❌SOLD❌ Gibson ES-175 VOS 1959 Reissue Sunburst, 2016

The Gibson ES-175 VOS 1959 Reissue brought back the 1959 version of the classic single humbucking pickup, working player’s jazz guitar.

Introduced in 1949 as a 16 inch wide, fully hollow single cutaway electric, the Gibson ES-175 first carried a single P-90 pickup in the neck position. In 1953, the ES-175D was launched with a second pickup, and that became the most popular configuration throughout the 175’s production. In 1957, Gibson’s new Patent Applied For (PAF) humbucking pickup became available and appeared on the ES-175 along with other models including the groundbreaking semi-hollow ES-335. As with other models intended for amplified use, the ES-175 body is of Maple laminate with a Poplar core for feedback rejection. The body blocks and neck are Mahogany, with Rosewood for the fingerboard and bridge.

Here we’re looking at a Gibson ES-175 VOS 1959 Reissue. VOS expands to ‘Vintage Original Spec’ and indicates that this model tries to hew as closely as possible to the originals. That includes construction, finish and hardware choices. On this guitar that means Kluson Deluxe style tuners with plastic keystone buttons, a single ’57 Classic humbucker with 50’s style wiring, nickel plated tailpiece and pickup cover, amber top hat knops, vintage style pickguard, and a hand-made “Zig Zag” tailpiece. The neck profile is a slim ’59 taper, and the finish is a classic, slightly oxidized tobacco sunburst in nitrocellulose lacquer. This guitar is in overall very good clean condition with only light play wear. There is some oxidization on the nickel plated pickup cover and tailpiece, but this is less likely from wear than from ‘VOS’ aging. The bridge is a traditional fully floating Rosewood model though it’s Indian Rosewood, not Brazilian, as the 1959 original would be. Gibson has for some time stayed away from any use of Brazilian Rosewood.

This Gibson ES-175 VOS single pickup model plays very well, and is warm and responsive with a great tone.

The original brown hardshell case, with certificate of authenticity, is included.  The Certificate lists the actual model number as ES175VBNH1.