1981 Gibson ES-175CC

  • $4,250.00
    Unit price per 


Summary: Produced for a limited time, the ES-175CC features standard ES-175 specifications apart from the Charlie Christian-style pickup. Though produced sporadically by special order for a handful of custom guitars over the years, this legendary pickup was never formally reissued until the advent of this guitar, the ES-175CC. Produced only between ‘78 and '81, this rare retro model has become an instant collector's item for players looking for true prewar tone.

Body: Arched Maple top/back & Maple sides, binding top/back, Antique Sunburst finish.

Neck: 3-piece Maple construction with a bound Rosewood fingerboard, 24.75” scale length, 1 11/16” nut width, pearl double parallelogram inlays with corresponding dot markers, 20 frets.

Pickups/Hardware: Charlie Christian pickup, Schaller tuning keys, Rosewood bridge, master volume/master tone controls, chrome plated bail tailpiece.

Cosmetics: This guitar is in excellent vintage condition. It has light surface scratches throughout. The pickguard has regular wear. There is light buckle rash on the back of the body that can be seen in a reflection. The tuning keys have been swapped and the old holes have been filled. The back of the neck is clean and smooth, and the frets are low, flat, and in great shape. Included in the case are sound hole covers to help with feedback.

Playability: Our in-house guitar tech has inspected, setup, and restrung this instrument with a new set of strings. The neck is straight, the truss rod is fully functional, and the action has been setup low and comfortable. The frets are in great shape with no major grooves or divots from use and it plays beautifully up and down the fretboard with no dead spots or choking out.

Modifications: The tuning keys have been changed to Schaller tuning keys and the strap button on the heel has possibly been changed.

Weight: 7.12 lbs.

Case: This guitar ships in the original hard-shell case, professionally packaged, and fully insured.