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Description

Step into the rich, resonant world of jazz and rock with the Pat Metheny's Gibson ES-175 Hollowbody. Renowned for its timeless versatility, this semi-hollowbody electric guitar has been the choice of legends spanning jazz greats to rock icons. Crafted with a maple body and a mahogany neck, this guitar delivers a blend of elegance and performance that is both vibrant and warm. The vintage humbuckers offer a signature pearly attack, ensuring a sound that is both crisp and full-bodied, perfect for everything from smooth jazz licks to soaring rock solos.

The ES-175’s balanced feel makes it equally suited for the stage or the studio, providing a reliable companion for musicians seeking expressive tonal possibilities. Whether you are navigating complex jazz chord progressions or experimenting with fusion, this guitar adapts effortlessly, making it a must-have for any serious musician.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for enhanced resonance and sustain
  • Maple body with mahogany neck
  • Vintage humbuckers for rich, classic tones
  • Versatile sound suitable for jazz, rock, and fusion
  • Includes a hardshell case for protection and portability

This classic instrument is not just a piece of musical equipment, but a doorway into a legacy of innovation and excellence.

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-175
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 1957 - 1971
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-175
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What are the tonal characteristics of Pat Metheny's Gibson ES-175 Hollowbody?

Pat Metheny's Gibson ES-175 is renowned for its warm, rich tones with a smooth midrange, making it ideal for jazz and blues. The hollow body design contributes to its resonant, full-bodied sound.

What type of pickups does the Gibson ES-175 feature?

The Gibson ES-175 typically features a single humbucker pickup, known for its warm, smooth sound that complements the guitar's natural resonance, perfect for jazz and blues styles.

Is Pat Metheny's Gibson ES-175 suitable for high-volume performances?

Yes, the Gibson ES-175 is designed to handle higher volume levels with minimal feedback, making it a reliable choice for live performances in jazz and blues settings.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-175?

The Gibson ES-175 features a set-neck construction with a comfortable, rounded profile, providing smooth playability that suits complex jazz chords and fast soloing.

How does the Gibson ES-175 compare to other hollow body guitars?

The Gibson ES-175 is distinguished by its single cutaway design and maple body, offering a unique blend of warmth and clarity that sets it apart from other hollow body guitars, especially in jazz music.

Reverb

Reverb

Gibson ES-175 Guitar | Reverb Demo Video

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-175 Guitar | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Gibson ES-175 Guitar | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Bright Size Life | Live in Studio with GIBSON ES 175 used by PAT METHENY! by Eric Antonello

Bright Size Life | Live in Studio with GIBSON ES 175 used by PAT METHENY!

Eric Antonello

Eric Antonello

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique iced tea sunburst finish with immaculate appearance

  • Exceptional resonance, sounds like an amplified acoustic guitar

  • Deep, rich bass tones even without amplification

  • Neck offers a comfortable balance between vintage and modern feel

  • Lightweight and highly playable, described as playing like butter

  • Collectible model from a highly sought-after production era

  • Produces sweet tones with minimal equipment, great for jazz standards

  • Excellent patina on metalwork, adding to vintage charm

CONS

  • Floating bridge can be a nuisance to some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Pat Metheny's Gibson ES-175 Hollowbody.

Features and functionality

  • The Ibanez GB10 features smaller, floating pickups, which may complicate aftermarket pickup installations.

    Source
  • The Eastman AR372CE uses Kent Armstrong HPAG-1 pickups, which are well-received for jazz tones despite not being identical to Gibson's sound.

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Comparisons

  • The ES-275 offers a modern slim-taper neck akin to a 60s Les Paul, blending ES-175 and L5 characteristics.

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  • Guild's vintage options, like the late 60s CE-100D with HB-1 pickups, are praised for value and tonal performance similar to ES-175.

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  • The Eastman AR372CE is praised for its build quality and acoustically resonant tone, comparable to pre-60s Gibson ES-175s, with a 1 3/4 nut and thin lacquer finish.

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  • Many prefer Japanese-made Ibanez Pat Metheny or George Benson signature guitars for their affordability and high-quality build, often surpassing Gibson alternatives in this price range.

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  • Heritage offers a 175 variant that's recommended as a quality alternative to Gibsons from the 1990s, especially if you're not set on owning a vintage Gibson.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Lollar Charlie Christian pickups are available in humbucker sizes, providing a warmer tone for 175-style guitars.

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  • Owners of the Ibanez 2355, a pre-lawsuit ES-175 copy, often add tune-o-matic bridges and flatwounds to replicate Ernest Ranglin's tone.

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User experience

  • Owners report that even with worn frets, the ES-175 remains extremely comfortable to play, though refretting might be necessary eventually.

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  • Owners of the Walkin' Archtop Tribute 175 report it closely matches the authentic ES-175 in sound and build quality, with flawless craftsmanship.

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  • One user noted that despite concerns, finish checking can add "cool mojo" without affecting playability or tone.

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Value and pricing

  • The D'Angelico New Yorkers from the late 90s to early 2000s are highlighted for offering carved top construction and maple necks around the $3k range, resembling L5s.

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  • A 1990 ES-175 with superficial wear was priced at $5,500, but many consider $4,000 more appropriate for its condition and era.

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Build quality

  • Some owners report that binding cracks often appear on 1990s Gibson ES-175s, possibly due to material aging rather than structural issues.

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Use cases and applications

  • The ES-175 is renowned as a quintessential jazz guitar, often seen as a lifetime investment for dedicated jazz players.

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Artist usage

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See how Pat Metheny uses Pat Metheny's Gibson ES-175 Hollowbody

Pat Metheny

Guitarist, Bassist

Pat Metheny Group

...
Verified via Photo

Pat Metheny acquired his Gibson ES-175 Hollowbody guitar at age 12 from a garage sale in Lee's Summit, MO. He used this guitar extensively to craft his signature jazz sound until it became unstable, prompting a switch to a custom Ibanez archtop. Metheny's ES-175 was heavily modified, with the bridge pickup removed, a Roland MIDI pickup installed, and a toothbrush wedged into the tailpiece to secure his guitar cable. Remarkably, he never had a single repair done on it. A photo titled "Pat6.jpg" on Chez visually documents Metheny with this iconic instrument.

Genre Usage

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