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1968 Gibson ES-355TD/SV

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Serial #: 899733, 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; gold Kluson Super 'waffleback' tuners; stereo Varitone tone selector; Gibson Maestro vibriola; Gibson Stereo truss rod cover; gold Tune-o-matic bridge with metal saddles and wire retainer. Original black bonnet knobs and pickup covers in case; additional gold reflector cap knobs and pickup covers installed. Vintage style 5 ply bound tortoise 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 tortoise pickguard, and all gold hardware throughout. This gleaming example is one of just 174 of the stereo versions made in its model year. (This includes all finish colors, and sunburst 355's are considerably rarer than their cherry counterparts.) 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 superb condition, with no cracks, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The finish is 100% original, and apart from a scattering of normal checking, a stand nick on the neck, and a few small chips to the headstock, appears to show little 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. Or the instrument may be played like any standard mono guitar without modification, with a simple stereo-to-mono guitar cable like the one shown here.

This wonderful player has a fast, comfy neck, with the incomparably sleek late 60's profile, and smooth low action over fine recent medium jumbo frets. An additional set of gold reflector cap knobs and gold pickup covers have been installed, with the original parts included in the case, and a handsome 5-ply bound swirl tortoise pickguard fitted as well. For the guitarist for whom only the best will do: Gibson's ultimate thinline guitar. 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.

Case: Original Gibson black arched plushlined hardshell case.

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