GIBSON ES-175 DN, 1968

We are really proud to offer for sale this great instrument: the most popular of all the jazz guitars in its cool and highly sought-after natural blond finish, with a beautifully figured maple body and ALL original (the only exception being the "security-lock" strap-buttons). This guitar has always been professionally used and well cared-for.

This 175 was built by Gibson in the last part of 1968 and has already several transitional features which will become the rule from 1969. While the serial number is unmistakebly a '68 number, the guitar features the three-piece mahogany neck, the trapeze tailpiece instead of the zig-zag unit and Kluson-made Gibson Deluxe "double line-double ring" tuners with the D-169400 patent number. The original set had been replaced by Grovers without drilling new screw-holes. Now the original tuners are back, and the Grover marks on the back of the headstock are almost completely hidden by the Gibson-Kluson plates (see pics), while on the headstock front there are visible traces of the Grover washers.

Original black-label Patent Number humbuckers, covers never dissoldered. All-original circuitry and hardware, which includes "sombrero" knobs and rosewood bridge with pre-compensated saddle; through the years, the two threaded posts of the bridge had gone through the wooden base leaving two signs on the top, now professionally touched-up and totally hidden by the bridge base. Rosewood has been used also for the double-parallelogram inlaid fingerboard.

The guitar proudly shows its age and story: some belt-buckle marks, some finish checking, a surface crack on the neck-heel next to the strap-button, a few nicks here and there. But its beauty is really outstanding and the vintage patina adds some charming vibe to the looks of this blonde lady. Frets work fine in spite of some wear and the action is smooth and easy, even with heavy-gauge flatwound strings. 

The sound is simply wonderful, warm and powerful: definitely one of the best jazz guitars we have ever had in our inventory. It comes with its late '60s-early '70s red-lined original hardshell case, very solid and clean.