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2016 Gibson ES-355 VOS 'Black Beauty'

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Serial #: 12146706, orange oval label

Body size at lower bout: 16" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .78/.92

Hardware: 100% original gold hardware includes twin '57 Classic PAF humbucking pickups; Grover Rotomatic tuners; Bigsby Vibrola; ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge, black bell tone and volume knobs, 5 ply bound tortoise pickguard.

Notes: A guitar fit for The Kings... B.B. and Freddy, to be precise.

Introduced in 1958, the ES-355 TD/SV was the pinnacle of Gibson's new Thinline series, combining cutting-edge innovation with classic traditional design. The thin body was easier for players to hold than conventional archtops, the inner block enhanced sustain and reduced feedback. Small wonder that the 355 became an instant classic, and has remained one of the worlds' most prestigious electric guitars to this day. (BB King's 355 is named Lucille, of course, and other notable 335 players have included Freddy King, Eric Clapton, Chuck Berry, and Keith Richards.)

Gibson went top-drawer with the appointments on the 355, including the Super 400 style peghead inlay, solid ebony fingerboard, multi-bound pickguard, and all gold hardware throughout. Priced identically with the upscale Byrdland model, this guitar has all the bells and whistles, including rolled neck binding, 7 ply binding, solid pearl inlays, factory original Bigsby Vibrola and original brown Gibson logo plush lined hardshell case, with Certificate of Authenticity.

Maintained in splendid condition, this premium VOS 'Vintage Original Spec' guitar is free of cracks, pick, buckle, thumb, fret, or fingerboard wear. The original ebony 'Black Beauty' finish is deep and vibrant, and apart from some fogging on the pickups, the guitar shows few signs of play altogether. The twin '57 Classic PAF pickups produce a smooth, high output signal with lots of snap and sustain, and the mono wiring makes for easy amp connection with any standard 1/4" guitar cable. With its medium C profile '59 style neck, the guitar offers smooth low action over fine medium jumbo frets, with a fresh high-precision setup.

This Lucille has no splainin' to do: just a voice for the ages. Gibson's ultimate thinline guitar. One only: call now.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished. Action set to 4/64" to 5/64" with light relief. The action may be set to player preference with the adjustable bridge wheels.

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