Gibson Custom Shop Limited Edition 1958 ES-335 Reissue Heavy Aged Watermelon Red (Serial #A860038)

A Limited Edition tribute to the first ES 335, with a Heavy Aged Watermelon finish

The Gibson Custom 1958 ES 335™ Reissue, Heavy Aged, Watermelon, captures the spirit of the groundbreaking semi-hollow that reshaped the electric guitar landscape in the late 50s. First introduced as a bold new concept that bridged the warmth of a hollowbody with the power and control of a solidbody, the original 1958 ES 335 became an instant icon. This limited edition recreation, inspired by years of Made to Measure custom orders and the creativity of the luthiers at the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee, channels the same pioneering energy and historic accuracy.

Crafted using a three-ply maple/poplar/maple body with single-ply binding on the top and back, this reissue faithfully follows the construction methods that gave the earliest 335s their unmistakable voice. A solid maple centerblock enhances sustain and clarity, while helping to control feedback in high-volume settings. Finished in Watermelon with its nitrocellulose lacquer and hardware Heavy Aged by the artisans of the Murphy Lab, the guitar carries the visual depth, feel, and character of a cherished original from the first Gibson Golden Age. Every trace of lacquer checking, wear, and aging detail is executed by hand, ensuring no two instruments are exactly alike.

The mahogany neck is carved to the beloved Authentic 1959 profile, offering a comfortable yet substantial feel that players have gravitated toward for decades. A long neck tenon ensures exceptional resonance and stability, while the rosewood fretboard features dot inlays, a 12-inch fretboard radius, and reissue medium jumbo frets for a smooth, expressive playing experience. The 24.75 inch scale length provides a familiar, versatile platform suitable for everything from blues and jazz to rock and soul. A matched set of Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups delivers a dynamic, articulate voice with the sweet top end, rich midrange, and harmonic complexity associated with the most coveted late-50s Patent Applied For humbucker tones. Two volume controls, two tone controls, and a three-way pickup selector toggle switch provide straightforward, musical control over a wide tonal range. Hardware includes an ABR 1 Tune O Matic™ bridge, a Stop Bar tailpiece, Kluson® Deluxe tuners, nickel plating throughout, black plastics, and gold Top Hat knobs. The headstock features the Gibson logo and crown, both inlaid in mother-of-pearl for a classic finishing touch.

Each instrument includes a Certificate of Authenticity and a Lifton reissue hardshell case. With meticulous craftsmanship and stunning versatility, this Limited Edition 1958 ES 335 Reissue stands as a tribute to one of Gibson’s most enduring designs, blending historical fidelity with the artistry and imagination of Gibson Custom’s Limited Edition Collection.

General:
Brand Name: Gibson
Case Type: Hardshell Case
Hardware Color: Nickel
Made in: Made in the USA
Product Color: Watermelon Red
Relic or Aging Level: Murphy Lab Heavy Aged
Serial Number: A860038
Series: Gibson Custom Shop Historic
Weight: 8lbs

Body:
Body Binding: Single-Ply Top and Back
Body Finish: Heavy Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Material: Maple/Poplar/Maple
Body Shape: ES-335
Top Material: Maple/Poplar/Maple

Neck:
Fingerboard Inlay: Dot
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Neck Finish: Heavy Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Joint: Long Neck Tenon
Neck Material: Mahogany
Neck Shape: Authentic 1959
Number of Frets: 22 Frets
Nut Material: Nylon

Electronics:
Bridge Pickup: Custombucker Alnico 3
Controls and Switching: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle
Neck Pickup: Custombucker Alnico 3

Hardware:
Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
Fret Wire: Reissue Medium Jumbo
Knobs: Gold Top Hats
Pickguard: Multi-Ply Black
Saddle Material: Metal
Switch Cap: Amber
Tailpiece: Stop Bar
Tuning Machines: Kluson Deluxe