80s mahogny Gibson ES-175 vs early 70s no volute ES-175

**roegtr** · 03-09-2016, 08:30 AM

Which one would you choose and why?

**GNAPPI** · 03-09-2016, 08:52 AM

If I could not play them, neither. Of all the Gibson models, I found the 175 very variable in playability and sound. On the other side of the coin brands like Ibanez I would buy without playing as I've found them VERY consistent.

Once years ago I was fortunate to find in a LGS that had several used 175's on the wall. I was able to play them, all were 80's and 90's models.

One was not usable at all, others were just meh... one was spectacular but it was the highest priced one and in horrid condition. The lower bout where the arm and pit rested was severely sweat stained, the back was rashed badly, its finish was checked 100% the frets were worn as was the finish on the neck IIRC. I almost did not play it because it was so nasty looking. The sales guy just about insisted I give it a go, I thought I might puke holding it :-) But sound? I have yet to hear or play another 175 that could equal a Tal Farlow but this one did

Anyway, I have no problem at all with a volute, those that do and let the appendage make a buying decision for them could be missing a jewel.

**roegtr** · 03-09-2016, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by GNAPPI

If I could not play them, neither. Of all the Gibson models, I found the 175 very variable in playability and sound. On the other side of the coin brands like Ibanez I would buy without playing as I've found them VERY consistent.

Once years ago I was fortunate to find in a LGS that had several used 175's on the wall. I was able to play them, all were 80's and 90's models.

One was not usable at all, others were just meh... one was spectacular but it was the highest priced one and in horrid condition. The lower bout where the arm and pit rested was severely sweat stained, the back was rashed badly, its finish was checked 100% the frets were worn as was the finish on the neck IIRC. I almost did not play it because it was so nasty looking. The sales guy just about insisted I give it a go, I thought I might puke holding it :-) But sound? I have yet to hear or play another 175 that could equal a Tal Farlow but this one did

Anyway, I have no problem at all with a volute, those that do and let the appendage make a buying decision for them could be missing a jewel.

Good reply! Thanks! Would you buy a Tal Farlow without trying first?

**abelljo** · 03-09-2016, 09:21 AM

I'd go for the early 70s although I don't remember seeing a 70s model without a volute. I think I like all maple bodies on a 175. Do you know if the 70s model has maple or mahogany neck?

**kenbennett** · 03-09-2016, 09:32 AM

Depends on the specific guitars. Play one. Play the other. Choose.

**steves3972** · 03-09-2016, 09:35 AM

I know that the mahogany versions get a lot of love on this forum. I have one too and it's my favorite guitar I've ever owned. I owned an early 70's Byrdland and it was really nice too. It'd be a hard choice to choose between a 70's and 80's one without trying them first. However, given so many of us on here have 80's versions and love them perhaps that shows that they were quite consistent with build quality and sound. 70's Gibsons do not have a reputation of being consistent.

**roegtr** · 03-09-2016, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by steves3972

I know that the mahogany versions get a lot of love on this forum. I have one too and it's my favorite guitar I've ever owned. I owned an early 70's Byrdland and it was really nice too. It'd be a hard choice to choose between a 70's and 80's one without trying them first. However, given so many of us on here have 80's versions and love them perhaps that shows that they were quite consistent with build quality and sound. 70's Gibsons do not have a reputation of being consistent.

I've seen lots of guys here really liking the 80's es175s. I wonder if they still have that 175 thump

**vintagelove** · 03-09-2016, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by roegtr

I've seen lots of guys here really liking the 80's es175s. I wonder if they still have that 175 thump

My mahogany 175 is very unique, it's pickup is right against the neck ala Joe pass. Thump??? Sometimes it literally sounds like a bass (when walking with your comping) it's so warm!!!

**2bornot2bop** · 03-09-2016, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by roegtr

Good reply! Thanks! Would you buy a Tal Farlow without trying first?

I did. If there's a can't miss "jazz" guitar, that gets my money. They're the only Gibson guitar I can think of, on the used market, that is undervalued. $2500 for a TF is nuts! But possible...

**GNAPPI** · 03-09-2016, 11:43 PM

Originally Posted by roegtr

Good reply! Thanks! Would you buy a Tal Farlow without trying first?

I already did. My Tal was bought online from an "in hand" description and also based on my one playing experience with one locally. Of course the overwhelming praise offered up to them on the web didn't hurt my decision making at all. I'd do it again.

**skykomishone** · 03-10-2016, 01:37 AM

Originally Posted by abelljo

I'd go for the early 70s although I don't remember seeing a 70s model without a volute. I think I like all maple bodies on a 175. Do you know if the 70s model has maple or mahogany neck?

My '72 has a mahogany neck. Plays like a dream. I've owned it for 44 years. Lovely guitar.

**silverfoxx** · 03-10-2016, 05:17 AM

I suggest a low profile on the opinions of the TF , if Gibson get wind of the fact that it has become
more popular ,they'll double the price. LOL
I've had three, in a weak moment I sold my Blonde ( unique in the UK ) model but love my current
"Viceroy" finish , I did drive some distance however to try it. decided on it in minutes ,no contest.

**vinlander** · 03-10-2016, 06:59 AM

Originally Posted by roegtr

Good reply! Thanks! Would you buy a Tal Farlow without trying first?

I did too, but from a reputable member here.
Somehow based on many reviews they got here and elsewhere, they seem quite consistent compared to the 175 (probably because it is a CS). Does not mean they are perfect, mine originally had a badly cut nut.
In any case I never thought an honeymoon phase could last so long; I am still in it after 8 months...

**pingu** · 03-10-2016, 07:06 AM

Originally Posted by vintagelove

My mahogany 175 is very unique, it's pickup is right against the neck ala Joe pass. Thump??? Sometimes it literally sounds like a bass (when walking with your comping) it's so warm!!!

what year can we see a foto or two ?

**vintagelove** · 03-10-2016, 01:49 PM

Originally Posted by pingu

what year can we see a foto or two ?

Enjoy!!!

80s mahogny Gibson ES-175 vs early 70s no volute ES-175-image-jpg

**vintagelove** · 03-10-2016, 01:50 PM

P.S. The maple one is also a fantastic instrument.

**Flat** · 03-10-2016, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by vintagelove

Vintagelove, that is the sexiest, hippest, coolest ES-175 I have ever seen!

I like the idea of moving the humbucker up near the fretboard. Mellower tone, plus more space for fingerstyle players.

**pingu** · 03-10-2016, 03:00 PM

is that a mahog top too ?

yeah it must be unique i reckon . nice one

**vintagelove** · 03-10-2016, 04:52 PM

Ahem, did I mention that it was a LEFTY!!!

Ive been asked if it was a mahogany top, I'm not sure. It definitely is laminate, and pretty feedback resistant.

Dutchbopper · 03-10-2016, 05:19 PM

Originally Posted by roegtr

Which one would you choose and why?

I own both a 1998 Tal Farlow and a Mahogany 175 from 1982.

The Mahogany ES 175s from the 80s are great guitars. Mine has the Tim Shaw pups to boot. Maybe that helps too. Anyway, it nails the classic Joe Pass "Joy Spring" sound. It's the best 175 I have played so far (including a few vintage ones). Glad I happen to own it. Not sure about 1970s 175s. Never played one from that era.

The Tal is a great guitar too. Bought it from a pic across the pond over 12 years ago. At the time I had no real experience with the Tal Farlow other than that I liked Tal Farlow and loved its appearance.

Years later I got to play my 1998 Tal side by side with a 1964 Tal through the same amp and mine was no lesser guitar. A used Tal used to be one of the best buys in the current Gibson roster but I am not sure that is still the case. You see them well over 3 and some even over 4k used now.

DB

Dutchbopper · 03-10-2016, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by vintagelove

Ahem, did I mention that it was a LEFTY!!!

Ive been asked if it was a mahogany top, I'm not sure. It definitely is laminate, and pretty feedback resistant.

A 175 with a a mahogany top?????? That'll be the day ...

DB

**pingu** · 03-10-2016, 07:52 PM

Originally Posted by Dutchbopper

A 175 with a a mahogany top?????? That'll be the day ...

DB

Its a darker guitar than most sunburst 175s
is it just a maple top with a dark tobacco sunburst then ?

**kenbennett** · 03-11-2016, 12:59 AM

Originally Posted by roegtr

I've seen lots of guys here really liking the 80's es175s. I wonder if they still have that 175 thump

Stop wondering and try one out.

**Little Jay** · 03-11-2016, 02:12 AM

Originally Posted by Dutchbopper

A 175 with a a mahogany top?????? That'll be the day ...

DB

The very early ones did in 1949... Well, the top-layer of the laminate was mahogany. But those had P90s. This guitar probably just has a very dark finished maple top? (Pickup placement so close to the neck puzzles me too..... Custom one-off?)

*edit: I thought the early ones did, but I have been wrong before and I might be confusing it with the early ES-125. Those early ones definitely had hog tops, I know because I have one

**vintagelove** · 03-11-2016, 02:32 AM

Originally Posted by Little Jay

The very early ones did in 1949... Well, the top-layer of the laminate was mahogany. But those had P90s. This guitar probably just has a very dark finished maple top? (Pickup placement so close to the neck puzzles me too..... Custom one-off?)

it does have the appearance of mahogany in the grain, but I can't say for sure.

Definitly a one off from the days when you could contact Gibson and say

Hello, I would like a left handed 175 in antique burst, great (shaw) pickups, shielded pots, mahogany construction, thin neck depth, oh and put the pickup by the neck cuz it sounds best there.

No problem sir.