Gibson ES-135 Vintage Sunburst 1994
Gibson ES-135, vintage sunburst, made in USA 1994. Gibson's 'Electric Spanish' covers a number of iconic models, most notably the semi-hollow ES-335 and full depth final boss jazz box, the ES-175. In 1956, they launched another model, which they said at the time was the world's only electric guitar with a florentine cutaway: the ES-135. It's technically a semi-hollow, but the balsa centre block is so light it feels more like a fully hollow guitar in the hands. The body is 57mm deep, which is a bit thicker than a 335, but not nearly as deep as a 175; it's a nice comfy medium, similar to a Gretsch Country Gentleman. The initial run from 1956-8 produced only 556 examples, after which the model disappeared for many decades before getting a re-boot in 1991. This one was made in 1994, so got the 90s specs: brown and pink case, Grover tuners, tune-o-matic bridge with a trap tailpiece, unbound fretboard, balsa block and a pair of Gibson's noiseless P-100 pickups. The pickups are great: fat and fast on the low end, with a breathy midrange and a chirpy treble. The thick, juicy cleans on the neck pickup are really gorgeous, and all the more enjoyable for the lack of hum. These pop up very seldom in this part of the world, so if you're after a Gibson jazzer for a fraction of what a new example will set you back, here's your friend.
Model: Gibson ES-135
Made: USA; 1994
Serial: 94028850
Finish: vintage sunburst, gloss nitro;
Body: laminate maple top, back and sides, semi hollow with balsa centre block, 57mm depth, 407mm across
Neck: maple, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, '59 style moderate profile
Weight: 3.705kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Gibson P-100 noiseless single coil x2
Accessories: original hard case and docs
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on the end, scuffs from a string winder on the edges and some minor scuffs around the posts on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and some minor rub wear on the back only. The back has scuffs on the horns, elbow area, back edge, bottom corner and middle of the body. The sides have scuffs on the top horn, minor dimples on the elbow area and near the jack and a surface scratch on the bottom horn. The front has scuffs on the top horn, checking lines on the bottom horn, scuffs in the elbow area and around the tailpiece and some dimples near the knobs, as well as some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (8/10)
Playing condition notes: Action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.
Fret life: 7/10, some normal wear but playing evenly with no major buzz issues