CME Figured Natural Gibson ES-175

**Longways to Go** · 12-21-2017, 08:42 PM

Originally Posted by Stringswinger

Last night I decided to ditch the factory Gibson roundwound strings and installed a set of TI 13 flats. Woah! What a difference in tone. When I first got the guitar, I thought it was a bit overly bright. I knew that some of that was the TOM (I hate TOM's on an archtop. They do brighten the tone and add some metallic overtones) and replaced the TOM with a rosewood saddle.

The difference in tone with the TI's is dramatic. The Gibson strings are very bright and tinny sounding. Now the guitar is warm and fat. Played through my Polytone/RE rig, this guitar now has the classic Joe Pass tone in spades (Joe used 13 flats). And I love that tone.

I did have to adjust the trussrod after installing the new strings. I was happy that the trussrod is fully functional.

With my adapting to the the chunky neck and getting the tone dialed in, I am thinking that this guitar could stick around for quite awhile. Perhaps long enough to find out if I have the same long term experience as Vinny. My "twelve step program for guitar" is in serious danger. These CME deals have provided me with two wonderful Gibsons. When Gibson gets it right, there is no guitar that can touch them. Why any guitarist would buy anything else for jazz, when these CME deals can still be had is beyond me. I am 2 for 2 with the CME Gibson floor model program. Time for me to go out, swing through the trees and beat my chest.

I love the sound of my new CME 175 with the stock strings, but your comments have me wondering about the mojo of the TI flats. As it happens, I've got a couple of 13 sets sitting around -- might make for a nice tomorrow project

I've been a pretty satisfied 12 roundwound player for a while, but hey I can always change back ! . . .

**gggomez** · 12-21-2017, 10:11 PM

At the recommendation of someone here I tried La Belles. Wow if I was to stick with flats they are the ones for me. Alive, good sustain, feel better than Chromes but not quite as nice as the TIs which are amazing in this regard, really clear with nice balance between the wound and unwound. Thought they make my 2012 175 really shine.

**Stringswinger** · 12-22-2017, 01:29 AM

Originally Posted by gggomez

At the recommendation of someone here I tried La Belles. Wow if I was to stick with flats they are the ones for me. Alive, good sustain, feel better than Chromes but not quite as nice as the TIs which are amazing in this regard, really clear with nice balance between the wound and unwound. Thought they make my 2012 175 really shine.

I used La Bella Flats before I found TI's. La Bella makes great strings, but IMO, TI makes the best.

**Longways to Go** · 12-23-2017, 12:30 AM

Man, I tried to switch to TI flats today, but it's just not happening for me. I put on the low E first and hated it!
Backpedaled to the original Gibson roundwound string before I got any further.
Potayto Pohtaato, Tomayto Tohmaato I guess. I don't think flats are my thing anymore.

**Stringswinger** · 12-23-2017, 12:40 AM

Originally Posted by Longways to Go

Man, I tried to switch to TI flats today, but it's just not happening for me. I put on the low E first and hated it!
Backpedaled to the original Gibson roundwound string before I got any further.
Potayto Pohtaato, Tomayto Tohmaato I guess. I don't think flats are my thing anymore.

That is why there is chocolate and vanilla.....

**gggomez** · 12-23-2017, 03:58 AM

I have searched and searched for a replacement for the original strings sound and have never found that sound.

Could nite find what the Gibson strings were I think they were L5 which they do not make any more.

Currently on DAddario pure nickel, not bad but not that original sound.

It was suggested to me Elixir Nanowebs which are going on when my new P90 in a humbucker is installed next week.

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**Longways to Go** · 12-23-2017, 11:59 AM

I don't think there is anything special about the Gibson factory strings. I'm pretty sure you can just buy replacement sets too.
Doesn't D'addario make the strings for Gibson now anyway?

**73Fender** · 12-23-2017, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by Fusionshred

I sent back three guitars to CME. The first was a cherry 339 with severely bent bridge posts; the next was a faded light burst 335 with mildly bent posts but very heavy and dull sounding; the last was a burst 175 that was gorgeous but had an obvious fret buzz at the 11th and 12th frets (which probably could have been taken care of by a tech - I'm not equipped to evaluate whether it's a fret issue or a neck hump or twist), but also sounded very dead in the lower register.

CME took them all back with absolutely no problem. They asked me what qualities were important to me (and, of course, I told them that almost everything was important). They then recommended that they pull one for me and inspect it before I get the next one shipped. So they did, and last night was my first ever. . .

NGDx2!!!

They sent me a gorgeous Sunset Burst ES-339 that, as far as I can tell so far, is absolutely flawless and was a virtual steal at the price I paid with the additional 15% off.

They also sent me a figured natural 175 that's a LITTLE on the heavy side, but manageable, and seems to be as close to perfect as I need a guitar to be. I'm still tweaking the setup and want to check the truss rod. Then I'll flip the neck pickup ring and replace the truss rod cover with a historic one I have, and vacuum the sawdust (???) out of the case. It's what I'd call mildly flamed but that's good enough.

I'll post some pics in a separate thread for you to check out, but I feel the trial-and-error has proven to be a worthwhile investment in time (and that's really the only investment) and I now have two phenomenal examples for basically better-than-used prices. I'll echo what others have said; when you find one that they got right, it's magnificent.

There's Only One Jeep, and there's Only One ES-175.

Congrats on the nice ones they sent you. Has anyone determined what CME does with the returns?

**Stringswinger** · 12-23-2017, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by 73Fender

Congrats on the nice ones they sent you. Has anyone determined what CME does with the returns?

It is my understanding that CME owns these guitars, so they are not going back to Gibson. Someone posted that they heard CME sells the returns in their showroom and does not ship them a second time.

The smart move for them would be to have their in house techs fix them as best they can. Some guitarists are not as picky as others. At the right price all of these guitars, no matter their flaws, will find a new home.

**gggomez** · 12-23-2017, 03:44 PM

Hugo with original strings, I love the throw tie growl. Have not been able to find gibson strings with wound G

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**wmachine** · 12-23-2017, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by Stringswinger

It is my understanding that CME owns these guitars, so they are not going back to Gibson. Someone posted that they heard CME sells the returns in their showroom and does not ship them a second time.

The smart move for them would be to have their in house techs fix them as best they can. Some guitarists are not as picky as others. At the right price all of these guitars, no matter their flaws, will find a new home.

Correct. I'm not sure what is so hard for some to understand about what CMI is doing. If one expects a flawless guitar, then they got in the wrong line. And it is their fault they are in the wrong line, not CME's fault, and not Gibson's fault. The nature of the line was clearly stated.
Yes it is a bit of a lottery, as you have 3 possible outcomes. 1. The guitar is virtually perfect. 2. Some flaws, but acceptable. 3. Unacceptable flaws. If it is #3, you can send it back and try again, or not.
Under these conditions, nobody actually loses, some just do better than others.

What seems to be hard for some to understand is that CME does not know is that under #2, what is acceptable and what is not to someone. So they send them and let you decide. In all fairness, there are apparently some that won't be acceptable to anyone. Whether one agrees with it or not, CME has decided to send them all without really close scrutiny and deal with the returns. And CME has tried to (within reason) deal with some individual requests when some have ordered (weight, set-up, etc.) They cannot afford to do it across the board for everyone at these prices, but they should be commended for even attempting to help customers.
If one doesn't like all of this, then get in the right line (there is a line?) and pay full price.

**73Fender** · 12-23-2017, 05:02 PM

^^ Not hard to understand at all actually. And a great deal on a new Gibson with a ding or two or a finish flaw, really anything cosmetic or easily remedied would be fine by me at the right price.

**QAman** · 12-24-2017, 08:33 AM

Originally Posted by wmachine

Correct. I'm not sure what is so hard for some to understand about what CMI is doing. If one expects a flawless guitar, then they got in the wrong line. And it is their fault they are in the wrong line, not CME's fault, and not Gibson's fault. The nature of the line was clearly stated.
Yes it is a bit of a lottery, as you have 3 possible outcomes. 1. The guitar is virtually perfect. 2. Some flaws, but acceptable. 3. Unacceptable flaws. If it is #3, you can send it back and try again, or not.
Under these conditions, nobody actually loses, some just do better than others.

What seems to be hard for some to understand is that CME does not know is that under #2, what is acceptable and what is not to someone. So they send them and let you decide. In all fairness, there are apparently some that won't be acceptable to anyone. Whether one agrees with it or not, CME has decided to send them all without really close scrutiny and deal with the returns. And CME has tried to (within reason) deal with some individual requests when some have ordered (weight, set-up, etc.) They cannot afford to do it across the board for everyone at these prices, but they should be commended for even attempting to help customers.
If one doesn't like all of this, then get in the right line (there is a line?) and pay full price.

Wmachine,
Very well said. These were always designated as Floor models and CME was very upfront with that disclosure . Yes, they were brand new in the box - but some might have worse issues than others , and based on the volume and individual subjectivity - it was best to let the customer decide the acceptability of each instruments. CME was fantastic with all the returns and really tried to make everyone happy - they are truly an outstanding organization.
These guitars were sold at a huge discount and many forum members bought several instruments. It also provided a way for those with less means to acquire a new Gibson guitar of their dreams.
Of course many of us critiqued our purchase against perfect standards and sent many back - but in the end we should be grateful to CME and Gibson for providing this opportunity - it’s likely never to happen again.
We all have a lot to be grateful for in 2017 - and let’s hope Gibson guitar pulls through their tough times.

Happy Holidays you guys !

**vinnyv1k** · 12-24-2017, 11:39 AM

Amen Stevie ! Merry Christmas and may God bless you all ! Don’t forget to count your blessings.

**Stringswinger** · 12-24-2017, 11:46 AM

Merry Christmas to all! Enjoy the blessing of jazz guitar, one of the most beautiful things in all creation.

**GNAPPI** · 12-31-2017, 04:34 PM

CME is at it again... the 175 figured is now $2120 OTD and if it's there when my CC bill hits my mailbox I'll PTT on it so it hits my next billing cycle. I'm in a similar situation as Lawson, in my archtops I'm long on bursts and short on blondes. I'm "almost" hoping someone else snags it before I do.

**Robertkoa** · 12-31-2017, 05:05 PM

Wow ...that's a used price..
I think I have seen it on Reverb - figured right ?

Flaws are fine if it has Tone & intonation .

**Stringswinger** · 12-31-2017, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by GNAPPI

CME is at it again... the 175 figured is now $2120 OTD and if it's there when my CC bill hits my mailbox I'll PTT on it so it hits my next billing cycle. I'm in a similar situation as Lawson, in my archtops I'm long on bursts and short on blondes. I'm "almost" hoping someone else snags it before I do.

I paid $2290 for mine and thought it was too good to pass up. At $2120 it is a steal. These are fine guitars, as good as any that Gibson has ever made in terms of fit and finish and playability. Some (myself included) might prefer a more "woody" sounding electric archtop, but that is a matter of taste. These are great archtops at a great price. This is a chance to acquire an iconic jazz guitar, brand spanking new, at a used guitar price.

**2bornot2bop** · 12-31-2017, 07:13 PM

$2120 for a Blonde '175? So that's a verbal quote? I don't see that price advertised

**Stringswinger** · 12-31-2017, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop

$2120 for a Blonde '175? So that's a verbal quote? I don't see that price advertised

You have to buy it on reverb for that price. You get 15% off the stated price at checkout.

**2bornot2bop** · 12-31-2017, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Stringswinger

You have to buy it on reverb for that price. You get 15% off the stated price at checkout.

and is the Burst '175 further discounted as well?

**Stringswinger** · 12-31-2017, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop

and is the Burst '175 further discounted as well?

Yep. 15% off the Burst as well. Beware though, they have these guitars on Reverb at different pricing. Make sure to click on the lowest one.

**johnnytuinals** · 12-31-2017, 09:48 PM

You can just call Matt and get another 15% off at Chicago Music Exchange.
I did that with 2 guitars.ES335 and ES330}.........JT

**wmachine** · 12-31-2017, 10:10 PM

Originally Posted by johnnytuinals

You can just call Matt and get another 15% off at Chicago Music Exchange.
I did that with 2 guitars.ES335 and ES330}.........JT

Yes, but that is a maybe. What you can get off from Matt depends on what and when. Sometimes it is 15%, sometimes it is just a flat $100, and sometimes, like when Reverb was running 15% off, it is nothing more than that.
Regardless, one should ask him, to get the very best price. But results do vary, and it is beyond his control.

**Robertkoa** · 12-31-2017, 10:48 PM

I have never owned a 175 and I read Guys on here talking about how the ES 175s vary a lot ...

But really how bad can a 175 be ?

Even a Mediocre sounding 175 is going to sound ( no offense ) better than a 335 for Phatt Natural Neck Tones..right?
Assuming it intonates well and the Frets are good..

$2120. is actually such as crazy price that even if you don't like it ...you might have to sell it and lose
$0. - You might have to sell it and only make $200 to $400
?

Is this correct ?

I have read I think two unofficial Reviews by people who say the' newer' 175s seem to have better sustain.. not exactly a Problem..lol.