From Guitar World · · 1m 30s
The $200 Gibson that made George Thorogood
A last-minute pawn shop find became the signature guitar that defined a rock legend's five-decade career.
In brief
A last-minute pawn shop find became the signature guitar that defined a rock legend's five-decade career. The right tool at the right moment can shape an entire career, even when it's a desperate $200 purchase. Originally reported by Guitar World.
Broke musician, one week to prepare
George Thorogood was traveling as an acoustic street musician when his bandmate Jeff booked a gig without warning. He had $200 and needed an electric guitar fast.
“I was broke. I only had $200, and we booked a gig.”
The pawn shop discovery
At a local pawn shop, Thorogood found a Gibson ES-125 priced at exactly $200, sitting on the shelf for years. He bought it on the spot.
“there was this guitar at a pawn shop, a $200 Gibson that had been there for years. So, I bought it.”
Why the ES-125 worked
The semi-acoustic Gibson ES-125 was ideal for Thorogood's transition from acoustic to electric. The Beatles and Keith Richards played similar guitars, which gave him confidence in the choice.
“If it's good enough for The Beatles and The Stones, it's good enough for George.”
Decades of wear and tear
Thorogood played the ES-125 exclusively for decades, wearing out multiple guitars. Repairs cost thousands of dollars, and Gibson stopped making the model around 1970.
“I wore them out so bad; it was costing thousands of dollars to repair them.”
Epiphone steps in with custom guitars
When Gibson ES-125s became unavailable, Thorogood's manager partnered with Epiphone to create custom archtop guitars matching his original. They donated ten guitars and worked to match the vintage sound.
“our manager got together with Epiphone, and they donated me like 10 Epiphone guitars.”
The Gibson still reigns supreme
Though Thorogood now plays Epiphones on stage, he admits the original Gibson ES-125 remains incomparable. He compares the difference to hitting a baseball into the upper deck versus sliding into second base.
“There's no comparison. It's like hitting a ball into the upper deck.”
What matters most
The right tool at the right moment can shape an entire career, even when it's a desperate $200 purchase.
