Gibson ES-137, USED

The Gibson ES-137 is a modern classic that blends the look and feel of Gibson's traditional semi-hollow and solid-body guitars. Designed as a versatile instrument that bridges jazz, blues, rock, and beyond, the ES-137 features a larger semi-hollow maple and poplar laminated body reminiscent of Gibson’s iconic ES models, but with a twist: it includes a solid mahogany centre block. This centre block reduces feedback, adds sustain, and gives the ES-137 more of the power and articulation associated with a solid-body, all while retaining the warm, resonant qualities of a hollow-body.

Outfitted with Gibson’s classic humbucking pickups—has a pair of 490R and 498T humbuckers—the ES-137 delivers a range of tones from smooth and mellow jazz tones to powerful rock-driven sounds with rich sustain and clarity. These pickups are celebrated for their balanced sound, with the 490R at the neck providing smooth, warm tones, while the 498T at the bridge gives a bit more output and brightness for cutting through in a band setting. This pickup combination, paired with the semi-hollow construction, makes the ES-137 a flexible instrument that can handle clean, crunchy, or overdriven tones with equal poise.

The neck of the ES-137 is a rounded mahogany neck with a comfortable profile that appeals to both traditional and modern players. The rosewood fingerboard with pearloid inlays adds a touch of elegance to its design, while the 22-fret layout provides ample range for lead work and expressive soloing. Its comfortable neck profile and smooth frets make it easy to transition from chord work to intricate melodies, ensuring the guitar feels as good as it sounds.

The hardware is dependable and includes Grover tuners for stability and a tune-o-matic bridge for precise intonation. The Gibson ES-137 is an exceptional guitar that successfully combines the best of Gibson’s archtop legacy with the practicalities of a solid-body, making it a versatile and striking choice for guitarists across genres.