Gibson's ES-175 has long been considered the stage jazzbox since its inception in 1949. When the model adapted PAF humbuckers in 1957, it took on another voice that made it even more popular among jazz and blues artists. The PAFs combined with the 16" body and 3 1/2" depth provided a rich and dynamic response with more fundamental power.

This 1962 Gibson ES-175D is without question a premier example of this model. It was purchased new by Worcester, Massachusetts native and jazz musician Peter Clemente, who was a staple in the jazz scene for decades. He operated Clemente Music Studio in Worcester, MA, a revered teaching studio that is still in business today. Peter used this ES-175 throughout his long, tenured career, and took great care of the instrument as well. It certainly shows!

According to Gibson's shipping ledgers, this ES-175D was completed on December 7, 1962, and retains all of its original parts with nothing more than routine string changes and an occasional setup over the years. The original Sunburst finish has a nice dark Tobacco brown edge that transitions wonderfully into the golden yellow burst with a slight hint of red in the transition. This great burst is replicated on the back, with a dark Walnut stain on the sides that contrasts beautifully.

It's sporting a factory set of nickel cover PAF humbuckers, completely untouched with the original solder joints and tied to an entirely original wiring harness with original pots. History has shown us that these lovely sounding ES-175s loaded with PAFs are often the victim of pickup poaching, as these highly prized and desired pickups get pulled from archtops and hollowbodies for Les Pauls, SGs, and ES-335s. It's a real treat to have the original pickups in this guitar, and they sound stunning! Warm, rich neck pickup tones and clear, defined bridge pickup tones with a sweetness and touch-sensitivity few modern pickups can replicate. They're a perfect tonal companion for such a capable instrument.

The neck carve is exacting to early 60s specs; slim C profile with a slim taper. The original frets have gotten used but certainly maintain enough meat for more years of enjoyment; they are currently well dressed and play great. Original single-line Kluson tuners with double ring tulip buttons are fully functional and also quite clean. The original pickguard shows signs of cupping, which is very common, but does not influence or hinder playability with the right hand. Original gold reflector knobs also present in great condition with minimal fading and/or wear.

The guitar comes with its original black hardshell case with yellow interior, and to our surprise included the original hangtag and pickup instruction sheet! We've chosen to incorporate some great articles about the original owner that were included with the instrument as well, which tells such a great story about a superb musician.

Collectors and players alike can appreciate the condition and originality along with the uncompromisingly excellent playability and tone. It's the "total package" ES-175.

Condition: Excellent. Normal signs of use and handling, but overall excellent shape. The original finish shows lacquer checking and some minor nicks and dings throughout (most notably on the lower bout sides of the body where the guitar would've made contact with a stand). Hardware is quite clean with beautiful natural patina, and the original plastics are also in great shape with nothing beyond age-appropriate wear.

• Fully hollow laminated Maple body with nitrocellulose Sunburst finish
• Mahogany neck with bound Rosewood fingerboard and parallelogram inlays
• Neck profile: .81" @ 1st fret / .87" @ 10th fret
  
• Original "Single Line" Kluson tuners
• Original pickguard
  
• Original PAF pickups w/ original nickel covers and undisturbed solder joints: 7.82k ohm Neck pickup / 7.50k ohm Bridge pickup
• Original electronics
• Original Rosewood bridge and 'zigzag' nickel-plated tailpiece
  
• Weight: 6lb 11oz
  
• Serial # 92278