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1968 Gibson ES-175

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Serial #: 512863, orange oval "Union Made" label

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 9/16"

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

Hardware: Original Gibson Patent # humbucking pickup and cover; original beveled 5-ply pickguard; original compensated rosewood adjustable bridge. Vintage correct antiqued nickel Kluson double ring tuners, chrome wriggle trapeze tailpiece, and twin gold reflector cap knobs.

Notes: 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model to be fitted with the humbucking pickup in 1957, and this single pickup version, highly prized by jazzers, was withdrawn in 1971.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.

This example has been professionally played, and maintained in excellent condition, and it's rich vintage sunburst finish is free of pick, thumb or buckle wear. The neck is notably fast, with that slim profile found only in these late '60's classics, and ithe action is low and smooth over immaculate recent medium jumbo frets. The top and back show fine slab cut figure in the arched maple, and this lightweight example weighs in at just 5 lb 13 oz, a fraction of current models. The 24 3/4" scale is fast and nimble, the Pat # humbucker is fat and sweet, and the 16" body is easy to cradle and substantially resistant to feedback. A strap button has been moved from the side to the neck heel, and a small crack around the old button hole soundly resealed. The quintessential working jazz box, and a most welcome find indeed.

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: Black plushlined hardshell case.

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