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Average Price: $1,500

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

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High-end

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Description

The Vintage Gibson ES-135 is a harmonic masterpiece that bridges the gap between rock and jazz, delivering a sound that's both vibrant and adaptable. Born from the legacy of the ES series, this semi-hollow beauty takes inspiration from its predecessors, combining the boldness of the ES-335 with the smooth touch of the ES-175. The result is a guitar that excels in versatility, making it a prized piece for musicians who crave variety in their tonal palette.

Featuring dual humbuckers, the ES-135 offers a rich, warm tone with just the right amount of bite. Its semi-hollow body not only provides excellent resonance but also ensures that each note you play is infused with character and depth. Whether you're strumming a mellow jazz chord or shredding a rock riff, this guitar can handle it all with finesse.

The craftsmanship of the Vintage Gibson ES-135 is evident in its meticulously designed body and neck, promising a comfortable playing experience. The blend of traditional aesthetic with modern playability makes it a timeless addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow body design for enhanced resonance
  • Dual humbucker pickups for a versatile tone range
  • Inspired by the Gibson ES-335 and ES-175 models
  • Comfortable neck profile for effortless playability
  • Perfect for rock, jazz, and rockabilly styles

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-135
Finish Blueburst, Cherry, Ebony, Natural, Vintage Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 1991 - 2003
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Blue, Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-135
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music genres is the Gibson ES-135 best suited for?

The Gibson ES-135 is versatile, making it ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres due to its warm, resonant semi-hollow body and dual humbucker pickups that offer a rich tonal range.

How does the semi-hollow body of the Gibson ES-135 affect its sound?

The semi-hollow body design of the Gibson ES-135 provides a warm, resonant tone with reduced feedback compared to fully hollow guitars, offering a balance between acoustic richness and electric power.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-135 like?

The Gibson ES-135 features a comfortable, rounded neck profile, making it suitable for players who enjoy a classic feel with smooth playability across the fretboard.

Are the pickups on the Gibson ES-135 suitable for high-gain settings?

The dual humbucker pickups on the Gibson ES-135 are versatile and can handle moderate gain well, but they excel in clean and overdriven tones typical of jazz and blues, rather than high-gain metal settings.

Is the Gibson ES-135 a good choice for beginner guitarists?

While the Gibson ES-135 offers excellent playability and tone, its premium features and price point may be more suited to intermediate or advanced players looking for a high-quality semi-hollow guitar.

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Gibson ES-135 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-135 at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Gibson ES-135 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-135 with Soapbars | Tim Pierce Soloing techniques | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Gibson ES-135 with Soapbars | Tim Pierce Soloing techniques | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson 1996 ES-135 Sunburst Hollowbody Electric Guitar Preowed by DW Music

Gibson 1996 ES-135 Sunburst Hollowbody Electric Guitar Preowed

DW Music

DW Music

Video thumbnail for Is The Gibson ES 135 Any Good? by Cryptic Mask Guitar

Is The Gibson ES 135 Any Good?

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Cryptic Mask Guitar

Video thumbnail for This is what a 90's Gibson ES-135 sounds like by every single guitars.

This is what a 90's Gibson ES-135 sounds like

every single guitars.

every single guitars.

Video thumbnail for 1994 Gibson ES 135   Wine Red  - Aynsley Lister for Jordan Guitars by Jordan Guitars

1994 Gibson ES 135 Wine Red - Aynsley Lister for Jordan Guitars

Jordan Guitars

Jordan Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES135 by javivela

Gibson ES135

javivela

javivela

Video thumbnail for Today's Thunder Road Quick Riff: 1995 Gibson ES-135 P90 Cherry by Thunder Road Guitars

Today's Thunder Road Quick Riff: 1995 Gibson ES-135 P90 Cherry

Thunder Road Guitars

Thunder Road Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Lighter and more resonant than a 335, making it highly playable

  • Rich, balanced tone from clean to overdriven settings

  • Chunky neck offers room for complex jazz chords

  • Center block reduces amplifier squeal and muddiness

  • Excellent craftsmanship with sturdy build quality

  • Versatile sound, from sweet jazz to rock and roll

  • Unique hybrid of 335 and 175 models at a lower cost

  • High-quality gold-plated hardware and natural finish

  • Suitable for both rhythm and lead with a punchy, sweet sound

CONS

  • Stock Gibson pickups may not meet some expectations

  • Factory frets are high and thin, may require refretting

  • Lacks the sustain and thickness of a 335 or Les Paul

  • Some dissatisfaction with the natural wood finish quality

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
battonnick

Great Guitar

Love the big semi-hollow body on this. I use this all the time to track or double rhythm guitars in the studio. Pickups are hot enough for more aggressive styles.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Martin Barre uses Vintage Gibson ES-135

Martin Barre

Guitarist

Jethro Tull

...
Verified via Martin Barre Band

Gibson ES 135 from the mid 1980,s... I bought because it looked so cool and, quite frankly, it is cool.

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 Vintage Gibson ES-135, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Vintage Gibson ES-135, curated by the Equipboard community.

Gibson ES-137

$1,599.00

newer similar sound high-end alternative

Same body shape and pickup configuration. The ES-137 replaces the trapeze tailpiece of the ES-135 for a stopbar tailpiece. Some ES-137 models include bound fretboard and headstock.

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