Gibson ES-175 1951 - Restored / Player Grade / Black Nitro

This is a genuine 1951 Gibson ES-175 that was extensively restored by the previous owner, from whom I purchased the guitar. It is being sold as a player-grade vintage instrument rather than an all-original collector example.

Finished in aged black nitro with cream binding, this is a particularly striking example and has a very different character from the typical sunburst ES-175. It is a heavily restored player-grade guitar, not an original-finish collector piece.

The black nitro finish gives this guitar a particularly striking look, especially against the cream binding and aged hardware.

According to the previous owner/restorer, the guitar originally came to him in project condition with the internal bracing missing, a hole in the top between the bridge and pickup, and a section of the side missing around the output-jack area.

The restoration included:

• Replacement of the missing braces with quarter-sawn spruce
• Repair of the hole in the top with carved maple
• Repair of the missing side section with maple
• Approximately 1/2" binding splice near the nut
• Refret with medium-width/tall fret wire
• Nitrocellulose lacquer refinish with an intentionally aged/heavily checked appearance

The checking looks considerably more pronounced in flash photography than it does in normal light, so I have included natural-light photos as well.

The neck is straight, the truss rod functions properly, and the guitar has a comfortable medium-round 1950s Gibson-style neck profile. The neck angle is very good, with healthy bridge height.

Per the previous owner, the nut and truss-rod cover are the only original parts remaining. The remaining hardware and components are replacements/reproductions. It is currently fitted with a Zhangbucker P-90.

This is a heavily restored ES-175, but it remains an actual 1951 Gibson and makes a very interesting player-grade vintage instrument for someone who wants the feel and character of an old Gibson without the price of an original-condition example.

Includes a tweed hardshell case.

Please review the photos carefully, particularly the repaired areas and finish.