Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $5,495

High-end/Boutique

$999

$2500+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Gibson ES-175D is a celebrated icon in the world of jazz and blues, renowned for its rich tonal qualities and classic design. This hollowbody electric guitar boasts a timeless archtop style that has captivated musicians since its introduction in 1949. Featuring a laminated maple top, back, and sides, the ES-175D delivers a warm, resonant sound that is both full-bodied and articulate. Its dual '57 Classic humbucking pickups ensure a versatile tonal range, allowing players to seamlessly transition from smooth, mellow jazz to bright, punchy rock tones.

With a comfortable mahogany neck and a rosewood fingerboard, the ES-175D offers a smooth playing experience that suits both seasoned professionals and aspiring guitarists. The guitar's vintage-style hardware, including a trapeze tailpiece and Grover Rotomatic tuners, adds to its authentic aesthetic and reliable performance. Not to mention, the ES-175D's iconic Florentine cutaway grants easy access to higher frets, making it a preferred choice for soloists looking to showcase their virtuosity.

Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, the Gibson ES-175D is a dependable companion that stands out with its elegant looks and exceptional sound quality. Dive into the rich history and unparalleled craftsmanship of this legendary instrument, and let your musical creativity soar.

Key Features:

  • Hollowbody design with laminated maple top, back, and sides
  • Dual '57 Classic humbucking pickups for versatile tones
  • Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Florentine cutaway for easy upper-fret access
  • Vintage-style trapeze tailpiece and Grover Rotomatic tuners

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-175D
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 1953 - 1956
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
Model Sub-Family Gibson ES-175D
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 19
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson ES-175D best suited for?

The Gibson ES-175D is renowned for its warm, rich tone, making it ideal for jazz and blues. Its hollow body design and dual pickups contribute to its versatility, allowing it to perform well in rock and fusion genres as well.

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

The Gibson ES-175D features a comfortable set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, offering a smooth playing experience, particularly favored by jazz musicians for its ease of playability and fast action.

Is the Gibson ES-175D suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson ES-175D is a high-quality instrument, its features and price point are generally more suited to intermediate and advanced players who can fully appreciate its tonal qualities and craftsmanship.

What kind of pickups does the Gibson ES-175D have?

The Gibson ES-175D is equipped with dual single-coil pickups, which provide a clear, articulate sound with a warm, vintage character, perfect for jazz and blues styles.

How does the Gibson ES-175D handle feedback at high volumes?

As a hollow body guitar, the Gibson ES-175D can be more prone to feedback at high volumes compared to solid body guitars. Using proper amp settings and positioning can help manage this effectively.

every single guitars.

every single guitars.

Gibson ES-175D | Worth $4000?? Hmm...

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-175D | Worth $4000?? Hmm... by every single guitars.

Gibson ES-175D | Worth $4000?? Hmm...

every single guitars.

every single guitars.

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1969 Gibson ES-175D Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1969 Gibson ES-175D Sunburst | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson ES-175D by Emerald City Guitars

1962 Gibson ES-175D

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-175D Sunburst (1956) played by Jim Kelly by The Music Emporium

Gibson ES-175D Sunburst (1956) played by Jim Kelly

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson ES-175D Sunburst | @themusicemporium1177 by The Music Emporium

1962 Gibson ES-175D Sunburst | @themusicemporium1177

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-175D (1953-1956).

Build quality

  • The ES-175D features a maple 3-piece neck with a volute, contributing to its durability and stability.

    Source
  • The gold plating on the pickup covers can be quite delicate, easily coming off with polishing, which may lead to a mismatched appearance over time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners recommend using contact cleaner for scratchy pots, which can resolve minor sound issues effectively.

    Source
  • The guitar's low, wide frets may require attention, particularly around frets 5-9, which can exhibit wear from frequent play.

    Source
  • Half-round .012 strings are preferred by some owners for a balanced tone that isn't too dull acoustically, unlike flatwounds.

    Source
  • Regular setup costs, including cleaning and basic adjustments, can be surprisingly low, around $75, suggesting that maintenance is generally affordable for this model.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The guitar is noted for its unforgiving sound, which encourages precise playing, making it suitable for both acoustic and amplified use.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The neck pickup delivers a "sparkling" tone when the tone is set between 5-6, offering versatility for various music styles.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While the bridge is held down by string pressure, it remains stable enough for rock genres, though not ideal for extensive bending.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners have found that a simple cleaning can sometimes reveal the true condition of a seemingly neglected ES-175D, with electrical issues often being minor like a dirty output jack.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some enthusiasts have discovered exceptional deals on this model in estate sales or local ads, indicating potential for high value finds with minimal restoration needed.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Bench Test: 1956 Gibson ES-175D

guitar.com

The 1956 Gibson ES-175D stands as a testament to vintage craftsmanship, blending stunning aesthetics with versatile performance. Its rich, warm tones from the P-90 pickups shine when amplified, revealing a dynamic range perfect for jazz and beyond. However, while the guitar boasts minimal wear and a comfortable neck profile, it isn't without flaws—missing lacquer and minor scrapes hint at its age. Additionally, the unplugged sound lacks the fullness some may expect. Priced at nearly £6,000, it offers good value compared to its peers but may be a steep investment for casual players. Overall, the ES-175D captivates with its vintage appeal, making it a worthy consideration for serious musicians.

positive

See a 'Holy Grail' 1959 Gibson ES-175D Up Close | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The 1959 Gibson ES-175D is a revered instrument that blends jazz elegance with rock versatility. Its comfort, thanks to a well-designed neck profile, and the rich tones from its PAF pickups make it a dream for many players. However, the floating bridge can be finicky, easily knocking out of tune with aggressive playing. While it excels in jazz settings, rock players may find it susceptible to feedback. Overall, the ES-175D stands out as a classic choice, but potential buyers should weigh its quirks against its legendary sound.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
rene_rothmann

Queen of Club

Hard to find. But in you find one you will fall in love with it. This guitar is pure mojo :)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Izzy Stradlin uses Gibson ES-175D (1953-1956)

Izzy Stradlin

Singer, Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

This article states that Izzy Stradlin primarily used a 1987 Gibson ES-175D on Appetite for Destruction.

See how Bruno De Groote uses Gibson ES-175D (1953-1956)

Bruno De Groote

Guitarist

Deus

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo, Bruno De Groote is seen playing a Gibson ES-175D with a Bigsby.

Album Usage

The Gibson ES-175D (1953-1956) has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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

More Gibson Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides