1963 Gibson ES-125 TCD

[auburn99]

Hey everyone:

I have a Gibson ES-125 TCD...that I know. The serial number is 117019. I have played guitar for a long while, but I'm clueless on vintage guitars, especially Gibsons, since I'm a strat guy. It looks all original and the frets are surprisingly in good shape (hard to tell if guitar was ever refretted). Anyway, the serial number is 117019. Based on some research, it appears it is a 1963. Is this right? Also, the finish looks like a tobacco sunburst, not a cherry sunburst, which seems odd because all of the 1963's I've seen on the internet are cherry sunburst.

I plan on selling this very soon. So, my question is, what is the approximate value of this guitar? Like I said, I'm no expert, but I would rate its condition as "good." There are some nicks on the headstock and some dings here and there, but no serious buckle rash that I can see. Also, the action is very high.... not sure if the neck needs to be reset or not.

Thanks, and sorry in advance for the long-winded post.

[Spud1950]

I'm no expert,but I can give you some info that give you a good idea as to value. This site puts the value from $1700 to $2500. Scroll down to bottom of the page.



Here's one for sale. Asking price is $2695.



Here's one that sold on eBay for $1,737.88.



Of the others I saw for the sale on the net,the prices were all pretty much in the $1700 dollar range. I read that that model was one of Gibsons entry or student level guitars.Nice guitar but doesn't rate high for collectability.

As far as the year of your guitar by the serial number, I don't know. The old Gibson system was really confusing. Check out this page. Scroll down to the serial number section.



Edit - I just found one for sale on the Gruhn Guitars site. $2500. George Gruhn is recognized as the most knowledgable and respected authority on vintage guitars and their values. Scroll down the page to find your model.

[auburn99]

Thanks for the info Spud. That's a big help.