Factory order number is missing the prefix letter A (A9421), making it one of the first guitars of 1952.Ĭomes with period brown Gibson/Lifton hard case w/ faded brown lining. It had a bound neck, trapeze fret inlays and a 5-ply pickguard fancy indeed The ES-135 was introduced in 1954 as the ES-130, then renamed the ES-135 in 1956. Pickup and the Electronics/wiring are untouched and intact, with no broken solder joints, no re-wound pickup. Yes, it’s a lot like an ES-125 but it cost 10 more back in the day, and was considered the ‘upmarket’ version. The ES-125 has rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dots. The neck is straight and the profile is the typical large round early 50’s profile neck which is not only comfortable, but also great for tone and sustain. Apart from that, the guitar is completely original. The bridge has got glue to hold the bridge from moving. Thats why the tuners have been replaced with vintage re-issue 3-on-a-plate with new screws, but the original tuners are included in the case. Not the most collectible Gibson electrics, of course, but who cares. I think they work equally well for rock or jazz, plus theyre a great value. All obviously plywood (versus spruce) construction, but these guitars sound great in their own right.
Only beautiful crackle finish with some wear and dings that give the guitar a great vibe and good looks.Īs it is common with these vintage guitars, the plastic tuner tips are cracked and crumbled. Later I got a 58 ES-125 3/4T and, somewhat recently, a 54 ES-150. A great player with an amazing original P-90, structurally sound with no cracks or breaks.
It’s great all the way around with bound top and back with cream binding. This model was Gibson’s work-horse electric and it’s not overly adorned with inlays and the like which matches perfectly with this FACTORY BLACK FINISH for a stripped down and mean look. The ES-125 has an adjustable intonate bridge and trapeze tailpiece. This spectacular guitar is very rare because of the black finish. We present an original 1952 Gibson ES-125 in its original rare Black finish.