Gibson ES-335 (1959) – Thin Top

We are pleased to offer this exceptional 1959 Gibson ES-335, featuring the highly sought-after thin-top construction.

According to the seller, approximately 95% of known thin-top ES examples date from 1958. Only a small number were serialized in 1959, and many of those retain a 1958 factory order number. This guitar is particularly unusual in carrying both a 1959 serial number and a 1959 “S” factory order number.

The neck measures .88 at the 1st fret and .96 at the 12th fret, offering a substantial but comfortable profile.

The factory-sealed PAF pickups measure 7.7k in the neck and 8.4k in the bridge, providing a well-balanced pairing.

The guitar has a naturally broken-in appearance and feel. Since an appraisal completed by George Gruhn around 1978, the frets and nut have been replaced. The guitar is now described as playing exceptionally well across the fingerboard.

Different tuners were fitted at one point, but the original tuners have since been reinstalled.

An appraisal from George Gruhn dating to approximately 1978 is included for historical interest. It should not be considered a current valuation.

A rare 1959 thin-top ES-335 combining desirable construction, an excellent neck profile, sealed PAF pickups, and strong player appeal.

More details

• Model: Gibson ES-335
• Year: 1959
• Construction: Thin top
• Factory order number: 1959 “S” series
• Neck depth: .88 at the 1st fret / .96 at the 12th fret
• Pickups: Factory-sealed PAF humbuckers
• Pickup readings: 7.7k neck / 8.4k bridge
• Frets: Replaced
• Nut: Replaced
• Tuners: Originals reinstalled after previous replacement tuners
• Documentation: George Gruhn appraisal from circa 1978

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