One Family’s
1959 Gibson
ES-355

This 1959 Gibson ES-355 came from the original owner's son with decades of family use still visible in its finish, hardware, and case.

I bought it from the son of the original owner. His father purchased it new and gave it to him when he was a teenager. He did what a good guitar owner is supposed to do. He played it regularly and kept it in the family.

The checking, wear and softened gold plating tell the same story. None of it was added later to make the guitar look old. These are the marks left by one family playing the same instrument for decades.

He got it from his father as a teenager and played it regularly ever since.

The factory stereo wiring was converted to mono at some point, a practical change that made the guitar easier to use with a standard amplifier. The guide to mono and stereo ES-355 wiring explains the two factory setups. Other than that conversion, this guitar has stayed original. The finish, hardware and character are still here.

A father bought it new. His son grew up playing it. Now the guitar has come to us with that ownership history intact, and we will keep the record with it.

If your family has kept a vintage Gibson, send photographs through the free appraisal or read how I buy vintage Gibson guitars.