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2016 Gibson ES-175 1959 VOS Reissue

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Serial #: A-06213, orange oval label

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Materials: Solid mahogany neck; solid rosewood fingerboard; arched slab-cut figured maple top, sides and back; dual-parallelogram fingerboard inlay and thistle peghead inlay; triple bound top, bound back.

Hardware: Original specification vintage antiqued nickel hardware includes Gibson MHS humbucking pickup and electronics; zig-zag trapeze tailpiece; Kluson Deluxe single ring tuners; rosewood compensated adjustable bridge; wide beveled 5-ply pickguard; gold bell knobs; 2-ply truss rod cover.

Notes: Gibson finally got it right. It only took them half a century.

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model to be fitted with the humbucking pickup in 1957, and this single pickup version, highly prized by jazzers, was withdrawn in 1971. Since its inception over half a century ago, the classic ES-175 has remained in the Gibson catalog continuously to this day.

Responding to demand from traditional players, Gibson has released a small number of faithful reissues of the single pickup 175, matched to original specs of the classic 1959 design. Designated ES-175 VOS (Vintage Original Spec), the model has aged nickel hardware throughout, including the pickup cover, wriggle tailpiece, Kluson Deluxe single ring tulip key tuners, wide bevel 5-ply guard, and gold bell knobs, all as used in the late 50's. The Gibson MHS humbucking pickup is more lightly wound in the traditional style (4900/5100 winds per coil) for a more open, airy tone.

The fingerboard is the full 1 11/16" width, with the classic full 'C' neck profile that feels just right in the hand. The top and back show fine slab cut figure in the arched maple, and the true nitro lacquer finish is given a light patina of age to complete the vintage appearance. With vintage style slim tall fretwork, the fingerboard is utterly effortless to play, and at a mere 5 lb 15oz, the VOS is by far the lightest ES-175 Gibson has produced since the 50's. Tone is pure bop heaven, warmly enhanced by the solid rosewood bridge, a most welcome touch.

It's Gibson's finest 175 in over half a century, and we are delighted to present this outstanding example, in showroom condition, complete with Certificate of Authenticity. One only: don't wait.

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 brown Gibson arched hardshell case with pink plush lining.