1948–1954 Gibson ES-125 Sunburst Vintage Hollow Body, (Used)

The 1948–1954 Gibson ES-125 in Sunburst is a beautiful example of early post-war American guitar craftsmanship, combining traditional full-depth archtop construction, the unmistakable sound of a Gibson P-90 pickup and the rich musical character that has made vintage Gibson hollow-body guitars so desirable.

Manufactured in Kalamazoo, Michigan, during a particularly important period in Gibson's history, the ES-125 represents the company's classic approach to creating an expressive, accessible electric archtop for working musicians.

With its elegant non-cutaway body, distinctive f-holes, traditional Sunburst finish and single P-90 pickup, the ES-125 offers a wonderfully direct connection to the sounds of early electric blues, jazz, swing, country and rock 'n' roll.

The model's fully hollow, full-depth archtop body produces a lively acoustic response, delivering warmth, natural resonance and an organic playing feel that differs considerably from modern solid-body electric guitars.

A set mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard provide the traditional Gibson feel, while the familiar 24.75-inch scale length offers comfortable string tension for expressive bends, vibrato and chord playing.

The single Gibson P-90 pickup is central to the ES-125's appeal.

Positioned near the neck, it delivers a warm, woody tone with excellent note definition, a strong midrange presence and the raw, expressive bite associated with vintage Gibson single coils.

With just one volume and one tone control, the ES-125 keeps the playing experience refreshingly straightforward, placing the emphasis firmly on touch, dynamics and the interaction between the guitar and amplifier.

Its traditional floating bridge and trapeze-style tailpiece complement the hollow-body design, while the classic Sunburst finish gives the instrument an unmistakably vintage appearance.

This particular Gibson ES-125 dates from approximately 1948–1954 and is presented in Very Good Condition for its age.

Given its considerable age, the guitar should be appreciated as a genuine vintage instrument, with the appearance and character associated with decades of previous ownership.

Weighing just 5.26 lbs (approximately 2.39kg), it offers an exceptionally lightweight playing experience.

The guitar comes complete with a non-Gibson hardcase, providing valuable protection for storage and transportation.

For guitarists, collectors and enthusiasts seeking an authentic late-1940s to early-1950s Gibson archtop, this ES-125 offers wonderful vintage appeal and a distinctive musical character.

At A Glance

Detail	Information
Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-125
Year	Circa 1948–1954
Finish	Sunburst
Body Style	Full-Depth Hollow Archtop
Pickup Configuration	Single P-90
Country of Manufacture	USA
Weight	5.26 lbs / 2.39kg
Condition	Very Good for Its Age
Case	Non-Gibson Hardcase Included

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition for Its Age

This 1948–1954 Gibson ES-125 Sunburst is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition for its age.

As a genuine vintage instrument dating from the late 1940s to early 1950s, it should be assessed in the context of its considerable age rather than against the cosmetic standards of a modern guitar.

The ES-125's Sunburst finish, traditional archtop construction and period styling are all part of its appeal.

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully for a detailed assessment of its individual condition, including the finish, body, neck, frets, fingerboard, binding and hardware.

Estimated Production Period – 1948–1954

This guitar is identified as dating from approximately 1948 to 1954.

During this period, Gibson made several changes to the ES-125, including the design of its P-90 pickup, fingerboard appointments and tailpiece hardware.

The supplied date range has been retained rather than assigning a more specific manufacturing year.

Lightweight Vintage Construction – 5.26 lbs

This particular Gibson ES-125 weighs 5.26 lbs (approximately 2.39kg).

Its full-depth hollow-body design provides a wonderfully lightweight playing experience, especially compared with many later solid-body Gibson guitars.

Non-Gibson Hardcase Included

The guitar comes complete with a non-Gibson hardcase.

The case provides valuable protection during storage and transportation, although it is not represented as an original Gibson case.

What's Included

• 1948–1954 Gibson ES-125 Sunburst Vintage Electric Guitar

• Non-Gibson Hardcase

Service & Setup

A vintage Gibson archtop requires careful attention to its neck, frets, nut, bridge, tailpiece and electronics. The position of the floating bridge is particularly important for correct intonation, while appropriate string selection helps achieve the desired balance of tone, tension and playing comfort. As an older hollow-body instrument, the guitar should be handled, stored and transported with suitable care. As with all guitars, setup can naturally change due to variations in humidity, temperature and other environmental conditions, potentially affecting neck relief, string action and overall playability.

Key Features

• Genuine Vintage Gibson ES-125: Historic American-made electric archtop.

• Circa 1948–1954 Production: Desirable early post-war manufacturing period.

• Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan: Traditional Gibson craftsmanship.

• Classic Sunburst Finish: Timeless late-1940s and early-1950s styling.

• Full-Depth Hollow Body: Naturally resonant and acoustically responsive.

• Non-Cutaway Archtop Design: Traditional Gibson appearance.

• 16¼-Inch Body Width: Classic full-sized ES-125 proportions.

• Traditional Laminated Body Construction: Designed for practical amplified performance.

• Set Mahogany Neck: Classic Gibson construction.

• Rosewood Fingerboard: Traditional playing surface.

• 24.75-Inch Scale Length: Familiar Gibson playing feel.

• Single P-90 Pickup: Warm, woody and expressive vintage single-coil tones.

• Master Volume Control: Straightforward output adjustment.

• Master Tone Control: Smooth tonal shaping.

• Traditional Floating Bridge: Classic archtop hardware arrangement.

• Trapeze-Style Tailpiece: Vintage Gibson design.

• Excellent for Jazz & Blues: Expressive response and warm tonal character.

• Ideal for Vintage Rock 'n' Roll: Authentic early electric guitar sound.

• Exceptionally Lightweight: Just 5.26 lbs.

• Very Good Condition for Its Age: Attractive vintage presentation.

• Non-Gibson Hardcase Included: Protection for storage and transportation.

Why You'll Love It

The Gibson ES-125 is one of those instruments that captures the atmosphere and sound of an entire musical era.

Produced during the years immediately following the Second World War, the model helped bring electric guitar performance to a wider range of working musicians.

Its beautifully simple design remains one of its greatest strengths.

With a fully hollow body, single P-90 pickup and traditional volume and tone controls, the ES-125 encourages players to concentrate on their technique rather than complex switching options.

The body responds naturally to the vibration of the strings, producing a lively, woody character that is particularly attractive for jazz chords, blues phrasing and traditional rhythm playing.

The P-90 pickup adds warmth and articulation, delivering expressive clean sounds and a wonderfully raw response when paired with a lightly overdriven valve amplifier.

At just 5.26 lbs, this guitar is also exceptionally comfortable to hold.

Its elegant Sunburst finish and classic archtop silhouette give it the unmistakable appearance of a genuine mid-century Gibson.

For players who value historical character, touch sensitivity and traditional guitar tone, the ES-125 offers something that modern instruments do not always reproduce.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Authentic Post-War Gibson Craftsmanship

The ES-125 was one of Gibson's important electric archtop models during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Built at the company's historic Kalamazoo factory, it reflects an era when electric guitar design was developing rapidly and manufacturers were adapting traditional acoustic instruments for amplified performance. This example's estimated 1948–1954 production period places it within a particularly fascinating chapter of Gibson history.

Traditional Full-Depth Archtop Body

The ES-125 features a full-depth, non-cutaway hollow-body design, approximately 16¼ inches wide across the lower bout. Its traditional arched body and f-holes provide the familiar appearance of an early electric jazz guitar. The absence of a solid centre block allows the body to resonate naturally, creating a lively physical response that is quite different from a conventional Les Paul or solid-body Fender.

Laminated Hollow-Body Construction

Post-war ES-125 models used laminated body construction, with materials and details evolving throughout the model's early production. This approach offered the strength and practicality needed for an amplified archtop while retaining a resonant, lightweight structure. The body contributes to the instrument's warm, rounded sound and naturally expressive playing character.

Classic Vintage Sunburst Finish

The Sunburst finish is one of the most recognisable visual features of early Gibson guitars. Its warm centre and darker outer shading complement the ES-125's archtop shape, f-holes and traditional appointments. On an instrument from this period, the finish also forms an important part of its historical presentation and overall vintage appeal.

Set Mahogany Neck

The ES-125 features a set mahogany neck, reflecting Gibson's established construction methods. The traditional neck design provides a familiar, substantial playing feel suited to chord work and melodic playing. Combined with the hollow body, the set-neck construction contributes to the instrument's distinctive response and vintage character.

Rosewood Fingerboard

A rosewood fingerboard provides the playing surface for this classic Gibson design. Its dark appearance complements the Sunburst body and traditional headstock styling. Early ES-125 models were produced with period-specific fingerboard appointments, making the details of individual examples particularly interesting to vintage guitar enthusiasts.

Traditional Gibson 24.75-Inch Scale

The familiar Gibson 24.75-inch scale length provides comfortable string tension and a responsive feel. It supports expressive vibrato, bends and chord playing while maintaining the traditional proportions associated with the company's hollow-body instruments.

Vintage Gibson P-90 Pickup

The ES-125's single P-90 neck pickup is central to its distinctive sound. Combining a broad midrange response with clear note definition, it offers the warmth required for jazz and the dynamic bite that works beautifully for blues and early rock 'n' roll. Its sensitivity to picking strength makes the guitar especially rewarding for expressive players.

Simple Volume & Tone Controls

The ES-125 features a straightforward control arrangement consisting of a master volume and master tone. This traditional layout allows players to adjust the output and brightness of the P-90 without complicated switching. Rolling back the tone produces mellow jazz sounds, while opening it up creates a more articulate response for blues and roots playing.

Traditional Floating Bridge

The ES-125 uses a traditional archtop bridge arrangement, with an adjustable wooden bridge positioned on the hollow body's top. This approach is closely associated with classic jazz guitars and allows suitable adjustment of string height and intonation through careful positioning and setup.

Trapeze-Style Tailpiece

A traditional trapeze-style tailpiece anchors the strings at the lower end of the guitar, allowing the bridge to remain free-standing on the arched top. The design is a familiar feature of vintage Gibson hollow-body instruments and contributes to the guitar's classic appearance.

Beautiful Clean Jazz Tones

The ES-125 is particularly effective for warm, rounded clean guitar sounds. Its neck-position P-90 and naturally resonant body make it an appealing choice for traditional jazz chord melodies, swing accompaniment and expressive melodic playing. The simple tone control allows the sound to be softened further when required.

Raw Vintage Blues Character

When paired with a responsive valve amplifier, the P-90 delivers the expressive bite and natural compression that make early Gibson electric guitars so desirable for blues. The guitar responds beautifully to changes in picking strength and guitar volume, allowing players to move between cleaner phrasing and more driven sounds.

Early Rock 'n' Roll & Roots Appeal

The ES-125's single-pickup simplicity and hollow-body character make it an excellent choice for early rock 'n' roll, country blues and roots-based music. Its vintage appearance and direct playing response evoke the period when electric guitars were becoming central to popular music.

Lightweight Playing Experience

At just 5.26 lbs, this ES-125 offers exceptional comfort compared with many solid-body guitars. Its light weight and resonant construction provide an engaging playing experience, making it particularly attractive to guitarists who prefer traditional hollow-body instruments.

Included Non-Gibson Hardcase

The accompanying hardcase is an important practical addition for an instrument of this age. Although it is not a Gibson-branded case, it provides protection during storage and transportation and makes the guitar more convenient to handle as part of a vintage instrument collection.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Guitar Collectors: An authentic early post-war Gibson electric archtop.

Jazz Guitarists: Warm P-90 tones and traditional hollow-body resonance.

Blues Players: Raw, expressive single-coil character.

Swing Musicians: Classic archtop styling and rhythmic response.

Rock 'n' Roll Enthusiasts: A direct connection to the early electric guitar era.

Roots & Americana Musicians: Organic vintage sound and simple controls.

Recording Guitarists: Distinctive tones that complement modern instruments.

Gibson Enthusiasts: A fascinating model from the company's historic Kalamazoo production.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Gibson ES-125 is especially suited to jazz, swing, blues, early rock 'n' roll, roots, country, soul and vintage-inspired music.

For jazz, the neck-position P-90 produces warm, rounded chord tones with excellent note definition.

For blues, the guitar's expressive response rewards subtle variations in picking dynamics.

For traditional rhythm playing, the fully hollow body creates a naturally lively feel.

The ES-125 is also an interesting recording instrument, producing a different sonic character from conventional modern solid-body guitars.

As with other fully hollow electric guitars, higher amplifier gain and volume levels can encourage acoustic feedback. This can be part of the instrument's expressive appeal, although players requiring maximum feedback resistance may prefer a centre-block guitar.

How It Compares

Gibson ES-125 vs Gibson ES-150

The Gibson ES-150 was a more substantial electric archtop model, historically associated with early jazz guitar amplification.

The ES-125 offered a simpler and more accessible design while retaining traditional Gibson hollow-body construction and expressive amplified performance.

Both are important instruments in the development of electric jazz guitar.

Gibson ES-125 vs Gibson ES-175

The Gibson ES-175 introduced a cutaway archtop design and became particularly popular among professional jazz guitarists.

The ES-125 retains a simpler, non-cutaway body and single-pickup configuration.

Players seeking an uncomplicated vintage archtop with expressive P-90 tones may particularly appreciate the ES-125.

Gibson ES-125 vs Gibson ES-330

Both guitars feature fully hollow construction and P-90 pickups, but their body designs are quite different.

The ES-330 features a thinner double-cutaway body and a two-pickup configuration on standard models.

The ES-125 offers a traditional full-depth, non-cutaway archtop with a single neck pickup, providing a distinctly earlier playing experience.

Gibson ES-125 vs Modern Hollow-Body Guitars

Modern hollow-body electric guitars often include updated hardware, more extensive electronics and features intended to accommodate contemporary performance requirements.

The ES-125 offers a simpler vintage design, making it particularly appealing to players who value historical character, traditional construction and a direct connection with the sounds of early electric guitar.

Gibson ES-125 Heritage

The origins of the ES-125 can be traced to Gibson's early electric archtop developments.

The company introduced the ES-100 during the late 1930s before adopting the ES-125 designation in 1941.

Production was interrupted during the Second World War, with the model reintroduced in 1946.

The post-war ES-125 featured a larger full-depth body and a single P-90 pickup, establishing the classic configuration associated with the model.

During the late 1940s and early 1950s, Gibson refined the instrument through changes to its pickup construction, fingerboard details and hardware.

The ES-125 became a popular choice among musicians seeking a traditional amplified archtop without the cost of Gibson's more expensive professional models.

One particularly interesting historical connection is the guitar's association with early electric blues.

Examples of the ES-125 have appeared in the hands of influential musicians, while the model's warm P-90 character remains closely associated with the sound of mid-century electric guitar.

Gibson continued the ES-125 range for several decades, eventually introducing thinner-bodied and cutaway variations.

Today, original post-war ES-125 guitars are appreciated for their distinctive appearance, historical significance and expressive musical character.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Vintage Electric Archtop Guitar
Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-125
Estimated Year	1948–1954
Finish	Sunburst
Country of Manufacture	USA
Manufacturing Location	Kalamazoo, Michigan
Body Shape	Full-Depth Non-Cutaway Archtop
Body Construction	Fully Hollow
Body Width	Approx. 16.25"
Body Finish Style	Traditional Vintage Gibson Lacquer
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Scale Length	24.75" / 628.65mm
Pickup Configuration	S
Pickup Type	Gibson P-90 Single-Coil
Pickup Position	Neck
Controls	Master Volume, Master Tone
Bridge Type	Adjustable Floating Archtop Bridge
Tailpiece Type	Trapeze
Number of Strings	6
Electronics	Passive
Weight	5.26 lbs / Approx. 2.39kg
Condition	Very Good for Its Age
Case	Non-Gibson Hardcase Included

Power Requirements

The Gibson ES-125 features a passive P-90 pickup and does not require a battery or external power supply.

It connects to a suitable guitar amplifier, effects processor or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

The 1948–1954 Gibson ES-125 Sunburst is a wonderful piece of Gibson's early electric guitar history, combining traditional full-depth archtop construction with the unmistakable sound of a vintage P-90.

Its fully hollow body produces a lively and resonant playing experience, while the simple pickup and control arrangement encourages expressive, dynamic performance.

The ES-125 is particularly appealing for jazz, blues, swing and early rock 'n' roll, offering a warm, woody response and a distinctive character that stands apart from many modern instruments.

Its traditional Sunburst finish, non-cutaway body and historic Kalamazoo heritage further enhance its vintage appeal.

At just 5.26 lbs, this example is exceptionally lightweight and comfortable to play.

Presented in Very Good Condition for its age and complete with a non-Gibson hardcase, it offers an attractive opportunity to own an authentic early post-war Gibson electric guitar.

Best Suited For: Jazz, blues, swing, early rock 'n' roll, roots music, Gibson enthusiasts and vintage guitar collectors.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Modern archtop guitars, Epiphone hollow-body models, entry-level jazz guitars and contemporary P-90-equipped instruments.

Most Commonly Paired With: Vintage-style Fender and Gibson valve amplifiers, low-gain overdrive, analogue delay and spring reverb.

Our Tip: Try the neck P-90 through a clean valve amplifier with the guitar's tone rolled back slightly for warm, rounded jazz sounds. Opening the tone and increasing amplifier drive produces a wonderfully expressive vintage blues character.

Showroom Advice: The ES-125's natural acoustic resonance is a defining part of its appeal. This is a guitar that rewards playing dynamics and touch, especially at clean and lower-gain settings. Its lightweight full-depth body offers a very different feel from a conventional modern electric guitar.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a vintage Gibson ES-125 from Fair Deal Music offers the opportunity to own an authentic American-made instrument from an important period in electric guitar history.

Our experienced team understands the importance of accurate condition descriptions, clear historical information and transparent details about included accessories.

This particular guitar is presented in Very Good Condition for its age, weighs 5.26 lbs and comes complete with a non-Gibson hardcase.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned vintage electric guitar, with its condition and included accessories detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

Due to the instrument's age and hollow-body construction, appropriate care is recommended during handling, storage and transportation.

The included non-Gibson hardcase provides valuable protection.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, keyboards and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers find instruments suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including vintage Gibson guitars, collectable instruments, Fender guitars, acoustic guitars, basses, amplifiers and effects pedals.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this 1948–1954 Gibson ES-125.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Gibson ES-125 in?

It is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition for its age, reflecting its status as a genuine vintage instrument.

What year was it manufactured?

It is estimated to date from between 1948 and 1954.

Is the exact year confirmed?

The estimated date range is 1948–1954; a more precise production year has not been established.

Where was it made?

Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA.

Does the guitar come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase an original Gibson case?

No. The included hardcase is non-Gibson.

How much does the guitar weigh?

5.26 lbs, approximately 2.39kg.

What finish does it have?

Sunburst.

Is the ES-125 a fully hollow guitar?

Yes. It features full-depth hollow archtop construction without a solid centre block.

Does it have a cutaway?

No. The standard ES-125 features a traditional non-cutaway body.

What is the body width?

Approximately 16¼ inches.

What pickup does it have?

A single Gibson P-90-style pickup in the neck position, as specified for the ES-125 model.

Is a P-90 a humbucker?

No. A P-90 is a single-coil pickup with a distinctive warm, articulate and powerful sound.

Did early ES-125 pickups differ from later versions?

Yes. Gibson introduced changes to the P-90 design around 1950, including the adoption of adjustable pole pieces.

What controls does it have?

One volume and one tone control.

What is the neck made from?

Mahogany.

What is the fingerboard made from?

Rosewood.

What is the scale length?

24.75 inches.

What type of bridge does it use?

A traditional adjustable floating archtop bridge.

Does it use a trapeze tailpiece?

Yes. The standard ES-125 design features a trapeze-style tailpiece.

Is it suitable for jazz?

Yes. Its warm P-90 pickup and traditional hollow-body construction are particularly well suited to jazz.

Can it be used for blues?

Yes. The P-90 provides expressive vintage blues tones, especially with a responsive valve amplifier.

Is it suitable for early rock 'n' roll?

Yes. Its construction and pickup character are closely associated with that musical era.

Does the guitar require a battery?

No. The pickup is passive.

Will a fully hollow guitar feed back with distortion?

At higher amplifier gain and volume levels, a fully hollow guitar can be more susceptible to acoustic feedback than a solid-body or centre-block instrument.

Can modern strings be used?

Yes. Suitable modern strings can be used, with gauge and type selected according to the guitar's construction and setup.

Is it suitable for a vintage guitar collection?

Yes. The ES-125 is an important model from Gibson's early electric guitar history.

Can I part-exchange another guitar towards this ES-125?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers selected guitars and other musical equipment for part exchange.