1963 Gibson ES-355 Red

Whenever you can buy a "Golden Age" vintage Gibson (1958-1964) for a price that is close enough to compete with the cost of a new one, it's time to pull the trigger. You've heard the "old wood" argument and you know what kind of money gets paid for these guitars year in and year out. When you find one with no breaks or finish issues, it's usually too expensive but this one might just be the right fit for your bank account. This is a 1963 ES-355. It shipped with a sideways Vibrola which has long since been removed and a stop tail (in the exact right position) has been added. ES models with a sideways Vibrola are the perfect candidate for stop tail conversion because there are no holes in the top of the guitar. The sideways, unlike the Bigsby (2 holes in the top) and the Maestro (6 holes in the top) mounts only to the rim of the guitar. This guitar was originally stereo but has been converted to mono using a brand new Creamtone harness with vintage "drifted" bumblebee caps. Black light shows no overspray or touchup. Totally original finish. No breaks. Original waffle back tuners, knobs, guard (showing some deterioration but has been stabilized), bridge and truss rod cover. The pickups are sealed patent sticker which came out of a 66 345. They measure 7.56 and 7.58K. One cover appears to be a replacement. The tailpiece is from the late 60's. The studs are repro. The saddles are not original-they would have been nylon in 63. The neck angle on this guitar is quite shallow-the bridge sits right on the top of the guitar (like many 58 and 59's). The action is good but if you want to lower it, you would have to shave the bridge slightly. Guitar has been re-fretted and plays well. The case is original. Neck profile is very comfortable-not the super skinny 61 blade neck. The depth at the first fret is medium/chunky at .85 and the twelfth is fairly chunky at .93". Very similar to a late 59 or a 64. Nut width is 1 11/16"