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1957 Gibson ES-175DN
Of the 446 ES-175D guitars recorded to have shipped in 1957, only 175 were finished in Natural. Sporting an unmodified and unopened set of stickered PAF pickups and being in excellent, all-original, lovely, condition throughout, this ES-175DN is a truly wonderful example of the model. The instrument's only flaw are three screw holes hidden under the tailpiece hangar left from a previous Bigsby installation. There are no extra holes on the instrument's top, making the installation of the Bigsby very difficult to spot. There is a slight tan line left from the Bigsby which is mostly covered by the original squiggle tailpiece that’s been reinstalled. The potentiometers are sealed in shielding cartons with unbroken original solder joints.
The original PAF pickups, reading 7.48 (B) and 7.55 (N) respectively, offer tones that are harmonically rich, with excellent clarity, dynamics, and have a beautiful airy quality in the top end. Every time we get to sit with a set of unmodified wide-magnet PAFs we are reminded as to why these pickups have developed such a devout following.
With a full, rounded late '50s neck profile and original frets that remain in excellent condition, this guitar plays beautifully and sets-up very well. The neck angle is good, with 4-5 action at the 12th fret and room to come down at the bridge if needed.
Scale length of 24-3/4", nut width of 1-11/16", 1st fret depth of 0.906", 12th fret depth of 0.975", weight of 6lbs 6oz. Fully hollow-body construction with laminated maple top, back and sides; mahogany neck; and rosewood fingerboard and bridge.
With original hardshell case.
