Gibson ES-135 Ebony 1998
Gibson ES-135, black, made in USA 1998. 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 1998, so got the 90s specs: brown and pink case, Gibson Deluxe tuners, tune-o-matic bridge with a trap tailpiece, unbound fretboard, balsa block and a pair of Gibson's noiseless P-100 pickups, all dressed to kill in a gorgeous coat of gloss black. 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. This is a truly delicious jazzer and a discerning choice for the Gibson enthusiast.
Model: Gibson ES-135
Made: USA; 1998
Serial: 91478528
Finish: ebony, 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: 3.385kg
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 and some light scuffs on the edges, back and front around the tuners. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear and scuffs on the back only. The back has some scuffs around the neck joint and horns, rub wear in the elbow area, scuffs along the back and bottom edge and some rub wear and surface scratches in the middle of the body. The sides have minor dimples on the top horn and some dimples and scuffs in the elbow area, back edge and near the jack. The front has some very small chips around the bass side F-hole, dimples around the knobs, scuffs around the tailpiece, back edge, elbow area and F-holes and some play wear on the 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 11/47 JS111 Thomastik flatwound strings.
Fret life: 8/10, minor wear only