Over the course of the 70s, the Japanese output improved dramatically, and in many ways these early 70s models are a low point for the brand. These new Epiphones were based on existing Matsumoku guitars, sharing body shapes, and hardware, but the Epiphone line was somewhat upgraded, with inlaid logos and a 2x2 peghead configuration. The Matsumoku factory had been producing guitars for export for some time, but the 1820 bass (alongside a number of guitar models and the 5120 electric acoustic bass) were the first Epiphone models to be made there. The back sports a rather fine deep Cherry finish, in contrast to the paler Cherry Sunburst of the front.īy the end of the 1960s, a decision had been made to move Epiphone guitar production from the USA (at the Kalamazoo plant where Gibson guitars were made), to Matsumoto in Japan, creating a line of guitars and basses significantly less expensive than the USA-built models (actually less than half the price). Like the vast majority of CMI-period Gibsons, this guitar has a set (glued in) mahogany neck. Bringing together the dynamic of raw acoustics and electric pickups makes a new or used Gibson ES 125 possible.
You’ll find an airy, crisp sound once you input it to an amplifier for its full tonal ranges. "Cherry Sunburst" is the description of this finish used in Gibson literature of the time, although it is often called "ice-tea sunburst" in the current guitar market. Bargain Gibson ES 125 guitars are made to accentuate an acoustic feel but with a power base of electricity. Compare with this 196 ES-125TC which retains a far more vibrant finish. The Cherry Sunburst on the front of this guitar has faded somewhat. The October 1966 recommended retail price was $265 (United States zone 1), compared to $365 for the ES-335, $305 for the SG Standard and between $199.50-$379.50 for a Firebird. TC stands for Thinline Cutaway (not to be confused with the non cutaway or full body depth hollow-body ES-125 models. I believe the Gibson ES-120T to be a 1962 since the Serial Number is 56500.
My Dad bought me these from a Swap Shop, when I was a teenager. This example is one of 750 ES-125 TCs shipped hat year. I am trying to DATE & VALUE a Lifton Gibson Hardshell Brown Case and VALUE a 1962 Gibson Semi-Hollow Body Sunburst ES-120T. This ES-125TC was produced at the famous Gibson Kalamazoo plant, Michigan, USA in 1966 alongside many classic guitars: ES-335s, Firebirds, SGs etc. The 1966 Gibson catalogue mentions the single pickup ES-125TC, but only pictures the dual pickup version, the ES-125TDC. The Gibson serial number decoder Date a Gibson guitar by serial number From 1977 to 2013 Gibson have used an eight or nine digit serial number on all of their guitars that can be easily decoded to show the exact day that the guitar was manufactured along with the location of the Gibson factory.