1957 Gibson ES-140T, Sunburst, Ex-Martin Barre
A very cool, clean 1957 Gibson ES-140T in Sunburst, formerly owned and played by Martin Barre. Introduced in 1956 as the thinline successor to the earlier full-body ES-140, the ES-140T combined Gibson’s classic hollowbody construction with a compact body and short scale, creating one of the most charming and distinctive small electrics of the 1950s.
Finished in its original Sunburst, this example presents beautifully and remains in excellent overall condition. The laminated maple thinline body has aged nicely, with the burst retaining great depth and warmth while showing the gentle patina that only decades of natural ageing can bring. The neck finish is original and remains in very good condition, contributing to a wonderful feeling instrument.
The one-piece mahogany neck carries a comfortable medium-to-chunky C profile that feels substantial without being oversized, pairing perfectly with the ES-140T’s short 22¾" scale length. The rosewood fingerboard features pearl dot inlays and appears to retain its original frets, which retain good height and overall the guitar plays great.
Electronics are centred around the correct single dog-ear P-90 pickup in the neck position delivering a warm, woody tone with plenty of clarity and bite when pushed, perfectly suited to the resonant hollowbody construction of the ES-140T.
Hardware remains correct throughout, including the original rosewood bridge with preset compensating saddle and the distinctive nickel trapeze tailpiece with raised diamond. The tortoiseshell celluloid pickguard and bracket are also correct for the period, while the amber bonnet knobs appear original and complete the classic late-’50s Gibson aesthetic.
The only notable change is a set of reproduction single-line Kluson Deluxe tuners. In addition, a strap button has been added near the neck heel along with a white plastic strap button at the end pin position.
The guitar is housed in its original Gibson “crocodile”card case, which still bears a period Jethro Tull sticker; a lovely touch that ties the instrument directly to its former owner.
Compact, lightweight and full of vintage charm, the ES-140T is one of those Gibson models that quietly punches above its weight in terms of character and playability. With its excellent condition, classic 1957 specification and connection to Martin Barre, this is a very cool and collectible example of a wonderfully quirky late-’50s Gibson.
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Description
A very cool, clean 1957 Gibson ES-140T in Sunburst, formerly owned and played by Martin Barre. Introduced in 1956 as the thinline successor to the earlier full-body ES-140, the ES-140T combined Gibson’s classic hollowbody construction with a compact body and short scale, creating one of the most charming and distinctive small electrics of the 1950s.
Finished in its original Sunburst, this example presents beautifully and remains in excellent overall condition. The laminated maple thinline body has aged nicely, with the burst retaining great depth and warmth while showing the gentle patina that only decades of natural ageing can bring. The neck finish is original and remains in very good condition, contributing to a wonderful feeling instrument.
The one-piece mahogany neck carries a comfortable medium-to-chunky C profile that feels substantial without being oversized, pairing perfectly with the ES-140T’s short 22¾" scale length. The rosewood fingerboard features pearl dot inlays and appears to retain its original frets, which retain good height and overall the guitar plays great.
Electronics are centred around the correct single dog-ear P-90 pickup in the neck position delivering a warm, woody tone with plenty of clarity and bite when pushed, perfectly suited to the resonant hollowbody construction of the ES-140T.
Hardware remains correct throughout, including the original rosewood bridge with preset compensating saddle and the distinctive nickel trapeze tailpiece with raised diamond. The tortoiseshell celluloid pickguard and bracket are also correct for the period, while the amber bonnet knobs appear original and complete the classic late-’50s Gibson aesthetic.
The only notable change is a set of reproduction single-line Kluson Deluxe tuners. In addition, a strap button has been added near the neck heel along with a white plastic strap button at the end pin position.
The guitar is housed in its original Gibson “crocodile”card case, which still bears a period Jethro Tull sticker; a lovely touch that ties the instrument directly to its former owner.
Compact, lightweight and full of vintage charm, the ES-140T is one of those Gibson models that quietly punches above its weight in terms of character and playability. With its excellent condition, classic 1957 specification and connection to Martin Barre, this is a very cool and collectible example of a wonderfully quirky late-’50s Gibson.
