Vintage Gibson ES-175 - USA 1986

Here is a 1986 Gibson ES-175, a classic dual-pickup archtop electric guitar and one of Gibson’s most iconic hollowbody models. Originally introduced in 1949 as a more affordable alternative to the L-5 and an electric version of the L-4, the ES-175 became a defining jazz guitar known for its warm, full-bodied tone and elegant Florentine cutaway design.

This example features a fully hollow laminated body with a 3" depth, dual humbucking pickups, a rosewood fingerboard with parallelogram inlays, a floating bridge, and independent volume and tone controls for each pickup. It retains the classic 24.75" Gibson scale length, delivering a familiar and comfortable playing feel with traditional ES-175 specification.

This 1986 Nashville-built example is in excellent condition for its age, showing only light signs of use across the body, neck, and headstock. It is structurally sound with frets showing plenty of life remaining, and the original Tim Shaw humbucker pickups and electronics fully intact, delivering the rich, full-bodied tone the model is known for.

Playability is excellent, with smooth action and a comfortable neck that responds effortlessly across the fretboard. It is currently set up with flatwound strings, enhancing its classic jazz character and warm tonal response.

A highly desirable Gibson archtop, this ES-175 delivers iconic vintage tone, strong playability, and timeless appeal for jazz and blues players alike. Comes with a non-original Hiscox hard shell case.

Specifications: 

Year: 1986
Country: USA
Model: Gibson ES
Finish: Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
Body: Laminated maple (top, back, and sides)
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale: 24.75"
Pickups: Dual Tim Shaw humbuckers
Bridge: Adjustable Tune-O-Matic with rosewood base
Tuners: Kluson-style tuners