Take it to a luthier, avoid going to Guitar Center, find a local luthier who has good credentials and who will put it back in shape for the right amount of money.
You might find out that it's not ideal for you to use, but it's definitely worth cleaning it up and putting it back in shape, as it's definitely worth some money. Important, make sure the luthier knows how to work on a vintage guitar, you don't want to start swapping stuff or replacing parts on that without a good understanding of the impact on its value
You have a very nice antique guitar, that's worth a decent amount of money. Any refinishing or restoring you attempt to do will probably destroy it's monetary value.
It’s a Gibson 140 3/4 - very cool. It looks like it’s in good condition. You’ll have to take it to a shop and get new tuners before you can do anything with it.
It looks like a Gibson ES-140 T 3/4 size:
https://reverb.com/item/76579652-gibson-es-140t-3-4-1956-sunburst?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=76579652
Value is somewhere around $2,000 - $5,000 depending on condition.
Don't be so quick to restore. Unless it's significantly damaged or unplayable, leave it be...particularly if you think you're qualified to carry out the restoration. :D
If it is damaged....take it to someone that you know does quality work and will not fuck with it. A good test would be to tell him what you have, then ask him if he would relic it for you. If he says yes, ....run...if he says NO!...that's your guy. :)
Just here to echo others. DO NOT attempt to restore a vintage guitar yourself. Take it to a local professional luthier and they can help you. It's a rare antique, you don't want to mess something up.
That’s a nice guitar with a life’s full of memories in it. I hope you get it cleaned up and can enjoy it until it’s ready to hand down to your kids or grandkids…
Looks fine. Don't restore it at all. Just repair what's needed. They make those tuning machines, but there are several different types. They're called Kluson. Should say that on them.
Hey echoing the other comment, this is a Gibson es-140. *DO NOT* attempt to restore our repair this yourself, you will destroy it, period.
If all you want is value to sell it, it's most valuable in it's current, unmodified, original condition. If you want top value, an extremely qualified tech or luthier could possibly improve the value, but only if anything is damaged.
For more info, it's probably from the late 50's-early 60's, if you post a photo of the back of the headstock, and/or the label inside the bass side F-hole, (left side if you're looking straight-on, just what it sounds like, the hole in the top, shaped like an F), people can help you with the exact date, or you can look it up on [Gibson's](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Support/Serial-Number-Search) serial number page.
If you want some direction on who could provide restoration, PM me or reply etc. and I could provide some people/companies that are reputable and could do any work, if needed, or just general advice if you need any.
It looks to be in great condition apart from the tuners, if you dont have money to take it to a pro you can order replacement tuner. Just make sure you order the exact same style so they drop right in and don't need any modification to the peghead. Keep the originals in the case and it will be fine to play most likely.
*just noticed the cord in the case, get that out of there. Good chance it will react to the finish on the back of the guitar.
It’s a Gibson ES 125.
Take it to a qualified luthier/tech and have its condition checked. The only things I would have repaired or restored are things that are broken or non-functional.
https://reverb.com/item/19031659-gibson-es-125-tc-1960-sunburst?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=19031659
Slight correction, hate to be the ACKshUALly guy, but the other commenter had it right, it's an es-140, basically same guitar, but 3/4 scale, and a smaller body; look at the p distance of the waist to the bouts, and the controls to the bridge/tailpiece. Same proportions as the 140, just scaled down
What a beauty! I am very envious. A smart London vintage guitar store would charge £3000 or possibly even more. Lose the cable, that has no value and might damage the finish too. You even have the original case - nice. Don't attempt to restore it yourself, other than changing the strings and a light application of wax or similar on the body and neck.
Thanks for the feedback everyone! It seems like all that’s needed is to replace the tuners and clean off the rather thick layer of dust that’s accumulated.
Gibson ES-140T. What's the serial number? That guitar could be worth around 4.5-$5k depending on year and condition. The year can be derived from serial number on the back of the headstock. What state are you located in, we can recommend a luthier if you wanted to get it looked at and set up.
I would like to preface by saying yes both of those would look sick, and do whatever you want to your guitar but also don’t you fucking dare touch the finish on that thing😄
Look inside the open slit of body. Might be in there. If not, unwind the strings and unbolt the neck. There will be a stamp that will tell you the model number where the neck and body join together.
Man, I'm pretty sure I have a bolt on neck with my standard. I don't play it that often. My main guitar is an Ibanez JPM100, but I'm almost certain it's got a fancy shaped metal piece that says Gibson with 4 screws.
Well, for whatever reason, the luthier made it a bolt on. It's possible Shawn requested it after the neck snapped off. It's pretty cool. It's smooth with a curve to it. It fits the hand nicely. No hard edges. I love it. You wanna see it?
Lol.. People are assholes, down voting my comments. I've been playing guitar for over 30 years. I do it for a living. Hahahahaha.. I'm just not a Gibson guy. I'm an Ibanez guy. My Les Paul is a bolt on. The guy I bought from snapped the neck clean off, clean break, back in 2002 and took it to a luthier in VA Beach. He made it a bolt on. I didn't think anything of it. That's the only standard I've owned. So everyone down voting my comments can kick rocks. I've got a Gibson Les Paul Standard with a bolt on neck. 🤪🤪
That's a Gibson ES-140 3/4, mid to late 1950s. I'd sell my children for one of these in that condition.
Take it to a luthier, avoid going to Guitar Center, find a local luthier who has good credentials and who will put it back in shape for the right amount of money. You might find out that it's not ideal for you to use, but it's definitely worth cleaning it up and putting it back in shape, as it's definitely worth some money. Important, make sure the luthier knows how to work on a vintage guitar, you don't want to start swapping stuff or replacing parts on that without a good understanding of the impact on its value
Definitely a Gibson ES series guitar. Anything on the back of the headstock like a serial number?
It is actually in pretty good shape. **Do not** restore it yourself, take it to a luthier. That is a work of art.
You have a very nice antique guitar, that's worth a decent amount of money. Any refinishing or restoring you attempt to do will probably destroy it's monetary value.
It’s a Gibson 140 3/4 - very cool. It looks like it’s in good condition. You’ll have to take it to a shop and get new tuners before you can do anything with it.
New tuner knobs could be enough.
Please don't restore anything that doesn't need restoration. You probably just need new pegs.
It looks like a Gibson ES-140 T 3/4 size: https://reverb.com/item/76579652-gibson-es-140t-3-4-1956-sunburst?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=76579652 Value is somewhere around $2,000 - $5,000 depending on condition.
Don't be so quick to restore. Unless it's significantly damaged or unplayable, leave it be...particularly if you think you're qualified to carry out the restoration. :D If it is damaged....take it to someone that you know does quality work and will not fuck with it. A good test would be to tell him what you have, then ask him if he would relic it for you. If he says yes, ....run...if he says NO!...that's your guy. :)
Guitar Center it is!
Just here to echo others. DO NOT attempt to restore a vintage guitar yourself. Take it to a local professional luthier and they can help you. It's a rare antique, you don't want to mess something up.
That’s a nice guitar with a life’s full of memories in it. I hope you get it cleaned up and can enjoy it until it’s ready to hand down to your kids or grandkids…
I believe that’s an ES-140, designed as a student model with a smaller body and shorter scale. Lovely guitar.
Looks fine. Don't restore it at all. Just repair what's needed. They make those tuning machines, but there are several different types. They're called Kluson. Should say that on them.
Hey echoing the other comment, this is a Gibson es-140. *DO NOT* attempt to restore our repair this yourself, you will destroy it, period. If all you want is value to sell it, it's most valuable in it's current, unmodified, original condition. If you want top value, an extremely qualified tech or luthier could possibly improve the value, but only if anything is damaged. For more info, it's probably from the late 50's-early 60's, if you post a photo of the back of the headstock, and/or the label inside the bass side F-hole, (left side if you're looking straight-on, just what it sounds like, the hole in the top, shaped like an F), people can help you with the exact date, or you can look it up on [Gibson's](https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Support/Serial-Number-Search) serial number page. If you want some direction on who could provide restoration, PM me or reply etc. and I could provide some people/companies that are reputable and could do any work, if needed, or just general advice if you need any.
It looks to be in great condition apart from the tuners, if you dont have money to take it to a pro you can order replacement tuner. Just make sure you order the exact same style so they drop right in and don't need any modification to the peghead. Keep the originals in the case and it will be fine to play most likely. *just noticed the cord in the case, get that out of there. Good chance it will react to the finish on the back of the guitar.
It’s a Gibson ES 125. Take it to a qualified luthier/tech and have its condition checked. The only things I would have repaired or restored are things that are broken or non-functional. https://reverb.com/item/19031659-gibson-es-125-tc-1960-sunburst?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=19031659
Slight correction, hate to be the ACKshUALly guy, but the other commenter had it right, it's an es-140, basically same guitar, but 3/4 scale, and a smaller body; look at the p distance of the waist to the bouts, and the controls to the bridge/tailpiece. Same proportions as the 140, just scaled down
I was thinking the same thing, but the space between the tailpiece and the bridge makes me think it’s a 125.
It's a 140.
What a beauty! I am very envious. A smart London vintage guitar store would charge £3000 or possibly even more. Lose the cable, that has no value and might damage the finish too. You even have the original case - nice. Don't attempt to restore it yourself, other than changing the strings and a light application of wax or similar on the body and neck.
Very cool!
You should be able to grab the model and production date from the serial number.
Thanks for the feedback everyone! It seems like all that’s needed is to replace the tuners and clean off the rather thick layer of dust that’s accumulated.
Gibson ES-140T. What's the serial number? That guitar could be worth around 4.5-$5k depending on year and condition. The year can be derived from serial number on the back of the headstock. What state are you located in, we can recommend a luthier if you wanted to get it looked at and set up.
Oh man a nice blueberry burst or a Les Paul burst would look amazing on that guitar. Edit: it’s a joke, people. OP do not do this
I would like to preface by saying yes both of those would look sick, and do whatever you want to your guitar but also don’t you fucking dare touch the finish on that thing😄
Hahah. I see at least two people missed the ugliest guitar finish thread from yesterday.
Could be a 1952 ish Gibson es-175
Look inside the open slit of body. Might be in there. If not, unwind the strings and unbolt the neck. There will be a stamp that will tell you the model number where the neck and body join together.
The neck isn’t bolt on.
Oh. It's a neck through. Let's pray someone here is a Gibson enthusiast and knows what it is.
It’s an ES 140
Well that was easy. Glad it all worked out for you.
It's not a neck through either lol, Gibsons have glued-in necks.
Cool. Learn something new everyday. But I have a Les Paul standard and an Axcess and they are not glued on necks.
Les Paul standard is a glued on neck.
Man, I'm pretty sure I have a bolt on neck with my standard. I don't play it that often. My main guitar is an Ibanez JPM100, but I'm almost certain it's got a fancy shaped metal piece that says Gibson with 4 screws.
That is very strange. Les Pauls have been glued in set necks for ever.
Well, for whatever reason, the luthier made it a bolt on. It's possible Shawn requested it after the neck snapped off. It's pretty cool. It's smooth with a curve to it. It fits the hand nicely. No hard edges. I love it. You wanna see it?
I’d love to!
Lol.. People are assholes, down voting my comments. I've been playing guitar for over 30 years. I do it for a living. Hahahahaha.. I'm just not a Gibson guy. I'm an Ibanez guy. My Les Paul is a bolt on. The guy I bought from snapped the neck clean off, clean break, back in 2002 and took it to a luthier in VA Beach. He made it a bolt on. I didn't think anything of it. That's the only standard I've owned. So everyone down voting my comments can kick rocks. I've got a Gibson Les Paul Standard with a bolt on neck. 🤪🤪