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Description

Step into the world of vintage sound with the Gibson ES-225, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that marries timeless design with modern craftsmanship. This guitar's 3-ply maple/poplar/maple body delivers a resonant and vibrant tone, while its slim 1.875-inch depth ensures comfort and playability. The mahogany neck, strengthened by a maple spline, offers both durability and rich tonal quality, allowing you to explore a range of musical expressions with confidence.

The ES-225 is equipped with a pair of custom P-90 pickups, famous for their authentic vintage alnico sound. These single-coil pickups are meticulously crafted to capture the essence of classic rock and blues tones, making them a beloved choice for musicians seeking that old-school vibe. The neck and bridge pickups are thoughtfully designed with Alnico III and Alnico II magnets, respectively, providing a dynamic tonal palette.

Crafted with precision in Gibson's Memphis, TN factory, this guitar features a hot hide glue neck joint and a vintage-style trapeze tailpiece, ensuring both historical accuracy and superior sound quality. The rosewood fingerboard and adjustable bridge further enhance its playability and tone, making it a must-have for any serious guitarist.

Whether you're a vintage enthusiast or a modern player looking for a classic touch, the Gibson ES-225 promises an unparalleled musical journey with its blend of historical charm and modern precision.

Key Features:

  • 3-ply maple/poplar/maple top and back
  • Slim 1.875" body depth
  • Mahogany neck with maple spline
  • Custom P-90 pickups for vintage tone
  • Rosewood fingerboard with precise fret dimensions
  • Vintage-style trapeze tailpiece
  • Made in Memphis, TN
  • Includes hardshell case and Certificate of Authenticity
Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1959 Gibson ES-225T

Video thumbnail for Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1959 Gibson ES-225T by Normans Rare Guitars

Norman's Rare Guitars - Guitar of the Day: 1959 Gibson ES-225T

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Story Time | History with this Gibson ES-225 played by Bob Dylan | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Story Time | History with this Gibson ES-225 played by Bob Dylan | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for ATB Guitars | 1957 Gibson ES-225 by ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars | 1957 Gibson ES-225

ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-225.

Build quality

  • The ES-225T from 1958 is noted for its nice necks, which are often highlighted by enthusiasts as a standout feature.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The ES-225T typically lacks a serial number, a characteristic shared with other Gibson models of the same era like the 330's and 120's.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Single pickup models, especially in the most produced color combo, are less valuable than the natural finish versions with dual P90 pickups.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Finish cracking is a common issue noted by owners, which may affect the guitar's aesthetic but not its playability.

    Source

User experience

  • Despite cosmetic issues, the ES-225T is reported to function well and produce good sound, affirming its reliability over the years.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Gibson ES-225 Remains One of the Most Overlooked Golden Era Guitars | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The Gibson ES-225 is an underrated gem from the golden era of guitar design, praised for its innovative features like the maple block beneath the bridge, which enhances feedback resistance and articulation. Its P-90 pickups deliver robust sound, making it a rock-and-roll powerhouse. However, it’s often overshadowed by models like the ES-335, leading to its relative obscurity and eventual discontinuation. The unique trapeze tailpiece and wraparound bridge, while intended for optimal performance, are remnants of a design mishap that affected its predecessor, the Les Paul. Overall, this review highlights the ES-225 as a valuable and distinctive choice for vintage guitar enthusiasts, marking it as a positive standout in Gibson's history.

positive

The history of the ES-225 – the last affordable 1950s Gibson guitar? | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Gibson ES-225 is celebrated as a hidden gem in Gibson's lineup, offering a unique blend of vintage aesthetics and versatile sound. Its thinline body and classic P-90 pickups provide a rich tonal palette, from mellow jazz to rockabilly punch. The guitar's construction, featuring a maple block under the bridge, contributes to its sustain and feedback control, making it more predictable than an ES-330. However, the single-pickup model's central placement may hinder some players' picking technique, and early models feature skinny frets that might not suit everyone. Overall, the ES-225 stands out as a more affordable entry into the world of vintage Gibson guitars.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Josh Homme uses Gibson ES-225

Josh Homme

Guitarist

Kyuss

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Homme is seen with Gibson ES-225. This photo originates from Sound on Sound article.

See how Paul Davids uses Gibson ES-225

Paul Davids

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

At the start of this video https://youtu.be/zg6t5LPjc6k Paul appears to be playing a Gibson ES-225! He starts playing Johnny B. Goode, then says "Something doesn't feel quite right..." so he switches to a different guitar.

See how Brian Bell uses Gibson ES-225

Brian Bell

Singer, Guitarist

Weezer

...
Verified via YouTube

Bell played this guitar only for music video for "Buddy Holly". This guitar has P90 pickup. No further photos of Bell with this guitar are seen.

See how Adam Zindani uses Gibson ES-225

Adam Zindani

Guitarist

Stereophonics

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video,at 3:12 minute mark, Zindani is seen playing black Gibson ES-225.

See how Massimo Martellotta uses Gibson ES-225

Massimo Martellotta

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Calibro 35

...
Verified via Accordo

Possiedo varie chitarre, tra cui una Gibson 225 del '55, una Gretsch Duo Jet del '53, varie Teisco.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson ES-225, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Gear Guides

  • Added to Equipboard on by

    kkolar
    kkolar

    Gear IQ 120646