USED Gibson Custom Shop / Murphy Lab 1959 ES-335 Reissue Ultra Light Aged Watermelon Red [03]

The 2024 Murphy Lab 1959 ES-335 Reissue—a Japan dealer-exclusive model—has arrived!
The division led by Tom Murphy, a master of aging, uses a special ultra-thin nitrocellulose lacquer developed based on years of scientific research. This allows for an “Ultra-Light Aged” finish that realistically reproduces the superb tone and the vintage-specific weather checking—the subtle discoloration and patina that develop over time when the guitar is carefully stored in its case.

This Japan-dealer-exclusive model features the distinctive 1959-spec curved cutaway (Mickey Mouse ears), dot inlays, a long pickguard, and plastic strap pins, all finished in the rare early-’60s color “Watermelon Red.”

The body is constructed from a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple laminate, paired with a solid mahogany neck and an Indian rosewood fingerboard. Traditional hide glue is used for all joints, resulting in a cohesive instrument that boasts the excellent natural resonance and response characteristic of vintage guitars.
The neck features a “50s Round Medium C” profile for a secure grip, paired with medium-jumbo frets.

It is equipped with an “E-Bucker (Unpotted)” pickup; with fewer windings and reduced output, it produces a vintage tone with a wide dynamic range, a clean, crisp sound, and a natural acoustic character.

Due to the Ultra-Light Aged finish, the details of any subsequent scratches are unclear; however, there are playing scratches on the pickguard, some clear coat lifting near the 4th fret on the 6th string side of the neck, and slight paint chipping at the tip and taper of the headstock.
Otherwise, the neck is in excellent condition and there is ample fret life remaining.

A Japan-exclusive model that combines the meticulous specifications of a ’59-spec guitar with the legendary early ’60s “Watermelon” color! This guitar is still in great playing condition!

* Please note that due to the nature of this product, we are unable to transfer it between stores.
Images pending
Condition Grade: B+: Some minor scratches, but no issues for normal use

Serial Number: A940272
Year of Manufacture: 2024
Country of Manufacture: United States
Case: Hard Case
Accessories: Certificate of Authenticity, manual, tags, and case key
Weight: 3.74 kg
Truss Rod: No issues; checked up to 60 degrees to the left and right with no problems
Remaining Fret Life: Within normal range; fret height is sufficient for playing
String Height (Low String Side): 2.0 mm at the 12th fret
String action (treble side): 1.5 mm at the 12th fret
Nut width: 42.52 mm
Neck thickness near the 1st fret: 22.57 mm
Neck thickness near the 12th fret: 24.74 mm
Scale: 628 mm (24.75")
RADIUS: 305 mm (12")
Strings at Setup: ERNIE BALL 2221 / .010-.046 set
Repairs and Maintenance Performed: Cleaning, string replacement, truss rod adjustment, octave adjustment, action adjustment, and leveling

* As this is a used item, there may be scratches, dents, and other imperfections that are not clearly visible in the photos or not listed here. Please be aware of this in advance.

* Any listed measurements for the truss rod, remaining fret life, string height, etc., were taken by our staff during setup and are subject to change due to environmental factors such as climate and humidity.
These measurements are intended as a reference at the time of purchase; we cannot guarantee that the measurements will be identical when the item arrives.

* This is a one-of-a-kind item that is listed simultaneously on multiple marketplaces, including our in-store display. While we strive to promptly remove product listings upon sale, updates are not always made in real time.
We sincerely apologize if the item happens to be sold out after you place your order, and we ask for your understanding in such cases.