The Gibson ES-175 is a legendary hollow-body electric guitar that has been a staple in the world of jazz and beyond since its debut in 1949. Over its six-decade production run, the ES-175 became known for its exceptional tonal qualities, solid construction, and versatile design, making it a go-to instrument for many prominent guitarists. Originally introduced with a sunburst finish and a retail price of $175, the ES-175 quickly gained a reputation as an affordable, yet high-quality, jazz guitar.
 
The first iteration of the ES-175 came equipped with a single P-90 pickup, which delivered a warm, dynamic tone ideal for jazz. However, by 1953, Gibson began offering the ES-175 with two P-90 pickups for greater tonal flexibility. In 1958, the ES-175 transitioned to humbucker pickups (either one or two, depending on the model), further enhancing its appeal to jazz musicians and other players seeking a richer, more controlled sound. These changes contributed to the guitar's widespread popularity across various musical genres, with notable players such as Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Kenny Burrell, Philip Catherine, and Jim Hall incorporating the ES-175 into their performances and recordings.
 
This early 1970 Gibson ES-175 is a particularly notable example of this iconic model. One of the key features that makes this guitar stand out is its rare blonde finish, officially called "natural." In 1970, only 54 natural-finish ES-175s were produced, compared to 342 sunburst models in the same year.
 
This specific 1970 ES-175 is equipped with two Patent Number (PAT) humbucker pickups, which are still in their original configuration with untouched soldering. The guitar also features a Trapeze tailpiece, which replaced the Zig Zag tailpiece in 1969, making it a part of the more traditional design favored by jazz players. Other distinguishing features of this model include the iconic "sombrero" knobs, which were used by Gibson on many of their guitars in the late 1960s and early 1970s, as well as a scratchplate that is screwed directly to the top of the body, a feature introduced in 1967. The Gibson Deluxe stamped Kluson tuners also add to the guitar’s classic vibe, providing smooth and reliable tuning stability.
 
Another standout aspect of this 1970 ES-175 is its wide nut configuration which provides a slightly wider string spacing compared to the thinner necks Gibson used before 1969. This wider nut is a feature favored by many jazz players, offering more comfort and precision when playing intricate chord voicings or solo lines. Also, as an early 1970 model, the neck has no volute.
 
This guitar is in excellent condition for its age, with a replaced bracing to ensure its structural integrity and optimal resonance. The guitar comes with a more recent hard case for safe storage and transportation.
 
Serial number : 127161
Case : recent hardcase