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2015 Gibson ES-175D 1959 VOS Reissue

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Serial #: A-05351, orange oval label

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .84/.98

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

Hardware: Original specification vintage aged nickel hardware includes Gibson MHS PAF humbucking pickup; zig-zag trapeze tailpiece; Kluson Deluxe single ring tuners; rosewood compensated adjustable bridge; wide beveled 5-ply pickguard; CTS volume and tone pots with Sprague 'bumble bee' tone capacitor; 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 double pickup version was introduced in 1953, and this model was Gibson's first instrument to be fitted with the PAF humbucking pickup in 1957. 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 released a small number of meticulous reissues of the original single pickup 175, faithfully matched to vintage correct 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.

At scarcely 6lb in total, the instrument is notably light in weight, especially compared to the more common twin pickup models. In addition, the Gibson MHS humbucking pickup is more lightly wound in the traditional style (4900/5100 winds per coil) for a more open, airy tone. It's also wired to vintage correct CTS volume and tone pots with a genuine 50's style Sprague 'bumble bee' barrel tone capacitor.

The fingerboard has the full 1 11/16" width, with the classic solid 'C' neck profile that feels just right in the hand. The body shows 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 the tone is pure bop heaven, warmly enhanced by the solid rosewood bridge, a most welcome touch.

As of this writing, this outstanding reissue is unavailable new at any price, and is Gibson's finest 175 in over six decades. We are delighted to present this rare example, complete with Certificate of Authenticity and original Gibson deluxe black arched hardshell case. One only: call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" 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.

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