1959 Gibson ES-335TD / Sunburst

Gibson ES-335 introduction

The ES-335 was first introduced in the spring of 1958. At the time of its release, the ES-335 model did not have a neck binding, but the following year, 1959, it underwent minor changes and became the prototype of the ES-335 as we know it today. However, the original '59 model had a different neck Angle of insertion and a shallower neck joint compared to the current model 　The saddle height is visually low and the tension is actually a bit loose. In recent years, the "Historic Collection" has come close to the original in terms of looks, with a long pickguard, stop tailpiece, and dot inlays, but they have not been able to replicate the neck's insertion angle.

Incidentally, the cherry finish is synonymous with the ES-335, but it was entered as an optional custom color at the time, and the number of cherry color that exist today is very limited, making it one of the most rare and rare examples, and it's fetching a very high price in the vintage market In addition to the ES-335, the ES-355, the top-of-the-line model in the 1958 lineup, the ES-345 and the ES-355 stereo version, and the ES-330, which had the same shape but without the maple center core, were released in the following year. And the ES series continues to evolve.

In recent years, the "Historic Collection" has produced limited editions of Cream-era Clapton 335s and Ten Year After's Alvin Lee 335s, and young Japanese artists have begun to use it extensively. At one time they were synonymous with genres such as jazz and fusion, but these days they are used across all genres and the re-evaluation fever is growing.What a legendary is!by MR.K

MR.K=Profile=He has been researching vintage guitars for several decades. He has participated in many vintage guitar show and has many contacts with legendary dealers. In recent years, he has also worked directly with guitar factory builders to develop reissue guitars.

Headstock with crown inlay (left).The pegs are made by Crewson (right).

Commonly known as the "long pickguard" (left), which extends to the bridgeThe strap pins of this period are made of plastic (right).