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1953 Gibson ES-140

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FON #: Y5987-20

Finish: original sunburst finish, nitrocellulose type

Body size at lower bout: 12 3/4". Scale length: 22 3/4" Nut Width: 1 9/16"

Materials: Solid mahogany neck; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; arched maple top and back; dot mother of pearl fingerboard inlay; bound top and back.

Hardware: Original hardware includes nickel trapeze tailpiece, P-90 single coil pickup, electronics and amber bonnet knobs, contoured tortoise pickguard, compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge. Original nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners with aged cream button keys, vintage correct aged gold barrel knobs.

Notes: Introduced in 1950, the Gibson ES-140 was unique in the marketplace: a full-depth, cutaway archtop guitar in a compact 3/4 body size. A scaled-down version of the ever-popular ES-175, the ES-140 offered big guitar performance for the player seeking a more petite instrument, or just travelling light. This original full depth version was built only until 1957, after which the model continued as a thinline only.

This example has been maintained in wonderful condition, with all original finish, nickel hardware and electronics. The neck is gently rounded in a C profile, playing elegantly, with smooth low action over fine original frets. Tipping the scales at a scant 4lb. 3oz, this featherweight guitar is simply a delight, on the lap or the strap. Top, back and neck are all crack free: the jack and endpin areas show the typical short stress cracks, now soundly resealed, with a bit of knee wear in the finish on the treble side. The solid bone nut has been compensated as well, and a hairline crack in the bridge foot soundly resealed.

Surprisingly resonant for a guitar its size, the ES-140 sits handily under the arm, and the fast scale length makes stretch chords and fast runs a breeze. The legendary P-90 pickup provides a clear, open tone unduplicated before or since. An exceedingly nimble companion: truly the ultimate vintage travel guitar. One only: call now.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge foot contour inspected and fit to top as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished; electronics and grounding tested, pickup adjusted.

This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel wound 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.

Case: Deluxe black arched velour lined hardshell case.

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