Gibson ES-175 1950 Electro-Acoustic Guitar – The legendary jazz icon from Gibson's golden era

There are guitars that have shaped generations of musicians. And there are instruments that have themselves become part of music history. The 1950 Gibson ES-175 electro-acoustic guitar undoubtedly belongs to this special category. Since its introduction, it has been regarded as one of the most significant hollow-body guitars ever made and has become the instrument of choice for countless jazz, blues, and rock musicians. This early model from 1950 is from the first generation of the ES-175 and embodies the unmistakable character of that legendary Gibson era.

The serial number A-6117 clearly dates this 1950 Gibson ES-175 electro-acoustic guitar to the year of manufacture, 1950. Even at first glance, it exudes the timeless elegance that made Gibson instruments of this era world-famous. The classic sunburst finish, the harmonious proportions, and the curved hollow-body construction combine to create a guitar that, even more than 75 years later, has lost none of its appeal.

But the Gibson ES-175 1950 electro-acoustic guitar only reveals its true character the moment the first note is played.

The original P-90 pickup delivers exactly the open, warm, and dynamic tone that made the early ES-175 models true legends. Chords unfold with impressive clarity and a wonderfully woody warmth, while individual melody lines literally sing. The guitar combines the airy character of a hollow-body with the directness and expressiveness of a classic P-90 pickup. The result is an exceptionally versatile tone—perfect for jazz, blues, swing, or even early rock ’n’ roll sounds.

The 1950 Gibson ES-175 electro-acoustic guitar possesses precisely the sonic maturity that only a superbly broken-in vintage instrument can develop. Every note sounds lively, open, and full of character. It responds immediately to every nuance of the player’s touch and rewards the player with exceptional dynamics and a fascinatingly organic tone.

This 1950 Gibson ES-175 electro-acoustic guitar was the primary instrument of a professional musician for many decades and was taken on stage countless times. The signs of wear on it do not suggest neglect, but rather that of an instrument used exactly for its intended purpose—to make music. It is precisely this authentic history that gives the guitar a very special charm.

From a technical standpoint, the 1950 Gibson ES-175 electro-acoustic guitar is in very good condition. The body shows no signs of structural repairs, and the original construction is in excellent condition. The guitar plays exceptionally well and impresses with its professional setup and outstanding playability.

Over the course of its history, the 1950 Gibson ES-175 electro-acoustic guitar has undergone only a few meaningful modifications. Today, it features a high-quality metal bridge that allows for exceptionally precise intonation. The original wooden bridge is, of course, included and can be found in the case. A gold-colored tailpiece, styled after the historic original, has also been installed. The original pickguard is no longer present.

The Gibson ES-175 1950 electro-acoustic guitar comes in a newer original Gibson hard-shell case, which provides optimal protection for the instrument.

The 1950 Gibson ES-175 electro-acoustic guitar is far more than just an exceptional vintage guitar. It is an authentic historical artifact from Gibson’s famous postwar production era and embodies the sound, elegance, and musical history of one of the most significant hollow-body guitars of all time. For collectors, jazz guitarists, and lovers of classic Gibson instruments, this presents a rare opportunity to acquire an early example of this legendary model series—an instrument that has made music history over the decades and still imbues every note with unmistakable character today.

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