Don't know

[papaw]

Hi folks...I just registered and this is probably the wrong area to ask, but I have an old Gibson I inherited from my dad several years ago. It needs restored but is still extrememly playable. I just want it back to the original state. I don't know how to tell what year it is by the serial number. I would like toknow what year it is. It is a model ES-175D. Number is A-16832. Any help would be appreciated. It also had the bigsby tail piece which my dad put on a Kay that I had when I was a youngster. He also put the "bone" keys on it too. I'll post some pix when I figure it out. Thanks again.
Eddy

[Phoenix59]

According to the Blue Book of Electric Guitars, 6th edition:

White oval labels were used on instruments from 1902 to 1954, at which time the oval label was changed to
an orange color. On instruments with round soundholes, this label is visible directly below it. On f-hole
instruments, it is visible through the upper f-hole. The second type of serial numbers used started with an A
prefix and ran from 1947 to 1961. The first number is A 100.

YEAR LAST #
1947 A 1305
1948 A 2665
1949 A 4410
1950 A 6595
1951 A 9420
1952 A 12460
1953 A 17435
1954 A 18665
1955 A 21910
1956 A 24755
1957 A 26820
1958 A 28880
1959 A 32285
1960 A 35645
1961 A 36150

Based on this, if it has a white label, it looks like your 175 is probably a 1953. Can't wait to see pics!

[papaw]

Thank you so much Phoenix. That means a lot to me. Thanks again.

[dwagar]

choose wisely on who you get to restore it, and IMO don't change anything you don't really have to.

[auriemma]

Unless its a total basket case, just carefully clean it, maintain it, and enjoy it.

[papaw]

The reason I want it redone. When I was a kid, probably 12 years old, I was sitting in the yard playing it and a friend came sliding through the yard on his bike and the rear axle hit the back (where the strap would connect). It split down the middle. I thought my dad would kill me but, he just smiled and put some duct tape on it so it wouldn't split any further. I'm 58 years old and my dad has been gone almost 24 years. I want to do it just to honor him. It still has the duct tape on it and the same strings it had on it when he passed. I want the bigsby tail piece put back on it and the bridge along with the bone keys. I've been teaching my 6 yr old grandson to play and it will be passed on to him when I'm gone. That's the story. Thanks for all the advice.
Eddy

[papaw]

I found someone who came highly recommended to do the repairs. There's a place in Franklin, Ohio called Fretware and the owner told me about a gentleman who does both; meaning repair/restore. I think if he can repair, I'll go that route. I will keep you posted.

[papaw]

I'm still trying to learn how to post pix in one "sitting". This is the duct tape I spoke of. The split is highlighted with a felt pen.

[Omi]

If it were my guitar I would just get the crack repaired as neatly as possible.I hate to invoke the way overused word "Mojo" but that guitar has it in spades.Beautiful.

[your idol]

Originally Posted by Omi

If it were my guitar I would just get the crack repaired as neatly as possible.I hate to invoke the way overused word "Mojo" but that guitar has it in spades.Beautiful.

+1000 dude i would fix the crack and leave it alone that thing is bad to the bone

[papaw]

Thanks guys. I have decided on the repair. The gentleman said he would touch up the finish if I want, but I like the "MOJO". I will probably leave that alone also. I just want to put tthe Bigsby, bridge and keys back to original. Oh, it will be month or so before he can get to it. I'll keep you posted.
Eddy