1962 Gibson ES-355 Cherry Red

The ES-355TD (Thinline semi-hollow, Double pickups) was at the top of Gibson's range of thinline semi-hollowbody electric guitars.

The headstock has a split-diamond inlay rather than the smaller crown inlay on the 335/345, in addition to a multiple-layered binding. The fingerboard inlays are inlaid mother-of-pearl blocks, beginning at the first position of the fretboard. In addition to the headstock, binding is also applied to the fretboard and both the front and the back edges of the body. Rather than the rosewood fretboard on a 335 or 345, both variations of the 355 have an ebony fingerboard for a 'smoother' sound. Reissues use a richlite fingerboard.

The ES-355 was available with a Vibrola or a Bigsby. It was also available with a stereo output and Varitone tone filter circuitry. When fitted with the optional stereo wiring and Varitone, the model was known as the ES-355TD-SV.

Year & Model: 1962 Gibson ES-355
Finish: Cherry Red
Wood Top Style: Figured
Body Material: Maple
Frets: New JesCar
Fretboard Material: Ebony
Neck Material: Mahogany
Neck Construction: Set
Pick Ups: 1 PAF and 1 Patent Number
Pick Up Configuration: HH
Nut Width: 1.70in
Tuners: Grovers
Plastics: Original
Noticeable Repairs: Refret, New nut, wired mono, Billy Gibson Maestro Mod (nonpermanent maestro block stops. tremolo, effectively making it a stoptail)
Additional Notes: All work and setup done by Ed Reynolds