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Average Price: $3,095

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$1201+

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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

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson ES-140?

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.

What kind of music genres is the Gibson ES-140 suitable for?

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.

Is the Gibson ES-140 a full-size guitar?

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.

What type of pickups does the Gibson ES-140 have?

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.

How does the Gibson ES-140 compare to other Gibson hollow body guitars?

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.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1953 Gibson ES-140 3/4 Scale | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1953 Gibson ES-140 3/4 Scale | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1953 Gibson ES-140 3/4 Scale | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1952 Gibson ES 140 - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1952 Gibson ES 140 - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-140 3/4 1955 年製 by lastguitarcom

Gibson ES-140 3/4 1955 年製

lastguitarcom

lastguitarcom

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-140 1952 at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Gibson ES-140 1952 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for 1954 Gibson ES-140 Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1954 Gibson ES-140 Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1953 Gibson ES-140 - "The World of Vintage Guitars" by No.1 Guitar Center

1953 Gibson ES-140 - "The World of Vintage Guitars"

No.1 Guitar Center

No.1 Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for Early 50’s Gibson ES-140 vintage guitar demo with Bigfork Amp by Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments

Early 50’s Gibson ES-140 vintage guitar demo with Bigfork Amp

Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments

Greg Boyd's House of Fine Instruments

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

  • The original case is often found with ES-140s and can increase its collectible value, provided it's in good condition.

    Source
  • Lack of a serial number can indicate a production date of February 1961 or earlier, as Gibson's serial numbering system varied over time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It’s crucial to replace the tuners with exact replicas to avoid modifying the peghead, which can devalue the guitar.

    Source
  • Storing cables in the original case can damage the guitar's finish; remove them to prevent reactions with the lacquer.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • 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

  • The ES-140, designed as a student model, features a smaller body and shorter scale, making it ideal for players with smaller hands.

    Source
  • Its smaller body size and scale make it ideal for jazz enthusiasts seeking a compact "jazz box" style guitar, though it may not suit everyone.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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

User experience

  • The ES-140 is noted for retaining original tuners, which is beneficial for resale value and maintaining its vintage appeal.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dan Auerbach uses Gibson ES-140

Dan Auerbach

Guitarist, Keyboardist

The Black Keys

...
Verified via Guitars

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.

See how Chris Shiflett uses Gibson ES-140

Chris Shiflett

Guitarist

Foo Fighters

...
Verified via YouTube

This guitar can be seen at 05:02-06:02 in the accompanying YouTube link.

See how Pat Metheny uses Gibson ES-140

Pat Metheny

Guitarist, Bassist

Pat Metheny Group

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

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.

See how Mick Jones uses Gibson ES-140

Mick Jones

Singer, Guitarist

The Clash

...
Verified via YouTube

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.

See how Amanda Shires uses Gibson ES-140

Amanda Shires

Singer

Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit

...
Verified via Photo

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

See how Tal Farlow uses Gibson ES-140

Tal Farlow

Guitarist

Great Guitars

...
Verified via GuitarPlayer.com

Farlow’s 1951 Gibson ES-140 with one-of-a-kind custom red finish. The Tune-o-matic bridge and tuners were later modifications.

See how Valerie June uses Gibson ES-140

Valerie June

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post June shows her ES-140.

B

Blake Sennett

Singer, Guitarist

Rilo Kiley

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Reeve Carney uses Gibson ES-140

Reeve Carney

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

This is most likely the guitar Reeve used in Hadestown as Orpheus.

Can be seen throughout the video Most visible at 3:38

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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1
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1
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