The ES-175 was introduced in Gibson’s catalog of August 1, 1949. Launched by Ted McCarty, it was the company’s earliest attempt to develop a mid-priced electric with a cutaway body. "The Florentine (sharp point) design of this Electric Spanish cutaway model aids the player in reaching all nineteen frets with ease and at the same time offers a unique attractive appearance" proclaimed the catalog description.

Guitar Features: ES 175

	16 1/4" hollow body
	P-90 Pickup
	two knobs (1 volume, 1 tone)
	heavy tailpiece
	laminate beveled-edge pickguard
	laminated maple top
	f-holes
	adjustable bridge
	white ivoroid binding
	double Parallelogram inlay
	nickel tuners with ivory heads
	Gibson adjustable truss rod neck
	20 frets

A natural outgrowth of the earlier ES-150, the ES-175 in its early single-pickup form was an instant success and was synonymous with innovative guitarists like Howard Roberts, Jim Hall, Herb Ellis, Kenny Burrell and many others in the 1950s. Patterned after the acoustic L-4C and equipped with a P-90 single-coil pickup, it remains a classic; for many the quintessential jazz guitar. Attesting to its versatility the ES-175 is also a preferred instrument of blues and pop singer-guitarist Bonnie Raitt.