Introduced in 1991, the Gibson ES-135 occupies an interesting place in Gibson’s archtop lineup—a 16" body that feels more like a thinline hollowbody than a ES-335, but with a center block running through the body for all the benefits of semi-hollow construction. The Florentine cutaway and trapeze tailpiece look right of out the jazz box playbook, and because the center block is made of lightweight Balsa, the ES-135 is lightweight for a semi-hollow Gibson. 

The original ES-135s were outfitted with P-100 stacked humbucker pickups, and those are probably not the most highly-regarded Gibson design. Fortunately, this 2001 ES-135 features upgraded after-market Lollar Alnico-Pole P-90s, and the result is an extremely responsive, dynamic, and touch-sensitive semi-hollow Gibson guitar. Where the stock P-100s often leaned toward a smoother, more compressed character, the Lollars bring greater immediacy, harmonic richness, and dynamic response. Clean tones have warmth and dimension, while overdriven sounds carry the bite, growl, and expressive touch sensitivity that make great P90 guitars so much fun. Combined with the ES-135’s lively semi-hollow construction, this Gibson covers a wide range of sounds.

This 2001 ES-135 features Gibson's iconic Vintage Sunburst finish. It has been played, so it shows some minor wear and signs of use (see photos). The worst of the cosmetics are some finish chips along the edges of the headstock. But all around, this is a clean example of a 2001 Gibson—this guitar has been taken care of, and it shows. Fret wear is minimal and not an issue for playability/intonation, and the action is nice and low. The original parts and hardware are doing exactly what you need them to, and this guitar includes its original "Gibson USA" hardshell case as well as the original hang tag. 

For anyone seeking something outside the run-of-the-mill ES lane, here's a cool semi-hollow guitar that pays homage to the Gibson archtop heritage while introducing something new and versatile. It's impressively light weight, too—under 7.5 lbs!! Upgraded where it counts, this 2001 ES-135 delivers vintage-inspired feel with a voice that is unmistakably its own.