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Gibson

1966 ES-120T

1966 ES-120T

$2,000.00

The ES1-120t occupies a unique place in Gibson’s storied history.  When it was introduced in September 1961 it was the most affordable Gibson to date (originally retailing for a mere $149.50!).  While it was a natural step up from its “little brother” the Epiphone Granada, it is perhaps best thought of as a hypothetical ES “melody maker”, in that it is a stripped down student model that sports the exact same pickup (single coil PU380) as it’s melody maker kin.  The pickup itself, and its placement at the neck, lend it a round, warm tone ideal for jazz; a supposition aided by the guitar’s fully hollow construction.  One of the more unique aspects of the ES-120t is the raised pickguard, upon which the pickup, output jack, and controls are mounted.  This measure was no doubt a cost saver at the time, but in the intervening years has grown to lend a uniquely midcentury aesthetic seldom seen in the current market.   It is every bit a mid 60s Gibson, and exudes that charm and quality. 

 

Cosmetic Condition

For a guitar build in 1966, this piece has been very well taken care of.  That said, there have been a number of repairs done to it, such as: The wiring harness has been replaced (original is included, tone pot not functioning), there are two repaired cracks on the pickguard, the tuning machines have been upgraded to Grover Deluxe tuners, one of which sports a copper button.  With that in mind, we would consider this guitar to be in VERY GOOD to EXCELLENT condition.

 

 

  • Thin Line Hollow Body
  • Arched Maple Top and Back
  • Mahogany Sides
  • Sunburst Finish
  • Rosewood Fingerboard with MOP Dot Inlays
  • Ivoroid Binding
  • Nickel Grover Deluxe Tuners with one Copper Button
  • One Single Coil Pickup
  • Master Volume and Tone Controls
  • Gold Bell Knobs
  • Trapeze Tailpiece
  • Raised Black Pickguard with All Electronics Mounted Internally
  • Adjustable Floating Rosewood Bridge
  • 1 9/16” Nut Width.
Brand GIBSON
Model ES-120T
Serial Number(s) 435413