From the “Blue Book:”
ES 137 Classic C/CU (ES3C)
– similar to the ES-137, except has rosewood fingerboard with pearloid trapezoid inlays, white top/body binding, chrome or gold hardware, C is inlaid between 11th and 12th fret, CU model is Smartwood (disc. 2005, originally a $500 premium over standard finishes), available in Blues Burst (2002-2011), Candy Apple Red (disc. 2004), Ebony (new 2012), Heritage Cherry Sunburst (2002-2011), Light Burst (Smartwood only until 2004), Silver (2002-2011), Trans. Black (2002-2011), or Triburst (Smartwood only until 2005) finish, mfg. 2002-present. Gibson produced two ES-137 Classics in double cutaway configuration, but they never made it into full production.
From Me:
Made in 2003 – Gibson were trying to figure out a DC version of the ES137 – they made two – one is hung in one of the manager’s offices at Gibson – this is the other! – AND it’s the only one in cherry burst!
- Unmarked gold wear, Grover tuners.
- Rosewood fingerboard and frets are in excellent condition.
- Paintwork only shows minor swirl marks.
- 57 Classic Humbuckers, and original crackle free electronics.
- Generous neck (more like a 50’s style).
- Quilted maple Front Back and sides, offset with a gorgeous cherryburst finish. It’s definitely “One of a Kind!”
Original Gibson case is near unmarked, and there’s a letter from Gibson backing up the story behind this one’s production.