Although only manufactured for a short period between 1955 and 1959, the Gibson ES-225 has found a cult appreciation among collectors of vintage guitars for its unique style and typical P90 equipped hollow body vintage tone. The ES-225 acts as somewhat of a bridging point between the more luxurious, deep body ES-295 model, and the plainer ES-125 TDC that would become more prominent throughout the 1960's. This 1957 ES-225D is the best example we have seen of the model, in exceptional condition.
The Gibson ES-225 was the first thinline hollow body guitar produced by the company, and is constructed from a maple body with set mahogany neck and bound rosewood fingerboard. This 1957 ES-225D sounds every bit as fantastic as you would imagine, with a lively acoustic resonance that pairs perfectly with a dual dog ear P90 pickups that are well balanced and offer a nice woody tone with plenty of clarity. The body is finished in a typically vibrant two tone sunburst with a single bound top and back, laminated bevelled edge pick guard, and the signature long wraparound trapeze tailpiece, popularised by guitars like the ES-295 and the earliest Les Paul models.
This guitar is in excellent cosmetic condition, and is without question one of the cleanest examples of a '50s Gibson thinline we have seen. There are some very minor signs of play wear and patina to the rear of the body, but these are almost unnoticeable. This guitar is internally and externally original with the exception of the tuner buttons, which have been replaced. The P90 pickups, trapeze wraparound tailpiece, single line Kluson tuners, Centralab pots and all other hardware are original and correct. This guitar also includes its original 5 latch, brown Lifton hard case.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
