A beautiful Gibson model ES-135, dating from 2003 (made in USA).
This was the last year that Gibson produced the ES-135, before introducing the ES-137 which would replace it.
From what I gather, this made the 2003 model somewhat transitional - in which Gibson got all the specs right. Previous models had trapeze tailpieces, P-100 pickups (not everyone's favourite) and a balsawood centre block. Conversely, the 2003 model received a real mahogany centre block, '57 Classic Humbuckers and a stop bar tailpiece. For these reasons - it's really more like an ES-335 model in disguise.
The crowning feature of this year however was the deliberate lack of f holes, which paired with the Mahogany centre block near completely eliminates the feedback issues associated with hollow bodied guitars. As above, Gibson discontinued the model immediately after this, meaning these specs were available for one year only.
This is a guitar the bears honest wear now being 22 years old, though it is free of breaks, repairs and is entirely original. It has never had a pickguard fitted (and came as such from the factory), exposing the entirety of beautiful open Cherry Red top.
Despite sharing a body shape with the ES-175 - these guitars are entirely thinline (as with an ES-335 model, for example), making it very comfortable to play.
The neck is wonderfully fat - and very comfortably so. A great example of a Gibson '59 profile.
The pickups are Gibson's Classic 57 - which are definitely one of my favourite production humbuckers. To me, they sound like PAFs with a slightly more focussed sound. Paired with a thinline, closed hollow body with a centre block? Perfection.
Free of any breaks, repairs and as above is wholly original. The guitar's 25th birthday is coming up which would place it into 'vintage' territory. As such it's experienced natural lacquer checking (being a Gibson, its finish is nitro of course), namely to the headstock facade as pictured, with some minor lacquer flaking to the side of the headstock (also pictured). There is heavier lacquer checking emanating from the pickup surround screw holes (pictured) - this is not a wood split, rather the way the finish checks along the screw hole.
There are minor dings and finish hazing commensurate with 22 years of gentle play; the guitar has always been kept in its original Gibson TKL case between playing. Case is in good condition with all latches functional. The lock doesn't work - though I can't imagine you'd want to lock away this beautiful guitar!
Plays wonderfully, frets in good condition with plenty of life left in them. Issue-free with a comfortable low action.
A rare and beautiful Gibson electric guitar with some real curb appeal and a fantastic sound.