Sadowsky Jimmy Bruno or Gibson ES-175 Memphis 59 re-issue

**Stew23** · 09-01-2016, 01:58 PM

No I really don't want to take my chances Woody. LOL That's why I'm leaning toward the Sadowsky JB. Sadowsky reputation for quality production is just better. Besides, I like the idea of the smaller body. Just to confuse myself further I was looking at the Heritage KB groove master. Nice looking box.

**2bornot2bop** · 09-01-2016, 02:07 PM

Sorry brother. I was surprised only 2 other's bid on it and apparently neither wanted it that bad. You know me and blondes - Meh.

Gibson ES 175 Blond Guitar with Case - Near Mint

It arrived today - barely a nick on it. My guess is it wasn't played much. Seller said he acquired it from a collector who didn't play.

I guess I shouldn't mention the Hutchins Wes for $4400 then?

Feast or famine it is.

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

You make me....SIIIIICK!

Did you really score that '97 ES-175DN for $1900? Please tell me it has some defect on it like the case liner staining it pink.

I'm starting to haaate you, man.

**arnie65** · 09-01-2016, 08:55 PM

I've had both, the Sadowsky JH and a few Gibby 175's. They're both excellent choices, however Gibson has never really managed to keep consistency in their quality, something that Sadowsky has done well. Out of the (4) 175's I've had through the years, only 2 sounded exceptional and as good as the JH. The other two had issues, in addition I've played a lot of the ones that friends of mine have owned and one may sound a lot different than another.. The thing I like about the Sadowsky archtops is that they all sounds terrific. (and they should for the money..) Having said that, I regret letting go of a (1980) 175 that sounded like heaven and better than any Sadowsky I've ever played...Go figure.

Cheers,
Arnie...

**oldwoodak** · 09-02-2016, 11:47 AM

I went through the same debate recently. Just got a Jimmy Bruno two weeks ago. Hopefully in the near future I will borrow my buddies ES 175 and put them to the comparative test. So far the Bruno is awesome, has a lot of punch perfect for playing with a group, my L-5 would be the choice if I was backing up a singer playing solo. Busy this weekend but I will try to get a recording together next week. PM me if you want to talk on the phone about my Bruno experience.

**Woody Sound** · 09-02-2016, 12:08 PM

If I may add, this is a personal thing: By far the most important aspect to me about a guitar is the fretboard and neck. I want a perfect fret job, perfectly straight board with no uneven edges/ends, humps, dips, etc. I have experienced WAY too many of these problems with Gibsons, especially around the neck/body joint. This is way more important to me than some tone differences. A different sound I can live with, and even adjust. An imperfect neck for me is hard to live with. JMO.

**arnie65** · 09-02-2016, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by Woody Sound

If I may add, this is a personal thing: By far the most important aspect to me about a guitar is the fretboard and neck. I want a perfect fret job, perfectly straight board with no uneven edges/ends, humps, dips, etc. I have experienced WAY too many of these problems with Gibsons, especially around the neck/body joint. This is way more important to me than some tone differences. A different sound I can live with, and even adjust. An imperfect neck for me is hard to live with. JMO.

As I mentioned, Gibson has never ever been able to maintain a level of quality and consistency in their instruments, but mostly their archtops. If guitars had "recalls", Gibson would be bankrupt a long time ago...

Cheers,
Arnie..