1959 Gibson ES-355 Mono Sunburst, Excellent, Hard, $8,000.00

Well, this is a little strange. This sunburst 59 mono ES-355 has had what appears to be a long history of abuse--humiliated in so many ways. First, the really good news: No breaks or repairs ever. Very early 59 Factory order with the thin top and a big (but not huge) neck. Uncut center block and super thin body (only the real early monos were made this way). The bad? Not so bad, really. This guitar was refinished in red at some point-there's light red overspray in the f holes and the pickup routs. Then, in 1997, it was sent to Gibson to be completely refurbished. It got a very nice sunburst finish, new frets, electronics, neck binding and plastic. I thought it would look better with nickel parts since the gold was too new looking so I changed all the 1997 parts to vintage. Pickups are an incredible sounding pair of late 60's t-tops that I had rewound to PAF specs (8.3K and 7.8K) using enamel coat purple wire. I added a set of good repro nickel covers, repro stop tail (DMC), a real 59 no wire ABR-1 and a set of old nickel Grovers. The harness and plastic are from Gibson from '97 except for the knobs. Not sure when they are from-I had them in a drawer-they are old reflector type with the reflectors removed. This guitar sounds great and plays great. It's the old wood you want, old pickups and a good price. Even a refinished mono 59 is a rare find. More photos coming.