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Serial #: A-36116, orange oval label Factory Order #: S2433-4

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Materials: Solid mahogany neck; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; arched slab-cut figured maple top, sides and back; dual-parallelogram mother of pearl fingerboard inlay and thistle peghead inlay; triple bound top, bound back.

Hardware: All original nickel hardware includes twin Gibson Patent Applied For humbucking pickups and electronics, zig-zag trapeze tailpiece; compensated Brazilian rosewood adjustable bridge; beveled 5-ply pickguard; 3 way control switch with cream tip, gold bell knobs, original Kluson Deluxe single line single ring tuners with vintage correct hand antiqued tulip keys.

Notes: Since its introduction in 1949, the Gibson ES-175 has been the most popular jazz guitar in the world. The twin pickup ES-175D debuted in 1951, and the model became Gibson's first model to be fitted with the humbucking pickup in 1957. Since its inception over half a century ago, the classic ES-175 has remained in the Gibson catalog continuously to this day.

According to its factory order number, this guitar was built in 1959, with the serial number on the label indicating that the guitar was shipped from the factory in 1960. (The back of the peghead still bears the original store sticker from C.A. House Music, an Ohio Valley retailer since 1872.) One of only 116 blonde examples (about a third the number of sunbursts) this outstanding guitar embodies the most sought after features of the ES-175: the natural finish, the twin original white bobbin Patent Applied For pickups, and the generous 1 11/16" fingerboard.

The guitar has been maintained in superb condition, showing all original finish without pick, thumb or fingerboard wear. With only a few random lacquer nicks on the back and sides, the warmly ambered blonde finish highlights the birdseye maple back to great advantage, with just enough normal checking to confirm its originality. Hardware and electronics are all original as well, including nickel wriggle tailpiece, original beveled pickguard and knobs, and control pots still in their original shielding cans. The solid bone nut has been replaced some time ago, the strap button was moved from the top of the heel to the heelcap, and the original Kluson Deluxe single ring tuners have vintage correct, hand antiqued replacement tulip keys, with a few of the tuner screw holes showing some eyelash size cracks where they were installed. Amazingly, the original Lifton 'California Girl' case still retains the guitar's original factory hang tag.

The twin PAF pickups are incomparably warm and rich, with original nickel covers, and measure 7.93K at the neck and 8.10K at the bridge. At just 6lb. 9oz. the guitar is notably well balanced, and substantially lighter than contemporary reissues. The neck profile is a comfy gentle medium C, neither clubby nor skinny, with the generous full dimension 1 11/16" fingerboard, and plays effortlessly with smooth low action over freshly dressed original fretwork. The 24 3/4" scale is fast and nimble, the feedback resistant 16" body is easy to cradle, and the tone is as sweet and rich as butterscotch itself. Babied since new, this gleaming guitar is the ultimate example of Gibson's hardest-working jazz box. The rarest of birds: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original Gibson Lifton brown alligator hardshell case with pink plush lining, and original factory hang tag.

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