The Gibson ES-175 was introduced in 1949 as the companies mid level electric arch top, as a more affordable option to the high end L5 models, and remained the companies flagship deep body electric arch top for 70 years. This model from 1953 is a wonderful example of an early ES-175, equipped with a single P90 as opposed to the humbuckers seen on later models. Constructed from a carved Maple top with Maple back and sides, the ES-175 was the first Gibson model to feature the Florentine cutaway design. This guitar features a late '60s adjustable Gibson bridge, as opposed to the carved rosewood bridge it would have originally been fitted with. The neck has a typical early '50s profile, feeling full and very playable. The fingerboard features split parallelogram inlays, and a headstock with the Gibson crown peg head inlay.
This guitar is in very good condition, with the kind of play wear and patina you would expect for an instrument of its age. The finish is original and retains its vibrant sunburst. The P90 pickup is also original, and has the kind of warm, jazzy tone you would expect from an ES-175. The tuners and bridge have been replaced with late '60s Kluson and Gibson equivalents respectively, and the original pots have been replaced with CTS pots that date to 1978. The pick guard is also non original. Other than that, the rest of the hardware and electronics are original, and the guitar includes a non original hard case.
This guitar has been given a full service by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
