1956 Gibson ES-225T

Introduced in 1955, Gibson's ES-225 holds the distinction of being the company's first Thinline electric guitar model. Initially available only in a single pickup configuration, the double P-90 variant (ES-225TD) was added to the catalog in 1956. The ES-225 rounded out Gibson's lineup of professional-level cutaway hollow bodies, giving players a more budget-friendly option than the ES-175 and ES-295 models. The single and double pickup ES-225s sold successfully throughout the 1950s before being replaced by the ES-330T and ES-330TD in 1959.

A beautifully preserved example of a mid-century Gibson electric, this 70-year-old ES-225T remains in excellent condition and is completely original apart from an added strap button at the neck heel and new tuner buttons. While many ES-225 guitars have had their individual Kluson tuners salvaged for a more valuable guitar, this 1956 ES-225 still has its original single-line Kluson tuning machines.

The original Sunburst finish shows minimal playwear. While crazing and minor chips and dents can be found throughout the finish, the guitar remains in very good cosmetic condition. The original frets are largely unworn and the original nut has never been removed from the guitar. A tiny round mark in the finish above the treble side of the P-90 pickup, paired with a small section of the plastic pickup riser that has melted, could be the result of a cigarette’s ember falling onto the guitar.

With a full and round neck carve that is absolutely to die for, this ES-225T is a joy to play. Kalamazoo carved some of their finest neck profiles in 1956, and the neck on this ES-225 is no exception. Set up with action at 4-5/64ths at the twelfth fret, the guitar plays well with its original frets, preferring a light to medium right hand attack. Digging in hard will result in some light buzzing in the mid-section of the neck below the 12th fret. While a refret would correct this, we have chosen to leave the choice to remove the original frets to the guitar's next custodian.

Equipped with a particularly good-sounding P-90 pickup in the center of the guitar, this ES-225T offers warm and rich tones with the perfect amount of clarity and note separation. The center position of the single P-90 pickup makes for a truly incredible rhythm guitar. If you are looking for an electric guitar to take the place of a strummed acoustic in a live band setting, this ES-225T is the perfect tool for the job.

Pickup DC value of 7.2k. Scale length of 24.75". First fret depth of 0.893", twelfth fret depth of 1.024". Nut width of 1-11/16". Weight of 5lbs 10oz.

With hardshell case.

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