1955 Gibson ES-175
The 1955 ES-175 — the definitive jazz archtop. Sharp cutaway, floating bridge, and P-90 pickups. The guitar of Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, and Pat Metheny.
Current Market Value
Excellent
$5,600–$8,000
Very Good
$3,200–$5,600
Good
$1,600–$3,200
Fair
$800–$1,600
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Maple laminate (full-depth archtop) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 20 |
| Pickup Config | SS |
| Bridge | Floating rosewood bridge with trapeze tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Natural |
| Est. Production | 600 |
Pickups & Electronics
P-90 single-coil pickup(s). Single pickup (ES-175) or dual pickup (ES-175D).
What Changed in 1955
Continued production. The ES-175 remains the jazz guitarist's first choice.
Notable Examples
Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, Pat Metheny, Jim Hall — the ES-175 defined jazz guitar tone.
Collector's Notes
Jazz players prioritize playability over collector condition. Original pickups, floating bridge, and trapeze tailpiece are key. Single-pickup models are rarer but two-pickup more desirable for players.