The Gibson ES-355 from 1962 is considered particularly desirable among collectors, as it was designed as the most luxurious version (top of the line) of the entire ES line. The year of manufacture 1962 lies in the middle of the “Golden Era”. It has a beautiful ebony fingerboard with genuine mother-of-pearl inlays and gold-plated hardware. The Varitone circuit and the stereo configuration were unique for the time. The headstock with its split diamond design is considered an aesthetic masterpiece. Great musicians such as B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Keith Richards, Noel Gallagher and others could not escape the charm of these icons and played the models both live and in the studio.

This guitar is in very good condition. The sideway tremolo guard may have been regilded a long time ago. Apart from a few isolated paint scratches, the condition of the paintwork is good for its age. The color is only slightly faded but still a rich cherry. The neck shows some traces of use but is undamaged and has a good jumbo refret.

The hardware is in original condition and works perfectly. The Sideways Vibrola is not the most tuning stable system of them all but impresses with its unique steampunk look. Original Grover tuners work perfectly. The pickup covers and the pickguard are in good original condition.

All in all a fantastic Gibson ES-355 from the early 60s.

Body
Back and sides: 3-Ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
Top Wood: 3-Ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
Neck
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Frets: Refret
Inlays: Mother of Pearl Blocks
Radius: 12″
Scale Length: 24.75″
Hardware
Bridge: ABR-1
Tailpiece: Sideways Vibrola
Tuners: Grover Rotomatic with Kidney Button
Pickguard: Original
Electronics
Pickup Neck: Gibson Patent Number
Pickup Bridge: Gibson PAF
Miscellaneous
Including: Case
Finish: Nitro
Color: Cherry
Year: 1962
Condition: Very good