Gibson ES-275

[sgosnell]

He has another video in which he installs a button in the same place in a regular archtop, but I couldn't find it easily. I think he went through the pickup hole with that one. I've used the f hole on a couple of thinlines, because the block fit through it easily enough, and I didn't want to go to the trouble of removing the pickup. An endoscope connected to a monitor or mobile phone helps a lot to get the block in the correct orientation.

[jazzstan175]

Here's the email I got back from Gibson (I bolded the significant part of their answer to my question)...

Hello Stan,

Thanks for reaching out. This model would not have shipped with strap button installed at the heel. If you wish to have a button installed, the video in the link below will explain a few keys points of the installation process.

I hope this helps. Thanks again for writing us at Gibson!


Gibson Brands, Inc.
Consumer Service
Gibson Inc.
1-800-4GIBSON

[ewall]

I've been looking at 15" short scale thin-bodied archtops and came across the Memphis ES 275. For those that know, can you share opinions? I've been comparing this to a Sadowsky SS-15 as I'd like a full-ish neck profile. Can't afford a Collings or higher priced boutique archtops. So any informed opinions would be welcome as it seems there are a few that have experience here. Thanks.

[Hammertone]

IMO, these are excellent guitars - a model that Gibson could / should have introduced in 1957 but didn't. I played one that belonged to a friend awhile back and was impressed, and just recently got another one as part of a trade. Between 2015 and 2019, Gibson Memphis made several different versions of the model with differing cosmetic details, as well as a version with P-90s, and a version with a block and stop tailpiece.

Here's mine, from 2018, with a rosewood fretboard and ES-350 / ES-5 style tailpiece. Previous versions had Richlite fretboards and ES-175 zigzag-style tailpieces. There's also a lovely red version with a rosewood board that tips its hat to ES-345 styling, that I think is drop-dead sexy as well.

[ThatRhythmMan]

IMO, these are excellent guitars - a model that Gibson could / should have introduced in 1957 but didn't. I played one that belonged to a friend awhile back and was impressed, and just recently got another one as part of a trade. Between 2015 and 2019, Gibson Memphis made several different versions of the model with differing cosmetic details, as well as a version with P-90s, and a version with a block and top tailpiece.

Here's mine, from 2018, with a rosewood fretboard and ES-350 / ES-5 style tailpiece. Previous versions had Richlite fretboards and ES-175 zigzag-style tailpieces. There's also a lovely red version with a rosewood board that tips its hat to ES-345 styling, that I think is drop-dead sexy as well.

I’ll second Hanmertone. I’ve had several pass through, and they’ve honestly been well made and played nicely.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[art4$]

I have the 2016 cherry red, silver hardware, hollow body version of this model which I bought new in 2017. It appealed to me more than the sunburst, gold hardware version which was considerably more expensive. I also prefer the fully hollow ones to the later semi-hollow versions. I love the guitar - playability, sound, size, looks. I play mainly jazz and have other guitars that I also like, so they each get playing time, but the Gibson ES275, 175 & 335, Heritage H530 & Guild t100 get the most use.

[2bornot2bop]

I have the 2016 cherry red, silver hardware, hollow body version of this model which I bought new in 2017. It appealed to me more than the sunburst, gold hardware version which was considerably more expensive. I also prefer the fully hollow ones to the later semi-hollow versions. I love the guitar - playability, sound, size, looks. I play mainly jazz and have other guitars that I also like, so they each get playing time, but the Gibson ES275, 175 & 335, Heritage H530 & Guild t100 get the most use.

What? Like this you mean?!

[jads57]

I guess I have a different opinion of these. I really wanted to like them,but could not bound with them.
They were much akin to an ES-330 in that they are fully hollow sans maybe the ones with stop tail pieces. I’d call it a Gibson medium shaped neck with slender shoulders.

Great idea originally,but not as good as my Benedetto Bambino imo.
If money is an issue try a Bill Comins GS-1 Although an import, very similar to Sadowsky semi hollow.

[art4$]

Yep

[Woody Sound]

I've been looking at 15" short scale thin-bodied archtops and came across the Memphis ES 275. For those that know, can you share opinions? I've been comparing this to a Sadowsky SS-15 as I'd like a full-ish neck profile. Can't afford a Collings or higher priced boutique archtops. So any informed opinions would be welcome as it seems there are a few that have experience here. Thanks.

I believe it is a Les Paul neck.

[Hammertone]

This is another interesting variation on the ES-275 worth chasing:

[GuitarJay]

I've had both the red one with humbuckers and the sunburst one with P90s. I've not owned the one with the block inlays. T

The ones I had played and sounded fantastic and were versatile. While the necks look like Les Paul necks, they seemed a bit smaller. Ultimately, that's why I sold both - my small hands felt cramped on them. I think this may be a "me" problem. :-) They are worth trying out if there's one near you!

[Hammertone]

I prefer big necks, but I can deal with the neck on my ES-275 for now - it feels "normal"-sized to me. I'll probably sell it off soon enough. I'll take a few measurements.

[Woody Sound]

The ones I had played and sounded fantastic and were versatile. While the necks look like Les Paul necks, they seemed a bit smaller. Ultimately, that's why I sold both - my small hands felt cramped on them. I think this may be a "me" problem. :-) They are worth trying out if there's one near you!

A Gibson product development guy at the time, I can't recall his name, told me it is a Les Paul neck.

[Little Jay]

This is another interesting variation on the ES-275 worth chasing:

Well, I love how it looks for sure! Bet it sounds great as well.

[Little Jay]

A Gibson product development guy at the time, I can't recall his name, told me it is a Les Paul neck.

Makes sense. It joins at the 16th fret, just like an LP neck, so it’s economically efficient to use what’s already at hand.

[Herbie]

About 5-6 years ago I had this wonderful guitar for some months. Great guitar!

I sold it only because I had found a ’54 Reissue ES-175 with P90s about same time and I could not justify possessing two so similar guitars. Not regretting the sale but occasionally I miss it.

[jads57]

Again love the idea of this design,but the corporate follow through dropped the ball imo.
At that time the Japanese market was hungry for smaller Archtop guitars. Sadowsky,Benedetto,Japanese small guitar companies and luthiers as well as a few others were coming up with their own.

So Gibson Memphis heads suggested doing that as well. Problem in corporate is always lagging behind and pinching labor and design costs.
So why not use existing jigs and parts and come up with a cheaper cost solution. Sometimes it does work,but usually not in all cases.
Thinlines and Archtops utilize different internal designs and neck pitch angles to start with.
And the end results in playability as well as function ultimately are effected by all of this.

Much like buying a sports car exterior for a Volkswagen chassis,it may look great. But in performance it’s still a Bug. And it ends up being neither in end results. Again this is just my opinion and you all may feel differently.

[Hammertone]

Again love the idea of this design,but the corporate follow through dropped the ball imo. ...

How did they drop the ball here? The guitar itself is great. IMO, the only failure at Gibson was to not continue making this model after shutting down the Memphis facility and moving the machines back to Nashville. Who knows, maybe it will be back one of these days (doubtful), along with the ES-175 (a sure thing).

[jads57]

As I said much like the PRS Custom 24 is neither a Gibson nor Fender. It’s a mashup that I don’t think works well, again in my opinion.
Archtops usually have a steeper neck pitch, as well as internal bracing designs to aid in its tonality and some times feedback issues.
And these are basically semi hollow or hollow (ES-330) designed construction and shallow neck pitch. Which is not a bad thing but produces a different tonality than a typical laminate Archtop.
Also a different ergonomic feel as well.

I tried all of the variations including the P 90 variant,Semi Hollow with Stop Tail and Tuneomatic bridge. Wanted to really like them,but just fell way short of my expectations.
If you love Thinline and or Les Paul models they probably are a good fit. But I was expecting a smaller designed Archtop laminate guitar.
And for me the Benedetto Bambino fits the bill way better.

[Hammertone]

As I said much like the PRS Custom 24 is neither a Gibson nor Fender. It’s a mashup that I don’t think works well, again in my opinion.
Archtops usually have a steeper neck pitch, as well as internal bracing designs to aid in its tonality and some times feedback issues.
And these are basically semi hollow or hollow (ES-330) designed construction and shallow neck pitch. Which is not a bad thing but produces a different tonality than a typical laminate Archtop.
Also a different ergonomic feel as well.

I tried all of the variations including the P 90 variant,Semi Hollow with Stop Tail and Tuneomatic bridge. Wanted to really like them,but just fell way short of my expectations.
If you love Thinline and or Les Paul models they probably are a good fit. But I was expecting a smaller designed Archtop laminate guitar.
And for me the Benedetto Bambino fits the bill way better.

Fair enough - all of the things you mention and don't love are things that I do love about the model, ha!

[blkjazz]

Again love the idea of this design,but the corporate follow through dropped the ball imo.
At that time the Japanese market was hungry for smaller Archtop guitars. Sadowsky,Benedetto,Japanese small guitar companies and luthiers as well as a few others were coming up with their own.

So Gibson Memphis heads suggested doing that as well. Problem in corporate is always lagging behind and pinching labor and design costs.
So why not use existing jigs and parts and come up with a cheaper cost solution. Sometimes it does work,but usually not in all cases.
Thinlines and Archtops utilize different internal designs and neck pitch angles to start with.
And the end results in playability as well as function ultimately are effected by all of this.

Much like buying a sports car exterior for a Volkswagen chassis,it may look great. But in performance it’s still a Bug. And it ends up being neither in end results. Again this is just my opinion and you all may feel differently.

I 1000% feel differently. I have a 2017 ES 275 Montreux Burst and love the playability. In fact, I play it at home more than any of my other guitars.

[ewall]

?What is that? 15" lower bout? No I don't think so. But very nice nonetheless!

[Arnesto]

Much like buying a sports car exterior for a Volkswagen chassis,it may look great. But in performance it’s still a Bug. And it ends up being neither in end results. Again this is just my opinion and you all may feel differently.

but the bug It S a lovely ride!

[jads57]

I think you’re thinking of a Porsche,Lol!