1973 Gibson ES-175
The 1973 ES-175 — the definitive jazz archtop. Sharp cutaway, floating bridge, and humbucker pickups. The guitar of Joe Pass, Wes Montgomery, and Pat Metheny.
Current Market Value
Excellent
$2,450–$3,500
Very Good
$1,400–$2,450
Good
$700–$1,400
Fair
$350–$700
* 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 | Indian 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 | 2,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
PAF or Patent Number humbucking pickup(s). Sharp-cutaway archtop tone.
What Changed in 1973
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.