Gibson / ES-225 T / 1958 / Sunburst / Guitar
How about this Gibson ES-225 T from late 1958?
Marketed as Gibson's first thin-line hollow body guitar, the ES-225 was introduced in 1955 in the single pickup format with the pickup located centrally on the laminate top. With its twin pickup TD brethren, the ES-225 paved a way that would continue on through the Byrdland and ES-350 and usher in the ES-330 and pave the way for the semi-hollow ES guitars towards the end of the decade.
This is probably the earliest ES-225 we have seen with the separate tailpiece and bridge which is commonly seen only in 1959. This guitar is in great shape. The top of the body shows hardly any signs of fade, all three tones still look vibrant. It kept its deep gloss finish. The back too looks good with a few minor scratches. The fretboard is superb and the frets, though showing some signs of wear, still have plenty of life left in them.
The neck is comfortable and free of breaks, the lacquer is in great shape. The headstock, as with the body, has retained that deep gloss finish. Tuners are correct.
The tune-o-matic is a later example but the rosewood base is correct as is the nickel tailpiece.
Plastics are correct and are in fantastic condition.
Pickup is strong and with subtle manipulation of the controls can go from mellow to just enough bite and quack. A classic 50s P90.
The most surprising thing about these guitars is their versatility. Even with the hollow design, the guitar can withstand a surprising amount of gain before feedback becomes impossible. The enhanced bridge will also mean it can intonate correctly too!
A dark horse that is becoming a favorite here at ATB Guitars, the Gibson ES-225 is not to be overlooked if you're in search of that elusive 50s Gibson tone.
ATB Guitars, UK
Hello we’re ATB Guitars.
We are one of Europes leading sellers of vintage and rare guitars. We only sell vintage Gibson and Fender electric guitars from 1950 until 1975 and have an extensive inventory to browse in our bricks and mortar store in Cheltenham, UK or in our online web store.
Payment and p/x:
All prices are in UK GBP £ Sterling. Payment can be made by Paypal, bank transfer, cash, or money order cashiers cheque etc.
Should you not be absolutely delighted with your purchase you may return it to Cheltenham, at your own expense, within 7 days from the date of delivery for a full refund. The item must not have been altered or tampered with in any way, and it must arrive in the same condition as it left us.
Postage and shipping:
We ship within the UK by Royal Mail Recorded (small items under 2Kg), TNT or UPS and Worldwide by Royal Mail Airmail Signed For (small under 2Kg) Parcelforce, UPS or FedEx. All shipping prices include expert packing, cartons and packing materials but not insurance which is typically around 2% of items value. Currently approx shipping rates for a single guitar are as follows:
UK excluding Northern Ireland and Highlands £29
Most of mainland Europe £49
U.S.A. £129
Asia £149 - £190
Rest of World including S. America £149 - £275