Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-335 Reissue Prototype - USA 2009

Here's a very special one — a Gibson Custom Shop '59 ES-335 Reissue, finished in a beautifully mellowed Heritage Burst and stamped Prototype. Built in 2009 at the renowned Gibson Memphis facility, this early-run example (noted by the HB018M code in the Custom Shop log) represents the meticulous attention to vintage-correct detail that defined the golden years of the Memphis shop.

The ES-335 is arguably Gibson’s most versatile and revered electric guitar — a landmark model introduced in 1958 as the first commercial semi-hollow body guitar. The ’59 version in particular is considered the sweet spot for tone and feel: dot inlays, rounded “C” neck, long guard, and that warm, open tone with just the right bite.

This prototype model is especially rare — used by Gibson to test or showcase specs before a full production run. The build quality and wood selection are exceptional, with a 2-ply maple/poplar/maple top and back, solid centre block, and one-piece mahogany neck with a rosewood board and small dot inlays. It features all the correct vintage-style appointments including ABR-1 bridge, long pickguard, nickel hardware, and vintage Kluson-style tuners.

Tonally, it's everything a great '59 should be — rich, dynamic, and harmonically complex. The bridge pickup delivers a crisp, articulate snarl, while the neck is woody, warm, and syrupy without being muddy. It's resonant acoustically and incredibly responsive plugged in. The neck profile is full but fast, with a smooth taper and beautifully rounded shoulders — one of the most comfortable of the '50s reissue profiles.

This one has been extremely well cared for and remains in excellent condition, with only light signs of play. It's a serious player and a rare piece of Gibson Custom Shop history — a true collector’s-grade example, but one that begs to be played.

Comes in its original Gibson Custom hard shell case with COA booklet and paperwork.

Features:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.5mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.25mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 23.7mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 25.8mm

Nut Width: 42.77mm

Width at 12th Fret: 52.37mm

Weight: 3.67kg / 8.08lb

Finish: Heritage Burst

Body: Laminated maple/poplar/maple with solid maple centre block

Neck: One-piece mahogany, 1959 rounded profile

Fingerboard: Rosewood with dot inlays

Scale Length: 24.75"

Pickups: Gibson Custombucker humbuckers (PAF-style)

Bridge: ABR-1 with lightweight aluminium stopbar tailpiece

Tuners: Vintage-style Kluson Deluxe

Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-way toggle

Serial: PROTOTYPE / HB018M

Case: Original Gibson Custom hard shell case