1953 Gibson ES-175D Sunburst Arch Top Guitar-Used

Here’s a remarkably original early version of Gibson’s venerable ES-175D (Y-prefix FON). The pickguard has been replaced but pickups, pots, bridge, and knobs are original, as is the dark brown Lifton hardshell case . Original tuners are in the case, it was refretted here at Gryphon in 2018. The tailpiece has been repaired and replated (while conventional wisdom is that this style tailpiece first appeared on 175 models in 1956, there are no signs of another tailpiece having been mounted).

Gibson’s classic dark tobacco sunburst finish has survived in excellent, although not untouched, condition. There’s only light crazing to the top and back (no big jagged lacquer checking as the finish is quite thin). There are light indentations to the back from shirt buttons/jean rivets, but no gnarly belt buckle rash and most of the finish wear is around the output jack. Thumbwear to the bass side of the neck is limited to between the 1st and 2nd frets, and the neck barrel has only light dings to the lacquer.

An exceptional ES-175D from what is widely considered one of Gibson’s finest periods for jazz guitar models.