Gibson ES-125 TD 1957 – All Original, Clean Vintage Archtop with Modern Hard Case

No sales tax for customers outside California.

The Gibson ES-125 TD (1957) is a prime example of Gibson’s mid-century craftsmanship, offering the warm, resonant tones that defined an era of jazz, blues, and early rock.

This all-original, clean-condition ES-125 TD has survived over six decades remarkably well, making it a desirable piece for both players and collectors.  It is in amazingly clean condition - I'd call it Near Mint as it is likely the cleanest you'll find out there.

The '57 neck is just about the best there is!  

The only change is a retro decal added to the back of the headstock by a previous seller: Matt Umanov guitars.  This could easily be removed. 

The rest of the guitar is original, including the very valuable gold "top hat" knobs that would be correct on a Les Paul "Burst" from the late 50s, as well as the switch tip that is also coveted by collectors of Les Pauls and ES-335s from 1957, 1959, 1959 and 1960.  The knobs regularly sell for around $600, and the switch tips for just about the same.  I just can't take these parts of a guitar that is so complete and cool.

The original frets are full and show little wear and the guitar plays perfectly.  There is room in the truss rod for future neck relief adjustment, but the original bridge is dropped as low as it can go, currently.  Most players will want to swap the fixed, rosewood bridge for a Tune-o-Matic or other intonatable bridge, so this isn't of great concern.  Also, the bas could be sanded to bring the bridge down, if needed.

The hollowbody archtop design with laminated maple back and sides and a mahogany neck delivers the signature Gibson warmth and articulation. Outfitted with two original P-90 single-coil pickups, the guitar provides everything from smooth, woody jazz tones to biting blues leads, with dynamic clarity that has made these pickups legendary. Its sunburst finish retains excellent luster, and the guitar’s hardware and electronics remain original, preserving its authenticity.

This instrument comes with a modern hard case for protection, ensuring safe transport and storage while maintaining the guitar’s vintage integrity. Rare in such clean condition, this ES-125 TD is an opportunity to own a piece of Gibson history that is both playable and collectible.

At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every instrument is carefully inspected, professionally set up, and documented with detailed photographs so you can purchase confidently.

• Color: Sunburst
• Weight: 5lbs 14oz
  
• Top: Maple
• Body: Maple 
• Neck: Mahogany
  
• Fretboard: Brazilian Rosewood
• Inlays: Mother of Pearl Dot
• Frets: Original
• Fret Count: 20
• Nut: Original
• Nut width: 1-11/16"
  
• Radius: 12"
• Scale: 24.75"
• Neck thickness at 1st fret: .93"
• Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: 1.1"
• Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
• Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 3/32"
• Overall Length: 40-1/4"
• Lower Bout: 16-1/4"
• Waist: 9-1/4"
  
• Upper Bout: 11-1/2"
• Body depth/thickness outside edge: 1-7/8"
• String gauge: 10-46
• Hardware Color: Nickel
  
• Bridge Pickup/Brand: Gibson P-90
• Pickup Reading: 8.18k
• Original?: Yes
• Neck Pickup/Brand: Gibson P-90
• Pickup Reading: 7.86k
• Original?: Yes
• Pickguard: Original
• Bridge: Original
• Tuners: Original
• Knobs: Original
  
• Switch: 3 Way
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Case: HSC
• Notes: 

Shipping policy:

There are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site.  Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.