Perhaps inspired by the radical spirit of the times as much as by the then-traditional, elegant looks of the LP goldtop, this 1968 ES-355 was ordered as a factory one-off in Gold Sparkle finish.  As a unique piece of semi-hollow history, it is a stunning example. 

The finish retains its golden hue, with only the slightest hint of greening that sometimes befalls such gold Gibson's as the ES-295 and even the LP goldtop.  Underneath the pickguard, there’s one spot of heavy finish wear that goes down to the wood most likely caused by a chemical reaction from the original celluloid pickguard—otherwise, the guitar is very clean, with some moderate finish wear on the back of the neck but only minor wear elsewhere.  The chrome hardware is beautifully intact.  The neck pickup cover is nickel, but all other parts appear to be original. 

The ES-355 was an upmarket development of the popular ES-335, complete with some cosmetic appointments similar to a Les Paul Custom, like five-ply binding around all body and headstock edges, the split-diamond peghead inlay, and block fingerboard inlays.  The ES-355 was available with Varitone electronics and a Bigsby that make each example even more unique, but this customer apparently didn’t want these complications—just a very classy-looking tone machine.

Summary

Body:  Laminate maple.  One-off Gold Sparkle finish

Neck:  One-piece mahogany neck with 1 9/16" wide nut and ebony fretboard.

Pickups/Hardware:  Original chrome-covered patent Gibson humbuckers.  

Cosmetic Condition:   Clean overall with moderate play wear and one heavy wear spot under the pickguard. This is attributed to the chemical reaction with the old guard.

Modifications:  The pickguard and neck pickup cover have been replaced.

Asking Price: $25,000.00

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