The Guitar

Here’s a genuinely rare find. A 2009 Gibson ES-137 Custom in Candy Apple Red, all original electronics intact including the Varitone circuit, with its Gibson Custom Shop Certificate of Authenticity and original hardshell case. The ES-137 was Gibson’s premium entry in the thinline semi-hollow category, sitting above the ES-335 in the lineup with full Custom Shop appointments, a solid spruce center block, and a level of fit and finish you simply don’t find on the standard production models. Gibson only produced the ES-137 for a relatively short window, and the Custom variant with its bound headstock, ebony fingerboard, and distinctive split-diamond fretboard inlays in the style of the Trini Lopez model is the one worth having.

Candy Apple Red is one of the most striking and uncommon finishes Gibson offered on this model. On the ES-137’s carved maple top with its multi-ply binding, it is a genuine head turner. This is not a finish you see often on these guitars.

Condition — Honest & Detailed

We are going to be direct with you on this one because the condition is the most important part of this listing and we want the right buyer to find it.

This guitar has significant nitrocellulose finish checking throughout the body, back, and sides. It is extensive. Nitro checking is a natural characteristic of lacquer aging and does not affect playability or structural integrity in any way, but it is very visible and it is the defining cosmetic characteristic of this instrument. Please look closely at every photo we have provided, and if you have any questions or want additional photos of specific areas, send us a message before purchasing. We mean it — look at the photos carefully. A buyer who understands what they are getting will love this guitar. A buyer who is surprised by the checking will not.

Beyond the finish checking, the hardware shows some tarnishing consistent with age. We have left it as-is rather than attempt to clean or polish it, as some buyers genuinely prefer the aged patina aesthetic and we did not want to make that decision for the new owner. It cleans up nicely if that is your preference.

There are also nicks and scratches throughout, with buckle rash on the back that is worth noting specifically. This is a guitar that has been played and worn in over its life, and the cosmetic condition reflects that honestly. We encourage every prospective buyer to be thorough in examining all of the photos before purchasing, and to reach out with any questions. We would rather answer ten questions before the sale than have one unhappy buyer after it.

The Varitone knob has been replaced with an aftermarket knob. The electronics themselves are fully original and have been tested and are working perfectly.

As with any instrument of this age, there may be additional minor marks or imperfections consistent with 16 years of life that are best assessed through the photos. Additional photos are always available on request.

Provenance & Documentation

This guitar comes with its original Gibson Custom Shop Certificate of Authenticity, confirming exactly what this guitar is and what it left the Custom Shop as. Combined with the original hardshell case, you have a complete and verifiable provenance picture.

All Original Electronics

Unlike many ES-137s that have been modified over the years, this one retains its complete original electronics package. The original Gibson ’57 Classic pickups are in place, the Varitone circuit is intact and fully functional, and the wiring is stock. If you have been looking for an all-original ES-137 Custom with the Varitone, this is it. The only departure from factory spec is the aftermarket Varitone knob, which is a cosmetic detail only.

The Case

Comes with the original Gibson hardshell case, fully functional and protective.

Who Is This For?

This is for the player who wants an all-original ES-137 Custom and appreciates the character that comes with a well-aged nitro finish. The Varitone circuit gives this guitar a tonal range that the modified examples simply cannot match, and the Candy Apple Red finish in this condition has a visual character that a pristine example never will. The checking and tarnish tell a story. If that story appeals to you, this guitar will reward you handsomely. These don’t come up often in all-original configuration, and an all-original Candy Apple Red example with COA is a genuine find for the right buyer.

Additional photos available on request, just send a message.

Shipping

Local pickup is always welcome. All guitars shipped by KanaLei Music are shipped using Reverb’s Safe Shipping option, so your purchase is protected from the moment it leaves our hands to the moment it arrives at yours.

Specifications

∙ Year: 2009

∙ Model: Gibson ES-137 Custom

∙ Country of Origin: USA

∙ Finish: Candy Apple Red

∙ Body: Thinline semi-hollow, carved maple top, solid spruce center block

∙ Neck: Mahogany, glued set neck

∙ Fingerboard: Ebony

∙ Inlays: Split-diamond inlays, Trini Lopez style

∙ Binding: Multi-ply body and neck binding, bound headstock

∙ Scale Length: 24.75” (Gibson short scale)

∙ Pickups: Gibson ’57 Classic (neck & bridge), all original

∙ Electronics: All original, fully stock, Varitone circuit intact and fully functional

∙ Knobs: All original except Varitone knob (aftermarket replacement, cosmetic only)

∙ Tuners: Original Gibson tuners

∙ Hardware Finish: Gold, showing age-appropriate tarnish

∙ Modifications: None, 100% all original electronics

∙ Cosmetic Notes: Extensive nitrocellulose finish checking throughout body, back, and sides; nicks and scratches throughout; buckle rash on back; hardware tarnishing consistent with age; aftermarket Varitone knob

∙ Documentation: Gibson Custom Shop Certificate of Authenticity

∙ Case: Original Gibson hardshell case​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​