Imagine if you could spec the ultimate vintage ES-175D... Chances are it would be blonde, would be from 1959 with the classic '59 neck profile and would have undisturbed electrics including a pair of unmolested, PAF pickups with zebra bobbins. Oh and if it was in superb original condition, with a pic of the original owner too then that would all add to the package nicely. Well that is exactly what we have here!

Introduced in 1949 as a mid level archtop, the ES-175's all laminate construction meant that costs could be kept down and also is noteworthy for being the first Kalamazoo design to feature a Florentine cutaway. The two pickup D model indication was introduced in 1953 though some double pickup guitars were made in 1951 and 1952. February 1957 saw the addition of humbucking pickups.

This guitar is in excellent condition. Lacquer has checked slightly and there is some case discolouration around the back of the lower bout but otherwise this guitar has all the hallmarks of a well cared for instrument. Included with the sale is a picture of the original owner in what looks to be a family setting.

The classic '59 profile neck is in excellent condition with some slight signs of wear to the back. The fretboard and frets are in great shape with plenty of life left in them. The tuners have been replaced with exact same type but the originals are in the case.

Plastics are correct. The pickguard is in good condition. Pickup surrounds are correct. 

The electrics look to be all original. We can see that the bobbins on the pickups are white and black making these a pair of very nice zebra PAFs though there is no sign that the covers have been removed.

The guitar comes with a period brown Lifton hardshell case

Tonally, this guitar is quite lively. As you’d expect, it’s loud acoustically, exhibiting a pleasing woody tone which comes across when amplified. Both pickups work well together and bring out the character of the guitar, taking you from a warm, rounded sound to something altogether more raucous. .

If this guitar could talk… A killer example looking for a new home.