800-ZZOUNDS (800-996-8637)

When you call, mention priority code QRM-RN2X

Contact | Hours | FAQ | My Order

This product is no longer available at zZounds.

(In most cases, a product is unavailable because it has been discontinued by its manufacturer.)

Gibson ES-137 Classic Electric Guitar (with Case)

The Gibson ES-137 is a continuation of a guitarist's classic. With the familiar archtop semi-hollowbody, the Gibson ES-137 has unmistakable tone.

(45) Read 5 reviews for this product | Rate and Review This Product

Click to Enlarge

Triple Burst

overview specs docs more-info

zZounds is an
authorized Gibson dealer

The Gibson ES-137 is a modern classic in the making. Bringing a Les Paul edge to a classic archtop design, the ES-137 is an extremely versatile instrument capable of both mellow jazz and blazing rock tones. First introduced in 2002, the ES-137 has already earned a reputation as a one-of-a-kind Gibson guitar. As a semi-hollowbody, the ES-137 is excellent for jazz, while its distinct features and design elements make it an outstanding rock axe as well.

A Gibson Like No Other

Though at first glance, the ES-137 looks much like any number of other Gibson single cutaways archtops, a closer inspection reveals just how many unique features this tone machine has in store. For one, the body is is a bit thinner than an ES-175. The thinner body makes the guitar easier to hold, works to reduce feedback, and also makes for a bit tighter sound overall. Also unlike a more traditional single-cutaway, the ES-137 houses a solid mahogany centerblock which increases sustain and works to reduce feedback. Rounding out the list, the ES-137 uses a combination of a 490R and a 498T humbuckers as are often found on Les Pauls and SGs. The combination of these hotter pickups with the solid mahogany centerblock results in a semi-hollowbody guitar with all the bite of a classic Gibson solidbody.

Features:

- Single cutaway semi-hollowbody with solid mahogany centerblock
- Laminate maple top, back and sides, with three-piece maple neck
- Attractive trapazoidal inlays with unique emblam on twelfth fret
- Deep, Florentine-style cutaway
- Stylish burst-style finishes which highlight natural grain of maple
- Included Gibson hardshell case

Bringing a Les Paul edge to a stylish semi-hollowbody design, the ES-137 is a unique Gibson guitar. Equally well suited for rock and jazz, this versatile guitar is already becoming a modern classic. zZounds is an authorized dealer of Gibson products.

Body: Curly laminated Maple top, back, and rims

Body Dimensions: 16 in. (W) x 20 in. (L) x 2-1/4 in. (D)

Binding: Multi-ply cream binding on top, single-ply on back and neck

Hardware: Chrome or Gold

Bridge: Nashville tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece

Neck: 3-piece Maple

Fingerboard: 22-fret Rosewood

Inlays: Pearloid trapezoid

Neck Profile: Rounded

Scale Length: 24-3/4 in.

Nut Width: 1-11/16 in.

Tuners: Grover keystone

Pickups: 490R and 498T humbucking

Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way selector switch

Strings: Brite Wire .010

Includes: Black levant case

Gibson Warranty

Gibson Warranty

If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 800-4GIBSON

zZounds is an
authorized Gibson dealer

Product Description

zZounds is an
authorized Gibson dealer

The ES-137 Classic combines 2 classics -- the look of Gibson's single-cutaway semi-hollowbody guitars and the hot sound of a Gibson Les Paul Classic. The 490R and 498T humbucking pickups, plus trapezoid fingerboard inlays with an engraved "C" in the 12th-fret inlay, identify this new classic model.

Our extended 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on this product. Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!

Our Return Policy

Payment Options

Purchase Orders

What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds "I love zZounds' Play as you Pay installment plan. It enables me to get better gear and pay over several months with no hassle. My orders are always processed in a timely manner and their shipping is fast." - customer on May 6, 2013

Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 (45 ratings) Rate and Review This Product

Read all 5 Gibson ES137 Classic Electric Guitar (with Case) Reviews

"Gibson ES-137 Classic -- A True Modern Classic!"

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. 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. Ease of Use: Plays like a dream. 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. Manufacturer 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. The Wow Factor: 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. 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.

Style of Music: Blues, Jazz, Classic Rock and Original

19 of 21 people (90.48%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thanks for your opinion!

close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. "My Favorite Axe!!!"

Sound: I bought this for a nice departure from my Strat and PRS Custom 22, and it absolutely delivers. The tone has more of an "airy" sound to it, but it's a good thing. I play this a lot with some clean and lightly over-driven/sparkle tones, and it really works well there. This thing can certainly ROCK though. Punch in your overdrive or distortion and you can rock with the best of them. The Les Paul pick-ups are really versatile! This guitar can get lots of treble out of it, perfect for jazz, country, and with some overdrive behind it, really cutting through mix in a Rock setting. Feature: The color is gorgeous! The pick-ups are very good. The individual volume and tone for each pick-up is nice. Love the size and the TONE this thing gets. It can be a loud guitar. Ease of Use: I ordered this online from Zzounds, and pulled it out of the case and started playing right away. It did not take long to start dialing in the tones and sounds I wanted. My one caution: this has a NITROCELLULOSE laquer finish. You need to not set it down on most guitar stands, to protect the finish. Options available are to store it in the case or a wooden guitar stand (pricey though). I store mine in case, except for performances. I use a t-shirt material to put between the guitar and stands, when I need to set-it down during sets. Quality: Quality is very good. This is a Gibson Custom-Shop guitar, and you can tell when you play it. Value: I find this guitar one of the best values out there for a Gibson Custom Shop axe. It has that classic semi-hollowbody, which is timeless. Can go from Jazz to Rock in flick of switch, sounds amazing, and looks gorgeous. For the money, what more could you want in an axe? Manufacturer Support: No issues. The Wow Factor: This was a guitar I dreamed of for several weeks before I bought it, and was an instant favorite. It has my favorite color, look, pick-ups, custom-shop, and love the "C" in the middle. (of course, my name starts with C, like it was made just for me) Overall: I highly recommend this for the player looking for a different sound. I think my brother is about to buy one, because I keep raving about it. If you want something different, that sets you apart, and have the $ for a Gibson Custom-Shop, this is absolutely one of the best values you will find in market today.

Style of Music: rock, Country, Christian - Contemporary Praise

7 of 8 people (87.5%) found this review helpful. Did you?

Thanks for your opinion!

close [x]

Thank you. Your vote has been counted. Could you briefly tell us why the review was or was not helpful?

Read all 5 Gibson ES137 Classic Electric Guitar (with Case) Reviews

800-zZounds (800-996-8637)

Available on
orders $249+

learn more

Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.: We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.: It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.: No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

Available on
orders $249+

learn more

Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.: We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.: It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.: No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

You don't have to trade service for savings when you shop at zZounds!

We'll beat any price: Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy: Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link: Next to the item you want, or give us a call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).

With zZounds you'll never have to worry that you paid too much.

We'll beat any price: Really. It's not a problem for us. In fact, we'll thank you for the chance to live up to our lowest price guarantee!
It's fast and easy: Just tell us where you saw the lower price - another website, an email offer, your local store - and we'll send you our lowest price offer in a matter of hours.
Simply click the Seen it for less? link: Next to the item you want, or give us a call at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637).

on most orders $49+

Just $2.99 on
smaller orders

Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

learn more

Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!: No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery: We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!: Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.

1. We offer the most flexible payment plans in the biz

zZounds offers a number of different installment payment plans that make it affordable and convenient for you to get the gear you really want today, without racking up risky credit card debt.

Other stores offer house credit cards that require you to fill out an application and pass a credit check--and, if you qualify, leave you vulnerable to exorbitant interest charges once the initial promotional period ends. zZounds payment plans are easy to get and simple to use; plus we'll never charge you interest!

zZounds payment plans details »

2. We guarantee the lowest price

If we don't already have the lowest price, just send us a link to any legitimate competitor's offer, and we'll beat their price as long as we're not losing money on the deal.

To submit a request for a lower price, click "Seen it for less?" on any product page. We answer most lowest price requests within two hours. For extra peace of mind, you also have 30 days after your purchase to find a lower price; if you do, we'll refund the difference.

zZounds.com price match details »

3. You'll get your gear fast

Because we have two well-situated warehouses--one on each coast--nearly three- quarters of the US population is located within our two-day shipping zones. Plus, we keep both warehouses well stocked with all the most popular products, so you'll usually get your gear fast without having to pay more for expedited shipping.

In fact, zZounds offers free two-day delivery on many of our best-selling products!

zZounds.com shipping details »

4. We make returns super easy

You have 30 days to try your gear at home, in your practice space or studio. If you're not absolutely in love with the sound you're getting, just let us know. We'll promptly arrange for an exchange or a refund without the hassles or hidden charges you face with some of our competitors. If there's something wrong with the gear you bought from us, we'll email you an electronic return label so you can return it easily and free of charge.

zZounds.com return details »

5. Our customer service is consistently rated the best

zZounds customer service is consistently rated at or near the top on every major comparison shopping website--probably because we only hire experienced musicians with outstanding customer service skills to work in our call center, and they don't work on commission. To us, this is our most meaningful measure of success. zZounds has served over a million customers since 1996, and they're the only critics whose reviews really matter to us.

zZounds.com customer service »

Available on
orders $249+

learn more

Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.: We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.: It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.: No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

on most orders $49+

Just $2.99 on
smaller orders

Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

learn more

Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!: No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery: We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!: Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.

A guarantee so solid, you never have to worry about price when shopping at zZounds

We'll beat any price: Simply click the Seen it for less? link next to the gear you want or call us at 800-zZounds (800-996-8637)
Got a coupon from another site?: Use it with us - we'll beat those prices, too!
Find a better price after buying from us?: No problem. We'll refund you the difference for 30 days, so you'll never regret buying from zZounds.

You'll still get the trustworthy service you've come to expect from zZounds, without paying more for your gear!