1951 Gibson ES-125 Sunburst – with Original Lifton Hard Shell Case

Description

1951 Gibson ES-125 Sunburst – with Original Lifton Hard Shell Case

This 1951 Gibson ES-125, featuring a classic sunburst finish, presents a remarkable opportunity for both collectors and musicians to acquire a piece of Gibson’s rich archtop heritage. Renowned for its warm tone, classic aesthetics, and comfortable C-shaped neck. The ES-125 represents an accessible entry point to vintage Gibson instruments. This particular model is equipped with the iconic P-90 “dog ear” pickup in the neck position, a single volume and tone control setup, and a traditional unbound rosewood fretboard with dot inlays.

Condition

As a well-loved instrument from 1951, this ES-125 exhibits the expected signs of age and playwear. The original sunburst finish displays typical finish checking and some minor dings and dents.

Body: Two stable cracks are located on the treble side of the body. These have been present for many years. They do not compromise the guitar’s structural integrity or playability.

Fretboard and Frets: The original frets show some divots in the lower positions, and the fingerboard has some wear in those areas.

Tuners: The original Kluson “3 on a stripe” tuners are in place and function well, maintaining perfect tuning.

Despite these cosmetic details, this ES-125 continues to play exceptionally well, offering a comfortable action and neck relief, thanks to its quality construction and a fresh setup with medium gauge strings. The original P-90 pickup delivers the smooth, classic single-coil tone with excellent clarity. These vintage archtops are highly sought after for jazz, blues, and swing music.

Included with this vintage instrument is its original Lifton hardshell case, a significant bonus considering the age of the instrument. This provides excellent protection for transporting and storing this classic Gibson.

This ES-125 is a solid player, offering an authentic vintage Gibson experience at a more accessible price point. For those seeking a fine vintage archtop with a comfortable neck and the classic P-90 tone, this 1951 Gibson ES-125 is well worth consideration.