Gibson thinline guitar schematics offer a look at Gibson’s semi-hollow body electric guitar’s evolution. These drawings document circuits from early single-pickup instruments to sophisticated stereo and Varitone designs. This collections clearly shows how how Gibson experimented with different combinations as the instruments developed. Interestingly, some circuits were simplified over time and early advanced tone controls were phased out in the 70’s.
I acquired these schematics during a guitar repair seminar in Kalamazoo in August 1979. They are presented here as historical documentation that may be useful for repairs, restorations and anyone interested in Gibson electronics…or simply looking for inspiration for a new design.
Gibson Thinline Guitar Schematics – All
Gibson thinline guitar schematic covering 14 two-pickup models: ES335Pro ES325TD, ES175T, Crest, ES360, Barney Kessel, ES125D, ES330TD, ES335TD-12, ES335TD, Byrdland, ES125TD, ES355TD, and ES350TD. The original drawing is dated July 1965 and was redrawn November 26, 1974. The circuit specifies 500K ohm audio-taper potentiometers and .02 microfarad capacitors. A later note states that models after 7-1-73 use 300K audio controls, Gibson part #70-028.
Gibson Thinline Guitar Schematics – 1959
An earlier version of this circuit, dated 1959, covers the same 13 models shown in the later drawing above. The models remained in this circuit family through the following years, while Gibson revised the documentation and eventually changed the control specifications.
Gibson Thinline Guitar Schematics – 1955
This 1955 Gibson thinline guitar electronics schematic covers six models: ES120T, ES125T, ES140T, ES150, ES225T, and ES330T. Of these, only the ES125 and ES330 continued into the later circuit family represented in the schematics above. Noteably, this single pickup circuit marks the birth of Gibson’s thinline guitars and the .02mfd tone capacitors represent a standard which remained stable until the 1970’s when .047mfd became common on solid body electric guitars.
Gibson ES150D Guitar Schematics
The ES150D is totally unlike the ES150 Charlie Christian model and closer to an ES335 outline but thicker and a true hollow body whereas the 335 style has a solid maple block running through the center of the body which emulates Les Paul’s original log design. Also, note the extra master volume control in the circuit and in the image near the treble cutaway.
Gibson Stereo Varitone Guitar Schematics
This 1959 Gibson thinline guitar schematic covers the ES335TDSV, ES345TD, and ES355TDSV. The six-position tone circuit uses capacitors and a choke to provide selectable filter characteristics, including a high-pass response that is unusual in passive guitar electronics. The circuit represents a sophisticated approach to giving players repeatable tonal settings rather than relying on continuously variable tone controls.
