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1965 Gibson ES-355TDC
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Serial #: 340712, orange oval label
Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 9/16"
Materials: Solid ebony fingerboard with pearl inlay; solid Honduras mahogany neck; arched maple top, back and sides.
Hardware: Original gold hardware includes twin Pat. Sticker humbucking pickups; Kluson Super 'waffleback' tuners; Gibson Maestro vibrola; ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge with wire retainer, black bonnet tone and volume knobs. Vintage correct 5 ply bound black pickguard installed.
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, and the revolutionary electronics added unprecedented technology: stereo sound, and the Varitone multi-position tone control. 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 solid pearl inlays, factory original Gibson Maestro Vibrola and original Gibson Faultless gold plush hardshell case.
Supplied by its owner of many years, she's been kept in gleaming condition, with no cracks, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The original cherry finish is deep and vibrant, and the guitar appears to show few signs of play altogether. The twin Pat. Sticker pickups produce a smooth, high output signal with lots of snap and sustain, and the range of tonal colors is unmatched in any Gibson electric. With the unique stereo wiring, each pickup may be routed to a separate amp channel, for unparalleled tonal control and versatility. Though stereo wired, the guitar was built without the Varitone circuitry, making it an extremely rare version of this upscale model. (Gibson expert Andre Duchoissoir, who wrote the book on these guitars, has told us he's yet to see another example.)
This wonderful player has a fast, comfy neck, with the incomparably sleek late 60's profile, and smooth low action over fine original medium jumbo frets, and a fresh high-precision setup. A previously installed master volume control has been removed from the treble cutaway horn, and meticulously spot finished. The instrument is supplied with a stereo-to-mono adapter jack, allowing it to be played in standard mono mode without circuit modification as well. For the guitarist for whom only the best will do: 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.
Case: Original Gibson black arched plush lined hardshell case.
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