1957 Gibson ES-175. The saga with the PAF

vic · 2013-03-26T14:54:35+00:00

I recently bought this ES-175. The FON (Factory Order Number) dates it to 1957 but the serial number dates the guitar to 1958 All original (or so I thought ☹ ) except for replaced tuners and missing a scratch plate. The guitar has also been refretted at some stage. When I received it I pulled the "PAF" to check on the finer detail and discovered that the PUP in there was not the one original to the guitar. The pole spacings were for a bridge pup and it sounded a bit bright. Here is the "PAF" Absent are the tool markings on the "legs" holding the height adjustment screws. These tool marks are present on most if not all early PAFs. Further investigation revealed that the original PAF was taken out (by accident.....mmmmh) and replaced with this pup (also by accident...mmmmh) which I'm not sure exactly what it is. Now it could be that this is a legit PAF. However to establish that one would have to break the solder seals/joints to be able to look at what's under the bonnet. In the meantime I contacted the seller and demanded the original neck PAF. Thanks to my good friend Aubs in JhB the original was recovered and couriered to me. I have just received it. Here's a pic. Correct pole spacings and tool marks on the legs and the solder is undisturbed. Thanks Aubrey ! Next was to authenticate the pickup ring as so many fakes are in circulation. For this I consulted the provide.net site on vintage Gibsons. Notice all the mold markings and number codes which one should look for. I am very happy to say the ring of this guitar is legit...has all the correct markings and numbers ? Next step is to put the original '57 PAF back where it belongs ?

vic

Ben Bad wrote What a STUNNING piece of history!

Please make a video with nice, crisp audio so that we can all bask in the warmth?

I would love to spend an hour or two playing it, I'm sure the neck feels epic!

Hi Ben...many thanks. Yip, the neck is typically 1957...well-rounded and full in the hand.
The original PAF is also back in there now...sounds very good.

Unfortunately I do not have the tools to do video....sorry man.

Welcome to the Forum !

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