Local 1954 Gibson ES-175 Find and Advice

[Bwein]

Thanks for the help on this one. I ran across a 1954 ES 175 in what looks like to be mostly all original. Was hopping to get some of your eyes and feedback on this one as I have always wanted one of these. It plays wonderful.

From what I see, it looks like the tailpiece is not original and maybe the pick guard. Of course the hole on the lower part of the neck is a bummer and weird as if it was for a strap button you'd think it would be on the other side (bottom of neck looking down)

Curious on the groups thoughts on originality, condition and value from what you can see on the photos. Thanks all...

[customxke]

Pickguard looks right to me. The “strap button” was more than likely a hook or eyelet. I’ve had multiple guitars with that…..you would put a clip on your strap, so you put your strap off and on without taking your hat off, or mussing up your jacket.

[Stringswinger]

It looks original except for the tailpiece. It is in well used condition, which often is a sign of a good/great guitar. A 54 ES-175D is worth quite a bit these days. Check the sold listings on Ebay or Reverb to get an idea of what these are actually selling for. Ignore the overinflated asking prices that you see. The hole in the neck is common on guitars from that era.

I would check to see that the truss rod functions as it should and make sure that there is room to lower the bridge saddle for a low action.

Good luck!

[olejason]

Looks great! The hole is a bummer but, like others have said, isn't uncommon. Fortunately it doesn't look like it's in a position you'd ever really feel it when playing. I imagine it could be filled pretty seamlessly by someone who knows what they're doing.

[Cunamara]

It's all patina or, as Grant Petersen calls it, beausage (a portmanteau of beauty from usage). This is a 71 year-old guitar, it is bound to have picked up experience and character. I'm only 65 and I look a lot worse for wear than that guitar does! If it plays good, sounds good and is a price you're willing to pay them by all means go for it. I would not be concerned about the originality of many of the parts as long as the bones of the instrument are still good. But then, I am a player and not a collector (having neither of the money nor the storage space to be the latter).

As far as the pickguard possibly being replaced, often the original pickguards have warped enough that they're problematic for playing the instrument. I wouldn't sweat that in the slightest.

[SOLR]

I would check to see that the truss rod functions as it should

I would also make sure that truss rod works as it should.

S

[Bwein]

Hi All,

I ended up pulling the trigger on this one. I'm now looking for an original era correct tailpiece to replace the one that it came with. I do see repro's out there but would like to get an original. If anyone has any leads for me I'd appreciate it.

[Woody Sound]

Hi All,

I ended up pulling the trigger on this one. I'm now looking for an original era correct tailpiece to replace the one that it came with. I do see repro's out there but would like to get an original. If anyone has any leads for me I'd appreciate it.

Great score, especially if you got a good deal.

[213Cobra]

Hi All,

I ended up pulling the trigger on this one. I'm now looking for an original era correct tailpiece to replace the one that it came with. I do see repro's out there but would like to get an original. If anyone has any leads for me I'd appreciate it.

Here's Gibson OEM, new but authentic:

Just a moment...

If you prefer vintage and looking aged but less aged than your existing tailpiece, it's worth contacting Gregg DeLorto at DeLorto Guitars to let him you what you're looking for. He has a shop on Reverb.

Phil