We are delighted to offer for sale this 1956 Gibson ES-175D in Blonde/Natural finish. This is a wonderful example, kept in excellent condition for its age. As you would expect for a 70 year old instrument, there are signs of genuine play wear from over the years but we are pleased to report there are no signs of any damage or historic structural repairs. It is very rare to find an example as original as this, especially in this much desired Blonde finish with original double Dogear P-90 pickup configuration. It's hard not to instantly fall in love with this guitar when you open the case and pick it up. The neck feels great in the hands and even the smell of the old lacquer is endearing.

Cosmetically, as you will see in our photographs, it presents very well indeed. There are lots of small signs of use with plenty of characterful lacquer checking and patina throughout. It has inevitably picked up some small dinks and scratches but certainly nothing out of the ordinary for a vintage instrument. There is something quite charming about a guitar that has clearly been played a lot but treated with great care.

The previous owner who had it for 25 years chose to replace the machine heads for fear of the originals getting broken. The full set of originals are included and in full working order. Currently fitted with like for like Kluson SD90SLNI which are a perfect replacement.

The neck feels nice and full in the hand without being too cumbersome. There are minor marks/indents but nothing that impacts playability in any way. The fingerboard is in excellent shape with some light wear, mostly on the first 5 frets. The frets have been dressed and levelled. They play nicely throughout the fingerboard. All original nut, inlays and crown on the headstock in great condition.

At some point it had a Bigsby fitted and later removed which has left two small circular marks to the lacquer on the top of the body. The toggle switch button is of-period but non-original. There is also one replacement screw and nut on the scratch plate fitting. On the end of the tailpiece there is one screw missing and replacement strap button. At some point an additional strap button has been added (shown in photo 4).

Includes period correct Gibson case showing plenty of wear. The Gibson metal tag is not currently fitted to the case but is included. Inside the case is a replacement Tuno-Matic bridge.

We've given it a full set up and healthcheck in our workshop with fresh set of Thomastik-Infeld Flatwound 12-50's and we are now ready to find this piece of Gibson history a new home.

Weight: 6.5lbs
Serial Number: A23419
Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan State, USA
Trade in's welcome, get in touch for a quote.

Please note: This guitar is only for sale within the UK Mainland only. Collection from our showroom is preferred.

Pre Owned Equipment is often subject to some wear depending on age and how well it has been looked after. Any significant cosmetic damage is shown in the photos so please take the time to look through and make sure you are happy with the condition before buying. Please see description of this item for details.