1/15

1959 Gibson ES-355TDSV, Serial Number A 31803

This 1959 Gibson ES-355TDSV™ is an honest, heavily played example from the first full year of production. Introduced as the top-of-the-line counterpart to the ES-335, the ES-355 combined elegant appointments with stereo electronics, the newly introduced Varitone circuit, and a factory Bigsby® B7 vibrato to become the most feature-equipped thinline electric guitar we offered. Produced in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on November 23, 1959, this highly original example has been thoughtfully serviced while preserving the comfortably worn feel earned through decades in the hands of a working musician.

Finished in Cherry Red, the guitar exhibits heavy but even lacquer checking throughout, along with the honest playwear expected from a professional instrument that spent years in active use. Extensive finish wear is present along the back and sides of the neck, with much of the lacquer worn away at the edges of the fretboard, giving it a naturally broken-in feel in hand. The gold hardware displays heavy plating wear throughout. At some point in its life, the treble-side corner of the headstock took a hit, resulting in a small loss of binding and wood that remains entirely cosmetic. Tight, three-dimensional figuring is visible throughout both the top and back.

The guitar retains its original stereo Varitone circuit, along with the earlier, tapered Bigsby B7 vibrato, black Varitone surround, and black Top Hat knobs. The neck profile is slightly slimmer than what is typically expected on a 1959 ES-355, more closely resembling examples built the following year while remaining exceptionally comfortable in hand. Combined with the extensive finish wear from decades of regular playing, it has the naturally broken-in feel that makes a guitar hard to put down.

The guitar remains remarkably intact throughout. The double-black Patent Applied For humbuckers™ measure 7.30k ohms in the neck position and 7.48k ohms in the bridge, with clean, untouched solder joints and largely intact Patent Applied For decals. They remain clear and articulate while delivering the warmth and dynamic response expected from a great, late-50s Gibson humbucker. The Varitone circuit remains fully functional and, with the included stereo accessories, allows the guitar to operate exactly as originally intended. The factory Bigsby B7 vibrato, original ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic™ bridge, stereo wiring, and Varitone circuit all remain in place and function as intended. The original celluloid pickguard is no longer present and has been replaced with a well-made reproduction. Additionally, the switch tip, one truss rod cover screw, one pickguard mounting screw, and the pickguard bracket nut are non-original components.

One unusual factory detail is the original mahogany veneer applied to the rear of the peghead, along with a matching mahogany heel cap. While highly unusual, all evidence suggests these are original factory construction details with no indication of prior repair work. The finish blacklights consistently, and the lacquer checking continues uninterrupted across the veneer.

The guitar was refretted and fitted with a new bone nut by Glaser Instruments in Nashville, and a slight separation of the treble-side headstock wing block was stabilized. This was not the result of a headstock break, but rather a minor opening of the original glue joint. The treble-side bridge post had also begun to loosen slightly in its mounting hole and was repaired by plugging and redrilling the post hole. The original ABR-1 bridge remains installed and functions as intended, while an aged-to-match Gibson Custom ABR-1 is included in the case as an additional option for regular playing.

The guitar ships in a new Gibson Deluxe Protector ES-335 case and includes its original five-latch brown and pink Lifton™ hardshell case. Long ago, the exterior of the original case was painted black, the handle was replaced, and one latch has broken away, though it is included with the case.

This instrument has received a professional setup and thorough inspection from Gibson Certified Vintage and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, new Limited Lifetime Warranty, and exclusive Gibson Certified Vintage accessories including a leather guitar strap, matching leather luggage tag, and vintage-style Gibson pick container.

Weight: 9.59 lb.
Neck Depth: 1st fret: .82", 12th fret: .93"

Using the Original Stereo Circuit

To fully utilize the original stereo output circuit, we have included the following accessories:

1x 12’ Mogami® Gold Stereo Guitar Cable (1/4" TRS to Dual 1/4" TS)
1x 3’ Mogami Gold Instrument Cable
1x JHS Summing Amp Utility Pedal
1x Truetone 1 Spot® 9V Power Supply

The original design allows the guitar to be connected to a Gibson stereo amplifier using a ¼” TRS cable or to two separate amplifiers using the included TRS to dual ¼” TS stereo cable. For players wishing to use a traditional mono amplifier or pedalboard, the included JHS Summing Amp Utility Pedal actively combines the stereo signal into a mono output while preserving the guitar’s full frequency response. Because the original stereo wiring pairs the pickups out of magnetic phase in the middle position, equal pickup volumes may still produce the thinner, “quacky” sound characteristic of these early stereo instruments. Slightly reducing the volume of either pickup restores a more in-phase character and unlocks a remarkably broad and expressive tonal palette.