Bombs, doing “Hang On Sloopy” and “Little Latin Lupe Lu.” Then my brother brought home this Miles Davis record, Four And More, and it was like somebody smacking me over the head with a baseball bat. I immediately started down the road of where I’m still at, trying to figure out what is that.
Not sure if he played it on the track 'Long Island', but the video has a great photo of him playing a vintage ES-140.
Featured in this March 1, 2015 Instagram post by Jason Isbell.
Home again! Got this ES-140 for @amandapearlshires for her birthday on Thursday, and I'm no good at waiting on gift-giving. Tiny rock machine! #gibsunday
Farlow’s 1951 Gibson ES-140 with one-of-a-kind custom red finish. The Tune-o-matic bridge and tuners were later modifications.
In this interview for Gibson, Blake Sennett said...
"I also have this Gibson ES-140. It’s like a tiny, 3/4 scale single cutaway guitar with one P-90. "
Full article here.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson ES-140, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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