The other ‘59, a classic in its own right, we bring you the 1959 Gibson ES-175D…

Introduced in 1949 as a mid level archtop, the ES-175's all laminate construction meant that costs could be kept down. It was also the first Kalamazoo design to feature a Florentine cutaway. Available initially with a single pickup, the double pickup ‘D’ incarnation was introduced officially in 1953. In 1957 it was fitted with a pair of Gibson's new humbucking pickups.

As you can see from the photos, the guitar itself is in fantastic shape. The top, back and sides show little if any signs of wear and the lacquer is gorgeously glossy. 

The neck too is in stunning condition with hardly a mark to be seen. The lacquer has retained its lush gloss finish. The original frets show some signs of wear which is also the case with the fretboard. The rosewood bridge, pickguard and pickup covers are original and are in great shape. There are no breaks. 

The tuners currently fitted are reproductions with the originals in the case. The tuner buttons had degraded to the point that the guitar could no longer be easily tuned. 

Electrically everything is correct. When we inspected the guitar we discovered that both pickups have double white bobbins which is correct for this period and was a rather nice surprise! 

This guitar has led a quiet, charmed life to still have these pickups fitted. They are as well, totally unmolested with readings of 8.52k in the neck and 8.27k in the bridge position. Original nickel covers have never been off and all solder is intact. I am sure we do not need to remind you how much these are worth...

The guitar comes with a correct brown 5 latch Lifton, pink lined case, in superb shape.

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. .

In our opinion, the finest incarnation of a classic 50’s ES-175D and an exceptional example. If you are looking for one, you’ll struggle to find a nicer one…