My new Gibson ES-137: A semi-review

[gravyTrain]

As mentioned before, I had ordered an ES-137 and it arrived a few days ago. I have logged-in countless hours using it since its arrival, and although I had played one in the store, my guitar has exceeded my expectations in many ways.

A few of the positive points:

First, the sounds you can get out of this guitar truly vary because of the Varitone switch(filter really). While playing I tried to compare it to my Epiphone Broadway, which is a hollow-body guitar, and I can get a tone very similar with a little adjusting of the knobs; however, I have found that I prefer the straight sound now (not using the varitone, or tone knobs) with the neck pickup.

Second, the neck on this guitar is a bit flatter than the one I tried out. I am not sure if this is a 2007 vs 2006 model variation or what, but the neck feels like a classical guitar neck (flat, and thin) -- which I prefer compared to the rounder and thicker necks.

Third, it's pretty -- but that's just me. I got the lightburst coloring, which is a fade from a medium brown, to a honey colored brown.

Now for the negatives:

The quality assurance team for Gibson should be fired, and replaced with Korean, or Chinese inspectors, because there were things on this guitar that should not have allowed it to leave the factory. I am being picky, but comparing the QA on this $2000 guitar to a $300 guitar I would expect the detail work to be at least as good, as an inexpensive guitar-- and it isn't.

The pick-guard was trimmed to accomodate the bridge pickup, had burs from the cutting. Those burs should have been removed, and the pickguard polished there so it had a smooth appearance.

There was a layer of brown buffing compund visible around the nut, which although easily removed by me it still should have been cleaned up at the factory.

Sawdust in the case, I have read multiple comments about this and it is actually true. I had to vacuum my case to clean it out because there were a lot of bits of 'stuff' in there.

Finally, while the body was finished perfectly, the back of the neck has a slightly 'pebbled' feel, which comes from the last coat of varnish/lacquer not being polished properly.

Summary:

As I said, the QA team should be fired, but no one else because everything else was perfect. None of the above complaints are serious, even the polishing on the back of the neck -- it actually feels nice and is very minor (like I said, I was being justifiably picky).

The playability, action, fit and feel or the guitar are all excellent and did not require any adjustment other than tuning the guitar. In the future I may put better quality tuners on the guitar, but I will think about that when I am ready to change strings.

For all those people who believe that Gibson brand is better than Epiphone, I would disagree. I think Epiphone guitars actually are better manufactured /assembled in their respective countries. This leads me to consider a Korean manufactured D'Angelico EXS-1DH as my next purchase.
D'Angelico Guitars: EXS-1DH
I have heard people suggesting that they are not as good as the American made ones, but I can't believe that since I have never bought a foreign made guitar over $300 that wasn't well made- and I have bought a lot of them.

Anyways, back on topic... I bought this guitar because of the sounds it can make, the way it plays, and the way it feels, and I was not disappointed. Just the opposite in fact, I love this guitar and the neck on it is easily the best I have come across. The combination of the ebony fretboard, the pretty inlays, and the shape make it the most comfortable electric guitar I have ever owned.

The Bottom Line:

Unless you specifically want a particular Gibson guitar, do not feel bad about buying the Epiphone counterpart. They are pretty much the same guitars just equipped with cheaper equipment - which is easily replaced. For example, on my Broadway, I replaced the tuners with the really nice Grover Imperial Super Rotomatics, and replaced the bridge with a Gibson Tune-o-matic for like $50. Those two changes made the guitar 200% better, and now I essentially have the elitist broadway for less than half-the price.... thrifty, huh?

If you are in the market for a semi-hollow bodied guitar, and cost is not a factor, then this is a great guitar to consider - but try it out first. I would quickly buy this guitar again, if given the choice. I certainly recommend it.

[mr. beaumont]

yay! you got it. glad you seem to like it. i'm sure the more you play it the less you'll think about some of the small irritating things that came along with it.

i'm currently GAS-ing bad for a thin semi hollow myself, a telecaster thinline (yeah, i like teles) but i promised my fiancee i wouldn't buy another guitar until AFTER our weding next year! so your thread is just evil!

but on a more serious note, how dare you not post pictures! we wanna see this beauty...lightburst is one of my favorite gibson finishes.

[fingerpicker]

but on a more serious note, how dare you not post pictures! we wanna see this beauty...lightburst is one of my favorite gibson finishes.

Yeah! Ditto ... in spades! The next best thing to playing a great guitar is looking at one.

[gravyTrain]

Sorry folks, I am ashamed of myself. I actually took a couple pictures of the flaws to show everyone, but then decided that doesn't equate to good karma. I will take a few shots, and get them on in a few moments.

[gravyTrain]

Alrighty, here are some pictures. I have posted them at photobucket at the following address, but here they are (hopefully):

gitardood_2007 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

[derek]

Gravy,

Beautiful guitar, but no need to apologize. I had the same experience with a new 175 last year. Pickup rings on backward, tooling marks in the fretboard, binding not lined up correctly, and a strange buzzing that couldn't be fixed.

Turned out to be a problem in the bracing. They sent me a new one 4 months later, I immediately ebayed it, and took that money and bought a buddy's 175 (1971) that is a gem. He had bought a custom made L5 a couple of years ago, and after sending it back a few times to Gibson, and them still not getting it right, he sold it.

I agree, right now Gibsons qc is very much lacking. However, I am not sure what US made D'Angelicos you are comparing to, as John died in 1964, so there haven't been any US made ones in a long time.

They have had their NYers made in Japan though. Perhaps that is what you are thinking about. They just discontined the Korean made ones, and have been closing the remainers out this year. I believe Samick made those Excels, and are a wonderful guitar for the $.

Enjoy the new guitar, it is a beaut!

[gravyTrain]

Originally Posted by derek

I had the same experience with a new 175 last year

That is really a shame! I would hope that the folks at the Memphis Gibson factory know about their problems and bring their standards back up from their current levels. I suppose Gibson's could be due to any number of reasons, but there is no excuse for a top-line guitar brand like Gibson to ever to permit a guitar to leave the factory with buzzing, and the fretboard scuffed up etc..

This 137 is a peach, and the way it plays is just so comfortable and easy, I wouldn't ever suggest it wasn't worth getting; just the opposite really-- it's a keeper.

I hope I didn't sound too negative. I was just trying to be fair in pointing out that when you pay a lot of money for something, you should get a better product (playability, materials AND finish) than when you pay $300 for a guitar. This just isn't the case with Gibson. If Epiphone made an ES-137 Custom I have no doubt it would be of better craftmanship than the American made Gibson at a fraction of the price.

In fact, it is because of this I have been eying the Epiphone ES-175. But I will have to sneak that one in behind my wife's back because she will kill me if I get another guitar so soon.

On a different note: Mr. B - I look forward to hearing your new music when you do end up getting that new Tele, and no doubt you will post the pictures

[fingerpicker]

Thanks for the pix. It is a beautiful guitar! Now, excuse me while I go fetch a napkin to wipe the drool of my chin.

[gravyTrain]

Thanks! It's an absolute blast to play. Just wish I had a bit more time to do so.

[jlc]

Gravy, that is the best looking 137 i have seen, beautiful, great top etc., good luck, man you are one picky sucker, and rightfully so, gibson, which i have a few of, dosen't really know the meaning of quality control, they let a lot slide, your bonding with that guitar , and will be pissed for awhile but continue to play the hell out of it, and eventually you will forget about gibson's ineptness, it is a beauty, and great review.


peace

[gravyTrain]

Originally Posted by jlc

...man you are one picky sucker, and rightfully so, gibson, which i have a few of, dosen't really know the meaning of quality control, they let a lot slide, your bonding with that guitar , and will be pissed for awhile but continue to play the hell out of it, and eventually you will forget about gibson's ineptness

I'm actually not pissed. More like, surprised. But you're right about bonding with the guitar. I loved it from the moment I first got it, and any chance I get I like to sit down and jam with it; which, in turn, makes me love it even more.

I have taken a bunch more pictures, and posted them on that webpage mentioned above btw since photography is a little hobby of mine. Thought about pulling out my macro-lens and getting a few REALLY close-up shots of it

[mr. beaumont]

looks lovely. i think you'll be getting years of enjoyment out of it.

[Jazzarian]

Originally Posted by gravyTrain

I'm actually not pissed. More like, surprised. But you're right about bonding with the guitar. I loved it from the moment I first got it, and any chance I get I like to sit down and jam with it; which, in turn, makes me love it even more.

I have taken a bunch more pictures, and posted them on that webpage mentioned above btw since photography is a little hobby of mine. Thought about pulling out my macro-lens and getting a few REALLY close-up shots of it

Very nice looking in the photos. I take it this is one of the fancier ES137s Gibson offers? Those inlays are the same as seen on the Gibson "Supreme" models Les Paul and SG.

Geez, I've seen some selling around $1100? Hell of a deal for a new Gibson. Consider a new SG Standard sells for about $1200 these days.

Don't feel too bad. My '92 Gibson Super V CES is a "Master Model" from the Custom Shop. I've got a tiny burr on the incredibly flamed back poking thru the varish, maybe a 1/4". Wood does funny things over time, even having been cured ad naseum. During the time I've owned it (7 years), it's doubled in value, so I won't complain too much :}

Moral of the story? Even the Custom Shop can't produce perfection. Hopefully they file off burrs on pickguards better than Nashville does.

[Jazzhistory]

Mr. B., you mentioned a Tele Thinline for jazz. I heard one used for this a couple of years ago and it was wonderful. Are the thinlines that much better tone wise than the trad tele? Also, what strings, pickups, etc. would you recommend for that jazzy
butter tone? Thanks.

[Ged]

Originally Posted by gravyTrain

Alrighty, here are some pictures. I have posted them at photobucket at the following address, but here they are (hopefully):

gitardood_2007 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

GravyTrain's Gibson ES-137 looks absolutely terrific even with the 'negatives' that he mentioned. Not wanting to sell my house for funds I purchased the Ephiphone ES-175 (although I'd have also like the Gibson version) and it suits me fine. The quality of amplification these days is so advanced that you can get more-or-less the sound you want by simple combinations.

However, one thing really pisses me off. It's the non-guitar playing 'collector' who obviously likes to furnish his walls with expensive guitars rather than a few paintings. Are we really saying that the Epiphone equivalent of the Gibson is a few thousand pounds superior in sound? Possibly better (it certainly used to be in the 1960s) but that much better today?

In 1964 I ordered a Gibson ES345TDC from the States (there were few in England at that time) and it turned out to be one hell of a guitar which did me well for seven years. However, I got totally fed up playing for people who didn't know a crotchet from a hatchet, spending my life on the road or holed up in some studio playing total garbage for a living, that I decided to transfer to playing classical guitar but continuing my love of jazz. The Gibson was sold...please don't laugh, it still hurts...for...wait for it...£150! I've since seen one from exactly the same year on the web for £15,000.

So I'm delighted he's got his beautiful 137, but I truly hope he didn't pay through the nose due to some wealth collector.

[josef1010]

I have the same guitar, same color and love it. I read your original post about the quality issues and felt I should kick in too.

My case had saw dust in it as well. To me, that's sloppy, and should never happen.

Mine was also missing a strap button. The button by the neck was never installed. There was a mark like it was prep'd for install, but not actually drilling happened. The autorized tech at the store I bought it from put one in, it took forever, and because of an odd screw size I can't get strap locks to fit it.

The binding on the neck had a brownish glue all over it, that was easy to clean, but my epiphones and agiles don't have any of these issues. Granted the Gibson plays great, and has some really highend hardward, so some of the increased cost is justified, but it is amazing how many issues get through that place.

I have a les paul classic that the tailpiece studs are not set right on either, they were put in funny and painted over (so the paint is starting to chip).

[TAHOEAGLE]

Beautiful guitar. I'm glad it didn't come with those plastic green knobed tuners.
Here's a picture of a rosewood veneer pickguard I made for my ES-135. The binding matches the guitar. I think the wood looks way better than plastic. Something like this would look great on your guitar I think.

[merseybeat]

Hey I got one too and quite simply put - Its perfect! However I did get mine from Dawsons, Liverpool UK personally! The sound is out of this world and its so easy to play! Not a single buzz anywhere. Its fitted with GB 12 flats and the action is really low! Again I think I was lucky!

Regards

Eddie

[randyc]

Originally Posted by Ged

... In 1964 I ordered a Gibson ES345TDC from the States (there were few in England at that time) ...

The Gibson was sold...please don't laugh, it still hurts...for...wait for it...£150! I've since seen one from exactly the same year on the web for £15,000 ...

Unhappily we older members have identical anecdotes. What do you conclude from your experience?

cheers,
randyc

[Betz]

Hello all! New member; first post.

I purchased a new Candy Apple Red ES-137 Custom earlier this month. She looks great, plays like a dream, and with those '57 Classics and the Varitone she can purr, growl, or bark. A truly fantastic guitar.

She did have the burr hanging off the pick guard at the cutout for the pick-up, but I am fond of it in an odd 'hanging chad' kind of way. I know it will fall off at any time. The unwound 'G' does hang up in the nut when tuning, but I am replacing it with a bone nut anyway. And, there was a small amount of sawdust in the case. How does that happen?

Anyway, these are very minor issues with an otherwise beautiful instrument and that brings me to my question. I bought her with the intention of selling another guitar, which she would replace. The options were a late model American Standard Strat and a blonde '74 Gibson ES-175. But now that I have them all side-by-side the issue gets a bit murky. I find there are things only the Strat is going to do, especially above the 15th fret. Even though the 175 seems more logical as the guitar to be replaced, just thinking about selling it feels wrong. Am I rationalizing to myself because I don't want to sell a guitar, or are they really 'different horses for different courses'?

Betz

[randyc]

Selling a quality guitar is always a tactical error, you'd hate yourself in a decade or less. The three guitars that you own are "a good start" as far as most of us in this forum are concerned. Each of them is different, tonally and tactilely, hang on to all of them and watch them appreciate (the strat, not so much, but the two Gibsons for certain).

The Strat and 137 cover a lot of ground in pop music. The 137 is a fine blues instrument and so is the 175 in the right circumstances. The 175 is "THE" jazz guitar, of course. Eventually you'll need both a nice accoustic flat-top and a classical instrument and perhaps another electric, set up for bottleneck (SG is perfect for that purpose). That's pretty much the minimum amount of guitars, in my opinion.

[merseybeat]

I have had my 137 custom for 6 months now! I also own an Eastman "Uptown Deluxe" which is a work of art! But I have to admit that for live performance "confidence" My first choice is the 137 as it is always easy to get that right "Live tone" for this beast! That said, the Eastman is my preferred studio instrument as its first first and for most a real Jazz Box!

I personally think that when we get to guitars of this level "Not Cheap" we do form a strong bond with them! I for one will never sell either of these EVER!

Regards

Eddie

[bkdavidson]

I hear you guys. I have owned a 135 (the guitar yours replaced) for almost 1 1/2 years and have barely put it down at all!

[Steve Z]

Originally Posted by gravyTrain

Alrighty, here are some pictures. I have posted them at photobucket at the following address, but here they are (hopefully):

gitardood_2007 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

That is a gorgeous finish. Definitely at the top of my favorites. Wow!


Cheers,
Steve

[Betz]

Originally Posted by randyc

Selling a quality guitar is always a tactical error, you'd hate yourself in a decade or less. The three guitars that you own are "a good start" as far as most of us in this forum are concerned. Each of them is different, tonally and tactilely, hang on to all of them and watch them appreciate (the strat, not so much, but the two Gibson's for certain).

The Strat and 137 cover a lot of ground in pop music. The 137 is a fine blues instrument and so is the 175 in the right circumstances. The 175 is "THE" jazz guitar, of course. Eventually you'll need both a nice acoustic flat-top and a classical instrument and perhaps another electric, set up for bottleneck (SG is perfect for that purpose). That's pretty much the minimum amount of guitars, in my opinion.

That all makes sense. I started out on the acoustic side and never had a problem with multiple instruments; the dread is not a spruce / rosewood OM is not a small body red cedar / maple. With electrics, the solid body / hollow body was an obvious distinction. What started me looking again was taking the 175 to a gig. I was nervous the whole time as the whole rosewood bridge and deep maple body seem so fragile. I was not expecting the 137 to fill its own niche and not be just a replacement.

I do have a metal body Dobro that I use for slide work, but you're saying an SG can do that job, too?

Finally, except for the gold (137) or chrome finish (175) the pups on these guitars look identical. Is there a significant difference between them?

Thanks!

Betz

[randyc]

The Dobro is a fine instrument in its own right, I wish that I owned one (a small Martin "Backpacker" fills that lack in my collection)! Dobros are perfect for bluegrass and Appalachian-derived music. I do own a 1928 Weissenborne guitar which is the grand-daddy of Dobro and National resophonic guitars. It's a pretty thing, make from solid Koa wood but I don't play it since it must be played like a Dobro - in a horizontal position.

The little Martin is more comfortable to me because it hangs like a normal guitar. Both can be seen in this photo, beside a Fender jazz bass (a bass is also a necessity in a decent collection, IMO).



The SG is my personal choice for electric bottleneck (blues and even country) styles because of access to the entire scale and I set mine up with fairly high action and heavy strings. Derek Trucks manages to produce convincing ragas with his SG. However, Trucks is to electric slide guitar what Jerry Douglas is to Dobro.

The pickups in your two Gibsons may be identical or they may differ. If they are not identical, in my opinion, they won't sound that different from one another anyway. Tonal differences will be 90% due to the two construction techniques.

You have a nice start on a very versatile collection! We'll be looking forward to what you've obtained in a few more years, LOL.

[82Benedetto]

I always felt that was one of Gibson's more attractive, and slightly more affordable instruments. Very tempting color on that.