Gibson ES 175
Guitars, there are so many of them on the market. Between the numerous brands and each individual model type, there are a near limitless number of choices out there. But if you are looking for a good, multipurpose guitar, then the Gibson ES-175 is what you are looking for. It is one of the oldest models still in production.
Beyond simply being a well-known name, the company has been creating guitars and selling them to collectors and professionals for quite some time. If you know your guitars, you probably have one or at least know what one you would like to own at some point. So, with this particular model, will you find that dream guitar, or will you still be left looking? Let us head into the details and we will find out what makes this one worth considering, or whether you need something else to meet your style.
- Unpotted pickups
- Laminate figured maple body
- Titanium saddle bridge
- Sound Quality
- Aesthtics
- Build Quality
- Price
- Availability
- Off-center strings
Accessories
The biggest advice any guitar player could be given is to make your case your priority. With an electric guitar, definitely make your cords and amps a close second, however, as your best sound will only come once you have them!
Basic Features
Advanced Features
This guitar offers three different settings which make it have a slight sound variance. The first setting is the lightest tones, while the third setting is the lowest. This is great when you need to jump between high and low scales for a song and don’t want to either have multiple guitars or pause to tighten or loosen your strings just to hit the proper note sound wise.
Sound Quality
Rather than going for the sound most of the younger and inexperienced players tend to go for, this is more of a blues, bluegrass and jazz instrument. Its settings are specifically set up for making the perfect blend of sounds for this type of music. The quality of its sound for this type of music is honestly quite astonishing, and even those who have been playing professionally admit this is one they want or already have in their collection.
Materials
The main body of the one we looked at was rosewood, which just looks downright gorgeous in all honestly. The metal on it was a shined platinum finish and gave it a flashy finish that wasn’t too much to take away from the instruments the main body and finish. The backboard and much of the trim was done in a black washed finish which meant you had the perfect trim to make the platinum stand out and at the same time got the muted back for the rosewood to stand out all the more in its darker, but not a too dark color.
Everything is put together with quality materials that any guitar player would be proud to have. Not only does this piece look good, but it will stand up to its intended use with ease, making it a perfect addition to any collection.
Comfort
The design is perfect for solo playing as well as for using in a blues or jazz band so that the player does not tire easily. It isn’t heavy, and it simply sits well in the lap or over the shoulder with the strap. It is ergonomically built to keep strain off the wrists and arms as well, so you can be sure you will keep up for as long as you wish to play. With as beautiful as this guitar sounds and looks, you can also be sure you look good while your laying, which may not be a physical comfort, but when you are in front of a crowd, emotional comfort is just as important for presentation and play.
Style
The rosewood, for us, seems to give that old school ‘man in black’ feeling off even with the reddish tone that makes up a large portion of the body. It fades out into black and with the black trim to the pieces, it just brings that quiet yet impressive feel to the table. You aren’t likely to be soon forgotten with an instrument this pretty, nor with the sound it produces.
As for the style of music it is aimed with, yet again, you could play something harder, but it almost seems a shame to do on something so beautiful. Blues, bluegrass and jazz were what was in mind, though we can honestly say it would be great for country music too. When we think Johnny Cash, this guitar definitely fits as well for his style, and in our opinion, that was a style all of its own.
Durability
The only real complaints we have seen aren’t really in the durability but in the overall initial design. Some of the strings appear to be slightly off center and the lacquer used can leave ridges or bumps along the neck joint. These are small problems when considering that the end result is a guitar that seems to outperform most others one could grab for what it is designed to do.
In truth, those who have had the honor to either play or own this quality made instrument, there have been next to issues in durability. It holds its own and then some in being an instrument you can rely on.
Ease of Use
While it is designed for more advanced and professional players, it seems this is something a beginner could pick up and ease into with a little work. The fact that its sound draws the attention so rapidly, and you can hear a clear difference between notes only adds to its playability. A quick flick and you can go from a higher riff to a lower one and not have to mess with much of anything else.
Performance
If we were to base our review entirely on sound and performance, we could say for certain this guitar ranks out near the top, and that is with comparing it outside its genre. The design is simply well thought out and well put together to perform and leave one breathless.
Price
If you are looking to get one new, though, you are looking at a much higher price tag usually. This particular guitar typically runs over 1k and is worth every cent to collectors, so you may find yourself fighting to get your hands on it at this low cost. Be prepared to be saving up and hunting for this one to get it safely in your collection, You will need to plan ahead and take the first chance you have at purchasing it when you see it (as the rosewood, the darker version we were looking at vanished while we were writing this article!!).
Key Features
Easy to play
Three level tone
Beautiful appearance
Ergonomic
Bottom Line
If you are new to guitars, an old hand, or simply have to have something to impress everyone, you won’t be let down with this purchase. This item simply is that touch of old with the technology of new that don’t normally come together well and makes it seem like anyone should be able to handle it. With a company like Gibson though, most collectors will tell you, their reputation makes it so you don’t really have to wonder if you have one of the best. The ES 175 is no exception to that rule, if anything, it exemplifies it.