1957 Gibson ES-125

**DMgolf66** · 10-29-2018, 03:14 PM

I had posted a thread a few weeks ago about what strings to put on a ES-125 as I was hoping that I may acquire one soon. I had mentioned that a local shop here in NJ had one on Reverb, so I went and checked it out. Even being a neophyte to vintage instruments and jazz guitar in general, I really dug it, but felt it was too impulsive to pull the trigger without more research and learning. No sooner than a few days later I saw that it was marked "SOLD" on Reverb. Dejected, I figured I'd check back in with the owner. He told me it was an overseas buyer from Japan and they were having issues completing the deal. Long story short, we worked out a deal after Reverb had negated the sale.

I only joined the site a year ago almost to the day. Decided to try and learn Jazz after almost 9 years of not touching a guitar. Suffice to say I'm very new to all of this and figured my foray into vintage guitars was going to yield some mistakes, which it did. I will say that most of my initial impressions of the guitar are still the same. I like the neck, the sound and the look. There are definitely things that escaped my eye and was looking forward to hearing from some of you what they maybe as well as what can be remedied and what can't.

A few things:
* I realize that while I thought the tailpiece was original, I see that it doesn't seem to be the case as it doesn't have the diamond embossed pattern.

* the strap button at the base of the neck appears to be put installed after original purpose. It doesn't get in the way of playing but I could where some would find it awkward.

* I don't see a serial number. Not inside the F-holes or on back of headstock. Was wondering was the neck refinished and serial number finished over?

* finish is in good shape with some spots on the back and one smal spot on neck.

* as well as it plays right now, I gotta believe it will play even better with a good setup. Captain obvious.

I'm certainly open to comments and criticism.....hope to learn a bit here. The good news is that the price was pretty decent as it was cash and no need to ship.

Thanks!!!

**DMgolf66** · 10-29-2018, 03:22 PM

Pics

**DMgolf66** · 10-29-2018, 03:35 PM

Pic

**lawson-stone** · 10-29-2018, 03:43 PM

The tailpiece is easily fixed with a reproduction that looks like the original. Not hard to find. The serial number... a lot of the older Gibsons don't have one, but there is, stenciled (sometimes very faintly) inside the body a "Factory Order Number" (FON) that can be used to figure out the rough date of manufacture. use a good light and look into the treble-side F-hole. I looked several times before I spotted the FON on my 1954 L50. The lettering was very dim as you can see below. But a digital photo could be tweaked enough to make the type clear, which I did once but now can't find the pics!

1957 Gibson ES-125-img_1720-jpg

**BBGuitar** · 10-29-2018, 03:47 PM

That logo does not look right.

**ThatRhythmMan** · 10-29-2018, 04:09 PM

The logo looks appropriate for the era and model to me.

**DMgolf66** · 10-29-2018, 04:20 PM

[QUOTE=BBGuitar;908095]That logo does not look right.[/QUOTE

Wasn't sure.

**339 in june** · 10-29-2018, 04:37 PM

Mine : a '59 ES 125 T
1957 Gibson ES-125-dsc_0169-jpg

and DMGolf66, nice guitar you've got !
Play it in good health for the many years to come

**BBGuitar** · 10-29-2018, 05:10 PM

I'm glad I'm wrong. I stand corrected.

**citizenk74** · 10-29-2018, 05:17 PM

Very cool guitar. Congratulations, and play it in good health!

**skykomishone** · 10-29-2018, 05:43 PM

You have a nice guitar. Congratulations! An excellent year for a vintage Gibson 125. Hard to beat that sound with the P90. Enjoy playing it. It's a beauty. I'd love to give it a spin myself.

**lawson-stone** · 10-29-2018, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by BBGuitar

That logo does not look right.

It's identical to the logo on my 1954 L50, right down to the dot on the "i" touching the G.
1957 Gibson ES-125-img_1766-jpg

**lawson-stone** · 10-29-2018, 06:08 PM

Just for fun, and to encourage your search for the FON, I attach two pictures, one is just snapped through the F-hole with a flashlight shining in the other F-hole, then the other is one I've digitally adjusted for contrast to bring up the number. I have no way to know what order they'll attach in, but you'll be able to see. The FON is there, even if you have trouble spotting it. I hope yours is nice and clear!
1957 Gibson ES-125-l50-fon-jpg

**lawson-stone** · 10-29-2018, 06:32 PM

I should also note that past the Letter+Digits is a space and typically 2 more digits, which don't show in my pictures because the angle requires two shots to get them all. But if your FON is very dim, make sure you get it all.

Bonus! Under the Bass side F-hole you can often find the model number stamped as well. There are just so many easter-eggs tucked inside these old Gibsons.
1957 Gibson ES-125-img_1767-jpg

**rabbit** · 10-29-2018, 06:44 PM

Beautiful guitar, congratulations!

**Ken Olmstead** · 10-29-2018, 07:23 PM

Congrats! She's a beaut Clark!!!

**omphalopsychos** · 10-29-2018, 07:26 PM

I was waiting for this post! I’m very happy for you!

**nopedals** · 10-29-2018, 08:08 PM

That tailpiece is a kluson, I think. Commonly seen on 60s epiphones.

1961 Epiphone Sorrento Sunburst > Guitars Archtop Electric & Acoustic | Rumble Seat Music
1961 Epiphone Casino Sunburst > Guitars Electric Semi-Hollow Body | Southside Guitars

High quality, probably better than the Gibson tailpiece that was on yours. I would just leave it alone. If you order a repro, get a nickel one.

**DMgolf66** · 10-29-2018, 08:50 PM

Jackpot!

I will be back to address everyone's responses and help, but I gotta play this thing for a bit, haha.

**vinlander** · 10-30-2018, 06:03 AM

Mine also came with a non original TP but in your case since its still a vintage TP I would not bother changing it.
The TP that came on mine however was a cheap chrome modern trapeze with no clover shaped hinge.
I really wanted the clover hinged TP lik the original, but all the reproductions I could find were for the thinner body style.
I could finally find an original from the early '60s on Ebay

In any case, congratulations and play it in in good health

**DMgolf66** · 10-30-2018, 11:52 AM

Does anyone know when the best "bursts" were made for these 125's? It seems this period of th late 50's was relatively ordinary. While the top of mine is really in great shape, I can't say the burst is over-the-top interesting. Just curious.

**Little Jay** · 10-30-2018, 04:03 PM

The very early post war ones have the best looking bursts imho. They also feature a mahogany top layer. Here’s mine, that’s an early 50:

**DMgolf66** · 11-06-2018, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by omphalopsychos

I was waiting for this post! I’m very happy for you!

Thank you for thinking of me! Its been a few weeks now and I really dig it. I brought it too a local tech as I was getting a couple of buzzes up around the 12th fret and wanted a general going over. He thought it played pretty damn well as is. I'm going to post about some of the fret work he thought could help if I wanted to go down that road to improve play ability a bit. Anyway, thanks again for the support!