Gibson ES-355TDSV 1961

Top-of-the-line in Gibson’s thinline semi-hollow range, the ES-355TDSV was introduced in 1958 as the upscale sibling to the ES-335. “TDSV” denotes Thinline, Double cutaway, Stereo, Varitone. Production was always low; only 174 were made in 1961.

This fabulous example is in very good condition with brightly vibrant original Cherry nitro finish. It still has the original sideways Vibrola, tuners, pickguard, pickups and rings, plus the original hard shell case. It has been refretted and plays great with the correct slim 60’s style neck.

Electronics are original. It has its two original PAF humbuckers; one has the paper label missing, which is common. The guitar is still stereo, and the original stereo cable is included in the case. The volume and tone knobs are replicas.

The “Custom Made” plaque covers two anchors for a stop tailpiece. We think this is most likely a later addition. There are definitely 1960s 355’s with stoptails, but as we cannot find evidence of any in 1961, we are assuming that it is a later addition, and the guitar is priced accordingly. The good news is that because of this, the guitar can be easily converted from the current Vibrola to a stop-tail configuration.

There is no breakage at the neck or heel, and it is a super resonant guitar that plays great and is just, well, magical! Weight is 4100g. We get a lot of cool old Gibsons, this is definitely one of the coolest!!

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model/Year: ES-355TDSV, 1961; approx. 174 produced
• Construction: Semi-hollow thinline; laminated maple body with solid maple center block; double cutaway
• Neck: One-piece mahogany set neck; slim 60s profile; bound ebony fingerboard; large block inlays; multi-ply neck and headstock binding; split-diamond headstock inlay
• Scale/Nut: 24.75 in scale; traditional Gibson nut width for the era
• Finish/Hardware: Cherry nitrocellulose; gold-plated hardware; ABR-1 bridge; original sideways vibrato; stop-tail anchors under “Custom Made” plaque
• Pickups/Electronics: Two original PAF humbuckers (one missing label); stereo wiring via TRS jack; 3-way selector; 2 volumes, 2 tones (replica knobs); 6-position Varitone with choke; original small round Varitone knob; original stereo cable included
• Plastics: Original pickguard; original pickup rings
• Tuners: Original
• Case: Original hard shell case