Hey, my dad has one just like that. Bought it in 1980 whenhe was playing in the States. Es 175 sure has a lovely warm tone. Great reviews, keep it up ;)
There's a number of things that could lend to the feedback problem but the main one is you're hoping to play it louder than it can take. Mine will feedback too but I use it in light jazz and not rock type volumes. Keep the questions coming and thanks....John
Those are beautiful instruments. The first guy I can concretely remember playing it was Steve Howe. A few years later, I started getting into T-Bone Walker and then Joe Pass and love the nice mellow tones you can elicit from them. Sadly, I don't have one, but maybe someday.
Thanks johnhguitar! Personally, I find it a bonus to listen to historical and personal anecdotes and in some cases these can give me 'added' information, or a 'reference point' to compare to my own tastes (there's only so much one can 'judge' from YT vid sound format). Besides, I consider all of this knowledge part of my guitar learning process! Peace Bro, from Madrid, Spain ;-)
Every guitar can be improved if you let a professional set ti up. A great deal of the cheaper guitars need a good going-over to a least make it as good as it can be. People buy cheap guitars that aren't set up and call them crappy. But after playing it setup there's a huge difference. Thanks for the comment/question....
"When this model came out it was $175 dollars back in the fifties. This model has been around a long time..." Yep - about 50 years... Enjoy your reviews - in fact your 'new' Joe Pass review saved me wasting my money on it - I bought an old Antoria Jazzstar instead and have not been disappointed. Don't know what new Antorias are like but this old jazz box is now my pride and joy and will certainly keep me happy until I can afford an L5.
I'm a Gibson man all the way. I like any good guitar but since I was a teenager I've loved Wes Montgomery and his L5 and Joe Pass when he played his Gibson ES 175. I know these are expensive now but you might be able to find a used 135 or a Howard Roberts Fusion. Look around for any used F-holed Gibson Model. Good Luck
Yes. That may sound cheap and ugly but it's really what I want when the guitar is amplified. You get less feedback. The Gibson L4 has the same body shape but comes with a solid top. Thanks for the comment/question.
I have a suggestion, well lot's of folks will hate me for suggesting it but yeah... Perhaps the reviews would be even more interesting if you'd put some overdrive on these guitars. We all can form an idea about how these boxes sound with a clean and reverby sound, so by putting a little gain on the amp you can show us how they handle genres other than jazz. As you've mentioned in the video. the ES 175 was used by guitarists of different genres, so why don't you show us how they handle rock?
I just recorded a guitar solo with the wah wah and a lesson about it might be cool. I do own that wah and the guitar as well. Recording and editing these vids for youtube ain't so easy however. We shall see.
Hello Peter, Thanks for the question. Is it a solid top guitar or a plywood top guitar because usually the 175 is a ply guitar and doesn't feedback too much?
I have seen 165 with a single HB (chances are the owner put the pickup)but it comes with a floating mini HB 175 did come in single pickup p90 or HB in the 60's, and reissued every now and then.
Yeah I know. I didn't plan the length of the videos. I didn't think about how to do it right. I didn't give the public a fair access to FREE information that is just a service for the fun of it. You can all piss off as far as I'm concerned. I don't care if you don't like me either. Are you learning to play the guitar or aren't you? That's all I care about. I love to hear music coming out of people and not piles of complaints. Yeah I'm learning too but I find people learn better when you're nice.
I have just been offered a 1978 175 for my 1983 LPC would you swap? , I generally only use Maple or Ebony necks not sure I can get on with Rosewood but you say these are pretty trebly , its a great LPC just 9lbs non chambered , 1 piece mahogany neck etc, great reviews !thanks
A question of personal taste but I like the humbucking pickups for jazz better. The P90s are a good blues sound. Remember that this is just an opinion and not law.
John, I like your vid's. they provide great info and you play extremely well. Based on this video, I just got a 2003 ES 175 and I'm playing through a Fender Blues JR. even when dialed back It has more feedback than my D'Angelico or my Epi es175. Any suggestions would be appreciated - Thanks Peter
This would have to be my own opinion. The bigger the guitar the fuller it sounds at a lower volume. I did demo those guitars through the same amp. If the band is louder I like the thinner style guitar. Understand?
hey man.. great reviews, watching you for some time now.. I want to get me an jazzbox, so what do you suggest? First, I wanted to buy an es175, but I can't try it.. then an tal farlow came into play.. I like the tone on both guitars.. and I was about to go with tal, BUT then my friend told me to searc for amaha aex1500 and godin 5th ave kingpin.. I really think that the sound is not that "jazzy" on that guitars.. what do you think? thanks
Nice review. I've always been fond of this guitar mainly because it was the choice of so many of the players I've admired. I notice Epiphone has a 175 copy, and I wonder if you've ever tried it and how it fairs against the Gibson? Thanks! ;)
Hey John, You make great video's...I've got a question about guitar set-ups....do i just go into a guitar store and tell them to "set-up" my guitar? I dont really have any idea, or does you playing style define the type of set-up you require Cheers ( from London England)
Please use your own intuition and pick the one YOU think is the best. I like my 175 but I've had many jazz guitars like were all good in their own way. Thanks
@johnhguitar Snap! As a guitar aficionado what do you think of the Aria L5 copy which some claim is as near dammit as good as a Gibson? Maybe you can get hold of one and do a review?
that's a dream guitar!! thanks for the vid. I'm thinking on buying a hollow body guitar but I can't afford a gibson like this one and I haven't seen any video reviews like yours of some less expensive guitar like epiphones or cheaper gretsch, etc. obviously you have experience in axes, any suggestion or comment about cheaper guitars like the ones I named before??? I will appreciate your answer. Love your videos!! thanks
Hi John. I am thinking of buying a 1974 gibson es-174 off of e-bay. Since I cannot play or hold the guitar. What are the necks like on those? Are those big and chunky C shaped necks. I had a Gibson SG in the 1960's and the neck was just huge compared to my Rickenbacker 330. Thanks for any feedback.
John, would you believe that the guitar Joe Pass used in the Synanon recordings was a Strat? I kid you not. It was later on that a fan gave him the 175.
Set-up has nothing to do with playing style. In set up you adjust the strings`playing length so you get correct notes through all of the neck.Secondly, you set up string and pickup heights.
I always find myself playing this guitar in music stores, and as much as I love the sounds and the look and everything, I can't feel at home on this guitar. It's just awkward for me to play =\
@Guitarvirtuoso666 "so why don't you show us how they handle rock?" I have an Ibanez GB10, GB200, and used to have an ES175. These full hollow-body Jazz boxes are NOT intended to play Rock, or to use with ANY kind of gain/distortion, due to the excessive feedback, unlike the semi-hollows. Don't be fooled by Ted Nugent, he would fare much better with a Les Paul, IMO. These guitars are strictly built for JAZZ. You wanna shred, get an Ibanez, ESP, or Jackson/Charvel with a Floyd Rose...
I can do all three; I can play more and talk less, I can play less and talk more, and I can play and talk about the same length of time. Would you also like a cup of tea?
If the Lord only gave me an Epiphone to play I wouldn't be to unhappy. I'm just a lover of traditional Gibson guitars and the newer Epiphones feel cheapish. Understand? When people try and compare the differences it may be to subtle for them to notice.
146 people liked it and 14 didn't. I guess the 14 are more educated about guitars and the 146 are being fooled or duped? I'm not self-appointed expert. I've worked in music stores since I was 14 and now I'm 64. Instead of bashing the review try adding the information that this review is lacking if you think you can do it.
This is not just a review, this is a history lesson as well... Awesome vid!
What an exceptionally thorough yet succinct review. Well done! And by the way, impressive speed runs to boot!
Hey, my dad has one just like that. Bought it in 1980 whenhe was playing in the States. Es 175 sure has a lovely warm tone.
Great reviews, keep it up ;)
There's a number of things that could lend to the feedback problem but the main one is you're hoping to play it louder than it can take. Mine will feedback too but I use it in light jazz and not rock type volumes. Keep the questions coming and thanks....John
Since I really don't know about that guitar I shouldn't advise. Usually you should always play it if we don't know. Thanks for the question.
Those are beautiful instruments. The first guy I can concretely remember playing it was Steve Howe. A few years later, I started getting into T-Bone Walker and then Joe Pass and love the nice mellow tones you can elicit from them. Sadly, I don't have one, but maybe someday.
The 175 is really the most versatile guitar ever produced, It couldn't be more perfect.
Yes I do. It's a good Fender amp that's versatile. Most jazz players don't need to be loud so a smaller amp is more desirable.
Thanks johnhguitar!
Personally, I find it a bonus to listen to historical and personal anecdotes and in some cases these can give me 'added' information, or a 'reference point' to compare to my own tastes (there's only so much one can 'judge' from YT vid sound format). Besides, I consider all of this knowledge part of my guitar learning process! Peace Bro, from Madrid, Spain ;-)
Every guitar can be improved if you let a professional set ti up. A great deal of the cheaper guitars need a good going-over to a least make it as good as it can be. People buy cheap guitars that aren't set up and call them crappy. But after playing it setup there's a huge difference. Thanks for the comment/question....
"When this model came out it was $175 dollars back in the fifties. This model has been around a long time..."
Yep - about 50 years... Enjoy your reviews - in fact your 'new' Joe Pass review saved me wasting my money on it - I bought an old Antoria Jazzstar instead and have not been disappointed. Don't know what new Antorias are like but this old jazz box is now my pride and joy and will certainly keep me happy until I can afford an L5.
I'm a Gibson man all the way. I like any good guitar but since I was a teenager I've loved Wes Montgomery and his L5 and Joe Pass when he played his Gibson ES 175. I know these are expensive now but you might be able to find a used 135 or a Howard Roberts Fusion. Look around for any used F-holed Gibson Model. Good Luck
Yes. That may sound cheap and ugly but it's really what I want when the guitar is amplified. You get less feedback. The Gibson L4 has the same body shape but comes with a solid top.
Thanks for the comment/question.
It`s also a ES-175. Single pickup model. It came first out like that, with a P-90.
"I feel, for myself, personally.." redundancy factor man! Great review and playing:)
The ES-175 was produced from 1949-2019.
I have a suggestion,
well lot's of folks will hate me for suggesting it but yeah...
Perhaps the reviews would be even more interesting if you'd put some overdrive on these guitars.
We all can form an idea about how these boxes sound with a clean and reverby sound, so by putting a little gain on the amp you can show us how they handle genres other than jazz.
As you've mentioned in the video. the ES 175 was used by guitarists of different genres, so why don't you show us how they handle rock?
Nice review ... $175. was a long time ago. Like the Pat Martino spot. He's a fav of mine.
is that what Izzy Stradlin used on Appetite for Destruction?
I believe The Herb Ellis model is either a ES-175 variant, or a L-4 with florentine cutaway.
I belive pat martino played an L5 on those early recordings. He also did not use as much reverb. nice post!
I really like your reviews.
Thanks for a good review. Can you say how this expensive Gibson compares to Epiphone's ES-175 on points like tone, playability, and dependability?
L5 L5 L5 My favorite sounding guitar!!! Wes Montgomery my hero!
I just recorded a guitar solo with the wah wah and a lesson about it might be cool. I do own that wah and the guitar as well. Recording and editing these vids for youtube ain't so easy however. We shall see.
Hello Peter, Thanks for the question. Is it a solid top guitar or a plywood top guitar because usually the 175 is a ply guitar and doesn't feedback too much?
I have seen 165 with a single HB (chances are the owner put the pickup)but it comes with a floating mini HB 175 did come in single pickup p90 or HB in the 60's, and reissued every now and then.
Yeah I know. I didn't plan the length of the videos. I didn't think about how to do it right. I didn't give the public a fair access to FREE information that is just a service for the fun of it. You can all piss off as far as I'm concerned. I don't care if you don't like me either. Are you learning to play the guitar or aren't you? That's all I care about. I love to hear music coming out of people and not piles of complaints. Yeah I'm learning too but I find people learn better when you're nice.
I have just been offered a 1978 175 for my 1983 LPC
would you swap? , I generally only use Maple or Ebony necks
not sure I can get on with Rosewood but you say these are pretty
trebly , its a great LPC just 9lbs non chambered , 1 piece mahogany neck etc,
great reviews !thanks
I use to have an ES125, but your tone is much nicer, although I'm sure your fingers help!
You've got to find a recommended pro. If he's working out of a local shop that's great!
I think it's the Herb Ellis model called a 165. Anyone want to confirm?
A question of personal taste but I like the humbucking pickups for jazz better. The P90s are a good blues sound.
Remember that this is just an opinion and not law.
John,
I like your vid's. they provide great info and you play extremely well. Based on this video, I just got a 2003 ES 175 and I'm playing through a Fender Blues JR. even when dialed back It has more feedback than my D'Angelico or my Epi es175.
Any suggestions would be appreciated - Thanks
Peter
This would have to be my own opinion. The bigger the guitar the fuller it sounds at a lower volume. I did demo those guitars through the same amp. If the band is louder I like the thinner style guitar. Understand?
hey man.. great reviews, watching you for some time now..
I want to get me an jazzbox, so what do you suggest? First, I wanted to buy an es175, but I can't try it.. then an tal farlow came into play.. I like the tone on both guitars.. and I was about to go with tal, BUT then my friend told me to searc for amaha aex1500 and godin 5th ave kingpin.. I really think that the sound is not that "jazzy" on that guitars.. what do you think?
thanks
It would be great to pick and choose. Though the manufacturer may say they're one-in-the-same even new guitars vary. Look for a good one.......
Nice review. I've always been fond of this guitar mainly because it was the choice of so many of the players I've admired.
I notice Epiphone has a 175 copy, and I wonder if you've ever tried it and how it fairs against the Gibson?
Thanks! ;)
Hey John, You make great video's...I've got a question about guitar set-ups....do i just go into a guitar store and tell them to "set-up" my guitar? I dont really have any idea, or does you playing style define the type of set-up you require
Cheers ( from London England)
It has the laminated maple top. I have the action set lower on this guitar (no fret buzzing) than on the other guitars.
@johnhguitar yes and my fuzzy slippers lol
also are you going to make any new videos I really like your reviews
Nice review, thanks.
Please use your own intuition and pick the one YOU think is the best. I like my 175 but I've had many jazz guitars like were all good in their own way. Thanks
@amusiathread I think that is the Herb Ellis guitar from what I can find
Especially if you know they have a good reputation for their workmanship.
@johnhguitar Snap! As a guitar aficionado what do you think of the Aria L5 copy which some claim is as near dammit as good as a Gibson? Maybe you can get hold of one and do a review?
It's not the best jazz amp, but not sound bad at all, i like it.
Thanks for the reply!
John, you're a real whiz on that ES-175 Gibson Holllowbody Guitar
that's a dream guitar!! thanks for the vid. I'm thinking on buying a hollow body guitar but I can't afford a gibson like this one and I haven't seen any video reviews like yours of some less expensive guitar like epiphones or cheaper gretsch, etc. obviously you have experience in axes, any suggestion or comment about cheaper guitars like the ones I named before??? I will appreciate your answer. Love your videos!! thanks
Hi John. I am thinking of buying a 1974 gibson es-174 off of e-bay. Since I cannot play or hold the guitar. What are the necks like on those? Are those big and chunky C shaped necks. I had a Gibson SG in the 1960's and the neck was just huge compared to my Rickenbacker 330. Thanks for any feedback.
@amusiathread pretty sure you're thinking of the ES-125
Lovely Axe! Sure would be nice to find one sitting in a pawn shop of garage sale!
Its not just a jazz guitar, IZZY STRADLIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I think it's a Roland cube 30 but my normal amp is the Evans 150....thanks
Hey man! I'm over here :)
Aria is a good company no doubt but finding an Aria L5 copy? Anybody out there got one I could borrow?
They've made both.
Yeah, it converts roughly into $1500.00 in 2008. I wish I could get one for $175.00 now!
Thanks! Flatwounds yes yes.
Hi. I'd like to buy a NEW Gibson 175: do you think the quality will be good, though it's new?
@johnhguitar es125 maybe with a cut away?
It's either an Evans 150 or a Roland Cube 30....
John, would you believe that the guitar Joe Pass used in the Synanon recordings was a Strat? I kid you not. It was later on that a fan gave him the 175.
+DwightMS1 I think he played a Jazzmaster, not a strat.
Set-up has nothing to do with playing style. In set up you adjust the strings`playing length so you get correct notes through all of the neck.Secondly, you set up string and pickup heights.
I always find myself playing this guitar in music stores, and as much as I love the sounds and the look and everything, I can't feel at home on this guitar. It's just awkward for me to play =\
Me too. As good as anything!
Mine is an Antique Natural '05 ... Wonderful !!!
Hi John,
What amp are you running through on this video, I think I'm going to end up with an ES 175 but not sure which amp to set it up with.
Thanks
How does his compare with an L5 CES?
I traded a Les Paul Custom I paid $900 for a long time ago.
@Guitarvirtuoso666 "so why don't you show us how they handle rock?"
I have an Ibanez GB10, GB200, and used to have an ES175. These full hollow-body Jazz boxes are NOT intended to play Rock, or to use with ANY kind of gain/distortion, due to the excessive feedback, unlike the semi-hollows. Don't be fooled by Ted Nugent, he would fare much better with a Les Paul, IMO. These guitars are strictly built for JAZZ. You wanna shred, get an Ibanez, ESP, or Jackson/Charvel with a Floyd Rose...
"Pat Martino is just such a fffff... Fluent player!"
How much did you get this for?
Here ir Argentina, gibson's guitar and epiphone's guitar are realy expensive.
Gibson ES175: 5000 dollars. 1 dolar = 4.15 pesos argentinos
... if you adjust it to 2010, it'd be like $570... but gibson overprice their stuff so its 2k now...
What amp are you using?
I can do all three; I can play more and talk less, I can play less and talk more, and I can play and talk about the same length of time. Would you also like a cup of tea?
It only cost $175 when it come out wow. Now it cost like a couple thousand dollars.
TheNewWorldMan69 175 in 1958 is about 1700 now
CAN ANYONE UNDERSTAND THIS COMMENT?
So I just go into the guitar shop and tell them to "set up" my guitar?
Cezarguitar set up your own guitar.. jesus
yep...that's the guitar :-)
If the Lord only gave me an Epiphone to play I wouldn't be to unhappy. I'm just a lover of traditional Gibson guitars and the newer Epiphones feel cheapish. Understand? When people try and compare the differences it may be to subtle for them to notice.
Yeah !! I found a 30 year old TAKAMINE in perfect condition for 10 euros !!!!
You forgot Steve Howe!
$175? that's a lot. Holland sold New York to America for $17,- XD
reverb killed it to me....
Less talking more rocking. Nice video though.
I have to agree, teach more method and less history. Unless your getting paid by gibson to sell guitars...most of us want to learn HOW to play
hahaha
175 dolars?? fuck!!
@TheTranslator100
watch?v=HEFG0MAxXMk&feature=related
your argument is invalid
you kinda look like will farrell...
Sometimes his body-language is too expressed.
When are they going to start policing guitar reviews???? This is the usual predictable crap by a self appointed expert. Duh!
146 people liked it and 14 didn't. I guess the 14 are more educated about guitars and the 146 are being fooled or duped? I'm not self-appointed expert. I've worked in music stores since I was 14 and now I'm 64. Instead of bashing the review try adding the information that this review is lacking if you think you can do it.
You like guitars with ''nice binding.'' Hilarious! Thanks for all of this vital information.
this guy talk too much!
A piece of shit Roland Cube 30....