How to Date Your Vintage Gibson ES-175: Complete 1949-1970 Authentication Guide

Why Dating Your Vintage Gibson ES-175 Matters

Learning how to date a vintage Gibson ES-175 accurately is essential for authentication, proper valuation, insurance documentation, and understanding your instrument's place in jazz guitar history. The Gibson ES-175 represents one of the most iconic and influential jazz guitars ever created—an elegant hollow-body instrument with a single Florentine cutaway that became the standard choice for bebop, cool jazz, and modern jazz guitarists worldwide.

Whether you own a rare first-year 1949 ES-175 with original P-90 pickups, a coveted 1950s PAF humbucker example, a mid-1960s patent number model, or any vintage ES-175 from the pre-1970 era, determining its exact manufacturing year affects everything from market value to restoration approaches. Certain years and specifications command premium prices, particularly early examples with specific features and original appointments.

This comprehensive guide teaches you how to date your vintage Gibson ES-175 using multiple authentication methods, ensuring accuracy for guitars made between 1949 and 1970.

Understanding the Gibson ES-175 History

Before diving into dating methods, understanding the ES-175's evolution provides crucial context:

The Birth of the ES-175 (1949)

Gibson introduced the ES-175 in 1949 as an affordable, professional jazz guitar:

Revolutionary Design Features:

• Single Florentine cutaway (pointed)

• Laminated maple body construction

• 16.25" body width

• P-90 single-coil pickup (1949-1956)

• Two P-90 pickups standard (1950s)

• Alnico V pickups available

• Trapeze tailpiece initially

• Affordable professional instrument

Strategic Purpose:

• Offer affordable alternative to L-5 and Super 400

• Appeal to working jazz musicians

• Single cutaway for upper fret access

• Quality construction at moderate price

• Establish Gibson jazz guitar line

The "ES-175" Designation Explained

"ES" = Electric Spanish:

• Gibson's designation for electric arch-top guitars

• "Spanish" refers to standard guitar (not lap steel)

• Electric pickups standard

"175" = Model Number:

• Price point designation ($175 original price)

• Mid-level Gibson hollow-body

• Professional quality at affordable price

• Entry point to premium Gibson jazz guitars

Musical Significance

Famous Players:

• Joe Pass (signature ES-175 player)

• Herb Ellis (legendary jazz guitarist)

• Pat Metheny (early career)

• Jim Hall (some periods)

• Countless bebop and jazz guitarists

• Studio session standard

• Jazz club workhorse

Sonic Character:

• Warm, focused tone

• Excellent for single-note lines

• Clear articulation

• Balanced frequency response

• Jazz voicing excellence

• Recording studio favorite

Major 1949-1970 Evolution Periods

1949: First Year (Single Cutaway)

• ES-175 introduced

• Single P-90 pickup

• Single Florentine cutaway

• Natural or sunburst finish

• Most valuable year

1950-1956: Early P-90 Era

• Two P-90 pickups standard

• Single cutaway

• Natural or sunburst finish

• Excellent construction

1957-1960: PAF Humbucker Era

• PAF humbuckers introduced (1957)

• Single cutaway continues

• Natural or sunburst finish

• Highly collectible

1961-1970: Patent Number Era

• Patent number humbuckers

• Double cutaway introduced (1961)

• Single cutaway discontinued (1971)

• Both versions available (1961-1970)

• Various finishes

How to Date Your Vintage Gibson ES-175: Serial Number Systems

Understanding Gibson's serial number systems is foundational for dating:

Important Resource: For quick serial number reference, use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool to find your guitar's approximate year based on serial number ranges.

Serial Number Location

Where to Find Serial Number:

1. Inside guitar through f-hole

2. Stamped on label (orange or white)

3. Back of headstock (some later examples)

4. Label visible through f-hole

5. Use flashlight for visibility

Format: Various formats depending on year

1949-1961 Serial Number System

Format: Letter prefix (A) followed by numbers

Approximate Ranges:

• 1949: A-1500 to A-2000 range (first year)

• 1950: A-2000 to A-5000 range

• 1951: A-5000 to A-8000 range

• 1952: A-8000 to A-10000 range

• 1953: A-10000 to A-12000 range

• 1954: A-12000 to A-14000 range

• 1955: A-14000 to A-16000 range

• 1956: A-16000 to A-18000 range

• 1957: A-18000 to A-21000 range

• 1958: A-21000 to A-23000 range

• 1959: A-23000 to A-25000 range

• 1960: A-25000 to A-29000 range

• 1961: A-29000 to A-32000 range

Location: Inside guitar on label

Pro Tip: Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool for instant reference.

1961-1970 Serial Number System

Format: 5-6 digits with varying overlap

Approximate Ranges:

• 1961: 1xxxx-2xxxx range

• 1962: 2xxxx-3xxxx range

• 1963: 3xxxx-4xxxx range

• 1964: 4xxxx-7xxxx range

• 1965: 7xxxx-9xxxx range

• 1966: 0xxxx-1xxxx range (restarted)

• 1967: 1xxxx-8xxxx range

• 1968: 8xxxx-0xxxx range (restarted again)

• 1969: 0xxxx-9xxxx range

• 1970: 0xxxxx range (six digits)

Critical Challenge: Significant overlap between years

Location: Inside guitar on label

Why Serial Numbers Are Problematic:

• Extreme overlap in 1960s

• Numbering restarted multiple times

• Must use Factory Order Numbers and physical features

Factory Order Numbers (FON): The Most Reliable Dating Method

For vintage ES-175s, Factory Order Numbers provide the most accurate dating:

What FON Tells You: Production batch and year of manufacture

Location: Inside guitar

• Stamped on internal bracing or blocking

• Visible through f-hole

• Orange label (1950s-early 1960s)

• White label (mid-1960s onward)

• May require mirror and flashlight

Format: Letter followed by 3-4 digits

• Letter indicates year

• Numbers indicate production batch

FON Letter Codes (1949-1970):

• V = 1949

• U = 1950

• T = 1951

• S = 1952

• R = 1953

• Q = 1954

• P = 1955

• O = 1956

• N = 1957

• M = 1958

• L = 1959

• K = 1960

• J = 1961

• I = 1962

• H = 1963

• G = 1964

• F = 1965

• E = 1966

• D = 1967

• C = 1968

• B = 1969

• A = 1970

Example: FON "L 2847" = 1959 production, batch 2847

How to Find FON:

1. Look through f-hole

2. Check orange or white label

3. FON stamped on internal wood

4. Use mirror and flashlight

5. Photograph for documentation

Why FON Is Critical:

• Most reliable Gibson dating method

• Minimal overlap between years

• Essential for accurate dating

• Industry standard

Dating Vintage ES-175 by Physical Features: Era-by-Era Guide

Physical characteristics provide crucial dating evidence:

1949 ES-175 (First Year - Most Valuable)

The Original Single-Cutaway Jazz Guitar:

Body Construction:

• Hollow-body construction

• Laminated maple body

• Pressed arch (not hand-carved)

• Single Florentine cutaway (pointed)

• 16.25" body width

• 3.25" body depth

Pickups - First Year:

• Single P-90 pickup (1949 only)

• Neck position

• Alnico V magnet

• Black or cream cover

• Soap bar style

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Dot inlays (single parallelogram at 12th fret)

• 24.75" scale length

• Bound fingerboard

Headstock:

• Gibson script logo

• Crown inlay

• Bound headstock

• "ES-175" designation

Bridge and Tailpiece:

• Trapeze tailpiece

• Floating bridge (adjustable)

• Rosewood bridge

• Traditional jazz setup

Hardware:

• Nickel-plated hardware

• Kluson tuners

• Simple appointments

Finish:

• Natural finish option

• Sunburst finish option

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

• Hand-sprayed

Binding:

• Single-ply binding on body

• Simple appointments

• Bound f-holes

• Bound fingerboard

F-Holes:

• Traditional f-hole placement

• Bound f-holes

• Hand-cut

Controls:

• Single volume control

• Single tone control

• Simple electronics

Label:

• Orange label inside

• Gibson logo

• "ES-175" designation

• Kalamazoo, Michigan

Serial Numbers/FON: A-1500 to A-2000 range, FON "V"

Why 1949 Is Most Valuable:

• First year production

• Single pickup only

• Historical significance

• Limited production

• Extremely rare

• Premium pricing

1950-1956 ES-175 (Early P-90 Era)

Classic Two-Pickup Configuration:

Body Construction:

• Hollow-body laminated maple

• Single Florentine cutaway

• 16.25" body width

• Pressed arch construction

Pickups - Critical Change:

• Two P-90 pickups (1950 onward)

• Neck and bridge positions

• Alnico V magnets

• Black or cream covers

• Soap bar style

• Classic jazz tone

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Trapezoid inlays (becomes standard)

• Bound fingerboard

• 24.75" scale

Headstock:

• Gibson script logo

• Crown inlay

• Bound headstock

Bridge and Tailpiece:

• Trapeze tailpiece

• Floating adjustable bridge

• Rosewood bridge

Hardware:

• Nickel-plated hardware

• Kluson tuners

• Simple appointments

Finish:

• Natural finish (blonde)

• Sunburst finish

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Binding:

• Single-ply binding on body

• Bound f-holes

• Bound fingerboard

Controls:

• Two volume controls

• Two tone controls

• 3-way selector switch

Label:

• Orange label inside

• Gibson designation

Serial Numbers/FON:

• 1950: A-2000 to A-5000, FON "U"

• 1951: A-5000 to A-8000, FON "T"

• 1952: A-8000 to A-10000, FON "S"

• 1953: A-10000 to A-12000, FON "R"

• 1954: A-12000 to A-14000, FON "Q"

• 1955: A-14000 to A-16000, FON "P"

• 1956: A-16000 to A-18000, FON "O"

Significance: Classic two-pickup P-90 configuration, peak early ES-175 era

1957-1960 ES-175 (PAF Humbucker Era - Highly Collectible)

The Holy Grail PAF ES-175:

Body Construction:

• Hollow-body laminated maple

• Single Florentine cutaway

• 16.25" body width

• Pressed arch

Pickups - Revolutionary Change:

• PAF humbucker pickups (1957 onward)

• Patent Applied For

• Two humbuckers (neck and bridge)

• Sticker on pickup (early)

• No sticker (later)

• Gold or nickel covers

• Most collectible pickup era

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Trapezoid inlays

• Bound fingerboard

• 24.75" scale

Headstock:

• Gibson script logo

• Crown inlay

• Bound headstock

Bridge and Tailpiece:

• Trapeze tailpiece (early)

• Tune-o-matic bridge introduced (late 1950s)

• ABR-1 bridge

• Separate tailpiece option

Hardware:

• Nickel or gold-plated hardware

• Kluson tuners

• Premium appointments

Finish:

• Natural finish (blonde)

• Sunburst finish

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Binding:

• Single-ply binding on body

• Bound f-holes

• Bound fingerboard

Controls:

• Two volume controls

• Two tone controls

• 3-way selector switch

Label:

• Orange label inside

• Gibson designation

Serial Numbers/FON:

• 1957: A-18000 to A-21000, FON "N"

• 1958: A-21000 to A-23000, FON "M"

• 1959: A-23000 to A-25000, FON "L"

• 1960: A-25000 to A-29000, FON "K"

Why PAF Era Is Holy Grail:

• Original PAF humbuckers

• Peak Gibson quality

• Single cutaway

• Investment grade

• Most collectible ES-175s

• Five-figure values common

1961-1962 ES-175 (Transition to Patent Number/Double Cutaway Option)

Double Cutaway Introduced:

Body Construction Options:

• Single cutaway (continues)

• Double cutaway (new option 1961)

• Both versions available

• Hollow-body laminated maple

• 16.25" body width

Pickups:

• Patent number humbuckers

• Replace PAF pickups (1961+)

• "Patent No." embossed on cover

• Gold or nickel covers

• Two pickups

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Trapezoid inlays

• Bound fingerboard

Headstock:

• Gibson script logo

• Crown inlay

• Bound headstock

Bridge and Tailpiece:

• Tune-o-matic bridge

• Separate tailpiece

• Nickel or gold hardware

Hardware:

• Nickel-plated standard

• Kluson tuners

Finish:

• Natural finish

• Sunburst finish

• Nitrocellulose lacquer

Binding:

• Single-ply binding

• Bound f-holes

• Bound fingerboard

Controls:

• Two volume controls

• Two tone controls

• 3-way selector switch

Label:

• Orange label (early)

• White label (transition)

Serial Numbers/FON:

• 1961: A-29000 to A-32000 or 1xxxx, FON "J"

• 1962: 2xxxx range, FON "I"

Significance: Double cutaway option introduced, patent number pickups begin

1963-1970 ES-175D (Double Cutaway) and ES-175 (Single Cutaway)

Two Versions Available:

ES-175D (Double Cutaway):

• "D" designation for double cutaway

• Sharp Florentine cutaways

• More modern appearance

• Both cutaways pointed

• 16.25" body width

ES-175 (Single Cutaway):

• Continues alongside double cutaway

• Traditional single Florentine cutaway

• Classic appearance

• Discontinued 1971

Body Construction:

• Hollow-body laminated maple

• Pressed arch

• 16.25" body width

Pickups:

• Patent number humbuckers

• Gold or nickel covers

• Two pickups

• Excellent tone

Neck:

• Mahogany neck

• Rosewood fingerboard

• Trapezoid inlays

• Bound fingerboard

Headstock:

• Gibson script logo

• Crown inlay

• Bound headstock

Bridge and Tailpiece:

• Tune-o-matic bridge

• Separate tailpiece

• Nickel hardware standard

Hardware:

• Nickel-plated standard

• Various tuners

• Kluson or replacements

Finish:

• Natural finish

• Sunburst finish

• Various options

Binding:

• Single-ply binding

• Bound f-holes

• Bound fingerboard

Controls:

• Two volume controls

• Two tone controls

• 3-way selector switch

Label:

• White label standard (mid-1960s onward)

• Gibson designation

Serial Numbers/FON:

• 1963: 3xxxx range, FON "H"

• 1964: 4xxxx range, FON "G"

• 1965: 7xxxx range, FON "F"

• 1966: 0xxxx range, FON "E"

• 1967: 1xxxx range, FON "D"

• 1968: 8xxxx range, FON "C"

• 1969: 0xxxx range, FON "B"

• 1970: 0xxxxx range, FON "A"

Significance: Both single and double cutaway versions available, patent number pickups

Potentiometer Date Codes: Essential Verification

Potentiometer codes provide crucial verification:

Understanding Pot Codes

Standard Format: XXYYZZ

• XX = Manufacturer code

• YY = Year of manufacture

• ZZ = Week of manufacture

Common Manufacturers:

• 137 = CTS

• 134 = Centralab

• 140 = Clarostat

How to Check Pot Codes on ES-175

Access:

1. Look through f-hole with mirror

2. Remove control plate cover (back)

3. Locate four potentiometers

4. Look for stamped codes

5. May require dental mirror

6. Use flashlight

7. Photograph codes

Pot Count: Four pots (two volume, two tone)

Example Codes:

• 137 5728 = CTS pot, 1957, 28th week

• 134 6015 = Centralab pot, 1960, 15th week

Interpreting Pot Dates

Dating Rules:

• Pots date component manufacture

• Guitar assembled weeks/months after

• All four pots should date similarly

• 1958 guitar might have late 1957 pots

Red Flags:

• Pots dated after guitar year

• Mixed dates from different years

• Modern pots on vintage ES-175

Identifying Key ES-175 Features

Understanding distinctive characteristics:

Single vs. Double Cutaway

Single Cutaway (1949-1971):

• Single Florentine cutaway (pointed)

• Classic ES-175 design

• Traditional appearance

• Most collectible

• Discontinued 1971

Double Cutaway ES-175D (1961-present):

• Two sharp Florentine cutaways

• More modern design

• Greater upper fret access

• "D" designation

• Both available 1961-1971

Dating Significance:

• Single cutaway = 1949-1971

• Double cutaway = 1961 onward

• Both versions 1961-1971

Value Impact: Single cutaway more collectible than double (vintage)

P-90 vs. PAF vs. Patent Number Pickups

P-90 Pickups (1949-1956):

• Single-coil "soap bar" design

• Two pickups (1950+)

• Black or cream covers

• Classic jazz tone

• Collectible

PAF Humbuckers (1957-1960):

• Patent Applied For

• Revolutionary humbucking design

• Most collectible era

• Investment grade

• Five-figure values

Patent Number Humbuckers (1961-1970):

• "Patent No." on cover

• Replace PAF pickups

• Excellent tone

• Still collectible

Dating Significance:

• P-90s = 1956 or earlier

• PAF = 1957-1960

• Patent number = 1961 onward

Value Impact: PAF era most valuable, P-90 era also collectible

Trapezoid Inlays

Standard ES-175 Inlays:

• Trapezoid position markers

• Pearl inlays

• Classic Gibson design

• Professional appointments

1949 Only: Dot inlays with single parallelogram at 12th fret

Natural vs. Sunburst Finish

Natural Finish (blonde):

• Shows wood grain

• Traditional choice

• Slightly more valuable

• Classic appearance

Sunburst Finish:

• Cherry or tobacco sunburst

• Shaded appearance

• Common option

• Beautiful finish

Orange Label vs. White Label

Orange Label (1950s-early 1960s):

• Orange oval label inside

• Gibson logo

• Early production indicator

• More collectible

White Label (mid-1960s onward):

• White label

• Gibson designation

• Later production

Dating Significance:

• Orange label = 1950s to early 1960s

• White label = mid-1960s onward

When You're Ready to Sell Your Vintage Gibson ES-175

How Dating Affects ES-175 Value

Era-Specific Premiums:

• 1949 (first year, single pickup): Highest values

• 1950-1956 (P-90 era): Excellent values

• 1957-1960 (PAF era): Premium values (most collectible)

• 1961-1970 (patent number): Good to strong values

Feature-Specific Value:

• PAF humbuckers (1957-1960): Major premium

• P-90 pickups (1949-1956): Strong collector value

• Single cutaway: More valuable than double

• Natural finish: Slight premium over sunburst

• All-original condition: Essential

• Orange label: Premium indicator

Why Choose Edgewater Guitars

Our Gibson ES-175 Expertise:

• Vintage Gibson hollow-body specialists

• PAF pickup authentication

• P-90 era identification

• Single vs. double cutaway assessment

• FON analysis for accurate dating

• Orange vs. white label evaluation

• Comprehensive authentication

Premium Offers: 30-40% higher than guitar shops

Contact: (440) 219-3607

Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, West Virginia

Frequently Asked Questions

What years had PAF pickups on the ES-175?

ES-175s had PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucker pickups from 1957 through 1960. These are the most collectible ES-175 examples and command premium prices. Patent number humbuckers replaced PAFs in 1961. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool to check your serial range.

Is a single cutaway ES-175 more valuable than double cutaway?

Yes, single cutaway ES-175s are generally more valuable and collectible than double cutaway ES-175D models. The single cutaway represents the classic, traditional ES-175 design and was the only option from 1949-1960.

When was the double cutaway ES-175D introduced?

The double cutaway ES-175D was introduced in 1961. Both single and double cutaway versions were available from 1961-1971, when the single cutaway was discontinued.

Are P-90 ES-175s valuable?

Yes, P-90 ES-175s (1949-1956) are highly collectible and valuable, especially early examples. The 1949 first-year model with single P-90 is extremely rare and commands premium prices.

Can I date my ES-175 just by serial number?

For 1960s production, serial numbers are unreliable due to extreme overlap. Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool for approximate range, then verify with FON, pickup type, cutaway style, and label color for accurate dating.

What's more valuable: natural or sunburst finish?

Natural finish ES-175s are generally slightly more valuable than sunburst, though both are collectible. Natural finish shows the wood grain and is traditional for jazz guitars.

Learning how to date your vintage Gibson ES-175 accurately requires understanding serial numbers, Factory Order Numbers, and physical features. The ES-175 evolved from 1949 through 1970, with PAF era examples (1957-1960) commanding the highest values, followed by early P-90 examples.

Use our Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool as a starting point, then verify with FON, pickup type, cutaway style, and construction details.

Edgewater Guitars specializes in vintage Gibson ES-175 authentication and purchasing throughout the Midwest.

Contact us today at (440) 219-3607 for expert ES-175 authentication or professional valuation.

Gavin Coe, Vintage Guitar Specialist
Edgewater Guitars - Ohio's Premier Guitar Buyer