The ES-175CC is one of the scarcest variations of the classic Gibson design, and it was only produced between 1978 and 1980. This was not due to lack of demand, but rather the difficulty Gibson had in reproducing the Charlie Christian pickup, which first appeared in 1936 and had become a favorite with jazz guitarists. (Barney Kessel famously had one fitted to his Gibson ES-350.) This example was made in 1979, smack dab in the middle of the models brief tenure. It is mostly original throughout although the tuners have been replaced with nickel Grover Rotomatics. This is a great sounding and playing ES-175, with the meaty tone these Charlie Christian pickups are known for.
This guitar is stamped "SECOND" on the back of headstock below the serial number, but we can't determine why. Gibson usually indicated seconds for cosmetic reasons but after 45-plus years, any minor flaws have long since been lost in the countless hours of playing and handling this guitar has been through. You have to look carefully to find it, but there is a faint "H J M" shadow to the finish on the headstock, just above the crown headstock inlay, from an earlier owner's stick-on initials. Included is a recent TKL hardshell case that's an excellent fit.
