Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends

archtop.com

1953 Gibson ES-125

Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may by found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.

Factory order #: Y46634-10

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .90/.98, 1st/10th frets

Materials: Solid Honduras mahogany neck, arched slab-cut laminate maple back and top; mahogany sides; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge.

Hardware: Original nickel hardware includes P-90 single coil pickup and electronics, trapeze tailpiece, gold barrel knobs, contoured tortoise pickguard. Vintage correct aged nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners.

Notes: Introduced in 1938 as the ES-100, the ES-125 was renamed in 1941, and remained in continuous production for over 30 years, becoming Gibson's all-time most popular archtop model. With its clear P-90 pickup and fast 24 1/2" scale, the ES-125 offered true Gibson quality and playability at an affordable price. The laminated body offers superior feedback resistance, and the guitar produces a respectable acoustic tone for playing unplugged as well.

This handsome guitar has been well maintained, without pick, thumb or fingerboard wear, and sports a gleaming, all original Cremona sunburst finish. The hardware and electronics are original as well, with the addition of vintage correct aged nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners. The body shows some scattered finish nicks on the lower sides, and a few on the back as well; otherwise the instrument shows no cracks, with original binding all tight to the body. Even the jack area is free of the stress cracks so common in older Gibson electrics.

The original adjustable P-90 pickup provides smooth classic single-coil tone, with sparkling clarity and detail. At just 5lb. 6oz. the guitar is notably light in weight, and warmly resonant. With smooth low action on a fresh high precision setup, the guitar has fine original fretwork on its gentle C profile neck, and is supplied with a recent black plush lined hardshell case.

A versatile player for jazz, swing or blues, the ES-125 remains by far the best buy in a true vintage Gibson archtop. Call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends