Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends

archtop.com

2019 Gibson Memphis ES-355TDC 'Graphite Metallic'

Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may be found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.

Serial #: 12838716, gold Memphis label

Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/12th frets: .85/.92 Weight: 7lb 5oz

Hardware: 100% original chrome hardware includes factory MHS II PAF pickups; Grover Rotomatic tuners; ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge, black bell tone and volume knobs, 5 ply wide bevel pickguard.

Notes: A guitar fit for The Kings... B.B. and Freddy, to be precise.

Introduced in 1958, the ES-355 TD/SV was the pinnacle of Gibson's new Thinline series, combining cutting-edge innovation with classic traditional design. The thin body was easier for players to hold than conventional archtops, the inner block enhanced sustain and reduced feedback. Small wonder that the 355 became an instant classic, and has remained one of the worlds' most prestigious electric guitars to this day. (BB King's 355 is named Lucille, of course, and other notable 335 players have included Freddy King, Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, and Keith Richards.)

Gibson went top-drawer with the appointments on the 355, including the Super 400 style peghead inlay, solid ebony fingerboard, multi-bound pickguard, and all gold hardware throughout. Priced identically with the upscale Byrdland model, this guitar has all the bells and whistles, including rolled neck binding, 7 ply binding, solid pearl inlays, Gibson Custom Bucker pickups, and original black Gibson logo plush lined hardshell case, with Certificate of Authenticity and all paperwork and accessories.

At just 7lb 5oz, the guitar is poinds lighter than proevious versions, with a lightweight mahogany neck to optimize balance on the lap or the strap. Maintained in splendid condition, this premium Memphis Custom Shop guitar is free of pick, buckle, thumb, fret, or fingerboard wear. The rare Graphite Metallic ebony finish is lustrous and brilliant, and a striking contrast to the gleaming chrome hardware throughout. The unpotted MHS II PAF Alnico 5 pickups produce a smooth, high output signal with lots of snap and sustain, and the mono wiring makes for easy amp connection with any standard 1/4" guitar cable. With its medium C profile '59 style neck, the guitar offers smooth low action over fine medium jumbo frets, with a fresh high-precision setup.

This Lucille has no splainin' to do: just a voice for the ages. Gibson's ultimate thinline guitar. One only: call now.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished. Action set to 4/64" to 5/64" with light relief. The action may be set to player preference with the adjustable bridge wheels.

Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends