The ES175CC was built in very limited numbers during 1978 and 1979 at Gibson’s Kalamazoo factory. The model is based on the renowned ES175 cutaway archtop design, but with one key distinction: instead of the standard humbuckers, this guitar is equipped with a single-coil pickup styled after the Charlie Christian pickups of the 1930s. This pickup was originally developed for jazz guitarist Charlie Christian, whose pioneering work firmly established the electric guitar within the jazz world. With fewer than 500 units ever produced, the ES175CC is a true rarity that appeals to both collectors and players.

The laminated maple body featuring cream binding and the three-piece maple neck give the guitar the classic aesthetic characteristic of Gibson archtops from this era. The C-shaped neck sits comfortably in the hand, while the split-parallelogram inlays on the fretboard add a touch of elegance. It is worth noting that the fretboard has been replaced with one made of Madagascar rosewood.

The tone of this guitar is exactly what one would expect from a Gibson archtop fitted with a Charlie Christian-style pickup: warm, round, and full, both acoustically and when amplified, with beautiful clarity in the high frequencies and solid definition in chords. Whether for jazz, blues, or other styles, the ES175CC offers a versatile sound that brings out the best in both solo playing and rhythmic accompaniment.

During the fretboard replacement, the back of the neck received an overspray; the frets and the nut have also been replaced. The output jack has also been replaced, and at some point, the original bridge was swapped for a tune-o-matic style bridge. Furthermore, the guitar shows signs of play consistent with an instrument of this age, such as a few dings on the top and light buckle wear on the back of the body. All of this gives this ES175CC an authentic vintage charm that can only be acquired through decades of musical life!

The guitar comes in a case, the handle of which is unfortunately missing.

This guitar has been carefully inspected for condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.

photos of: Actual Instrument