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Average Price: $5,480

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$500

$1201+

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High-end

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Description

The Gibson Memphis ES-175 is a timeless classic in the world of semi-hollowbody electric guitars, cherished by jazz aficionados and genre-crossing musicians alike. This guitar is not just an instrument; it's an embodiment of musical heritage and craftsmanship. Featuring a stunning figured maple body, the ES-175 boasts both visual elegance and tonal excellence. Its unique construction delivers the warm, articulate tones that have made it a staple for legendary players like Steve Howe, Joe Pass, and Pat Metheny.

A hallmark of the ES-175 is its pair of Gibson '57 Classic humbucking pickups, which capture the essence of the vintage PAF-style sound with modern reliability. These pickups, combined with the hollowbody design, create a rich, resonant sound with woody overtones, making it perfect for jazz yet versatile enough for rock, pop, and blues.

The guitar's aesthetic appointments, such as mother-of-pearl split-parallelogram inlays and elegant binding, add a touch of class to its already impressive presence. The comfortable neck and fingerboard are designed for smooth playability, ensuring that musicians can express themselves effortlessly.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, the Gibson Memphis ES-175 offers a captivating blend of history, beauty, and sound that is sure to inspire.

Key Features:

  • Figured maple top, back, and sides
  • Hollowbody construction for warm, resonant tones
  • Dual '57 Classic humbucking pickups for vintage PAF-style sound
  • Mother-of-pearl split-parallelogram inlays and elegant binding
  • Comfortable neck and fingerboard for enhanced playability
  • Includes a hardshell case for protection and portability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Memphis ES-175 Figured
Finish Natural, Vintage Sunburst
Year 2016
Made In United States
Categories 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
Model Sub-Family Gibson ES-175D
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Memphis

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the body of the Gibson Memphis ES-175?

The Gibson Memphis ES-175 features a laminated maple body, which contributes to its bright and resonant sound, making it a popular choice for jazz and blues musicians.

What kind of pickups does the Gibson Memphis ES-175 use?

The Gibson Memphis ES-175 is equipped with two P94 single-coil pickups, offering a unique blend of clarity and warmth, suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Is the Gibson Memphis ES-175 suitable for jazz music?

Yes, the Gibson Memphis ES-175 is highly regarded for jazz music due to its hollow body design and warm, rich tones produced by its P94 pickups.

How many frets does the Gibson Memphis ES-175 have?

The Gibson Memphis ES-175 features 20 frets, providing ample range for playing complex jazz chords and solos.

Does the Gibson Memphis ES-175 come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Memphis ES-175 includes a case, ensuring safe storage and transportation of the guitar.

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis ES-175 • Wildwood Guitars Overview

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis ES-175  •  Wildwood Guitars Overview by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis ES-175 • Wildwood Guitars Overview

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis ES-175 • Wildwood Guitars Overview by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis ES-175 • Wildwood Guitars Overview

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis ES-175  •  SN: 11732720 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis ES-175 • SN: 11732720

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis ES-175  •  SN: 11842722 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis ES-175 • SN: 11842722

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis ES-175  •  SN: 13392721 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis ES-175 • SN: 13392721

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis ES-175  •  SN: 11912720 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis ES-175 • SN: 11912720

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional craftsmanship and build quality from the Memphis factory

  • Versatile sound suitable for jazz, blues, and rockabilly

  • Highly praised tone that captures a signature sound

  • Comfortable and easy playability

  • Beautiful aesthetics praised by multiple reviewers

  • Clear and rich sound quality, even without an amplifier

  • Holds sentimental value for lifelong Gibson fans

CONS

  • Reports of tuning instability requiring adjustments

  • Some concerns about inconsistent quality in newer models

  • Only one strap button, requiring modification for standing play

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Memphis ES-175.

Comparisons

  • It's noted that the ES-175, a full hollow body, has been compared to models like Gretsch for both sound quality and price.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A 1997 ES-575, similar to the ES-175, was enhanced with a Kent Armstrong pickup, praised for its bright and loud acoustic properties.

    Source
  • Polishing a corroded bridge pickup removed the gold finish, suggesting the need for careful handling or replacement covers for cosmetic restoration.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners recommend thicker strings, like 13s, for achieving a Peter Bernstein-esque tone with a bright electric sound.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Discussions suggest that pricing around $2,000 might have improved sales compared to the higher $10,000 range.

    Source
  • A buyer acquired a 2000 Gibson ES-175 for $975, showcasing potential deals in estate sales or unadvertised listings.

    Source

Other

  • The ES-175 is recognized for its historical significance, being a modified ES-150 that played a pivotal role in popularizing the electric guitar.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A minor output jack cleaning resolved the guitar's initial non-functionality, highlighting the importance of basic maintenance.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ES-175 is admired by fans of Steve Howe, indicating its appeal to enthusiasts of classic rock and progressive music.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Bill Frisell uses Gibson Memphis ES-175

Bill Frisell

Guitarist

The Bill Frisell Band

...
Verified via Fretboard Journal

"It’s basically an ES-175 but the headstock is bound, the F-holes are bound and the neck is a five-piece maple neck, more like an L-5 neck. And the fingerboard is ebony and the bridge is ebony. I think the back is maple instead of mahogany, too"

See how Erick Walls uses Gibson Memphis ES-175

Erick Walls

Guitarist, Music Producer

Black Eyed Peas

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo Erick Walls is seen with a Gibson Memphis ES-175.

See how Rob Parissi uses Gibson Memphis ES-175

Rob Parissi

Guitarist

Wild Cherry

...
Verified via YouTube

in this youtube video he is playing a memphis es-175 guitar

Genre Usage

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

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