Gibson ES-175DN Arch Top Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1965), ser. #277930, original black hard shell case.

Gibson ES-175DN Model Arch Top Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1965), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 277930, natural lacquer finish, laminated maple body, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black hard shell case. We don't know who "Little John" was, but he had good taste in guitars! His moniker is neatly and very artfully carved into the pickguard of this really superb early 1965 ES-175DN, the highest grade natural-finish version of Gibson's perennial "working man's" electric archtop. While often pigeon-holed as a Jazz instrument, the two-pickup ES-175D is actually quite a versatile guitar that can handle a wide range of musical styles (just ask Steve Howe!)With one of Gibson's best combinations of easy handling, great sound and value, at least one version of the ES-175 has been consistently in production since its launch in 1949. The double pickup "D" model was added in the early 1950's and eventually became the preferred variant sales-wise despite a higher price tag. While the ES-175D is considered one of the classic Gibson electrics vintage examples are not as common as one might expect. Only 57 natural "D's" were shipped out 1965, an amazingly paltry total compared to most period Gibson or Fender instruments.This two-pickup blonde beauty has transitional features specific to 1964-5. Gibson narrowed their nut width to 1 5/8" on nearly all models around this time. This neck retains the traditional 1 11/16" width which most players of vintage Gibsons prefer. The neck has round-backed profile typical of 1964-5 if somewhat slimmer overall than some. There is a black "stinger" on the heel, a Gibson factory oddity usually employed to cover some sort of fit or finish gaffe; some consider this a lucky mark! The hardware on this guitar is nickel plated; this would also be changed to chrome soon after in 1965. The bridge is a rare nickel-plated "Patent No." style with metal saddles. In most respects this guitar is little changed from late 1950's spec.With two Patent-number humbucking pickup this 175 has the classic period sound, offering both the jazzy purr of the neck pickup and the brighter twang of the bridge. Many jazz greats including Herb Ellis, Jim Hall, Kenney Burrell, Pat Metheny and more have made it a mainstay but sophisticated rock players including Steve Howe of Yes and Richard Thompson (in the earliest Fairport Convention days) have made good use of it as well. "Little John" does not appear to have played this fairly rare blonde all that much, or at least took very good care of it when it was used.Overall length is 40 7/8 in. (103.8 cm.), 16 1/16 in. (40.8 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.). This guitar is in quite clean, well preserved condition overall looking not too heavily played since 1965 and extremely well cared for over the past nearly 60 years. The original finish is tidy overall with hardly any checking. There are a few minor dings, scuffs and dents but really no notable finish wear. The nickel plating does show some typical wear, particularly on the pickup covers and to a lesser extent the tailpiece. The pickguard was neatly engraved with "Little John" likely when new; the top of the truss rod cover is a bit scuffed up, perhaps a name was written there as well and buffed off later. There are no alterations to the instrument except a period Gibson strap button at the heel, likely added when it was new. The hardware is intact and complete; the bridge base is adhered to the top but as there is a Tune-O-Matic bridge fitted this does not cause an intonation issue. The original large frets have had shave been crowned down somewhat but the guitar plays very well, complete in the original case which is also well preserved. "Little John's" blonde beauty is an exceptional find in a mid-60s ES-175, still waiting for serious play time and ready for anything from straight bop to screaming psychedelia, just like it was in 1965! Overall Excellent Condition.