1958 Gibson ES-225T, Electric Spanish, Thin

Gibson introduced their thin-body, 1 pickup ES-225T guitars in 1955 and in the following year, they offered a companion 2 pickup version. The ES-225 series were produced up to and including 1959 when they were discontinued in favor of the recently introduced "double-cutaway," thin body ES-330 guitars along with the revised single-cutaway ES-125 models. On these 1 pickup ES-225T versions, Gibson placed the P-90 pickup halfway between the fingerboard and the earlier style Les Paul combination bridge/tailpiece. Gibson determined the pickup placement would provide a unique tone, and they do! These have a tonality that is not attainable with a single neck or double pickup guitar, making them attractive to anyone desiring something a bit different!

Reportage

I have examined, tested, serviced and set-up this instrument and found it to be factory correct. The only non-original item to mention is a heel installed Strap Button that was done prior to my acquisition of the guitar. The electronics, frets, nut, finish, tuners and both the plastic and nickel-plated metal hardware are all correct and original to the guitar. The 2 potentiometers are matched and dated the 41st week of 1958 and have a bumblebee capacitor attached too.
The ergonomics of this model are very good. They are lightweight and allow access to the upper frets due to their Florentine cutaway. The solid 1-piece mahogany neck construction provides a very sturdy feel. The shapes are typically a large "C" which is round and full feeling, but very comfortable in my hand.
The overall condition of the guitar is very clean with a glossy finish and some minimal light finish checking. Globally it displays only minor wear and blemishes, which my large and clear photos will show. The back of the body has some light impressions into the wood and other usual signs of age and light usage, but it's minimal and does not detract from the warm vibe and pleasing appearance of this vintage Gibson. I am rating the guitar a conservative 8.5 out of 10 in overall condition.

The CASE is an original issue Durabilt model that is in "good" condition. The majority of these soft cases have deteriorated and fallen apart, especially if they had gotten used. The factory-issued Durabilt cases are soft-shell (pressed paper) and are fine for storing instruments but are NOT up to the task of protecting them during normal usage outside the home. Please note that any ES-335 style hard shell case can be substituted for this model guitar.

The guitar has just been set up with D'addario XL 10 - 46 gauge strings.

Comments

I acquired this guitar well over 25 years ago. I originally purchased it for resale in my Vintage guitar shop, but somehow the guitar got lost in the shuffle and ended up in storage instead of becoming part of my store inventory as intended. Subsequently, it has never been offered for sale until today and consequently, it has been spared all of the "circulation" that most guitars being offered online have undergone. This is a nicely preserved, handsome example. The guitar is now 60 years old but to me, it looks more like a 40-year-old.  :)
If you have any desire for a fun and reasonably priced Vintage Gibson P-90 thin-line, kindly do inquire.

Details

Serial #:  NONE
Factory Order Number (inside): T6966 1
Nut Width: 1 11/16"
Scale: 24 3/4"
Weight: 5 lbs. 12.6 oz.
Case: Original Durabilt Soft Shell
My "Overall Condition" Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Offered at: Sorry, this has been SOLD.
Includes domestic U.S. shipping and guitar-specialty insurance that I provide
(for International shipping options, please inquire)

I accept payment via Bank Wire Transfer or online payments via PayPal, up to $5000.00.
Any amount over that and all International purchases will need to be paid via Bank Wire.
All instruments have a 48-hour approval which does not start until the instrument arrives to you safely.
I only use New, Heavy-Duty shipping cartons and New packing materials.
I care about the instruments that I offer as most have been in my possession for 20-30 years.
I want my instruments to arrive safely, their continued preservation and Your satisfaction matter to me.