Gibson ES-355-TD/SV Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1959)
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Item # 4495
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Gibson ES-355-TD/SV Model Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1959), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, cherry lacquer finish, laminated maple body; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, black tolex hard shell case.
This is a very well-worn road warrior, a true Gibson classic and a rare guitar as well...a factory stop-tailpiece ES-355 form the model's year of introduction: 1959.The ES-355 was the top of the new semi-solid double cutaway line, with Super 400 appointments including the double diamond headstock inlay, multiple binding everywhere and an ebony fingerboard with pearl block inlay.
Primarily offered in this cherry-red finish, the 355 was Gibson's new pride and joy in the early '60's, featured heavily in the company's promotional efforts and advertising. With all the playing advantages of the new slimline ES-335 but the fancy cosmetics of Gibson's highest grade instruments this model became a firm favorite of many players including B.B. King and Chuck Berry in the 1960's.
The Varitone choke was a new feature in 1959, designed to enable clearer, brighter sounds out of a humbucking-pickup instrument. While many 1970's players disconnected the choke coil in an effort to attain a heavier, purer tone we actually kind of like the tonal options it provides. Actually, we just like this guitar in general...despite (or maybe because of!) a generous amount of wear and tear it really sings and pretty much oozes cool!
Overall length is 42 in. (106.7 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.). This guitar has a lot of play wear overall, quite heavily used but is just great player. This guitar never had a vibrato, there are no holes or marks from old screws at the tail area. There is an old V-break headstock repair, nicely done with some overspray. The neck-position PAF appears rewound, the finish has a lot of fade and some heavily rubbed areas wit loss, including a pick wear area between the pickups. The guitar is wired in Mono, with the Varitone still functional. This is fantastic sounding guitar with a great "Freddy King" blues-approved vibe! Overall Very Good + Condition.
This is a very well-worn road warrior, a true Gibson classic and a rare guitar as well...a factory stop-tailpiece ES-355 form the model's year of introduction: 1959.The ES-355 was the top of the new semi-solid double cutaway line, with Super 400 appointments including the double diamond headstock inlay, multiple binding everywhere and an ebony fingerboard with pearl block inlay.
Primarily offered in this cherry-red finish, the 355 was Gibson's new pride and joy in the early '60's, featured heavily in the company's promotional efforts and advertising. With all the playing advantages of the new slimline ES-335 but the fancy cosmetics of Gibson's highest grade instruments this model became a firm favorite of many players including B.B. King and Chuck Berry in the 1960's.
The Varitone choke was a new feature in 1959, designed to enable clearer, brighter sounds out of a humbucking-pickup instrument. While many 1970's players disconnected the choke coil in an effort to attain a heavier, purer tone we actually kind of like the tonal options it provides. Actually, we just like this guitar in general...despite (or maybe because of!) a generous amount of wear and tear it really sings and pretty much oozes cool!
Overall length is 42 in. (106.7 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.). This guitar has a lot of play wear overall, quite heavily used but is just great player. This guitar never had a vibrato, there are no holes or marks from old screws at the tail area. There is an old V-break headstock repair, nicely done with some overspray. The neck-position PAF appears rewound, the finish has a lot of fade and some heavily rubbed areas wit loss, including a pick wear area between the pickups. The guitar is wired in Mono, with the Varitone still functional. This is fantastic sounding guitar with a great "Freddy King" blues-approved vibe! Overall Very Good + Condition.