NGD - '58 Gibson ES-225TD

[Sam Sherry]

First a pic or two:

It feels like the last couple of years of gear-hounding has led to this guitar.
.

Honestly I didn't think I could afford one -- these guys are kinda pricey now -- but I got An Opportunity I Could Not Pass Up.

And here's the best part. As with all EBay purchases I was expecting the worst -- I figured it was all replacement parts. Somehow, no: Original harness. Original knobs and pointers, as far as I can tell.

Switch tip. Truss cover.

Even the tuners, though replacement Grovers, are vintage Pat. App.

So that convinced me to get some 50s P90s, because at that point, this guitar will really be home. Maybe even an old trapeze. (Not a combination bridge/trapeze, though. I like the sound of wood and I like the precise intonation of stair-steps.)

The sound? Sweet, man. Fat, deep, tons of sustain. The feel? Late '58 neck on a 6.5 pound guitar, and that's all I need to say about that.

I'll post another set once I have the pickguard and pickups replaced. But right now I've gotta go play some!

 

[Bob Pollock]

That's just awesome, congrats!

 

[gohabsgo22296]

Congrats! Happy NGD!

These are really fantastic, under-the-radar Gibsons from that era.

Here's me with my 1959:
not the best shot of me, but the guitar looks great from every angle!

 

[Sam Sherry]

As promised here is the guitar as "finished" and likely to stay for a while. Late 50s / early 60s Gibson P-90s and covers. NOS pickguard bracket. Repro guard.

I rigged up a "pickguard lowerer" for the neck attachment. Using the factory hole, the pickguard is at the right height over the neck pickup.

.

This is such a happy-sounding guitar now, with a great feel to the neck. At some point before too long it will get a refret but for the moment the instrument has gotten about where it's going to go. Now it's up to play it right!

 

[drewdraw]

Congrats-- gorgeous guitar! I have the Guild equivalent (1959 T100D) and it is my all time favorite guitar. Thinline + P90s rules.
Enjoy!

 

[Don A]

My '59 ES225-TD with my '62 Ampeg Jet

 

[esoteric pete]

killer! i love 225's. congrats!