Gibson claims the ES-137 is a combination of its traditional semi-hollow-body single-cutaway guitars with the sound of a Les Paul Classic.

This is achieved by fitting the archtop with pickups and other features matching the Les Paul.

The format of archtop with a single florentine cutaway has been used by Gibson previously.

The basic body shape of the ES-137 is very close to Gibson's fully hollow-bodied ES-175.

This design eliminates feedback problems common with hollow-bodied guitars.