Steve Howe has collaborated and recorded with Paul Sutin on numerous projects and several albums, and during one of his visits to the Dinemec studio, Steve Howe gave Paul one of his ES-175s from the ES-175 Steve Howe production signature. This superb and rare guitar therefore belonged to Steve Howe then to Paul Sutin, owner of the Dinemec studios and Paul Sutin Production, and comes with a certificate signed by Paul recounting the history.

We no longer present Steve Howe or the ES-175, but, well, a bit of history on this magnificent instrument is not a luxury. The Gibson ES-175 is a compact 16” Archtop, introduced in 1949, which Gibson quietly discontinued in 2015, when only a few versions were available, then definitively put a stop on the production in 2019. Steve Howe ordered his 1964 ES-175 from the age of 17. His major influence at that time was Barney Kessel. Kessel often used a Super 400 CES, but it was out of the young guitarist’s budget and the ES-175 was the guitar Steve Howe then choosed. There are a few changes from the base 1964 model, primarily Grover Roto-Matic tuners and a pickup selector knob based on the Kluson Keystone keys. The “ZigZag” type metal tailpiece also gives this guitar a superb look.

The beauty remained in perfect condition. A few tiny playwear and light scratches on the body, but you have to look for them, and above all no dents or damages. The neck is perfect, the frets in excellent condition, and the sunburst finish with the high gloss varnish gives it a splendid look. Low action and fast neck for this fabulous instrument. Comes with its original hardcase, its original documents and a certificate from Paul Sutin.