One of the more underrated thinline hollowbodies to come out of Kalamazoo, this 1957 ES-225TDN is proof that these deserve more attention.

Why We Love This

Gibson's ES-225 model is perhaps the earliest of the "thinline" hollowbody models to hit the market in the 1950s. Pre-dating the ES-330 model by four years, it gave players a slimmer, more comfortable electric option that still provided the airy, resonant tone the larger ES-175 models and the like were known for.

Just 1 of 125 shipped in 1957, this Natural-finished ES-225 is a lovely example that has been very well-maintained throughout its 65+ years. It features a classic mid/late 50s Full C neck carve that is very comfortable and round, with a superb refret done by Jason Burns out of Birmingham, AL. The original P90s have some nice sparkle and clarity combined with healthy output, making it suitable for jazz and blues as well as rock or country. The addition of the vintage Bigsby bridge and newer B6 tailpiece also makes this ES-225 an easy grab for a rockabilly or roots-rock player yearning for the tone of an old P90-loaded Gibson that the likes of a Gretsch or a Guild wouldn't match.

Acoustically, it's impressively loud and clear sounding. The Bigsby is expertly installed and works perfectly, all without impeding the guitar's natural ability to vibrate.

To top it off, this rare double-pickup ES-225 comes with a very clean original Lifton hardshell case! As often the case (pun intended), these guitars lose their original Liftons to ES-335s due to both their inherent and associative value. It's nice to see it paired with such a special guitar!