2002 Gibson ES-135 Natural Cherry Red + OHSC

2002 Gibson ES-135 Semi Hollowbody
Florentine Cutaway Design
Gold Gibson PAF Humbuckers
Natural Transparent Cherry Red Finish
(Made in Memphis, USA)

No gigging ever, all original with no modifications. Adult owned, Pet free, Smoke free, Children free household.
____

Up for sale is a beautiful 2002 Gibson ES-135 in natural cherry red finish.

This Gibson guitar is in overall excellent condition with only very minor signs of play.

Some light surface scratches on body/back/sides. Some pickguard swirls and scratches. Some few play-wear here and there from normal playing. Some slight marks on side of neck from being hung on guitar stand. Gold hardware slowly changing into vintage colors with some silver color mixed in as well. NO HEADSTOCK CRACK. ALL ORIGINAL.

Super sturdy build starting from body to the neck. This guitar does not feel like a cheap instrument at all. It is the standard Early-2000's Gibson USA build quality... way before Gibson starting slowly slipping in quality control.

The natural transparent cherry red finish is one my favorite finish options done by Gibson. From far away, the guitar looks like a solid wine red color. However looking close up, it is actually a natural cherry wood because you can see the wood grains. Looks very elegant and classy. The gold hardware for the pickups, bridge and tuners blends in very nicely with the red body finish. Grover USA gold tuners.

Very comfortable and nice feeling neck profile. Slightly modified standard C-shaped neck. Good comparison are some early 80's Gibson ES-335 type necks. Very easy neck to play guitar for fingerpicking / fingerstyle. Great guitar to play "cowboy" chords as well along the first 4 frets with a heavy pick. Overall a very diverse neck profile that suits many different music genres.

"ES-135" logo printed directly on center of headstock in gold letters rather than written on truss rod cover. Very interesting aesthetic feature not common on most other Gibson models. 

Has the unique "Florentine" cutaway design with the sharp edges rather than the normal "Venetian" cutaway. The sharper cutaway allows playing on the upper high register very simple and easy to do. Blues & Jazz players alike will enjoy playing with this guitar a good amount.

Original Gibson PAF reissue humbuckers covered in gold hardware. Only those who've played a genuine Gibson PAF will understand the power & quality of these pickups. Incredible sounding pickups with great diversity in sounds. Clean channel sounds great, gain/distortion sounds even better. The neck position with volume 8 / tone 6 is my favorite tone combination by far. 

If you're looking for a Gibson Semi-Hollowbody but don't want to shell out ES-335 money, then the ES-135 is honestly an excellent option as well. The florentine cutaway makes it look unique from any other Gibson hollowbody's... but the PAFs still gives it the unmistakable Gibson semi-hollow body sound. You get the best of both worlds. 

Overall, a very nice example of an early 2000's Gibson USA semi-hollowbody guitar.

Comes with original Gibson Memphis black hardshell case (combo lock key).

Comes with:
- 2002 Gibson ES-135
- Original Gibson USA Memphis HSC

 ———————————-

Payment must be completed 24 hours upon purchase.

Mandatory signature confirmation delivery.

❤️ Will be shipped with love and care :) ❤️

____________________

The Gibson ES-135 is a semi-hollow electric guitar that blends the warm, resonant tones of a hollow-body instrument with the sustain and reduced feedback of a solid-body guitar. Introduced in the mid-1990s, the ES-135 was designed as a versatile guitar that appeals to players of various genres, including jazz, blues, rock, and country. Its design bridges the gap between Gibson's fully hollow and solid-body models, making it a favorite for players seeking a balance of tone, playability, and style.

Key Features of the Gibson ES-135

1. Body Construction

• Semi-Hollow Design: The ES-135 features a semi-hollow body with a solid center block, which reduces feedback while retaining the warmth and resonance of a hollow-body guitar.
• Material: The top, back, and sides are made from laminated maple, a common choice for semi-hollow guitars due to its strength and bright tonal qualities.
• F-Holes: Classic f-holes on the top enhance the guitar's acoustic projection and visual appeal.
• Size: The ES-135 has a body size similar to the ES-175, making it comfortable for players who prefer a larger-bodied guitar.

2. Neck and Fingerboard

• Neck Material: The neck is typically made from mahogany, which adds warmth and depth to the guitar's tone.
• Fingerboard: The fingerboard is made from rosewood, providing a smooth playing surface and contributing to the guitar's rich tonal character.
• Scale Length: The guitar features a 24.75-inch scale length, standard for Gibson guitars, which makes it easier to bend strings and provides a slightly warmer tone.
• Frets: It has 22 frets, with a medium-jumbo fret size for comfortable playability.
• Neck Profile: The neck profile varies by year but is generally a rounded "C" shape, which offers a comfortable grip for most playing styles.

3. Pickups and Electronics

• Pickup Configurations: The ES-135 was available with two primary pickup configurations:
  • P-100 Pickups: A stacked humbucking version of the classic Gibson P-90, offering a noise-free single-coil sound with a vintage character.
  • Humbuckers: Some models feature Gibson's 490R and 498T humbuckers, which deliver a hotter output and are well-suited for rock and blues.
• Controls: The ES-135 includes the standard Gibson control layout:
  • Two volume knobs (one for each pickup).
  • Two tone knobs (one for each pickup).
  • A 3-way toggle switch for pickup selection.

4. Hardware

• Bridge: The guitar is equipped with a Tune-O-Matic bridge and a trapeze tailpiece. Some later models feature a stopbar tailpiece for improved sustain and tuning stability.
• Tuners: Gibson Deluxe or Grover tuners provide reliable tuning stability.
• Nut: A high-quality nut (usually Corian or Graph Tech) ensures smooth tuning and sustain.

5. Aesthetic Features

• Finish: The ES-135 was available in several finishes, including:
  • Sunburst: A classic look that highlights the maple grain.
  • Ebony: A sleek, all-black finish.
  • Cherry Red: A vibrant, vintage-inspired option.
• Binding: The body and neck are typically bound in cream, giving the guitar a refined, elegant appearance.
• Dot Inlays: Simple dot inlays on the fingerboard maintain a vintage-inspired aesthetic.

Sound and Playability

• Tone: The ES-135 delivers a warm, resonant tone with a rich midrange. The semi-hollow design adds acoustic-like qualities, while the pickups provide the versatility to handle clean jazz tones, gritty blues, and overdriven rock sounds.
• Feedback Resistance: Thanks to the solid center block, the ES-135 offers greater feedback resistance than fully hollow guitars like the ES-175, making it suitable for higher-gain applications.
• Versatility: The guitar's tonal range and playability make it a versatile choice for players across multiple genres.

Notable Variants and Updates

• ES-135 LE (Limited Edition): Some limited-edition models feature upgraded pickups or unique finishes.
• Custom Shop Versions: Gibson occasionally produced Custom Shop ES-135s with premium materials and finishes.
• Later Models: The ES-137, introduced in the early 2000s, is considered a spiritual successor to the ES-135, with a similar design but more modern appointments.

Who Is the ES-135 For?

• Jazz and Blues Players: Its warm, smooth tone and semi-hollow design make it perfect for jazz and blues styles.
• Rock and Country Players: The guitar’s versatility and feedback resistance allow it to handle overdriven tones and twangy cleans with ease.
• Vintage Enthusiasts: The ES-135 offers a retro aesthetic and sound that appeals to fans of classic Gibson guitars.

Conclusion

The Gibson ES-135 is a versatile, semi-hollow electric guitar that combines vintage-inspired design with modern playability. Its warm, resonant tone and ability to handle a variety of genres make it a favorite among jazz, blues, and rock players. Whether you're drawn to its classic looks, tonal versatility, or comfortable playability, the ES-135 is a solid choice for players seeking a semi-hollow guitar with Gibson's legendary craftsmanship.