Vintage Gibson ES-355 Stereo - USA 1979

There’s something about a late 70s ES 355 that just works. By 1979 Gibson had refined the 355 into the more elegant end of the ES range, finished here in Wine Red with gold hardware and the appointments that set it apart from a 335. It’s a striking guitar, but in a confident, understated way.

This example has the kind of feel that only comes with time. It sits comfortably in the hands, balanced and solid, with a smooth, rounded response that lets chords open up and single notes sustain naturally. Factory wired in stereo, as many 355s were, it offers the option of running a true stereo setup or converting to mono depending on your rig. However you choose to use it, it delivers that unmistakable ES depth with clarity and warmth. The pickup surrounds show wear from years of use, and there is minor finish checking below the pickguard along with general player wear consistent with its age, all of which sit comfortably within the story of a well played vintage instrument.

The original pickguard is included and shows the typical shrinkage common to Gibson guards from this era. A replacement is currently fitted for stability. It comes supplied with its original hard shell case and stands as a well kept vintage example with genuine character.

Specs:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.5mm

Action at 12th Fret: 1.75mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 20.5mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 25.6mm

Nut Width: 43.2mm

Width at 12th Fret: 52.5mm

Weight: 3.9 kg

Model: Gibson ES 355

Year: 1979

Body Style: Semi hollow electric

Top: Maple

Back & Sides: Maple

Finish: Wine Red

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Ebony

Pickups: Gibson humbuckers

Wiring: Factory stereo

Hardware: Gold

Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3 way toggle

Case: Original hard shell case

Crafted in: Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA