Leroux Music

2114A 14 st NW

Calgary

403-284-3206

Instagram: @leroux_music_

Legend in Gold: The Gibson ES-295

Here we have a special one.
1955 Gibson ES-295. One of only 166 shipped that year.

This piece has been well taken care of, here in Alberta, for many years, and I must say this is an amazing example of an ES-295, as it's common to see many with heavy flaking.

Original paint, a bit of natural checking throughout (but not too much like many), this one has a few spots that have been oversprayed (likely decades ago) in common wear areas. Spots such as along the back of the neck, where the strumming arms rests, and a small part on the back of the body, thus preserving the classic look over the previous decades, while still allowing it to age the way we all enjoy. 

Shows evidence of "babying" ;)
as it's in great shape for being over 70 years old!

Orange Label serial #A20585

Please check photos closely, and I'd be happy to share all 60+ photos and videos at your request. And of course, please reach out with any questions.

Specs from the 1952 Catalogue:

• Two adjustable pickups have separate tone and volume controls.
• Three-way toggle switch activates either or both pickups, allows quick switching from rhythm to solo playing and accent of either bass or treble tones.
• Fingerrest and pickup covers of cream Royalite, with gold inlaid floral design on fingerrest.
• Florentine-style cutaway means ease in reaching all nineteen frets.
• Gibson Adjustable Truss Rod neck construction.
• Body size: 16¼" wide and 20 ¼" long.

As Legend Has it:

In 1951, Les Paul and Mary Ford were playing a gig for war veterans in Wood Hospital, Milwaukee and met a guitar-playing patient called Dean Davis. Les promised he could have any guitar made for him and Davis requested a “golden archtop”.

Outside, a doctor told Les that Davis’ case was terminal, so he called Ted McCarty and said he needed “a guitar right now – take an ES-175 and paint it gold”. The guitar, with the serial number A-9196, appeared in Gibson’s logs on 4 December 1951 and was sent to the hospital, but sadly, Davis had passed away before it arrived. 

In 1952, The ES-295 debuted as the full-sized hollowbody archtop counterpart to the solid body Les Paul. Originally selling with only one pickup, then two pickups from 1953 through 1959.

Inspired by Scotty Moore, Brian Setzer dubbed the ES-295 the “ultimate rockabilly guitar.

Rare. Iconic. Historic.

Playing the ES-295 puts you in elite company. Known as the rockabilly weapon of choice, this historic model has traded hands with generations of guitar royalty:

Notable Players: Scotty Moore • Joe Bonamassa • Danny Gatton • Johnny Marr • Geordie Walker • Bryan Adams

Strictly Limited History

It's hard to believe now, that Gibson produced only 1,770 units total before being discontinued in 1959. 
And of which, how many are still around and functioning today?

Production Year

Units Shipped

1952

297

1953

637

1954

357

1955

166

1956

193

1957

71

1958

49

Claim Your Piece of Rock History Today

Don't miss your chance to own one of the most striking, soulful, and elusive hollowbody guitars ever forged by Gibson.