Kent ES-175 Copy

1968-69 Probably Japanese made by Kawai. Beautiful solid wood guitar finished in a brown/orange burst. Florentine cutaway with white body and neck binding. Trapeeze tail with wooden/roller bridge. Two single coils pickups (great vintage vibe), 3-way toggle, 2 volume, 1 tone controls and tortiose shell pickgaurd (it is rare to find these guitars let alone with the original pickguard). Nice thin bolt-on neck with rosewood fret board with pearloid block inlays. Steel/Chrome tuners and Pearl "Kent" logo and curly trade mark design. 100% original. This is a sweet vintage 60's jazzbox almost in mint condition. Probably is better made/materials than what's being put out by Gibson these days...from I see...

Smooth jazz-type rythym vibe from the neck pickup with a little more edge on the bridge pickup. Mixing both produces a warm tone ala Carlton/..Played through a CRATE 60 and Ibanez Soundblaster. Very quiet. All original wiring and electronics. Frets are smaller/lower allowing for quick movement across the board.

I put a set of 9's on it (Ernie Ball) and the action is perfect. For having a Trapeeze and a roller bridge, it keeps tune well and the intonation is right on. I know this was originally desgined as a Copy/Clone budget instrument in the 60's but it must have been one of the top-of-the line models because it is very well made. I've played a newer Gibson ES137 and this thing not only looks better, it plays and sounds better. I paid $150.00 for this with case. I think the Gibson's are going for $1,300.00!

I have recorded with this in my home studio. I have not taken it out. I play alot of bass during performances. When I do play guitar, it usually is more pop/rock stuff that requires a more strat/lp type of vibe. I don't see a problem if you gigged with this..well made. Metal/steel strap buttons that are sturdy.

Kent is history. Kawai is still in business.

35 years of playing. Own over 25 guitars/basses of all types..Vintage, New, Gibsons, Fenders, Silvertones, Kents, Harmonys, Taylors......I really am attracted to the Jazzbox hollowbody vintage style. This guitar was a steal. I own a Kent 12 string hollowbody electric (67) - rare, that plays/sounds as good as any on-the-market today 12 string. With proper set-up some of these older guitars we look at as "department store" models can really play and sound great and you can't beat the price. Act fast, the secret is out..these are the next big vintage collectables in the guitar market..the big guys won't tell you that, but just look at what a 25 dollar 60's Teisco guitar is going for on the online auction sites...$150.00-200.00! It's amazing!