Gibson ES137 Classic Electric Guitar (with Case)

Feature:
Two pickups with separate volume and tone controls and a three-way selector switch. All of the materials are top-notch. At the time I bought it I was wishing I could order it with Classic '57 pickups but I'm generally happy with the PUs that came with the guitar. I suppose it's possible that I might swap out the neck pickup at some point but it's fine the way it is.

Quality:
The guitar itself is well made and beautiful. I have to deduct a few points though. The case still had a little sawdust in it from the factory and the finish had some dull spots -- a little rubbing compound dust was coming off of it. I gave it a good clean and polish and she cleaned up real nice -- now the finish is flawless. I have the Triburst and the color is better than the pictures. The burst on mine starts black, goes gradually to a deep wine red then fades to the golden flame in the center. It also needed a good pro setup but, in my experience, they all do. I'm not worried at all about how it will hold up over time.

Value:
I think this is one of the best values in the Gibson line. If you compare the materials, the bound body and neck, etc. with other Gibsons (like a 335) this goes for about half of what they charge for others and several hundred dollars less than a LP Standard.

Desirability:
I've been through an awful lot of guitars over the years. I only keep those that look great and feel "right" to me. This baby is a definite keeper.

Sound:
The ES-137 Classic is a versatile instrument. My other electrics are a Fender Deluxe Ash Strat and a modified Highway One Tele. I was looking for a good humbucker-equipped guitar. I use it primarily for jazz but it is equally good for stuff like T-Bone, Chuck Berry, Scotty Moore, and B.B. King. Think ES-335 except more "air" and depth. It also is capable of some real nasty Les Paul sounds on the bridge pickup. I play through a Fender '63 Reissue Vibroverb (w/replacement speakers and tubes) and the combination produces the range of sounds I was looking for. But, this is NOT a thrash metal guitar. It has a vintage blues/jazz vibe.

Ease of Use:
Plays like a dream.

Support:
I gave this a "9" only because I haven't needed support and that's worth a "9" to me. Can't say how they might respond if I did.

Overall:
I look for three main things in an instrument: tone, playability, and how it makes me feel -- how it makes me play. Every time I pick this guitar up it speaks to me and sings for me. What else is there? If something happended to it, I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

Feature:
I have a beautiful sunburst that came in the box with NO FLAWS.

Quality:
It is made extremely well. I could not have cruised guitar auctions or stores and picked a better guitar. I am sure it was a little luck, but it also is just a tremendous guitar. I have freinds that ask to swap their strats for a few days just for kicks and I really have to dig deep to allow it, where as the other guitars I have no problem loaning to old freinds.

Value:
More than worth the price. Even though it was a gift. I did find out what they currently sell for from a freind.

Desirability:
Everyone who walks in to the studio goes right for it and asks if they can pick it up. Later they tell me not to turn my back because they are taking it home. I would be devistated if something happened to this guitar. It has become an important part of my life. I cannot say that about other guitars.

Sound:
I did drop a 59 high output humbucker in the bridge. I smile everytime I turn the amp on. I am 52 and only play for freinds, neighbors and the dogs currently. It was given to me as a gift about five years ago. I also own a tele and a gibson acoustic wm-45. I play my electrics through a Kustom 36 Coupe amplifier. Life is good.

Ease of Use:
I throw the swith up and down for rythym and lead and rarely use the middle. I only use the peddle that come with the custom amp to kick up the lead. No peddle boxes and wires everywhere.

Support:
No issues. I could call them in Montana and thank them for my particular guitar, but I am sure they get enough of that type of response.

Overall:
The search is over. I own the three guitars I would need for the remainder of my life. Occaisionally I see a guitar at a store I pick up and play for a minute or two. I always leave the store greatful for what awaits me at home.