1959 Gibson ES-335 T – Sunburst

1959 Gibson ES-335 T – Sunburst

We present an original and early 1959 Gibson ES-335 T in its original Sunburst finish. Made in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

This historical piece is considered the holy grail of Gibson semi-hollow body guitars.

Condition

Overall, it’s in great condition with some cosmetic wear, nicks, and dings. Beautiful finish checking is visible all over the body and neck. The original Sunburst color has not faded significantly. The original single-line Kluson tuners are in fantastic shape, and the tuner buttons are, incredibly, still 100% original to the guitar and work perfectly. Some buttons shrink over time, and some don’t — these are 100% perfect.

Originality

This ’59 ES-335 T from the golden era of Gibson is all original and 100% complete, except for new frets and a replacement nut. Otherwise it’s exactly like it left the Kalamazoo factory back in 1959. No breaks or repairs. It features a one-piece mahogany neck and the typical ’59 neck profile. Bound rosewood fretboard with dot inlays. The two original and rare P.A.F. “Patent Applied For” humbucking pickups are completely undisturbed and factory stock. The “Patent Applied For” stickers are fully intact and untouched. The pickups sound amazing and are very well-balanced.

This is an early version with a 3-ply laminated maple top. The FON number inside the body is a “T” — indicating that Gibson began building this guitar in 1958. The oval orange label is clean and intact, with the handwritten inscription “ES-335 T” and an A-series serial number. This Gibson features a long pickguard, Bumble Bee capacitors, white plastic strap buttons, and the iconic ’59 neck profile.

Pickups and electronics/wiring remain untouched and intact, with no broken solder joints and no re-wound pickups. All original and correct.

Comes with its original brown Gibson hardshell case with pink lining. Latches and handle are in perfect working order.