Hi--
I'm fairly new to the site but recently got back into playing my 175 !
I have an early 90's ES-175DN that I purchased used when it was only a few years old. I have a few questions for the 175 experts.. My guitar looks different from other guitars I have seen of this type. The top is natural finish, but that back and sides are a darker wood, similar to the neck (mahogany maybe ?). all other 175's that I have seen have a lighter color body - perhaps maple.). the body is finished in a clear lacquer, so you can see the grain and the color is a darker red-ish color.. Is this an unusual model and is there any difference between the maple body in terms of sound ?
Second question: My guitar as a tune-o-matic bridge which is mounted on two posts. the wood platform for the posts sits on top of the guitar. One problem I continually have had is that the bridge posts like to bend over time (towards the headstock). This causes the bridge to tilt forward slightly. The luthier I took it too, thinks it's not the original bridge because they didn't come with a tune-o-matic. I am not sure I believe that because my guitar was bought used from Normans Rare guitars and it was new (but sold used) with all the tags attached. Any suggestions for the bridge ? btw, the luthier used double sided tape to stick the bridge to the top. Not sure I like this idea, but the guitar's sound didn't change to my ears, so I went with it.
Third question: I actually prefer the 60's style curly trapeze for the 175's rather than the square trapeze I have. I am wondering if I could buy a Gibson replacement (that doesn't involve drilling the guitar or changing holes) of the vintage tailpiece ? I would save the original one of course for the next person...
Thank in advance !
