The "Version 2.0" 2006 ES-165 Herb Ellis employs the rare BJB floating humbucker often found in Custom Shop Citation models, taking this wonderful ES-175 artist model variant to elevated sonic territory.

What To Know

World renowned jazz guitarist Herb Ellis has enjoyed not one but two signature Gibson models - the ES-165 Herb Ellis. The first version used a more traditional humbucker in the neck position, while the second version seen before you employs the rare Custom Shop BJB Floating pickup - an off-menu pickup of sorts, found only on some of the most expensive archtop instruments that Gibson has built for the better part of 20 years (e.g. Citation).

This mid 2000s build has been very well maintained and looks fabulous in its original Light Burst finish, showing off highly figured Maple laminate at all angles. A wonderful playing medium C shaped Mahogany neck with bound Rosewood fingerboard and parallelogram inlays retains the classic ES-175 look, while the Grover Rotomatic tuners and tunomatic ABR-1 bridge offering slicker tuning stability and intonation for the modern player. The aforementioned BJB pickup is stellar sounding, with distinct chime and clarity without lacking warmth and depth.

Condition: Excellent-. Outside of some light pick scratches on the pickguard and play areas on the top coat, this reads as a very clean, well kept example. Frets are in excellent shape with virtually no wear. Light patina on the tuners, pickup, and bridge. It's currently set up with 12 gauge roundwound strings and plays great.