1957 Gibson ES-140TN, Natural, Ex-Martin Barre

A very cool, exceptionally rare piece from Gibson’s golden era, this natural finish 1957 Gibson ES-140TN is not only a seldom-seen model but also carries the added interest of previous ownership by Martin Barre. The ES-140T was introduced in 1956 as a replacement for the earlier deeper body ES-140, offering a slimmer thinline construction while retaining the shorter scale that made the model popular with players looking for a lightweight, compact hollowbody.

Examples finished in Natural are exceptionally scarce. Production records indicate that just 57 Natural ES-140TNs were produced between 1956 and 1958, with only 27 shipped in 1957. By comparison, several hundred sunburst versions were produced in the same year, making the Natural finish variant one of the rarer Gibson electrics of the period and a model that is very seldom encountered, particularly here in the UK.

The guitar features the classic ES-140T construction with a compact laminated maple thinline body and pointed Florentine cutaway. The Natural lacquer finish has aged beautifully over time, mellowing to a warm amber hue that highlights the grain beneath. Overall condition of the body is excellent, with the finish showing a lovely vintage patina, presenting as a very clean and well-preserved example.

The one-piece mahogany neck is paired with an unbound rosewood fingerboard carrying pearl dot inlays. With its short 22¾" scale length and neck-to-body join at the 14th fret, the guitar has a lively and very comfortable feel. The neck finish remains in great shape and the instrument plays well with its original nut and original frets.

Electronics are centred around the original P-90 pickup in the neck position, controlled by volume and tone knobs mounted on the lower bout. This pickup delivers exactly the kind of clear, woody and articulate voice that small hollow Gibsons are known for, being warm and open at lower gain but with plenty of bite when pushed.

Besides the changed tuners, all hardware remains correct. The guitar retains its rosewood bridge with compensating saddle, the correct nickel trapeze tailpiece with raised diamond motif, and the distinctive tortoiseshell celluloid pickguard with original bracket. The amber bonnet knobs are also correct.

A superb, rare example, in excellent condition, this ES-140TN - particularly with its connection to Martin Barre - is a highly collectible and unusual Gibson that is rarely encountered on the market. This one won’t last long!

Comes complete with its original Gibson brown card case.