Up for sale, a 1997 Gibson ES-135 in near-mint, 100% original condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and hangtags. This ES-135 was ordered by Gibson’s Japanese distributor Yamano; Gibson’s USA-made guitars distributed via Yamano are often considered to be among their absolute best, featuring the highest quality woods picked for Gibson’s discerning Japanese audience.

Essentially a hybrid between an ES-335 and an ES-175, this unique (and discontinued) Gibson model boasts a thinline semi-hollow body, with a chromyte center block to improve note attack and reduce feedback. The result is a guitar that has the good looks of an ES-175 and the enduring popularity of the 335's feel and body depth. Not to be confused with the matte finish "Studio" versions of the ES-135, this is the version initially offered by Gibson with a top-tier gloss Cherry nitro lacquer finish.

Smooth and resonant in its acoustic response, tonewoods include a maple body, maple neck, and slab rosewood fretboard. The P-100 pickups are effectively stacked, hum-canceling P-90s, delivering plenty of gutsy growl without any unwanted noise. There’s bite and harmonic complexity at the bridge, with smoother warmth and fullness at the neck. This ES-135 weighs 8lbs 2oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 11-49 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Maple
• Shape: ‘60s-style C (slender), measuring .800” 1st fret, .985” 12th fret
• Fretboard: Rosewood, dot inlays
• Frets: Medium jumbo, no wear
• Scale Length: 24 3/4”
• Nut: 1 11/16”
• Tuners: Gibson Deluxe double-line (Kluson-style)
• Serialization: Eight-digit stamp dates to 1997

Body Specs:

• Wood: Maple (chromyte centerblock)
• Pickups: P-100 x2
• Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, Three-way pickup selector
• Hardware: Nashville bridge, trapeze tailpiece
• Plastics: Four-ply black pickguard, black speed knobs

The gloss Cherry nitro lacquer finish is exceptionally clean, with wear limited to some faint finish scratches in the clear coat, largely relegated to the back of the body. The smooth nitro gloss on the neck profile is flawless.

The brown Gibson USA hardshell case and Gibson/Yamano hangtags are included.