We are always excited to get one of these classic early cutway Gibson electric archtops. The ES-175 was introduced in 1949 and this one was made in just the 4th year of the model. The original P90 in this one has the amazing tone one hopes for. While it certainly has more versatility, if you want to get the sound of Herb Ellis or Jim Hall on so many of their classic recordings, this guitar makes it easy to nail them. The frets are still orignal and while they show considerable wear, the guitar plays effortlessly with a set of Thomastik-Infeld JS113 strings (.013-.053). It frets very easily with no buzzing.
This one is mostly original. The finish is all original with no lacquer overspray. The tuners, Brazilian rosewood bridge and control knobs are all original. It has an aged WD replacement tailpiece on it. The original tailpiece is included. It is fully functional, but has an interesting repair job which while it doesn't look great, it appears well done and quite solid. The replacment tailpiece is mounted with the original screws. The area around the output jack shows some very light stress cracks, but it has been reinforced internally and fortunately there are no cracks through the wood. This should now stay completely stable through all normal use. The original volume potentiometer is included, but we replaced it with a new one, as the original was basically functioning as a crackly on-off switch at this point in its life. The nut is chipped on the bass side corner, but it functions perfectly. In short, all of the guitars orignal parts are included, although the tailpiece and volume pot have been changed out on the guitar.
The original hardshell Lifton case with the brown alligator print covering is also included. All orignal hinges and latches work. The liner has come apart slighly in one spot at the contact point of the endpin, but is otherwise in very good condition for a 70 year old case.
Ships free in the continental United States. We also ship worldwide. Please contact us for international rates.