Beautiful 1958 Gibson ES-225T in original sunburst, with the kind of honest play wear and patina that only comes from nearly seven decades of use.

This is a remarkably original example. The guitar retains its original hardware, electronics and original Gibson P-90 pickup. The only replaced parts are the plastic control knobs. The finish shows checking, scratches, edge wear and other normal signs of age, all of which I have tried to show clearly in the photographs.

The ES-225 occupies an interesting place in Gibson history. Produced only from 1955–1959, it belongs to Gibson’s short-lived family of thin hollowbody electrics immediately preceding the ES-335 era. Its Florentine cutaway, thin fully hollow body and P-90 configuration give it a distinctive character while showing the direction Gibson’s electric designs were taking at the end of the 1950s.

The original P-90 is outstanding—bold, articulate, warm and wonderfully woody. Clean, it has a dimensional jazz and blues voice; pushed, it has the growl and bite that makes a great vintage P-90 so desirable.

It is also a remarkably satisfying guitar unplugged. The fully hollow body is lively and resonant, with enough acoustic presence that it is genuinely enjoyable to simply pick up and play without an amp.

The neck is another highlight. It is unmistakably a 1950s Gibson neck—substantial, rounded and exactly what you would expect from a Gibson of this period.

A major bonus is that the guitar comes with its original Lifton or Stone case, with the code 6K11 written on the lock. This is the same style of case used for Gibson’s ES-335, ES-345 and ES-355 guitars. With those ES-series instruments now among the most collectible vintage Gibsons, original examples of these cases have become highly sought after in their own right and can sell for upwards of $1,500. Having the original period case still paired with the guitar adds considerably to the completeness and collectibility of this example.

The ES-225 was produced for only a brief period, and substantially original examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find. This one strikes a particularly good balance: original and complete enough for a collector, with enough honest wear that it can still be played and enjoyed as the exceptional instrument it is.

Details

● 1958 Gibson ES-225T

● Original sunburst finish

● Original Gibson P-90 pickup

● Original electronics

● Original hardware

● Original bridge and trapeze tailpiece

● Original tuners

● Original pickguard

● Full late-’50s Gibson neck profile

● Replacement plastic control knobs only

● Rare original period case included

● Honest vintage checking and play wear

● Fully hollow, lightweight and highly resonant

A beautiful and soulful example of one of Gibson’s more distinctive late-1950s electrics, complete with its original case.