Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-175 Reissue

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Page last updated May 26, 2026

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Average Price: $3,600

High-end/Boutique

$999

$2500+

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In the Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-175 Reissue is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Description

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The Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-175 Reissue is a masterclass in vintage allure and modern craftsmanship, offering a seamless blend of rich tones and exquisite design. This hollowbody electric guitar is a nod to the iconic jazzboxes of the '50s, revered for their warm, smoky soundscapes and timeless appeal. Crafted with precision at the Gibson Custom Shop, the '59 ES-175 Reissue is more than just an instrument; it's a tribute to an era of musical innovation.

At its core, this guitar features a pair of Memphis Historic Spec (MHS) humbuckers, engineered to deliver the lush, dynamic tones that defined the golden age of jazz. Whether you're chasing the smooth, velvety chords of a classic bebop tune or pushing the boundaries with more contemporary sounds, this guitar responds with clarity and character. The hollowbody design enhances its harmonic richness, making it a versatile choice for blending genres from jazz to blues and beyond.

The craftsmanship is top-notch, with a hot hide-glue neck joint that ensures sustain and resonance, while the handmade "Zig Zag" tailpiece contributes to its distinctive sound profile. The inclusion of Bumblebee capacitors and matched-set pots ensures an authentic vintage tone, while the VOS finish and Tulip Kluson tuners add a touch of retro elegance, ensuring that this guitar not only sounds incredible but looks the part as well.

Key Features:

Hollowbody design for enhanced harmonic richness
Memphis Historic Spec (MHS) alnico humbuckers
Hot hide-glue neck joint for improved sustain
Bumblebee capacitors and matched-set pots for vintage tone
Handmade "Zig Zag" tailpiece for excellent tone and volume
VOS finish for a classic look
Tulip Kluson tuners for reliable intonation

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	Custom Shop '59 ES-175 Reissue
Year	2013 - 2017
Made In	United States
Categories	Archtop Electric Guitars, Hollow Body Guitars
Body Shape	Single Cutaway
Body Type	Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type	Stop-Bar
Color Family	Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Rosewood
Model Family	Gibson ES-175
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Offset Body	Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration	H
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Gibson Custom Shop

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-175 Reissue?: The Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-175 Reissue offers warm, rich tones with a pronounced midrange, making it ideal for jazz. Its hollow body construction enhances resonance and sustain, providing a classic, full-bodied sound.
Is the Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-175 Reissue suitable for genres beyond jazz?: Yes, while the ES-175 is renowned for jazz, its versatile sound can also suit blues, rock, and soul music, thanks to its dynamic range and tonal depth.
What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-175 Reissue?: The neck profile of the Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-175 Reissue is typically a rounded "C" shape, offering a comfortable and familiar feel for players, especially those accustomed to vintage-style necks.
How does the pickup configuration affect the sound of the Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-175 Reissue?: The single humbucker pickup configuration provides a smooth, warm sound with reduced noise, allowing for clear articulation and a classic jazz tone.
Is the Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-175 Reissue a good choice for live performances?: Yes, its hollow body design and quality craftsmanship deliver excellent projection and tonal clarity, making it suitable for live jazz performances and other genres.

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Guitar Chimp

'12 Gibson Custom Shop ES 175 ’59 Reissue VOS Single Pickup | Review & Demo!

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Reviews

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PROS

Exceptional playability with a comfortable '59 neck profile
Classic jazz tone without vintage guitar hassles
Lightweight design enhances playability
Superb acoustic sound, rich and detailed
Warm, dynamic amplified sound with versatile tonal range
Impressive fretwork with smooth, level frets
Well-filed nylon nut, avoids common pinging issues
Vintage aesthetic with modern reliability
Authentic '59 feel with rolled neck edges
Beautiful finish under the vintage-style film

CONS

Lack of front strap button reduces practicality
Requires setup adjustments for optimal performance
Some cosmetic features may not suit all tastes

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-175 Reissue.

Comparisons

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The Walkin’ Archtop Tribute 175 is praised for its build quality and sound, with some claiming it matches or exceeds the authentic ES-175 in playability.
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A 1976 Ibanez 2355, a pre-lawsuit era copy of the ES-175, is highlighted for its ability to closely replicate the sound and playability of a mid-70s ES-175.
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Build quality

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Eastman guitars are noted for their lightweight and resonant build, with a 1 3/4 nut and thin lacquer that some compare favorably to 1950s Gibsons.
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Features and functionality

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The Eastman AR372CE uses Kent Armstrong HPAG-1 pickups, which are well-regarded despite not having the traditional "Gibson sound."
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Use cases and applications

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Players suggest that a Telecaster with flatwounds can produce a jazz tone comparable to traditional jazz guitars, offering a versatile alternative.
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The ES-175 is favored by experienced jazz players but is less popular in rock and pop due to feedback issues.
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Mods and upgrades

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An Ibanez AF105 is recommended as a cost-effective alternative to high-end jazz guitars, praised for its balance between price and performance.
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Value and pricing

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Dealers report low demand, with vintage models available at reasonable prices but remaining unsold for extended periods.
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Setup and maintenance

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Cleaning an ES-175 can reveal that perceived corrosion might just be dirt, significantly improving its appearance with basic cleaning and polishing.
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Input jacks can be prone to corrosion, potentially requiring professional attention if cleaning agents like Dioxit fail to restore function.
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User experience

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Owners find significant aesthetic improvement after removing grime, often leading to a surprisingly better condition than initially assumed.
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Even when non-functional, the ES-175 is appreciated for its feel and potential sound quality, with restoration being a worthwhile endeavor for guitar enthusiasts.
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