1978 Gibson ES-175 any good?

**johaneugen** · 03-23-2021, 02:23 PM

delete the thread

**citizenk74** · 03-23-2021, 06:57 PM

Originally Posted by johaneugen

Whats the verdict on these 70s es175? I know some are good some are bad as with anything...But he's asking 2800 dollars for it...it appears to be in good condition. Where I'm from thats a decent price for a vintage gibson like this i'd say. I know Jonathan Kreisberg plays one from 1976 I believe and man...I love his tone.

My first ES-175 was from that time. It was a perfectly cromulent instrument. I have no knowledge or thoughts on market value. Also:

**D'Aquisto Fan** · 03-23-2021, 07:57 PM

My first guitar was a 1978 ES-175. It served me well for decades. It had the dreaded volute and a relatively slender neck. I must admit I sold it around the time I really started to appreciate true vintage instruments. Wish I still had it for sentimental reasons.

**wintermoon** · 03-23-2021, 07:59 PM

Like you already stated, every guitar is different and should be judged individually.
good luck....

**skykomishone** · 03-23-2021, 09:17 PM

Ditto on what wintermoon said. I own a '72, that I bought new in '72, after playing several others. This one sounded the best, from all the rest! Good luck with your search. I hope you find a great guitar. There are plenty of them from the '70's. I played a 50's that made my head spin it was so cool.

**Doctor Jeff** · 03-24-2021, 10:55 AM

I think they're all potentially good. Of course neck size may be to your preference.

Having recently checked out the market, that seems like a good price if in good condition, which that one looks to be. (I would say $2500-3000 as a range.)

I'd jump on it. They aren't making them right now, you know. There's little risk in buying one that doesn't have any issues, as you should be able to sell it easily at very little if any loss.

**Stringswinger** · 03-24-2021, 11:04 AM

I had a 1977 ES-175 that I regret selling. It was a stellar guitar. Some points about these:

Not all Norlin era guitars are great, but in my experience most archtops from that era are (but I have played a few dogs, so be careful!).

This guitar will have the volute, chrome plating (as opposed to nickel), a 14 degree peghead, and most likely a maple neck. The pickups will be stamped patent number T-tops and if it has not been refretted, it will have wide, low frets. The stock case came with very cheap latches and handles which often break. Tone wide, these are a bit brighter than the pre-1975 and post 1982 models.

This will have a 70's slim taper neck. If you like chunky necks, this is the polar opposite.

HTH