A Gibson archtop with P-90 pickups are probably the perfect combination, a partnership that set the bar for amplified guitar tone throughout much of the 50’s and remains so influential. Introduced in 1949 as a mid level archtop, the ES-175's all laminate construction meant that costs could be kept down and also the first Kalamazoo design to feature a Florentine cutaway. Available as standard with a sunburst finish, the Blonde finish could be ordered at an additional cost.

Introducing a truly special find - an original 1953 Gibson ES-175 N in rare, original blonde finish, complete with its original hard case. This is a nice and sought-after model, liked by musicians and collectors alike.

As you can see from the photos, the guitar itself is in great  shape. The top, back and sides show hardly any wear. There is the expected checking but nothing beyond that..

The neck too is in excellent shape with hardly any wear on the fretboard. The original frets have some life left in them. The binding is in good shape with nos ins of cracking.

The hardware and plastics are in good condition. The pickguard hasn't warped. The original bridge is in the case, the one currently fitted has been compensated for unwound g string.

The electrics look to be all correct.

The body is crafted from high-quality maple, with a comfortable and resonant hollow design that produces a rich, full-bodied sound. The neck is made from mahogany, with a smooth and fast-playing rosewood fingerboard. The guitar is outfitted with the original early P-90 single-coil pickup, which were hand-wound and highly sought-after for their distinctive tone. These pickups have a clear, bright character that cuts through the mix and delivers a rich, harmonic sound with a touch of grit and edge.

The original Liftonhard case is also included, adding to the collectible value of this rare instrument. The case is in good condition and has protected the guitar throughout its life.

Tonally, this guitar is quite lively. As you’d expect, it’s loud acoustically, exhibiting a pleasing woody tone which comes across when amplified. The neck pickup brings out the character of the guitar which is all you could ask for..

Overall, this 1953 Gibson ES-175 N in blonde finish is a true gem of a guitar, offering unmatched tone and playability, along with a rare and collectible provenance. It is an excellent investment for any serious musician or collector looking to add a piece of history to their collection.