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I haven't gotten along very well with archtops in the past but this one is probably a keeper. Very pleasant transaction with 'piedaddy' here on the forum - thanks, Joe! The guitar is actually nicer than I expected based on his pics and description. Not sure I'm in love with the flats that are on it (Optima 12-56) - pretty heavy after all those years of 10-46 on my Teles. Might try some 11-50 Chromes and see what happens. I think my preference will end up being GHS Burnished Nickel Rockers (11-52) unless they end up being too bright...just have to try. Anybody else use round or burnished on their 165s/175s?
BTW, the pickup is original - gold just worn off.
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12-11-2020 02:08 PM
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Those are great guitars. Try TI 11's. They are low tension and will fell like roundwound 10's to your hands.
May she inspire your playing for many years to come!
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Excellent, so glad that worked out! Those are lovely instruments. Enjoy!
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That's what I have on mine except I changed the top two a 13 and 17.
Originally Posted by Stringswinger
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Congrats. 165's are great. I haven't tried burnished wound, but I have tried the GHS rollerwound strings (which GHS describes as the same thing, except that the burnished strings are polished) on an arcthtop. I found them to be much more like round wounds than flats, with a hair less finger squeak than regular round wounds.
JohnLast edited by John A.; 12-11-2020 at 05:11 PM.
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Originally Posted by lammie200
Now that we're getting into topics like that ... I actually prefer a 11.5 string (or if I don't have one of those lying around then a 12) on the 11s Chromes they usually come with 11 and 15 on the top two string. Compare this to a regular set of rounds that go 11 14 18 on the top 3 strings.
Likewise a set daddarios chromes in 10s ... I prefer a 10.5 or an 11 than the 10 (Chromes have 10 14 on the e and b string, compared to the 10 13 17 on a set or normal rounds)
I also prefer a plain g-string, but that is a different subject
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I've always found 12 to 53 gauge roundwounds work best on especially Archtops with the shorter Gibson scale. Anything lighter just feels to slinky.
But I also use 11 to 50 on my ES-335 for reference.
You'll find what works best for you a d this excelle t guitar. Congratulations !
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Great guitar! I have a friend who has one and he is very pleased with it. Congratulations on your new Ellis, Mr. Ellis, and play it in good health!
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Congratulations, Skip! That's a beautiful instrument with a nice, simple, clean appearance and a classic sound. Enjoy!
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Skip, the 165 is an extremely underrated, underappreciated guitar.
Any one would be very lucky to have one.
I love mine. I recommend them to everyone. It’s a sweetheart you can easily grow attached to.
Enjoy your new guitar.
Joe D
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HNGD!
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Great guitar. I've always loved the zz tailpiece. One of the most elegants in Gibson's history. Congrats for your wonderful acquisition.
Best.
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Glad you like it Skip. Pleasure working with you!!
Joe
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Ah, the Herb Ellis ES 165---my dream jazz guitar.
A bit of Herb should be heard here!
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It's funny how often I notice when great jazz guitar playing is happening, often it's Bob Magnusson on bass. Not often highlighted, but superb, especially with guitarists.
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Magnusson has always been one of my favorites...a true great.
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I think this is the 5th guitar now in as many weeks.
Never been a fan of these. The ones I've tried before seemed a bit boring but this one is up there with the best Es-175 types I've played. Potentially the best. The sound is phenomenally good.
She suffered a neck fracture at some point and was repaired. The crack didn't go through the neck but it was splined for good measure. Neck was sprayed in the sunburst fashion to hide the work. Not a bad job. Obviously all of this was considered when making an offer.
It was local so easy to take or leave. Definitely a taker.
Needs a good clean though. Covered in muck.
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Congrats. Those 90's Gibson archtops are pretty special guitars for sure.
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I love mine. A totally no-drama solid as a rock player. I replaced the 490R pickup with a Seymour Duncan Seth Lover and it’s perfect.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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That's a nice guitar AH!
Congratulations. I'd love to give that one a spin, for sure. You're building a nice collection.
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Congrats! One of the best 175 style guitars ever. I’ve told the story before, but back in the late 90s, my jazz guitar teacher (Donald Better, Guitar Faculty at CIM) was floored by the sound and playability of my ES-165 Herb Ellis. “That’s the best sounding 175 I’ve ever heard” was his frequent comment. Having just one pickup allows the top of the guitar to resonate a bit more and it really is magical. Nice score!
Enjoy that guitar!
Roli
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That's a really nice looking one. Enjoy it well.
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That fingerboard looks superb, inviting!
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That pretty much looks like the perfect jazz box to me.
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Deep in a dream with Herb.
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