1969 Gibson ES-355 TDSV Walnut Brown ala BB KING! Vintage 1960s 355!

Here is a really nice and exceptionally original 1969 Gibson ES-355 TDW SV, built to the exact configuration associated with B.B. King, including the Walnut finish used on B.B.'s guitars in the early 1970s. This is a particularly clean example that remains 100% original, making it a very special guitar for collectors of vintage Gibson ES-355s and B.B. King instruments.

This guitar has no breaks, no refinishing, and no changed parts whatsoever. The original electronics are still intact, including the complete stereo Varitone wiring, and the potentiometers still retain their original cans. The guitar also retains its original frets, which are in great shape.

The only real issue with this guitar is the familiar pickguard off-gassing that commonly occurs on these Gibsons. The pickguard has caused some corrosion on several of the metal parts in the same area. The pickguard is pictured with the guitar, but we have removed it for now to prevent the corrosion from progressing any further. This is a very common issue with vintage Gibson celluloid pickguards and is something worth noting for anyone considering a guitar of this age.

This one represents the very end of the 1960s Gibson production era, retaining several characteristics collectors specifically look for. It has no "Made in USA" stamp, no neck volute, and no dot over the "i" in the Gibson logo and orange interior label, all features consistent with a late-'60s example.

The guitar does not appear to have seen a tremendous amount of playing time and is more of a case queen overall, although there is some moderate finish checking and a few scattered dings here and there. Overall, it remains a very clean and well-preserved example of one of Gibson's most elaborate and desirable vintage semi-hollow models.

The neck has the narrow late-'60s nut width of 1-9/16", but it is a fuller feeling neck, measuring 0.85" at the first fret and 1.08" at the 12th fret. That gives this ES-355 a much chunkier feel than the narrow nut width might suggest.

The guitar plays really well and sounds wonderful plugged in. With its original pickups, stereo Varitone system, original frets, and completely intact wiring, this is a very special-playing and very original example.

It comes complete with the original Gibson hardshell case, along with some extra vintage hardware from back in the day.

The Details

• Condition: Very Good Plus
• Originality: 100% Original
• Finish: Walnut
• Configuration: B.B. King Spec
• Electronics: Original Stereo Varitone Wiring
• Pickguard: Original; Removed to Prevent Further Off-Gassing Corrosion
• Frets: Original and in Great Shape
• Notes: No Breaks, No Refinishing, No Changed Parts; No "Made in USA" Stamp, No Volute, No Dot Over the "i" in Gibson

Playability & Sound

This ES-355 plays really well and has a wonderfully substantial neck despite the narrow late-'60s nut width. At 0.85" at the first fret and 1.08" at the 12th fret, there is plenty of meat in the neck, giving it a very comfortable and substantial feel.

The original frets are in great shape, and the guitar has clearly spent a good portion of its life safely in its case rather than being heavily played.

Plugged in, this one sounds wonderful. The combination of the original Gibson pickups and fully intact stereo Varitone electronics gives this guitar the unmistakable character and tonal flexibility that make the ES-355 such a special instrument.

At 9.4 lbs., it also has the substantial feel you'd expect from a fully appointed ES-355.

Specifications

• Brand: Gibson
• Model: ES-355 TDW SV
• Year: 1969
• Finish: Walnut
• Configuration: B.B. King Spec
• Nut Width: 1-9/16"
• Neck Depth: 0.85" (1st Fret) / 1.08" (12th Fret)
• Frets: Original, Excellent Condition
• Electronics: Original Stereo Varitone Wiring
• Potentiometers: Original, with Cans
• Weight: 9.4 lbs.
• Finish: Original with Moderate Finish Checking and a Few Dings
• Originality: 100% Original
• Neck Features: No Volute
• Headstock Features: No "Made in USA" Stamp; No Dot Over the "i" in Gibson
• Pickguard: Original; Currently Removed Due to Off-Gassing
• Case: Original Gibson Hardshell Case
• Accessories: Additional Vintage Hardware

Why Buy From Kansas City Vintage Guitars?

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Thanks from KC Vintage Guitars!