Gibson ES-175D (1962)

From its lifelong stint in a California residence, this ES-175D could fool even the most meticulous of guitar fanatics into thinking it wasn't a 61 year old guitar. The condition is simply stunning, to the point where we haven't been able to discover a single lacquer check on the guitar.

As much as we can appreciate the level of preservation, it's really the tone of these great early 60s ES-175s that drives us wild. Based on the serial number, we estimate that this guitar was shipped out in the Fall of 1962. Its original and undisturbed Patent # humbuckers would be the first of the post-PAF type, which is essentially the same construction with a different sticker. Tonally, they're as sweet and dynamic sounding as you could imagine. Neck pickup tone is big and clear, with that great natural compression and "chirp" we often associate with PAF-spec pickups. You can hear even more of that with both pickups on, as the bridge pickup brings in more focus and fundamental attack with the acoustic woodiness and resonance the 175 body provides.

The early 60s neck carve is excellent - less flat and thin than what you'd typically find in mid/late 1960, with a nice even taper that maintains comfort for chords and single note work alike. The original Kluson single line tuners are in fantastic condition and work great, and the original Rosewood bridge shows little string wear.

To top it off, the guitar includes its equally clean Lifton hardshell case - certainly among the cleanest original cases we've ever seen paired with a 50s or 60s Gibson. The original hang tag also survived, and is included with the sale.

The list of vintage guitars that have come through TME in this condition is quite short, and this ES-175D could very well take the top spot.