1961 Gibson ES-125TCD Florentine Cutaway – Cherry Sunburst

There is something undeniably special about an early 1960s Gibson archtop. Built during what many regard as Gibson's golden era in Kalamazoo, the ES-125TCD perfectly captures the elegance, craftsmanship and effortless musicality that define the company's finest instruments. This outstanding 1961 example is not only a beautifully preserved guitar, but one with genuine musical provenance.

Finished in its original Cherry Sunburst, the colour remains wonderfully vibrant, displaying the graceful lines of the Florentine cutaway and the beautifully proportioned thinline body to perfection. It is a guitar that has clearly been cherished throughout its life, retaining a remarkably original appearance. Light lacquer checking and the occasional minor mark are entirely consistent with a well-cared-for sixty-five-year-old instrument and simply add to its authenticity and charm.

Adding another fascinating chapter to its story, this guitar was previously owned by Martin Simpson, one of Britain's most respected acoustic musicians. It was used during the recording of Trails & Tribulations, amongst other projects, and is featured in the album sleeve notes—a wonderful piece of provenance that connects this instrument to an exceptional musician and songwriter.

Introduced in the late 1950s, the ES-125TCD represented Gibson's deluxe version of the popular ES-125T, featuring twin P-90 pickups, a Florentine cutaway, Tune-o-matic bridge and individual volume and tone controls. Factory specification includes a 16¼-inch laminated maple body, mahogany neck, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays, 24¾-inch scale length, ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge, trapeze tailpiece and Gibson's legendary pair of cream-covered P-90 single-coil pickups.

This guitar also benefits from the highly desirable early-1961 neck, complete with the wider 42.36mm (1 11/16") nut width before Gibson adopted the narrower profile later in the decade. It feels reassuringly comfortable in the hand and contributes greatly to the effortless playing experience these early instruments are known for.

This guitar weighs just 5.50lb.

The playing condition is exceptional. The setup is superb, with a low, comfortable action that makes the guitar a genuine pleasure to play. The frets are in excellent condition and may have been replaced many years ago, although the work has been carried out so sympathetically that it is almost impossible to determine with certainty. Whatever their history, they complement the instrument perfectly without detracting from its originality or character.

Plugged in, this ES-125TCD reminds you immediately why the P-90 remains one of Gibson's greatest pickup designs. The neck pickup delivers a warm, woody voice with an almost vocal quality—rich and rounded yet retaining remarkable clarity and definition. Chords bloom beautifully while single-note lines possess a sweetness that makes jazz, blues and fingerstyle playing utterly captivating.

Move to the bridge pickup and the character becomes brighter, more urgent and wonderfully articulate. There is plenty of classic P-90 bite and attack, but always balanced by the warmth of the fully hollow body, producing a tone that cuts effortlessly without becoming brittle. In the middle position the two pickups blend together to create an open, three-dimensional sound full of harmonic richness, making everything from early rock 'n' roll and Americana to country, folk and roots music feel completely at home.

Like all great fully hollow Gibsons, there is an acoustic liveliness that can be felt as much as heard. Even before the guitar is plugged in, the body resonates freely beneath your hands, responding instantly to every nuance of your playing. Through a good valve amplifier it rewards a delicate touch with warmth and clarity, while digging in produces that unmistakable bloom and gentle compression that only an old Gibson hollowbody seems capable of delivering.

Completing the package is its original Gibson-labelled Lifton "Pebble Dash" hard shell case with the correct yellow plush lining—an increasingly scarce accessory that perfectly complements an instrument of this calibre.

Beautifully preserved, highly original and with the added distinction of documented ownership by Martin Simpson, this is far more than simply another vintage Gibson. It is a wonderfully expressive musical instrument from one of Gibson's finest periods, equally deserving of a serious collection or many more years in the hands of a discerning player.