First introduced in 1958, the Gibson ES-335 was designed to bridge the gap between the company’s traditional hollow body archtops and the growing popularity of solid body electric guitars. The model would go on to become one of Gibson’s most enduring and recognisable designs. This early 1958 ES-335 represents the first generation of the model and features several details unique to these earliest examples.
Constructed with a laminated maple body and solid maple centre block, the guitar is fitted with a mahogany neck and unbound rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays. This example retains its original pair of double black PAF humbuckers, both unopened, delivering the clarity, warmth and dynamic response these early pickups are known for. The neck profile is a comfortable rounded shape typical of the late 1950s, offering a substantial but very playable feel.
Finished in a deep sunburst, the body displays the early 'pre Mickey Mouse ears' outline associated with the first ES-335s. Hardware includes the correct nickel plated, no wire ABR-1 bridge and stop tailpiece, along with single line Kluson tuners. The electronics remain original, featuring Centralab 500k potentiometers and bumblebee capacitors, with all visible solder joints undisturbed.
The guitar is in excellent condition, showing only light signs of age including a few small marks around the headstock and minor checking near the jack socket. There are some light pick marks on the guard, and also some gentle swirl marks in areas on the top. The original frets are still in superb shape with minimal wear. These early, unbound neck examples from the first part of 1958 were set with a shallower neck angle than later models.
Early examples such as this were produced in very limited numbers, with only a small quantity made during the first year of production, making them among the most sought after versions of the ES-335 today.
This guitar is in excellent condition, and includes its original 5 latch Lifton case.
As with all vintage instruments, this 1958 Gibson ES-335 has been given a full service and appraisal by the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 2 year warranty.
