1959 Gibson ES-335 Sunburst, Excellent, Original Hard, $32,000.00

This is one of the first 335's to roll off the line in 1959. The serial is only 70 numbers into 59 and the factory order is 58. It has some 58 features-like the thin top (that's a good thing) and some 59 features like the bigger frets. What's most unusual is, of course, the finish. This is a designated factory second as evidenced by the "2" on the headstock. It is fairly clear that the deep sunburst is trying to hide some flaw and the perhaps over-zealous paint guy went a little too far. The finish is reminiscent of the 40's J-45s and I love it. It is not a refinish but the dark element and clear lacquer may have been redone at the factory after QC rejected it to cover a flaw. I believe that this is how it left the factory. The guitar black lights perfectly. Folks will likely question the finish no matter what but the little "2" kind of justifies it. But the guitar…the guitar is fabulous. Biggest neck I've ever had on a 335-.93" at the first fret and 1.04 at the 12th. Great PAFs have never been opened. It resonates like a 58 and plays like a 59. It doesn't get better than that. Photo shows a chrome tailpiece-that has been changed to a vintage correct nickel one. Condition is 9+. Case is original brown Stone.