1956 Gibson ES-175DN Arch Top Electric Guitar- Used

$7,000.00

Details

Here is a chance to own a vintage 1956 Gibson ES-175 with the desirable original Blonde finish. Structurally, the guitar is in great condition and it comes to us fitted with a pair of 1960’s Gibson patent number humbucking pickups that sound excellent and nails the classic Joe Pass tone that so many jazz and blues players love about this model.

This guitar would originally have had two Dogear P-90 pickups but at some point a previous owner had the guitar routed for humbuckers. The bridge pickup is missing its patent sticker but we are confident that it is an original 1960’s Gibson pickup. The neck pickup still retains its original patent number sticker. There is a slightly visible outline from the previous Dogear P-90 cover along with a plugged screw hole for each of the pickups. This can be seen in the photographs.

The neck profile is typical for a mid 1950’s Gibson, with a full C shape and a nut width of 1 and 11/16th’s. The guitar was refretted with period correct low and wide fretwire that is still in great shape without much wear. The sound and playability on this guitar is excellent.

The tuning machines have been replaced with a new set of Klusons and the exposed screw holes from a previous set of tuners have been filled. The tailpiece and bridge have also been replaced. All of the replaced parts were swapped with gold versions - pickup covers, tailpiece, bridge, tuning machines.

The potentiometers and knobs have also been replaced and solid shaft size on the pots is a bit larger than a standard pot found on a Gibson from this period. This means that any replacement knobs will need to have a set screw or of course the pots can always be replaced and standard knobs installed. Lastly, the hardshell case is a later replacement case in good condition.