1953 Gibson ES-175

The classic two-pickup ES-175D — the version that defined the model. Two P-90 dog-ears, pressed maple body, and the warm archtop sound that became synonymous with jazz guitar.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$8,000$15,000
Very Good
$5,000$8,000
Good
$3,000$5,000
Fair
$1,500$3,000

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodMaple (pressed archtop hollow body)
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardRosewood
Scale Length24.750"
Frets20
Pickup ConfigHH
BridgeAdjustable rosewood bridge, trapeze tailpiece
TunersKluson Deluxe
Finish OptionsSunburst
Est. Production650

Pickups & Electronics

Two P-90 dog-ear pickups (175D model — two-pickup version introduced). Jazz-optimized tone.

What Changed in 1953

The two-pickup ES-175D became the standard model. The 175 was becoming Gibson's flagship jazz archtop electric. Joe Pass and other prominent jazz players adopted it.

Collector's Notes

Two-pickup D versions are more common than the single-pickup version. Verify that the pickups are original P-90s. The trapeze tailpiece is correct. This model has been continuously popular and well-maintained examples are more common than some vintage Gibsons.