Offering my 1956 Gibson ES-225T semi-hollow beauty!

The 225 was the stepping stone to the more common and current line of semi-hollow guitars like the 335, 345 and up. Sporting a single, mid position dog ear P90, it isn’t really duplicated in any currently produced Gibsons. One of the big differences between the 225 and the hollow 125s of that era, and also the more high-end 350T and Byrdlands was a small center block between the braces under the bridge. That was the "stepping stone" to the full center block found in the 335 series. 

Other traits such as the controls, nut, truss rod cover, tuners, tailpiece were shared by the earliest Les Pauls, and probably grabbed from the same parts bins, lol. 

This one has a V prefix on the FON # that’s visible thru the sound hole, marking it as a ‘56. The 225 was short lived, produced from 55-59, with various configurations in that short time. From 55-58, they came with the same wrap/trapeze tailpiece that the early Les  Paul’s all had. That’s what really grabbed me on this one. And it has a unique sound because of it! 

And the intonation is perfect, something I couldn’t believe when I got it. 

This one has had a neck reset, along with re-gluing the side area near the neck block (see photos that show a very faint crack line there in the finish). Work was done by KillerVintage Guitars in Dallas. 

Frets are in great shape. Pots, pickup and wiring appear original. Tail, tuners all appear to be original. It has some gorgeous light finish checking throughout the top that I’ve tried to get in a photo. 

Non original HSC. 

I got this a while back to sorta compliment my collection that includes a birth year ‘64 ES330, but in all honesty, I’m more of an acoustic player and I’m saving for a vintage Banner Gibson or a 52 J-185. 

Make me an offer, or whatcha got for Vintage trades?

Thanks

Brian

If you’re on Facebook, check out my page "Brian's Guitar Rehab and Customs" for current projects that I’m working on, to see what’s coming soon! You can also send messages there, ask questions about services, etc 

And now the fine print….