When it comes to vintage Gibson electric arch tops we do generally think the P-90 is probably the perfect combination to put in one of these, in fact you could argue the P-90 was designed to go in a Gibson archtop, the first ones having been fitted to the arch tops of the 40’s. If you are looking for a smooth, mellow tone that envelopes the listener with comforting warmth then a 50’s P-90 equipped Gibson archtop will fit the bill more than adequately.

This example is a near MINT 1956 ES-175D in exceptional condition. It is all original and is just a beautiful guitar from every angle and a pure bundle of joy to play and listen to. There is not a thing out of place aside from the strap buttons but the originals are in the case pocket. The finish, which is ever so lightly checked in places, is strong, vibrant and as shiny as it probably looked not long after it was born in around mid 1956.

There is virtually no fade on the beautiful two tone tobacco sunburst finish and the only real things that prevent us from describing it as totally MINT are a small ding just by the top F hole and a mark on the back of the neck which looks like some kind of stand burn plus some small dings on the headstock edges. There is also a small mark on the neck P-90 plastic cover that you will struggle to see most of the time.

Original frets and fingerboard are prefect with no wear at all, no doubt aided by a lifetime of flat wound strings. The action is at the moment set really low and we would probably advise rating it slightly but at least you can be confident in the fact it can go this low without issue.

The case is a lovely, Lifton brown case with the brown/purple lining reminiscent of the Odeon Cinema interiors I spent some of my early youth in. This case also has a padded handle protector that makes it nice to carry.

In our opinion, probably the finest incarnation of a classic 50’s ES-175D and an exceptional example. If you are looking for one of these, we really think you will struggle to find a nicer one…