Few guitars have had the staying power, cross-genre versatility, and sheer class of the Gibson ES-175. Introduced in the post-war boom of 1949, it quickly became a staple of jazz stages, recording studios, and smoky clubs — but its journey didn’t stop there. Over the decades, it evolved to meet the needs of bluesmen, rockers, and fusion pioneers alike, all without losing its soul.
Whether you’re a die-hard jazz head, a collector of mid-century marvels, or just a player chasing that elusive warmth only a hollow body can give, the ES-175 has earned its status as a true Gibson icon.
🎷 The Birth of the ES-175 – Gibson Goes Practical, Yet Classy (1949)
When Gibson launched the ES-175 in 1949, the electric guitar world was still taking shape. Jazz players had been gravitating toward electrified archtops like the ES-150, but there was a demand for something more affordable, more roadworthy, and more modern in function.
Enter the ES-175 — a fully hollow archtop with a laminated maple body (to reduce feedback), a single P-90 pickup in the neck, and a Florentine cutaway that made upper fret access far easier than traditional rounded bouts.
At just $175 USD retail, it hit the sweet spot: professional performance, elegant looks, and a price point that made it viable for working musicians.
Core early features:
-
Fully hollow, 16 ¼” wide body
-
Laminated maple top, back, and sides
-
Set mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
-
Pearl split-parallelogram inlays
-
Trapeze tailpiece and floating bridge
-
Cream binding front and back
-
Single P-90 pickup (on early models)
It was practical, but with that undeniable Gibson style — a perfect blend of form and function.
🎸 Dual Pickups, Humbuckers & The Golden Era (1953–1959)
By 1953, Gibson introduced the ES-175D (“D” for double pickup), adding a bridge-position P-90 and a 3-way selector switch. This opened up a new world of tonal variety, making it more than just a jazz rhythm box.
But the real milestone came in 1957, when Gibson started installing their brand-new PAF (Patent Applied For) humbuckers in the ES-175D. These pickups were smoother, quieter, and warmer than the P-90s, giving the guitar an entirely new sonic voice.
Today, these late-‘50s ES-175D models with original PAFs are among the most collectible hollow-bodies on the market. Tonally, they sit in a sweet spot: rich and creamy with that classic Gibson warmth, but still articulate enough to cut through a mix.
👑 Who Played the Gibson ES-175?
This guitar’s legend wasn’t just built on specs — it was forged in the hands of some of the most revered guitarists of the 20th century:
-
Joe Pass – Perhaps the most iconic ES-175 player of all. His tone, fluidity, and command of jazz harmony became the benchmark.
-
Jim Hall – Brought a quiet intensity and nuance to the ES-175, turning it into a tool for storytelling.
-
Pat Metheny – Played a 175 in his early days, capturing shimmering melodic tones with atmospheric flair.
-
Steve Howe (Yes) – Proved that the ES-175 could thrive outside jazz, blending prog rock, classical, and jazz in one.
-
Herb Ellis, Kenny Burrell, and Tal Farlow all wielded the ES-175 in classic jazz settings.
-
Even Keith Richards and Elvis Presley’s band made use of the ES-175’s clarity and chime in studio settings.
🛠️ Construction, Feel, and That Famous Tone
The ES-175 stands out for its balance of playability and tonal character. Unlike many high-end archtops of its era, which featured carved tops and expensive appointments, the ES-175 used laminated wood — reducing production costs and making it more feedback-resistant on loud stages.
Why it works so well:
-
The floating bridge and arched top give it the snap and warmth you want from a jazz guitar.
-
The shorter scale (24.75”) makes chord extensions and fast lines more accessible.
-
The fully hollow body resonates beautifully at low volumes, while remaining surprisingly controllable with gain — especially with humbuckers.
Whether you’re laying down Freddie Green-style comping or exploring complex modal improvisation, the ES-175 responds with warmth, clarity, and surprising versatility.
📆 The ES-175 in the ’60s, ’70s, and Beyond
Through the 1960s, the ES-175 remained largely unchanged, cementing its reputation as a workhorse jazz box. However, by the late ‘60s and into the ‘70s, Gibson began making subtle changes:
-
Narrower neck profiles
-
Chrome instead of nickel hardware
-
Norlin-era shifts in quality control (like heavier bracing and thicker finishes)
Still, many ‘70s ES-175s are fantastic instruments, particularly for players looking for affordable vintage.
By the 1980s and 1990s, the model was more niche — favored by jazz purists and session pros — but interest remained steady. Custom Shop reissues and signature models (like the Joe Pass JP-20) helped keep the flame alive.
🛑 Discontinued, But Not Forgotten
In 2019, after 70 years of production, Gibson officially discontinued the ES-175. For many, this marked the end of an era.
But in typical fashion, the guitar world didn’t forget. Demand for vintage and Custom Shop examples skyrocketed, especially those equipped with original PAFs, P-90s, or desirable ’50s neck profiles.
Today, players and collectors alike still seek out this mid-century marvel — both for its tonal warmth and its unmistakable aesthetic.
Our Final Thoughts
The Gibson ES-175 isn’t just a guitar. It’s a time capsule, a tool, and a tonal treasure. From smoky New York jazz clubs in the ‘50s to experimental rock stages in the ‘70s, it’s proven time and time again that good design never goes out of style.
Whether you’re after a buttery jazz tone, a woody blues voice, or a piece of electric guitar history, the ES-175 stands as one of the most expressive, elegant hollow-bodies ever made.
