Gibson ES-225 TD 1959

When you hear Buddy Holly you immediately think Fender. But cast your eye over the cover of ‘The Chirping Cricket’ album and you’ll spot a familiar three tone shape tucked under the arm of Niki Sullivan, the rhythm guitarist. A 1959 Gibson ES-225 TD

Introduced in 1956, the ES-225 was the first thinline hollow body guitar in the Gibson catalogue, starting a trend that would continue on through the Byrdland and ES-350 and usher in the ES-330 and pave the way for the semi-hollow ES guitars towards the end of the decade.

This is a rare and probably the most desired ES-225 being a 1959 with the wrap over trapeze tailpiece as they switched to the separate bridge and tailpiece in mid 59 (see our comments on this below). It also has the ‘59 classic neck profile and of course it is super cool condition.

This guitar is in stunning shape. The top of the body shows next to no signs of fade, all three tones still look vibrant. The back too is looks stunning even with a few minor scratches. The fretboard is superb and the frets, though showing some signs of wear, still have plenty of life left in them. The neck is comfortable and the lacquer still retains its lustre.