Gibson's ES-175 was introduced in 1949 and went on to become the company's most successful professional electric archtop model. It was in production for the 70 years that followed and was finally retired from standard production for 2019.

This first-year example features the tall clear barrel knobs typical of that period as well as an early-style P-90 pickup, original tailpiece, and 5 of 6 original patent applied for Kluson tuners. The original crumbling pickguard was with the guitar when we first sold it a number of years ago but was well beyond practical repair. The replacement is beautifully made, even if not quite historically accurate! The guitar's body, complete wire harness and finish are factory original and the serial number label is in excellent shape as well. 

What may not be original to the guitar is the neck, which may be an old replacement that was fitted with the ES-175's original fingerboard, tuners, and pearl headstock crown transplanted. This was something that the widow of this guitar's long-time owner (since the mid 1950s) was quite surprised to learn when the guitar was brought to our shop. If the neck was switched it must have happened quite early on in the its life, as it has aged quite uniformly with the body (that, and that its the owner of the last 60+ years didn't know about it). Although there is ancient lacquer touchup visible around the heel and a gold decal logo instead of pearl, the neck swap would be easy to miss if it was, in fact, done.

The guitar is well-used but well-cared-for. The body is in excellent condition with stunning patina to its original finish. The neck finish is worn off in areas and the frets have been replaced at least once. The tuners show corrosion due to the decaying celluloid pickguard that was stored up by the headstock in the case, but they still work very well with original tulip buttons that look gorgeous. The package presents really well, with all kinds of vintage guitar vibe and mojo, and no evidence of misuse.

The modern frets, installed by our shop, are only slightly worn. The high E string buzzes on the pickup’s cover, due to the shape of the top arch and the height of the rounder and taller 1940s P-90, and frets out past the 12th. We’ve opted to keep the original installed, but replacing the P-90 cover with a lower profile modern version would correct this issue.

The neck has a round carve and a first fret thickness of .857”. 1-11/16 nut width, 24.75” scale. P-90 DC resistance measures 7.0k

With TKL hardshell case.