This 1958 Gibson ES-335 is one of two 1958 models to come to us this year.  1958 is a special year in that it is the first year of the ES-335 and these unbound neck versions are the very first.  Not to forget that these guitars represent the very beginning of the semi-hollow design of the electric guitar.  This particular example being a later 1958, it has an improved neck angle, still more shallow than became standard, but with enough angle that it did not need to have the shaved down tune-o-matic bridge.

This ES-335 came to us from the family of the second owner who had acquired it from the original owner in 1960.  The second owner used to get the guitar out at home on a regular basis, but never gigged with it and never took it out of the house.  Because of that, this guitar is in beautiful condition with finish that shows relatively light checking for its age.  Unlike many thin top (3-ply) ES-335s, this one is completely free of cracks, even at the jack where cracks have occurred in many of these. The guitar has been maintained in all original condition right down to the frets.  Interestingly, it by chance ended up with one bumble bee capacitor and one black beauty.  Both are era correct and both can be seen in guitars at this time.  Apparently when wiring this harness one of each was grabbed.

I've tried many, many ES-335s of all eras from the early days to the very latest custom shop models made this year, and in my opinion this one is all the way at the very top.  I've never played one that sounds better (I think the other 1958 acquired this year is very comparable in tone) and this one also plays as well as any I've ever tried. Andy Reiss played it one night at his regular Monday night show with The Time Jumpers in Nashville at 3rd and Lindsley.  See a video of it in this listing. Andy described this guitar as "inspiring".

As it is, the only thing that could be considered a possible fault is that each volume pot if turned to the fully open position there is no signal, but both work perfectly if simply turned down very slightly. From that point on down they give a full range sweep of volume. The tone controls work as expected.  The tuners work great and the frets are in good shape with plenty of life left.

Weight - 8.0 pounds

Nut width - 1.68 inches

1st fret depth - 0.88 inches

12th fret depth - 0.98 inches

Scale length - 24.75 inches

The guitar comes with an era correct, brown, Lifton case which is in excellent condition.

Ships free in the United States.