Gibson ES-175D Model Arch Top Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1967), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 090631, sunburst lacquer finish, laminated maple body, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This is a very nice 1967 example of an ES-175D, Gibson's perennial "working man's" electric archtop. Offering one of the Kalamazoo company's best combinations of sound and value, the ES-175 has been consistently popular since its launch in 1949. The double pickup version was added in the early 1950's and is a somewhat more versatile instrument. The ES-175D is considered one of the classic electrics of all time, but was not made in the same quantities as many Gibson electrics. The production numbers show 1967 as the next-to as the peak vintage year for the model with 840 shipped, (1968 was the peak with 949) still a fairly small number compared to say the ES-335
This two-pickup beauty has typical features for the later 1960s. This is the period when Gibson narrowed their necks noticeably; the nut width on this guitar is a slim 1 9/16". The hardware is chrome plated and the knobs are the late '60s "witch hat" style but otherwise the model is little changed from the late 1950's. With a two Patent-number humbucking pickups and the standard Gibson wiring gig this 175 has the classic period sound.
While to many players an ES-175 instantly murmurs "jazz" when plugged in, the double pickup D model is actually a fairly versatile guitar suitable for a wide range of styles. Numerous jazz greats including Herb Ellis, Jim Hall, Kenney Burrell, Pat Metheny and more have made it a mainstay but sophisticated rock players including Steve Howe of Yes and Richard Thompson (in the earliest Fairport Convention days) made good use of it as well. This ES-175D can lend class or badass depending on the context!
Overall length is 40 7/8 in. (103.8 cm.), 16 1/16 in. (40.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 9/16 in. (40 mm.).
This is a clean guitar overall, nicely preserved looking played but well cared for over the past nearly 6 decades. The original sunburst lacquer has not faded appreciably and still has a refined dark hue with less red to it than many '60s Gibsons. The all-original finish is clean overall with some typical wide checking, heaviest on the back and small dings and dents. There are a few small feelable chips in the back of the neck but mostly it is pretty clean.
This guitar is marked as a factory second, possibly due to small finish flaw in top, above the strings between the bridge and tailpiece. The neck pickup is mounted just slightly askew as well. The only repair is a typical split on the lower side through the jack, neatly sealed with no added finish. The guitar has had other tuners in the past, correct style repro Klusons are currently mounted with small filled screw holes visible on the back of the headstock..
All other original hardware remains intact and complete with light wear, most notably to the pickguard. There is a correct period Gibson strap button added on the lower side above the heel. The original large frets have had some minor G&P work and the guitar plays very well, complete in the original yellow-lined case also very well preserved. This nearly 60 year old 175 is still ready for anything from straight bop to vintage rockabilly to screaming psychedelia, just like it was in 1967! Overall Excellent - Condition.
