Herb Ellis

Herb Ellis was an Ampeg endorser of note from the mid 1950s and into the 1960s. He can be seen using the Fountain of Sound on the back of the LP for The Oscar Peterson Trio At the Concertgebouw (one leg of the amp and part of the control panel is visible at the lower left of photo) and, interestingly, tilted at 45 degrees using only two legs in the film footage of The Oscar Peterson Trio in Brussels from 1957.

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

VG: What type of amplifier were you using?

HE: For studio work, I had a Fender. But I like Polytones much better for my jazz work.

VG: Tell us more about the Polytones.

HE: In my circles, it is well know. It’s been around for a long time. George Benson, Ray Brown, Joe Pass; most of the top jazz players play Polytone. Most of the amplifiers are made with rock in mind, they are way too heavy on the bass end, and much too thin at the top. The Polytones are more well-rounded. The bass isn’t too heavy and the top still has some roundness to it. It’s just perfect for jazz.

VG: Is it a tube amp?

HE: The first ones were, but they’ve gone to transistors. They say there’s a difference but I’ve never noticed it.

Herb Ellis is associated with the Aria Pro II Herb Ellis semi-hollowbody electric guitar, as confirmed by an image from Guitarsplus.

Herb Ellis is known for playing a 1953 Gibson ES-175 single pickup. This is highlighted in a discussion on Jazzguitar, which refers to his iconic use of this instrument. Additionally, the ES-165 Wikipedia page acknowledges Herb's association with his 1953 ES-175.

In a user-uploaded photo on Gretschpages, Herb Ellis is seen using a 1954 Ampeg Guitaramp in 1962.

Mounted in the Herb Ellis signature Gibson ES-165 , neck position