is this a 175?

**Rickco** · 09-21-2023, 02:13 PM

"Vintage 1965 ( or 1968) Gibson Memphis ES-175 Electric Guitar
Not exactly sure of date. According to the Gruhn Spokesperson, It is either 1965 or 1968"
came across this on ebay. never heard of or seen one like this looks like it has a center block and the pickup mounting looks "different" . why would they call it a memphis in '65 or '68 ? The bridge is the most suspicious thing I see. Anyone seen one like this before?

**Stringswinger** · 09-21-2023, 02:26 PM

......

**customxke** · 09-21-2023, 02:27 PM

That’s an ES125C, and it’s from the late 60s.

**John A.** · 09-21-2023, 02:30 PM

Not a 175. It could be an ES-225 (which has a center block) or a heavily modded ES-125C. Definitely not made in Memphis if it's a 60s 225 or 125C. I very much doubt that this an accurate representation of anything Gruhn said (there's no way Gruhn would confuse this with a 175 or say a 60s Gibson was made in Memphis). Charitably, the seller is clueless. Less charitably, dishonest about provenance and/or scamming entirely.

**Tal_175** · 09-21-2023, 02:30 PM

Dot inlays, no neck bindings. This is an ES 125 at best. It is possible that one of the previous owners drilled saddle post holes. But still looks suspicious especially without any photos of the headstock. ES 125's are just as cool as ES 175's IMO. But even in that case I would be suspicious of a seller who is not truthful about what they are selling.

**Rickco** · 09-21-2023, 02:50 PM

I knew I could count on you guys!!! (i wasnt buying, just curious)
Thanks

**Stringswinger** · 09-21-2023, 02:51 PM

With the added headstock photo, my earlier comment needed to be removed.

**sgosnell** · 09-21-2023, 04:06 PM

The Gruhn comment may have just been in answer to the serial number dating, without seeing or commenting on the model. I wouldn't bet either way. The seller is a pawn shop in Peoria, IL with 100% positive feedback on > 8000 sales. Ships only to the upper 48 states, FWIW.

It rather seems to be a somewhat clueless, but honest, pawn shop. Whatever it might be, I have zero interest.

**customxke** · 09-21-2023, 05:26 PM

Originally Posted by John A.

Not a 175. It could be an ES-225 (which has a center block) or a heavily modded ES-125C. Definitely not made in Memphis if it's a 60s 225 or 125C. I very much doubt that this an accurate representation of anything Gruhn said (there's no way Gruhn would confuse this with a 175 or say a 60s Gibson was made in Memphis). Charitably, the seller is clueless. Less charitably, dishonest about provenance and/or scamming entirely.

What modifications are you seeing? Also, as a point of clarity, es-225s were fully hollow….no center block.

**customxke** · 09-21-2023, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by Tal_175

Dot inlays, no neck bindings. This is an ES 125 at best. It is possible that one of the previous owners drilled saddle post holes. But still looks suspicious especially without any photos of the headstock. ES 125's are just as cool as ES 175's IMO. But even in that case I would be suspicious of a seller who is not truthful about what they are selling.

In about 1967, Gibson stopped using the bridge base for a period on 125s, and doubled up the thumbwheels, like on an Es-330. My guess is the guitar above left the factory that way.

**Billy Z** · 09-21-2023, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by customxke

What modifications are you seeing? Also, as a point of clarity, es-225s were fully hollow….no center block.

begging your pardon but the es225 does have a solid maple block under the bridge . Not full length like the later es335’s but a solid block none the less. Great guitar , I own a beautiful 1956 es 225 TD

**John A.** · 09-21-2023, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by customxke

What modifications are you seeing? Also, as a point of clarity, es-225s were fully hollow….no center block.

The pickup, obviously. 225s had a center block, but not full length and came with with a trapeze wraparound bridge/tailpiece, so if it’s a 225, the bridge and tailpiece are modded. 125s didn’t have blocks, so if it is one that’s a mod. The bridge might be modded also.

**Hammertone** · 09-21-2023, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by John A.

...ES-225 (which has a center block)...

Originally Posted by customxke

What modifications are you seeing? Also, as a point of clarity, es-225s were fully hollow….no center block.

Originally Posted by Billy Z

begging your pardon but the es225 does have a solid maple block under the bridge . Not full length like the later es335’s but a solid block none the less. Great guitar , I own a beautiful 1956 es 225 TD

Originally Posted by John A.

...225s had a center block, but not full length ...

Well, a center pad or shallow block glued to the underside of the top plate but not touching the back plate.