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2012 Gibson ES-335 1959 VOS Reissue

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Serial #: A-05007, orange oval label

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Materials: Solid mahogany neck; solid rosewood fingerboard; arched slab-cut figure maple top, sides and back; dual-parallelogram fingerboard inlay and thistle peghead inlay; bound body.

Hardware: Original specification vintage antiqued nickel hardware includes twin Gibson '57 Classic humbucking pickups and electronics; ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge; aluminum stop tailpiece; Kluson Deluxe single ring tuners; wide beveled 5-ply pickguard; gold bell knobs; 2-ply truss rod cover.

Notes: Gibson finally got it right. It only took them half a century.

Introduced in 1958, the ES-335TD ("Thin Double-Pickup") cemented Gibson's reputation for cutting-edge innovation combined with classic traditional design. The thin body was easier for players to hold, the inner block enhanced sustain and reduced feedback, and the new humbucking pickups set a standard for quiet operation, high output, and sweet, fat tone. Small wonder that the 335 became an instant classic, and has remained one of the worlds' most popular electric guitars to this day.

Responding to demand from traditional players, Gibson has released a small number of faithful reissues of the debut version of this classic model, matched to original specs of the classic 1959 design. Designated ES-335 1959 VOS (Vintage Original Spec), the model has antiqued nickel hardware throughout, including twin '57 Classic humbucking pickups, aluminum stop tailpiece, and Kluson Deluxe single ring tulip key tuners, all as used in the late 50's.

The top and back show fine slab cut figure in the arched maple, and the true nitro lacquer finish is given a light patina of age, through a proprietary process, to complete the vintage appearance. The fingerboard is the full 1 11/16" width, with the classic full 'C' neck profile that feels just right in the hand. With vintage correct slim fretwork, the fingerboard is utterly effortless to play, with spot-on intonation via the vintage correct ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge. The '57 Classic PAF pickups are fat and sweet, and the semi-hollow body provides superlative sustain and feedback resistance.

It's Gibson's finest 335 in over half a century, and we are delighted to present this outstanding example, complete with Certificate of Authenticity. At this writing, we understand this limited-edition model has been withdrawn from production. One only: don't wait.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Deluxe black Gibson logo fitted hardshell case with plush lining.