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1966-9 Gibson ES-175

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Serial #: 600636, orange oval "Union Made" label

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 9/16"

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: Original chrome hardware includes Gibson Patent # humbucking pickups and electronics; wriggle trapeze tailpiece, compensated adjustable Tune-O-Matic bridge with brass saddles and rosewood base. Vintage correct hand antiqued hardware includes nickel Kluson double ring tuners, beveled 5-ply pickguard and bracket. Gold reflector cap knobs installed, original black bonnet knobs in case.

Notes: Since its introduction in 1949, the Gibson ES-175 has been the most popular jazz guitar in the world. The 175 was 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.

This example has been kept in wonderful shape, free of pick, thumb or fingerboard wear. The top and back show attractive slab cut figure in the arched maple, and this lightweight example weighs in at just 6 lb 10 oz, far lighter than recent versions, and beautifully balanced in the lap or on the strap. The neck is fast and nimble, with that sleek profile found only in these late '60's classics, and the action is low and smooth over fine high recent medium jumbo frets. The 24 3/4" scale is fast and nimble, the Pat # humbucker is fat and sweet, and the 16" body is easy to cradle and substantially resistant to feedback. It's rich original vintage sunburst finish shows light traces of scattered checking, and a bit of spot touchup on the back. The quintessential working jazz box, and a most welcome find indeed.

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: Deluxe arched black plush lined hardshell case.

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