Original vintage 1958 Gibson ES-335 T Sunburst

This instrument comes complete with CITES paperwork

1958 is a magical year when it comes to the wonderful world of guitars and then more specifically the electric guitar. 1958 is the year of introduction of this and other iconic Gibson models like for instance the Explorer, Flying V and of course the ES-335 was born. The ES denoted it as part of Gibson's “Electric Spanish” series – a line that the company launched in 1936 with the ES-150 hollow body – while the 335 reflected its $335 price tag. Upon its release, it proved a big hit with guitarists.

Investment opportunity Where its Les Paul counterparts easily reach sums of 250k and higher this versatile and original instrument is available at 75.000 Euro. Seeing the its condition and rarity this is a super investment opportunity. As there are very few of these original guitars around and value is sure to go up over the coming decades.

1 of only 150 made This one is a prime example of one of only 150 pieces made in that first year of edition! You can see the guitar here in the hands of guitar legend Peter Green!

We do know it is this actual guitar he’s playing there, so he surely played it, but we do not know if Peter factually owned the guitar.

The Facts This truly amazing 3.46 Kg (=7,62 lbs) Gibson ES-335 T was Made in Kalamazoo USA on July 1st 1958 (Gibson Ledger date confirmed) and is in excellent condition. It must be one of the nicest playing and sounding guitars on the planet as it is really smooth and has an immense variety in tones.

This guitar is 100% legit, comes from, a collector/player and has CITES to back up it’s Brazilian Rosewood board. The original PAFS are inside, the sunburst colours are nice and warm sunburst with plenty of red and yellows.  It has immaculate sustain and rings and rings and goes anywhere you want it to go. From warm Jazz to blistering Rock…every frequency you would like to hear is there!

There is very modest playwear, and minimal buckle rash. much less than you would expect from a 65 year old beauty. The neck is full, but not too fat. It is a truly inspiring instrument! There is the usual crack around the jack socket that seems only on the first layer of ply, together with another small top layer crack underneath the pickguard which is also pretty common. There's checking as well but no breaks, repairs or finish issues anywhere.

All hardware is correct, including the long guard, single line single ring Kluson tuners with tips in perfect shape (It had Grovers at one time but the original tuners have been re-installed)  and the short seam lightweight tailpiece. The PAF’s are both strong and balanced with readings at 8.17k and 8.08k Ohm and the stickers intact. Covers have been off and are put back on and the pole-screws have been factory shortened to compensate for the shallow neck angle as opposed to drilling six holes into the body which we have also seen... The pots are the correct style Centralab 500k stamped 134.58.xx, bumblebee capacitors, M-69 rings, top hat knobs, bakelite switch knob, 3-way switchcraft switch etc. The neck angle is shallow as normal for early to mid 58 335's but that makes the string tension a bit lighter as well as the playability and I always feel that a shallower neck makes the guitar ring like a bell! It has a factory shaved ABR-1 bridge that even has a little room to spare but the current setup is spot on for over 65 years. Also the bridge posts have been moved a few mm. as Gibson put these in the wrong place to get it intonated perfectly, all pretty common though. Comes with the original brown Gibson 335 hardshell case with pink lining.

NB:

• Price does not contain VAT as this is of course not a new item
• We are selling this guitar for cash, so trades are not preferred and can only be considered up to a limited amount.