Gibson ES 137 v. Midtown Custom?

[David Pugh]

I have GAS and I'm strongly considering the purchase of either a Gibson ES 137 or a new Midtown Custom. Any thoughts, recommendations, etc?

[kris]

I think Gibson ES 137 Custom is a great guitar.

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

I haven't played a Midtown Custom, but I've read reviews and there are at least two things I'd checkout to see how they felt:

1. The fretboard isn't ebony, it's "richlite - a composite of cellulose fibres and phenolic resin".

2. Unlike other ES models, the top is flat -- no arch. I'm pretty used to the feel of an arched top on Gibbys.

[Clamps]

Go for the 137, but make sure you get the 'classic' with 57's in it. Well, maybe it's just me, but I can't stand the 490/498t combo

[Frank67]

Go for the 137, but make sure you get the 'classic' with 57's in it. Well, maybe it's just me, but I can't stand the 490/498t combo

To the best of my knowledge the "classic" always has the 49/498t combo. It is the custom that has classic 57s and that varitone (that is not for me). I find nothing wrong with the 490/498t. They are hotter than classic 57 and have a typical Gibson sound.

[Jabberwocky]

I wish they would drop the Varitone from the ES-137 Custom and then it would be perfect for me. I like the binding and the ebony fretboard.

[Clamps]

To the best of my knowledge the "classic" always has the 49/498t combo. It is the custom that has classic 57s and that varitone (that is not for me). I find nothing wrong with the 490/498t. They are hotter than classic 57 and have a typical Gibson sound.

Well, then I stand corrected about the order of pickups! I still can't stand the sound of those non 57 pups though...

Do the midtowns come without the bigsby? That might be a consideration to make too

[Cooperro]

I wish they would drop the Varitone from the ES-137 Custom and then it would be perfect for me. I like the binding and the ebony fretboard.

Nothing wrong with the Varitone. I have it on my 345, and find it useful. If someone doesn't find it useful, they can just leave it in position 1 which is total bypass - I verified that with Gibson before I ordered mine 'cause there were so many rumors/stories going around on how it "sucks tone" even when off (position 1).

Now, if you don't like the look of it on your guitar, then that's a different story - personally, I think it looks cool!

[teamster]

I played both midtowns, one with the Bigsby and the other a Custom.
Pretty neat guitars not outragesly priced. Richlite, the imitation ebony,
seems nice enough to play on, other makers have used it for years.
So no complaints here.

[Cooperro]

I played both midtowns, one with the Bigsby and the other a Custom.
Pretty neat guitars not outragesly priced. Richlite, the imitation ebony,
seems nice enough to play on, other makers have used it for years.
So no complaints here.

I know it might all be in my head, but I'll never buy a Gibby with an imitation "plastic" fingerboard. The name Richlite even sounds like some kind of imitation "crap." Most everyone else can make a guitar with an authentic ebony board, except for Gibson. Boy, they got themselves into quite a mess with the government I must say. And you can see from my signature that I'm a Gibson lover!

[Flint]

I tried the Midtown Custom and I really liked it. Sounded great, felt comfortable. I personally can't imagine stressing over the fingerboard - it looks just fine, feels fine, won't split or crack. I have a Modulus fretless bass with an entirely phenolic pastic fingerboard, and it sounds perfect!

I'd say try both, close your eyes and see which feels best in your hands. I'd be happy with either one.

[Arnesto]

I played the midtown in sam ash ny, its one of the ugliest sounding guitars of all time, go for the 137

[Fusionista]

I've had two ES-137 Classics ('cos I don't like Varitone), one was a kg heavier than the other and a deal brighter. Traded the heavy, kept the woody and put SD Pearly Gates in it. Now a bit darker than my 335 (mahogany centre block and maple neck cf vice versa) and bulkier, but similarly awesome for almost everything :-) I'd put flatwounds on it, but I think it would restrict it too much.

[Cooperro]

I wish they would drop the Varitone from the ES-137 Custom and then it would be perfect for me. I like the binding and the ebony fretboard.

Jabberwocky - I sent you a PM :-)

[Fusionista]

I wish they would drop the Varitone from the ES-137 Custom and then it would be perfect for me. I like the binding and the ebony fretboard.

My thoughts entirely. That said I am more than happy with my Classic.

[Ob Com]

+1 for the es 137 over the midtown.

the 137 is a very flexible guitar with lots of tones in it.

I bought the custom version to get the classic 57's but find that I also really like the varitone, however you do need to compensate with more gain or an od pedal to get the best out of some of the thiner tones on the dial, but when done you can get some nice early electric blues sounds.

The 137 custom has recently been discontinued.

[David Pugh]

Folks I appreciate your input. A couple of days ago I purchased an ES 137 from Dave's Guitar in Wisconsin. It's a classic model with a triburst finish. It's supposed to be delivered tomorrow. I'll try to take a couple of pics and keep you posted. Thanks again for your input.

David Pugh

[Frank67]

Congrats David - these are really nice guitars. I don't think ES 335s are any nicer. They are similarly versatile and the 137s can be soft and mellow and dark or can scream and rock - and to me they also look nicer than 335s.