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Description
Experience the timeless allure of the Gibson ES-295, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that seamlessly bridges vintage charm and modern versatility. Originally introduced in the 1950s, this guitar has found its way into the hands of iconic musicians, thanks to its distinctive sound and stylish design. The ES-295 is renowned for its P-90 single-coil pickups, which deliver a bright, punchy tone perfect for genres ranging from rockabilly to jazz.
Crafted with a maple body and a mahogany neck, the ES-295 ensures a rich, resonant sound while providing comfortable playability. Its trapeze tailpiece and adjustable bridge contribute to its classic aesthetic and reliable performance. The rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability, making it a favorite among guitarists who crave both style and substance.
Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Gibson ES-295 offers tonal flexibility and a touch of elegance. It's a guitar that not only looks the part but also delivers the sonic excellence expected from Gibson. Ideal for players who appreciate the blend of vintage character and modern playability, the ES-295 is a testament to Gibson's enduring legacy in guitar craftsmanship.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody design for enhanced resonance
- P-90 single-coil pickups for bright, punchy tones
- Maple body with a mahogany neck for tonal richness
- Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
- Trapeze tailpiece and adjustable bridge for classic style and performance
- Ideal for genres from rockabilly to jazz
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-295 |
| Finish | Cherry, Ebony, Gold, Sunburst |
| Year | 1952 - 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 | Black, Brown, Gold, Red |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony, Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson ES-295 |
| 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
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What type of music is the Gibson ES-295 best suited for?
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The Gibson ES-295 is ideal for rockabilly, jazz, and blues due to its rich, warm tones and hollow body design. Its vintage P-90 pickups provide a classic sound that complements these genres well.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-295?
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The Gibson ES-295 features a set-neck construction with a comfortable mahogany neck, providing a smooth playing experience. The neck profile is typically a rounded shape, which is favored by many players for its playability.
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How does the Gibson ES-295's pickup configuration affect its sound?
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The Gibson ES-295 is equipped with dual P-90 single-coil pickups that deliver a bright, articulate sound with plenty of midrange punch. This configuration is perfect for achieving the classic rock and roll tones of the 1950s.
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Is the Gibson ES-295 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Gibson ES-295 is well-suited for live performances, offering a distinctive look and sound. Its hollow body design provides resonance and volume, making it a great choice for stage presence and sound projection.
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What is the scale length of the Gibson ES-295, and how does it affect playability?
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The Gibson ES-295 has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which offers a slightly shorter reach and easier playability for many guitarists. This scale length is comfortable for playing chords and bends, making it a popular choice for various styles.
Videos
Carter Vintage Guitars
1952 Gibson ES-295 played by RJ Ronquillo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-295.
Features and functionality
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The ES-295 discussed includes a custom Bigsby B3 tailpiece and a unique transparent cherry finish with cream binding, reminiscent of the ES-335.
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Mods and upgrades
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The guitar features an early B string puller prototype and an internal active electronics board functioning as a compressor/gate.
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Setup and maintenance
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The owner has replaced failing components on the compressor circuit board and tuners that couldn't hold together, retaining original parts where possible.
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It’s been noted that cleaning up the nut on Gretsch Electromatics can significantly improve tuning stability, addressing common Bigsby-related issues.
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Use cases and applications
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The guitar was historically used for studio work and television appearances, indicating its versatility and professional-level performance capabilities.
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The Ibanez AFJ-85 is recommended for jazz/blues/classic rock, but noted as a different tonal experience than the ES-295, particularly when using flatwound strings.
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User experience
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The owner acknowledges that modifications, while innovative, might decrease the guitar's value compared to its original state.
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Comparisons
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Guild's M-75 Aristocrat is noted for its tonal similarity to the ES-295, offering a comparable experience at a lower price point.
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Gretsch's Electromatic 5420 is highlighted, but tuning stability issues are common due to the Bigsby, which are often resolved by addressing the nut.
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The centerblock Electromatics, while heavier, are praised for their impressive sustain, distinguishing them from other models in their range.
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Critic Reviews
3.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Eric Clapton acquired this guitar for collecting rather than playing purposes.
He is holding the guitar in this image. It was taken during the recording of the black album.
Johnny Marr's use of a gold 1952 Gibson ES-295 is confirmed through a photograph featured in his book "Marr's Guitars," as indicated by the image caption.
"955 Gibson ES-295… Scotty Moore anyone? This a guitar that Danny Gatton turned me on to when I was just 12 years old. He had a similar model that was rumored to be Scotty Moore’s original Elvis guitar from back in the Sun Record days. These guitars have a great sound, very bright and open. Think of it as a gold ES-175. This model started in 1952 and was discontinued (the reissued them in the 90?s) in late 1959. Sadly most of the PAF equipped ES-295 have been pillaged for parts. The pickups and rings alone are worth more than the whole guitar itself… What a crazy world we live in," says Joe Bonamassa, on his website.
At 0:30 in this video, Josh Klinghoffer can be seen playing a Gibson ES-295 with PAF humbuckers.
The Premier Guitar article and youremyguitarhero both reckon Mick's guitar from the London Calling music video is a rate all-white Gibson ES-295.
In January 2024, at The Old Woollen in Leeds, Bernard Butler was observed playing a Gibson ES-295, confirming his use of this specific guitar model. Following the performance, Butler disclosed that this instrument is an original model from the 1950s, as documented in a photograph available as evidence.
Jordan posted this photo on Twitter of him with an ES-295 by Gibson at Sun Studio.
In this interview with Guitar World, Adams describes his ES-295 as "[his] favourite guitar", and that it is "the sweetest-sounding thing you've ever heard". He also mentions that he played it in the music video for his song, "You Belong to Me".
Album Usage
The Gibson ES-295 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-295, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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