Gibson ES-175D Natural (USED, 1960)
Vintage
Gibson's ES-175 model needs little introduction these days. It has become a staple in the jazz world since its introduction in 1949. Offered initially in single-pickup configuration, the 'D' model (D stands for 'double' in this instance) followed shortly thereafter, expanding the tonal versatility that opened up avenues for the jazz box to step into other genres like Western Swing and Blues.
This 1960 Gibson ES-175D features the much rarer Natural finish and is outfitted with an original pair of PAF pickups - a truly devastating combination of looks and tone! The original "zigzag" tailpiece and Rosewood bridge gave way to a Bigsby B3 and accompanying aluminum bridge many years ago. Although some purists might consider it sacrilege, it's transformed a classic archtop electric into a bit of a Gretsch killer, adding some top end zing and bite along with great vibrato. It's unique playability is something that we frankly haven't experienced before in an ES-175.
The neck carve is still decidedly in the '59 camp, with a rounder, fuller shape and bigger taper than what would follow just a month or so after this guitar was built. It still sports the original small fret wire that is dressed on the lower side but still quite playable. The original Kluson 'single line' tuners are still healthy and functional as well.
An untouched factory wiring harness complete with the intact and undisturbed potentiometer cans work without issue. The pickguard is original with a small repair done to the fingerboard extension mount on the underside of the guard.
Overall condition is Very Good. The finish shows moderate lacquer checking throughout, with normal signs of handling and play wear consistent with a guitar of this age. There are some areas of clouding under the top coat, likely due to sweat and body contact. The guitar is free from breaks and repairs. The PAFs had their covers off at some point, but they were reinstalled some time before the prior owner took ownership of it some 30+ years ago. All in all, a fantastic example of a PAF-loaded ES-175.
Priced with vintage brown Lifton Super 400 hardshell case that is in excellent condition.
- Laminated Maple body
- Original Natural finish
- Mahogany neck w/ bound Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard
- 58/59 Neck Profile: .88" @ 1st fret / 1.00" @ 10th fret
- Original Kluson Single Line tuners
- Original PAF humbuckers: 7.49k (neck) / 8.01k (bridge)
- Original wiring harness with factory soldered pot cans
- Bigsby B3 tailpiece
- Aluminum Bigsby bridge
- Weight: 7lbs
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