Gibson ES-125TD 1957 (Vintage)

The 1957 Gibson ES-125TD is a standout example of Gibson’s approach to creating affordable yet professional-quality instruments in the 1950s. Introduced that year as the thinline, double-pickup version of the ES-125, the “TD” combined classic hollow-body resonance with the bite and clarity of dual dog-ear P-90 pickups. Its laminated maple body, slim 1¾″ depth, and trapeze tailpiece made it lightweight and comfortable, while the mahogany neck with a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard provided smooth playability. With independent volume and tone controls and a 3-way selector, players could dial in everything from warm, mellow jazz tones to brighter, more aggressive blues and early rock ’n’ roll sounds. Though marketed originally as a student-level instrument, the ES-125TD delivered the same Gibson craftsmanship and tonal character found in higher-end models, making it a hidden gem of the era. Today, it’s prized for its vintage vibe and resonant acoustic qualities, offering an authentic 1950s Gibson experience at a more accessible entry point for collectors and players alike.

Here are some tech notes on this particular instrument.

1. Year of production: 1957

2. Non-original hardshell case (wood)

3. Replaced tuning machines, control knobs and bridge(bridge is glued to the body)

4. Pair of Duncan Antiquity P-90 pickups (aftermarket)

The guitar plays well with a low action and the intonation is good. The Brazilian rosewood board does have some signs of play wear with some deeper grooves but does not hinder playability. The frets do have signs of wear especially on the first few frets.

Weight: 6.9 lbs

*Due to the Brazilian rosewood fretboard this guitar can not ship outside of the USA.

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