"Lets get this straight right away: The ES-175D is my favorite guitar but I will
be exploring other fine guitars that I have.
"I saw in Guitar Story, chapter 26,
when, in 1951, Gibson was giving a guitar away to a disabled guitarist, Les Paul was
holding in his arms a single pickup, L-5-style necked ES-295. At that time it was not even
titled but it was the first golden-bodied electric guitar. Later I saw it being played by
other American guitarists, most notably, Carl Perkins.
"My ES-295, serial number A11994 was made in 1952. The only thing I've changed is
that I've added gold Grover machine heads, partly because they look great and because the
old ones did not tune well. Using the same gauge strings I use on the ES-175, .012 (E),
.012 (B), .016 (G), .026 (D), .042 (A), .052 (E), this instrument has good intonation and
the pickups line up nicely under the strings.
"The pre-Les Paul-style all-in-one tailpiece and bridge allows full viability to
the guitar's finish and gives the instrument a very tidy look. The speed knobs also add to
the period look.
"This example is beyond mint and all of those superlatives. It's perfect. There is
not one lacquer crack and there are no scratches. Best of all, it plays great and sounds
classy plugged in. It has that vintage Gibson super full electric sound. It sounds so
vital and is so enjoyable to listen to. Eat your heart out!"
