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Average Price: $3,995

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$1201+

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Description

Introducing the Gibson ES-165, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that embodies the essence of jazz with its timeless design and exceptional sound quality. This instrument is a tribute to its namesake, jazz legend Herb Ellis, offering a sonic experience that is both rich and articulate. At its core, the BJB floating pickup delivers warm and rounded tones, perfect for jazz enthusiasts seeking that classic sound.

The ES-165's aesthetic appeal is equally captivating, featuring a rosewood fretboard adorned with elegant split parallelogram inlays. The single volume knob is thoughtfully positioned on the pickguard, maintaining the guitar’s sleek look while allowing for effortless tone control. The guitar's resonance is further enhanced by its pristine top wood, unencumbered by excessive hardware. Gold-plated hardware and a unique bridge add a touch of luxury, making this guitar not only a joy to play but a visual masterpiece.

Crafted for musicians who appreciate both form and function, the Gibson ES-165 is more than just an instrument—it's an experience. Whether you're performing on stage or practicing in your living room, this guitar offers a harmonious blend of style and substance that will inspire your music and captivate your audience.

Key Features:

  • BJB floating pickup for warm, articulate jazz tones
  • Single volume knob on pickguard
  • Rosewood fretboard with split parallelogram inlays
  • Gold-plated hardware
  • Multi-ply binding on top for enhanced aesthetic appeal

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Herb Ellis ES-165
Finish Ebony, Light Burst, Vintage Sunburst
Year 2004 - 2011
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Artist Herb Ellis
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-165
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Artist Collection

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson ES-165 best suited for?

The Gibson ES-165 is ideal for jazz, thanks to its warm, rich tones produced by the BJB floating pickup and hollow body design. It can also handle blues and soul genres due to its versatile sound.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-165 like?

The Gibson ES-165 features a 175-style neck profile, which is known for its comfortable, rounded shape, making it suitable for smooth and fast jazz playing.

What kind of pickup does the Gibson ES-165 have?

The Gibson ES-165 is equipped with a BJB floating pickup, offering a warm, articulate tone that is especially favored by jazz guitarists.

Is the Gibson ES-165 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson ES-165 is well-suited for live performances, particularly in jazz settings, due to its robust construction and clear, resonant sound.

Does the Gibson ES-165 have a solid or laminated body?

The Gibson ES-165 features a laminated maple top, back, and sides, contributing to its distinctive tone and durability, ideal for jazz guitarists seeking a classic sound.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Rogerthomas playing a Gibson ES-165 here at Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Rogerthomas playing a Gibson ES-165 here at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Rogerthomas playing a Gibson ES-165 here at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 2002 Gibson Herb Ellis ES-165 Wine Red | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

2002 Gibson Herb Ellis ES-165 Wine Red | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1997 Gibson ES-165 “Herb Ellis” played through a 1970 Fender Princeton Reverb. by Capsule Music

1997 Gibson ES-165 “Herb Ellis” played through a 1970 Fender Princeton Reverb.

Capsule Music

Capsule Music

Video thumbnail for Gibson es165 Herb Ellis 1992 with Rich Severson by Rich Severson

Gibson es165 Herb Ellis 1992 with Rich Severson

Rich Severson

Rich Severson

Video thumbnail for 1998 Gibson ES-165 Herb Ellis Signature Flame Maple/Flamed Maple at Dream Guitars by Dream Guitars

1998 Gibson ES-165 Herb Ellis Signature Flame Maple/Flamed Maple at Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson  ES165 Herb Ellis 1991 - is there any music in this guitar? by John Nathan Cordy

Gibson ES165 Herb Ellis 1991 - is there any music in this guitar?

John Nathan Cordy

John Nathan Cordy

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-165 Herb Ellis (2001) at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Gibson ES-165 Herb Ellis (2001) at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Gibson Herb Ellis ES 165 - Quick n' Dirty by soundpurestudios

Gibson Herb Ellis ES 165 - Quick n' Dirty

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound quality for jazz and blues, with a rich, round tone

  • Comfortable to play, similar dimensions to the ES-175

  • Floating pickup offers bright, realistic tone

  • Beautiful construction with sweet, lush, resonant notes

  • Great playability and feel, suitable for varied playing styles

  • Unique model with a strong historical connection to jazz musicians

  • Good value compared to dual pickup models like the ES-175

  • Easy to customize with additional tone and volume controls

CONS

  • Single pickup might lack versatility for some players

  • Frets may tarnish if not properly maintained

  • Can sound too sharp with solid-state amplifiers

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-165.

Comparisons

  • The ES-165 is noted to have a superior tone compared to an ES-175, despite their similarities, and offers a more affordable alternative to the L5.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ES-165 pairs well with tube amps like a 1972 Twin Reverb and a Carvin Legacy 3, providing a warm tone ideal for jazz and blues.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • While not standard, there is interest in experimenting with Dimarzio Super Distortion pickups for a unique "sleeper screamer" guitar style.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Herb Ellis uses Gibson ES-165

Herb Ellis

Guitarist

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Verified via Photo

Jazz guitarist Herb Ellis is associated with the Gibson ES-165, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on Talkinguitars.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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