Some players find the classic ES-335 just a bit too much raaawwk! Others feel the ES-175 can lean a bit too much towards both rockabilly and bluesy jazz. So, originally way back in 1956, Gibson created the ES-135. While the original models failed to find a market, the revived version that first appeared in 1991 really caught on, making it a staple in the Gibson lineup into the early 2000s.
Classic tone construction
The 135’s true thinline body features the same classic tone construction of laminated Maple, like its siblings, but pulls the often brittle edge back a little by substituting a Chromyte centre block for the 335’s Maple or the 175’s Mahogany. The Chromyte, (Balsa) doesn’t just make for a lighter guitar, but brings a slightly darker, and, at the same time, a more mellow acoustic tone than either of the harder centre-block timbers. (Listen to our soundfile)
Noiseless, stacked humbuckers
2002 was the last year the ES-135 was produced exclusively with P-100 pickups, (these are noiseless, stacked humbuckers, in a P-90 casing). During the course of the year the model was rejigged with humbuckers, effectively making it an entirely different machine, so before the new year the model name was changed to ES-137.
Extremely feedback resistant
With fully Made in America construction, the ES-135 features Gibson’s traditional build methods and premium components all the way: trapeze tailpiece; tune-o-matic bridge; vintage Kluson Deluxe-style tuners, with vintage keystone buttons, plus those great P-100 pickups. The semi-hollow body is extremely feedback resistant, due to the Chromyte centre block. And, not always usual with Gibson, the tone controls offer a very broad and useful range. (Not exhibited in our soundfile, but the guitar also provides really nice slide tone)
Plays and sounds amazing
Fresh off the workbench with a full pro setup, the guitar is in perfect condition, top-to-bottom, including frets and electrics, with a new set of Ernie Ball Slinky 10s, and plays and sounds amazing. You can take this baby out of its original Gibson hard shell case, (dead combination lock), and gig with it straight away. FREE COURIER DELIVERY is included to any address in Australia. ($100 airfreight to New Zealand, $175 to the US, Canada, UK and mainstream European countries)
NOTE: The Cherry nitro finish on this 135 is far less Gibson-gaudy than is often the case. Hard to capture correctly in the photos, but the actual color is probably closer to Candy Apple Red than Cherry. Very nice, very sexy!
Weight: 7lb 11oz / 2.48kg