We present to our readers and fans a truly gorgeous Gibson 1964 Model ES-175D, in vintage sunburst which was stated to us by its owner as being in excellent [it's not quite] and mostly original [well, maybe mostly - but not entirely] condition, presently having two humbucking nickel-plated pickups. We now realize that this started out as a single pickup ES-175 and that a prior owner, The guitar shows finish checking on front, back and other surfaces, and has a replacement Gibson light brown modern hard shell case. The cap on the three way toggle is replaced. In the case is the plastic portion of the original pickguard, which has bowed and thusly no longer usable. We believe that the four black high-hat knobs were replaced - there is also a single black high hat knob in the case pocket. Its case has a torn fabric strip between top and base that used to hold the case lid open and is also missing part of its bottom side latch.
A close inspection of the guitar by our crack team of practicing lutherers reveals that at some point in the past the wiring inside the guitar was altered - when received there was a nest of wires visible through the treble f-hole, and we observed that a) some of the wires are not in keeping with those provided by the Gibson factory. We have deftly positioned said wiring deeper within. From what we see upon our initial inspection through the bass open f-hole, the wire leading to the neck pickup is seemingly original. Having removed the pickups from their respective cavities and examined them and their wiring we now know that one pickup (the bridge position) was added, and b) a three way toggle was added, unbelievably enough, on the upper treble bout - it is usually found on the upper bass bout. c) the toggle cap switch was from another brand of guitar; we have Gibson style new plastic caps and changed it. d) the tailpiece is replaced - one can see the screw holes from a prior tailpiece which probably broke at the right angle seam (sadly, it was not stored in the case because that part could have been braised). This tailpiece is shiny compared to the other parts. e) the guitar required resetting the pesky internal wiring so it didn't look so messy, replacing the toggle cap, performing a set-up, the ritual cleaning of the frets, and we enthusiastically cleaned the electronics (the potentiometers).
Cosmetic Condition: e) we note that a one-half inch by 3/16th" chip of wood on the top end of the headstock (above the "ib" in "Gibson") was touched up by a bona fide knucklehead (BFK) using black nail polish which he probably applied to the tips of his appendages when he donned his black leather Catwoman® outfit after his family fell asleep (not that there’s anything wrong with that). f) the guitar shows finish checking overall, and light normal signs of use and wear. There is a scuff mark on back of neck behind the first fret, chips in the finish here and there including on back of neck and the edges of the headstock and, as well, at neck heel, some deeper finish checks, especially on the back, at the edges of the bass f-hole and elsewhere. There was a pin sticking out of the lower treble edge of the fingerboard that held the pickguard. We removed it. This is a very beautiful and fine sounding 16” wide traditional jazz guitar. As you know, the ES-175 has held an important role in the professional lives of Pat Metheny, Steve Howe, Herb Ellis and, of course, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. This guitar fulfills the dream of the working jazz practitioner who needs to get the finest sound possible out of a modestly priced vintage instrument. NOW ON SALE! WAS $5670 BUT NOW: