A unique collectible in part due to the Gibson logo embossed on the neck P90 cover, as well as the dark-brown headstock on an ES-style guitar, this is an extremely rare version of the ES-125TDC, circa 1968, made in the USA. Vibrant cherry sunburst with a brown Mahogany headstock. All original parts, save the bridge, which the original owner replaced with a Grotoh TOM. The logo-embossed Gibson P90 neck cover is something extremely unusual for this model, and the (clear bobbin) P90s pickups sound absolutely incredible in this vintage guitar. Although the 919070 serial dates it to 1968-69, it has a “1035” FON printed inside the guitar, which I can’t yet connect to a more specific time.
This gem was gigged extensively as the main instrument of an East coast jazz guitarist for better part of 4 decades. It is in excellent working condition considering its age, and shows all the battle scars you'd expect from a musician's guitar - some of the finish wearing off on the bass-side, as well as a few minor bruises on the back of the neck and top of the head stock. The top finish still looks amazing with its natural vintage relicing despite a few nicks on the bass side, and shows plenty of character telling a story all its own with age-appropriate checking/craquelure. There is something about this guitar that just simply transports you to a different time. It truly is a joy to play - its 56 year-old hollow body + p90 vintage sound is just magical. According to GuitarPlayer, the ES-125TDC could be the most underrated guitar on the vintage market, and one can see why - from rockabilly to blues to jazz, it can do it all.
Please note, that the frets and finger board show the wear you'd expect from a well-played guitar of this age, but do not hinder playability in any way. I opted not to replace them, as I wanted to keep as much of its original vintage elements and character as possible. Whether you choose to replace the frets and upgrade them, or leave them be - it all depends on what you want out of this guitar. There is tons of instant mojo and history here to spare which I, personally, wouldn't want to mess with.
Additional notes: there are no cracks, breaks, or deep scratches anywhere on the body or neck of the guitar. The neck is straight and the truss rod works as expected. It also comes with its original hard case, also in very good condition.
Instrument: Hollow Body