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Description

The Gibson ES-225TD offers a harmonious blend of vintage allure and modern craftsmanship, bringing the resonant sound of a hollowbody guitar into a sleek semi-hollowbody form. Crafted with precision, this iconic instrument features a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple construction, providing a robust yet lightweight structure that enhances the guitar's rich tonal character. Its slim 1.875" body depth delivers the warmth and resonance of a traditional hollowbody guitar while retaining a comfortable and manageable profile for any player.

Under the hood, the ES-225TD is powered by a pair of alnico-magnet P-90 pickups, offering the full-bodied single-coil tones that have captivated musicians for decades. The neck pickup utilizes Alnico III magnets and the bridge pickup uses Alnico II magnets, creating a dynamic tonal palette that ranges from smooth, mellow lows to bright, articulate highs.

The mahogany neck, reinforced with a maple spline, ensures durability and stability, while the rosewood fingerboard provides a classic playing feel. With its vintage-style trapeze tailpiece and hide glue neck joint, the ES-225TD is steeped in historical authenticity, giving players a true nod to the golden era of guitar crafting.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or a passionate collector, the Gibson ES-225TD is a testament to Gibson's enduring legacy in the world of electric guitars.

Key Features:

  • 3-ply maple/poplar/maple top and back
  • 1.875" body depth for big hollowbody tone
  • Mahogany neck with maple spline for enhanced strength
  • Rosewood fingerboard with vintage-correct specs
  • Pair of P-90 pickups for classic single-coil sound
  • Vintage-style trapeze tailpiece
  • Made in the USA, including a hardshell case and Certificate of Authenticity

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-225TD
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 1956 - 1959
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-225
Model Sub-Family Gibson ES-225TD
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gibson ES-225TD have?

The Gibson ES-225TD is equipped with two P-90 pickups, known for their warm, punchy tone with a bit of grit, making them versatile for genres like blues, jazz, and rock.

How does the body construction of the Gibson ES-225TD affect its sound?

The ES-225TD features a hollow body made from maple, which provides a rich, resonant tone with excellent sustain and a natural acoustic-like quality, ideal for clean and warm sounds.

Is the Gibson ES-225TD suitable for beginner guitarists?

While the Gibson ES-225TD offers excellent playability and tone, its vintage design and features may be more appreciated by intermediate to advanced players familiar with hollow body guitars.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-225TD like?

The Gibson ES-225TD has a set neck made of mahogany, offering a comfortable and smooth playing experience, with a scale length of 24.75" that suits players who prefer a slightly shorter reach.

What finishes are available for the Gibson ES-225TD?

The Gibson ES-225TD is available in natural and sunburst finishes, both offering a classic and stylish look that complements its vintage aesthetic.

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Thank Phil It's FRIDAY!! 1956 Gibson ES-225TD 01298

Video thumbnail for Thank Phil It's FRIDAY!! 1956 Gibson ES-225TD 01298 by frettedamericana

Thank Phil It's FRIDAY!! 1956 Gibson ES-225TD 01298

frettedamericana

frettedamericana

Video thumbnail for 1957 Gibson ES-225 TD / GuitarPoint - Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1957 Gibson ES-225 TD / GuitarPoint - Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1959 Gibson ES-225 TD - Atoyboy Guitars by ATB Guitars

1959 Gibson ES-225 TD - Atoyboy Guitars

ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique stereo feature adds a distinct dimension to sound

  • Stellar craftsmanship reflecting Gibson's "Golden Years"

  • Full neck profile that's comfortable, not oversized

  • Versatile sound suitable for various genres like R&B, Blues, and Pop

  • Exceptional resonance and sustain

  • Plays loud without feedback issues

  • Superior construction compared to similar models like the ES 125

  • Excellent fit and finish with low action, no buzzing

  • Impressive aesthetic details like beveled pick guard and gold bonnet knobs

CONS

  • High action and potential neck stability issues reported by some users

  • Potentially costly repair for neck reset needed on some units

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The Heritage H 525 is noted as a close model to the Gibson ES-225TD, although it may require a retro bridge tailpiece for a more authentic feel.

    Source
  • Guild Starfire I and III are suggested alternatives, though they come with humbuckers, differing from the ES-225TD's P-90 pickups.

    Source
  • The ES-225TD is compared to the ES-175T, described as a thinner variant of the ES-175, emphasizing the slim body design.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The ES-225TD's unique thin, semi-hollow body design is appreciated for its comfort compared to bulkier models.

    Source
  • The ES-225TD often has its bridge mounting posts attached to wood blocks glued inside the body, providing stability.

    Source
  • The original ES-225TD models had a unique wrap-under tailpiece similar to early Les Pauls, which some owners have replaced with a traditional trapeze or Bigsby.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • To replicate the ES-225TD's setup, sourcing a retro bridge tailpiece is recommended for those adapting similar guitars.

    Source
  • Some owners have installed a Schaller 456 bridge, which has remained stable for over 35 years.

    Source
  • It's noted that the ES-225TD could be modified with humbuckers, despite originally having dual P-90 pickups, for a different tonal experience.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A loose block inside the ES-225TD body can be repaired but requires a skilled professional, as it involves complex internal work.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express caution regarding shipping for repairs, suggesting a preference for local luthiers due to potential damage risks.

    Source
  • Some owners highlight the unusual configuration of having two pickups with only two control knobs, suggesting possible modifications or factory variations.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Rewound P-90 pickups are used by some owners, providing a unique tonal character to the ES-225TD.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Eric Clapton uses Gibson ES-225TD

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Christies

Eric Clapton owns a 1959 Gibson ES-225TD, which he acquired for his collection, as documented by Christie's.

See how Hozier uses Gibson ES-225TD

Hozier

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

Hozier used a Gibson 1959 ES-TD in the filming of the music video for Work Song. Unobscured views can be seen at 1:11 and 1:20. He has never played this guitar live (at November 2015)

See how Devendra Banhart uses Gibson ES-225TD

Devendra Banhart

Guitarist, Singer

Megapuss

...
Verified via Google

Devendra Banhart played a Gibson ES-225TD during the early years of his career, as shown in photos from 2006 available on Google.

See how Alex Chilton uses Gibson ES-225TD

Alex Chilton

Guitarist, Singer

Big Star

...
Verified via YouTube

Following the Big Star reunion in 1993, Alex Chilton was frequently pictured performing with a late 1950s Gibson ES-225TD, equipped with a Bigsby vibrato and a Gretsch vibrato. It was most famously seen on Big Star's performance on The Tonight Show.

See how Elliott Sharp uses Gibson ES-225TD

Elliott Sharp

Guitarist, Composer

The President

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to the 2019 Premier Guitar interview, Sharp uses the 1956 Gibson ES-225TD.

See how Lera Lynn uses Gibson ES-225TD

Lera Lynn

Singer, Guitarist

The Downtown 13

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo posted on her Instagram account, Lera Lynn showcases her Gibson ES-225TD, highlighting her appreciation for its quality with the hashtag #gearporn.

See how Niki Sullivan uses Gibson ES-225TD

Niki Sullivan

Guitarist

The Crickets

...
Verified via YouTube

En el show de ed sullivan se presentó buddy holly and the crickets y se puede a observar a niki sullivan con una gibson es-225 td, al igual que en la portada del primer album de la banda "The chipiring crickets"

See how Wank Adams (PEER) uses Gibson ES-225TD

Wank Adams (PEER)

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

Wank Adams (PEER) used the Gibson ES-225TD on their "Mad For It!" tour, as shown in an Instagram post featuring a photo by @henkvdhaar_17.

Album Usage

The Gibson ES-225TD 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-225TD, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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