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1957 Gibson ES-175D P-90
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Serial #: A-24996, orange oval label. FON#: V7731-22
Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .84/.96, 1st/10th frets
Materials: Solid mahogany neck; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard; arched maple top and back; dual-parallelogram mother of pearl fingerboard inlay and crown peghead inlay; triple bound top, bound back.
Hardware: All original hardware includes nickel trapeze tailpiece with raised-parallelogram crossbar; twin P-90 pickups and electronics; amber bonnet knobs; beveled 5 ply pickguard; compensated Brazilian rosewood bridge. Vintage correct nickel Kluson Deluxe single ring tuners installed, original tuners included in case.
Notes: Introduced in 1949, the Gibson ES-175 quickly became the most popular jazz guitar ever made. Fast, clean and road-ready, the 175 has been the workhorse of the touring player and studio from Joe Pass to Pat Metheny. The legendary P-90 pickups provide a faithful, detailed tone unduplicated before or since, but was available on this model only until mid-1957.
The new PAF humbucking pickups first appeared in an example with serial number A-25000, making this stunning guitar one of the last four ES-175s shipped with the original P-90 pickups. Lovingly maintained, this instrument is in splendid condition, free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, and showing only the scattered checking that ensures the gleaming sunburst finish is 100% original.
If any neck profile could be described as ideal, this one should come close. Gone is the bulky C contour of the postwar era, and the skinny necks of the late 60's were still to come. The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard remains fitted with original fretwork in excellent condition, and offers smooth low action over a fresh high precision setup. At just 6lb 7oz, the guitar is dramatically lighter than later versions, and the 16" body sits easily in the lap, with the 24 3/4" scale making stretch chords and fast runs a pleasure. Pickups, pots and wiring are all original, with the classic bumble bee capacitors still in place. A small jackplate has been added to the side, to guard against the tiny stress cracks so common in these models.
The tone is clear and detailed, with the peerless acoustic fidelity these single coil pioneers are renowned for, and the entire package is nestled in its fine original brown Lifton hardshell case. A true closet queen, and an outstanding example of the all-time classic jazz box, you'd be hard pressed to find a prettier one. One only: call now.
Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge foot contour inspected and fit to top as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.
This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel wound strings (.012-.052). 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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