Photos - my early 65 Gibson ES-175D with bound headstock

**AlienVintage** · 03-27-2021, 08:50 AM

I described this guitar in an earlier thread and I decided to finally post some photos!

It is an early 1965 Gibson ES-175D with factory headstock binding. You’ll also notice the other differences compared to “regular” 175s: the 50s style tailpiece and the “fancy” bridge.

All the hardware is the original nickel (not chrome). The only change to the guitar is that the previous owner added Gotoh tuners in the 80s.

My assumption is that this could have been some sort of custom order. I also find the sunburst in this one to be especially nice looking.

If anyone has ever seen another one with these features (headstock binding, 50s style nickel tailpiece, fancy bridge) I’d be very curious to hear.

**AlienVintage** · 03-27-2021, 08:58 AM

Photos attached here:

**Doctor Jeff** · 03-27-2021, 09:41 AM

Beautiful! Love the burst—looks like a tea burst.

I have an ‘88–wanna trade? ;-)

PS—please show pics of the back, cause, you know, we like that kind of thing.

**waltf** · 03-27-2021, 10:41 AM

Wow!

**citizenk74** · 03-27-2021, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by AlienVintage

I described this guitar in an earlier thread and I decided to finally post some photos!

It is an early 1965 Gibson ES-175D with factory headstock binding. You’ll also notice the other differences compared to “regular” 175s: the 50s style tailpiece and the “fancy” bridge.

All the hardware is the original nickel (not chrome). The only change to the guitar is that the previous owner added Gotoh tuners in the 80s.

My assumption is that this could have been some sort of custom order. I also find the sunburst in this one to be especially nice looking.

If anyone has ever seen another one with these features (headstock binding, 50s style nickel tailpiece, fancy bridge) I’d be very curious to hear.

That is just so cool! The sunburst is absolutely perfect!

**wintermoon** · 03-27-2021, 02:06 PM

looks great, the sunburst is typical from '65, though a bit faded on this example. I wonder if that's the original ebony pearl inlaid bridge, at the time the guitar was made the only Gibson that came w/it was the Johnny Smith, never seen it on a 175 before. come to think of it, '65 still had the zig zag tailpiece too.

**Midnight Blues** · 03-27-2021, 02:11 PM

Lovely!

**AlienVintage** · 03-27-2021, 02:27 PM

Thanks guys! I’ll see if I can take some additional photos soon, including the back.

I’ve never seen another quite like it, with the combination of features. The headstock binding, nickel pre-zigzag tailpiece (like early to mid 50s), and inlaid bridge are original to the guitar, which is why I believe it might have been a custom order of some kind.

It also has the wide, full 1 11/16 inch nut, which is a nice thing for this year.

**AlienVintage** · 03-27-2021, 02:33 PM

A few more that I took earlier:

**AlienVintage** · 03-28-2021, 11:43 AM

A couple of the back

**Doctor Jeff** · 03-28-2021, 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by AlienVintage

A couple of the back

Baby got back!

If that don’t get your sap rising, nothing well.

**Gitfiddler** · 03-28-2021, 04:04 PM

Congratulations on owning a VERY unique and beautiful ES-175!

**RobbieAG** · 03-29-2021, 11:51 AM

Very nice (and unique)! I've never seen one with a bound headstock before. I used to own a 1956 175 (P90s) where somebody painted on a faux binding on the headstock. My current 175 from 69 or 70 (wider neck) has the same sunburst finish and 50s style tailpiece. It has chrome hardware, non tune-o-matic rosewood bridge and original Kluson tuners.

**Woody Sound** · 03-29-2021, 01:33 PM

I always thought a bound headstock REALLY completes the aesthetic appearance, especially with a bound fb. I had a 70's walnut 335 with a bound headstock, will have to dig up a photo.

**AlienVintage** · 10-31-2021, 11:23 AM

Tough question, but I guess this is the best place to ask:

In today’s market (October 2021), and with the unusual combination of features, what would be a reasonable estimate of value for this guitar?

The guitar is 100% original with the exception of the replaced tuners only, and is in excellent condition with no breaks or repairs anywhere. It has the wide 1 11/16 inch nut width, and all nickel hardware (including the nickel pickup covers, never removed). All of the electronics and wiring are untouched.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated!

**AlienVintage** · 10-31-2021, 11:58 AM

One interesting detail: the pre-zigzag style nickel tailpiece is also something that was original to Bill Frisell’s custom ordered 1968 ES-175, which also has the headstock binding like mine. So, it is definitely a feature that they would use on certain rare custom orders:

Lost & Found: Bill Frisell's ES-175 - Fretboard Journal

Anyway, I’d greatly appreciate any ideas on possible value for the guitar, since there are some sort of unusual factors that might come into play. Thanks again!

**gitman** · 10-31-2021, 01:36 PM

Metheny's original ES-175 also has a -single- bound headstock :
https://www.jazziz.com/event/pat-metheny-side-eye/

**Esport** · 11-01-2021, 09:55 PM

I’ve no idea to it’s market value but it’s about as beautiful a 175 as I’ve seen.

**Hammertone** · 11-01-2021, 10:29 PM

1958 Gibson ES-175 - Bound Headstock?
Bill Frisell's ES-175, custom-ordered from Gibson by Dale Bruning in 1968 w/bound headstock, bound f-holes, P-90, JS bridge, old-school tailpiece.
Pat Metheny's ES-175, custom-ordered by (?) in 196x w/bound headstock and pickup selector on treble side.

**Gitfiddler** · 11-02-2021, 12:56 AM

If Gibson reboots its archtop guitar making in the future, I hope this is one of their offerings.

I don't care if they call if 'Historic', 'Vintage Original Spec' (VOS), or whatever. Just build it well and price it within reach of us non-millionaires.