1958 Gibson ES-335 Sunburst

For me, there is no guitar better than a late 58 ES-335. That also includes 59 ES-335's with a 58 factory order and it also includes the so-called "first rack" 59 ES-345's. The common factor of all these guitars is the thin top. The earliest ES guitars had a three ply top but they were highly susceptible to cracks around the jack due to the stress from the plug. So, in early 59, Gibson added a ply to the top and the problem was solved. The trouble is that the solution had a negative effect on the tone of the guitars. The "acoustic" element of the semi hollow guitar was diminished and it ends up sounding more like a solid body. That's not a bad thing but the distinctive tone of a semi hollow was compromised. Thin tops show up on occasion throughout 59 and even a few in 1960. I've owned at least a dozen from 59 and three from 1960. They are consistently great guitars. This late 58 is in 9+/10 condition and is all original. Once I have it in hand, I'll post more photos and specs. Don't snooze-late 58's and thin top 59's don't come up for sale that often. Out of the ten best ES guitars I've ever owned and sold (over 600 of them), 8 of them are thin top 58's or 59's. This one is up there. The original low profile ABR-1 is in the case (I forgot to put it in the photo) as are the original tuners with shrunken tips. There are repro single line Klusons on it now. Original PAFs and all original plastic. Original short seam tailpiece and long studs. Original frets in excellent condition. A shaved vintage correct ABR-1 is on the guitar now. You might be able to use the original if you use very light strings. This is a collector grade 58. Original hang tag with matching serial, dealer tags, instruction sheets, case key all in the case. The neck is the largest I'v ever seen on a 335 from any year. It measure .935" at the first fret and 1.02" at the 12th. Pickups are both exactly 8K. Original Lifton brown case.