1996 Gibson ES-135 P90 in Vintage Sunburst, USED

The 1996 Gibson ES-135 P90 in Vintage Sunburst is a semi-hollow electric guitar that merges the elegance of classic Gibson designs with a versatile, powerful tone. It features a single-cutaway body with a laminated maple construction, offering a warm yet articulate sound, which lends itself well to a wide variety of genres, from jazz and blues to rock. The vintage sunburst finish enhances the guitar’s timeless appeal, showcasing the figured maple top with its subtle transitions from dark edges to a bright centre, adding a distinct aesthetic flair.

One of the standout features of the 1996 ES-135 is its P90 pickups. These classic single-coil pickups deliver a rich, dynamic range with the bite and clarity characteristic of P90s, but with a warmth that works well for jazz and blues styles. The P90s provide a grittier edge when pushed, making them ideal for rock and roots music as well. This tonal versatility, combined with the semi-hollow body’s natural resonance, allows players to explore both clean, mellow tones and more aggressive, driven sounds, making the ES-135 suitable for nearly any musical setting.

The guitar features a comfortable, rounded neck profile that’s easy to navigate, with a rosewood fingerboard adorned with dot inlays for a classic, understated look. The medium-sized frets and 24.75-inch scale length provide a smooth playing experience, making bends and chords equally comfortable. The semi-hollow design includes a centre block, which helps reduce unwanted feedback at higher volumes, making it an excellent choice for players who want to retain the airy qualities of a hollow body without compromising on stage reliability.

Additional features include a tune-o-matic tailpiece and vintage-style tuners, which contribute to the guitar's classic Gibson aesthetic and provide stable tuning. The ES-135 in Vintage Sunburst from 1996 embodies the best of Gibson’s semi-hollow tradition, combining the elegance of its vintage-inspired design with the raw tonal capabilities of P90 pickups. This makes it an excellent choice for guitarists seeking a versatile, classic instrument that can deliver both smooth, clean tones and gritty, expressive sounds with ease.