Gibson ES-135 Sunburst 1997

The Gibson ES-135, introduced in the early 1990s, is essentially a single-cutaway 335 with the visual vibe of a 50s ES-125. And that is not a bad vibe!!

Built in Gibson’s Memphis factory, it features a unique combination of classic design elements and modern innovations. The 1997 model is particularly notable for its P100 pickups, which offer a hum-free version of the classic P90 sound, delivering warm, punchy tones with a vintage bite. The ES-135 was discontinued in the early 2000s, making well-preserved examples like this one increasingly rare.

The guitar is in great condition, showing standard playwear typical for its age, especially on the back, along with some light lacquer checking that adds vintage mojo. The frets are almost like new, and the neck shape falls somewhere between the 50s and 60s Gibson profiles—nice and round without feeling overly thick or wide.

Weight is 3500 grams. The guitar comes with a high-quality, non-original Heritage case that is quite worn but still offers excellent protection.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body Style: Semi-hollow, double-cutaway
• Body Wood: Laminated maple top, back, and sides
• Bracing: Center block
• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Rounded, in-between 50s and 60s style
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Fingerboard Inlays: Dot
• Scale Length: 24.75″
• Nut Width: 1.68″
• Frets: 22, medium jumbo
• Pickups: Dual P100 single-coil (stacked humbucker design)
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-way selector switch
• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with trapeze tailpiece
• Tuners: Gibson Deluxe
• Finish: Sunburst, nitrocellulose lacquer
• Weight: 3500g
• Case: Heritage hard case (non-original), worn but functional