1959 Gibson ES-125TCD "Prototype"

This is the very earliest example of Gibson’s new ES-125TCD which replaced the older 50’s ES-225 models. It’s the actual “Prototype” made in 1959 prior to its introduction in 1960 w/its release & was offered in a Tobacco’burst or Cherry’burst finishes. It has features that only this example has. Its Dark Sunburst finish has a wonderful 50’s patina unlike its later cherry’burst finishes had. Its 2 black P-90 pickups are sensational & have balls to the walls clarity in which George Thorogood got his famous “Bad to the Bone” rockin-boogie tone from. It has a dot inlaid “White Bound” rosewood neck (as all production models had unbound fingerboards) & is super wide & flat like a killer period 335. She still sports all her original stuff from its 3-in-line Kluson tuners to its trapeze tailpiece & from its tortoise’gard to its early Gold Saucer knobs, she’s 100% original. What makes this one so rare & desirable is that its a Pre-Serial #’d ES-125TCD made prior to when Gibson started stamping its headstocks on every guitar from 1961 on. She’s got an “S” date code for 1959 before the earliest examples were ever produced. She’s absolutely an exceptional & rare opportunity to own a 1-of-a-kind Prototype of what became a great selling model for Gibson & comes in a nice original black tolex/yellow lined hard case.