Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,400

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$500

$1201+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson ES-325 is a distinguished entry in the world of semi-hollowbody electric guitars, known for its unique blend of resonance and sustain. Designed for versatile musicians, the ES-325 is perfect for those who appreciate the classic sound and aesthetic of a semi-hollowbody without compromising on modern playability. Its body is crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring a rich, warm tone that suits a variety of genres from jazz to rock.

One of the standout features of the ES-325 is its dual mini-humbucker pickups, offering a sound that is both crisp and powerful, allowing for expressive playing across different musical styles. The guitar's smooth neck and rosewood fingerboard provide comfort and precision, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead playing. With its vintage-inspired design and modern functionality, the ES-325 is a guitar that not only looks great on stage but also feels incredible in the hands of any musician.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for rich, resonant tones
  • Dual mini-humbucker pickups for versatile sound
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Classic Gibson craftsmanship with modern enhancements
  • Suitable for various music genres, from jazz to rock

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-325TD
Finish Cherry, Walnut, Wine Red
Year 1972 - 1979
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-325
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Norlin Era
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the difference between the Gibson ES-325 and the ES-335?

The Gibson ES-325 is fully hollow with Firebird mini-humbucking pickups and features a single f-hole, whereas the ES-335 is semi-hollow with standard humbucking pickups and a solid maple center block.

What type of music is the Gibson ES-325 best suited for?

The Gibson ES-325 is well-suited for genres like blues, jazz, and rock, offering a warm, resonant tone typical of hollow body guitars.

Does the Gibson ES-325 have a comfortable neck for playing?

Yes, the Gibson ES-325 features a set-neck construction made of mahogany, providing a smooth playing experience and easy access to higher frets.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson ES-325 pickups?

The Firebird mini-humbucking pickups on the Gibson ES-325 deliver a bright, clear tone with a slightly lower output than standard humbuckers, making them ideal for clean and articulate sounds.

Is the Gibson ES-325 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson ES-325 is suitable for live performances, offering a rich, full-bodied sound that can cut through a mix, especially in smaller venues.

WFUV Public Radio

WFUV Public Radio

Mumford and Sons - "Believe" (Live at WFUV)

Video thumbnail for Mumford and Sons - "Believe" (Live at WFUV) by WFUV Public Radio

Mumford and Sons - "Believe" (Live at WFUV)

WFUV Public Radio

WFUV Public Radio

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson ES-325: Tone Review and Demo by MusicStoreLive.com

1972 Gibson ES-325: Tone Review and Demo

MusicStoreLive.com

MusicStoreLive.com

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson ES-325 by GregsGuitars

1972 Gibson ES-325

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for GUITARE COLLECTION presents Gibson ES 325 from 1972 by Nico Poges by Guitare Collection

GUITARE COLLECTION presents Gibson ES 325 from 1972 by Nico Poges

Guitare Collection

Guitare Collection

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson ES-325, Part1 by GregsGuitars

1972 Gibson ES-325, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for ca. 1972 Gibson ES-325, Part1 by GregsGuitars

ca. 1972 Gibson ES-325, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson ES-325 Walnut at George's Music by George's Music

1972 Gibson ES-325 Walnut at George's Music

George's Music

George's Music

Video thumbnail for This Sexy Gibson Es-325 Is On Fire! (Kings of Leon) by The Neurotic Guitarist

This Sexy Gibson Es-325 Is On Fire! (Kings of Leon)

The Neurotic Guitarist

The Neurotic Guitarist

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson ES-325, Part2 by GregsGuitars

1972 Gibson ES-325, Part2

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Features unique Firebird mini humbuckers for a distinctive sound

  • Combines elements of 335 construction with 70s SG Pro design

  • Original ABR-1 bridge offers enhanced playability

  • Bridge pickup delivers Les Paul Jr-like tone with P90s

  • Neck pickup provides clear, smokey tones without muddy bass

  • Stylish with a standout big headstock and black binding

  • Harmonicas bridge praised for its performance

  • Known as a well-built sleeper guitar available at a bargain

  • Exceptional sound quality, especially through Vox amps

  • Minimal effects needed for an immersive playing experience

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-325.

Features and functionality

  • The Gibson ES-325 is equipped with Firebird pickups, often mistaken for mini humbuckers, offering a unique tonal character distinct from other models.

    Source
  • The ES-325 utilizes a giant trapeze tailpiece, a characteristic feature that sets it apart from other Gibson models of the time.

    Source

Build quality

  • The control plate on the ES-325 uses surplus SG cavity plates, a cost-saving measure by Gibson, reflecting the unique manufacturing approach of the era.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners describe the ES-325 as having a distinctive aroma reminiscent of an old church pew, adding to its vintage charm.

    Source
  • Despite its vintage nature, tuning stability is reported to be comparable to a Stratocaster, offering reliable performance for users.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ES-325 is likened to a full hollow body, differing from the typical semi-hollow construction, contributing to its unique sound profile.

    Source
  • The ES-325 is sometimes referred to as the "Caleb Followill special," indicating its association with the Kings of Leon guitarist's style.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Potentiometer codes are crucial for dating the ES-325 accurately, made accessible by the top mount control panel.

    Source
  • Emailing Gibson for the build sheet can provide precise manufacturing details, aiding in accurate dating and history confirmation.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 21 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
M

correction

the right would be a Gibson ES 335 1968 Walnut

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Luke Hemmings uses Gibson ES-325

Luke Hemmings

Singer, Guitarist

5 Seconds Of Summer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Luke Hemmings is playing the 1972 Gibson ES-325 Electric Guitar like an absolute boss

See how Caleb Followill uses Gibson ES-325

Caleb Followill

Guitarist

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Walnut Year: 1972

In a now-unavailable YouTube video titled "Kings of Leon - In-depth gear interview," Caleb Followill discusses his Gibson ES-325, describing it as his favorite guitar. He mentions, “Gibson, 1972, ES-325… it’s my favorite guitar ever in the history of guitars.” Followill also notes the guitar's significance to him, saying it has "had my heart" since he started using it, even referring to it as a source of comfort comparable to being home.

See how Joff Oddie uses Gibson ES-325

Joff Oddie

Guitarist

Wolf Alice

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Wolf Alice - White Leather in the Live Lounge" by BBCRadio1VEVO, Joff Oddie is clearly seen playing a Gibson ES-325. Additionally, photos from Wolf Alice's Instagram post during the recording of "The Clearing" feature the same guitar in the studio.

See how Q-Tip uses Gibson ES-325

Q-Tip

Rapper, Music Producer

A Tribe Called Quest

...
Verified via Future Producers

Part of Q-Tip's 2008 inventory, as listed in his January 2008 Remix interview. Transcripts can be found at the Future Producers forums (linked) and this Prince.org forum.

Gibson ES-325 and Les Paul guitars (with Line 6 Vetta guitar combo amp and Echo Pro modeling effects processor)

See how Richard Fortus uses Gibson ES-325

Richard Fortus

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Richardfortus

According to gear section of Fortus website, he also uses the 1973 Gibson ES-325.

See how Hammock uses Gibson ES-325

Hammock

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Hammock

...
Verified via YouTube

Hammock's official video for the track 'Longest Year'. Gibson's ES 325 at 3:36

See how Winston Marshall uses Gibson ES-325

Winston Marshall

Guitarist

Mumford & Sons

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video for "The Wolf" by Mumford & Sons, Winston Marshall is seen playing a Gibson ES-325, which he frequently uses as his main electric guitar for both the "Wilder Mind" album and live performances.

See how Álvaro López uses Gibson ES-325

Álvaro López

Singer, Guitarist

Los Bunkers

...
Verified via Google

in the tour of LOPEZ Alvaro lopez at lollaplooza

See how Jan Paternoster uses Gibson ES-325

Jan Paternoster

Singer, Guitarist

The Black Box Revelation

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:39 in this video of "High on a Wire," by The Black Box Revelation, Jan Paternoster can be seen with a Gibson ES-325.

See how Swimming With Dolphins uses Gibson ES-325

Swimming With Dolphins

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Instagram

We can see on his Instagram profile that Swimming With Dolphins uses a Gibson ES-325 electric guitar; "Catching up with some old friends this morning. #spaceecho #es325TD #fendervibrolux #vintagegear".

See how mcbaise uses Gibson ES-325

mcbaise

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "dead pirates / quentin" by mc bess, at 0:42, mcbaise is seen playing a vintage Gibson ES-325 while performing with his former band, The Dead Pirates.

See how Ian Clement uses Gibson ES-325

Ian Clement

Singer, Guitarist

Almighty Mighty

...
Verified via YouTube

In this studio footage of the song 'We Are What We Hide' that's on the album "Lions, Liars, Guns & God", he is using the gibson ES-325.

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-325, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Gibson ES-325, curated by the Equipboard community.

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