Up for sale, a 1974 Gibson ES-355TD in excellent condition and in perfect working order. This guitar has recently been dialed in by our techs here at "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar," and suffice it to say that it has been meticulously maintained, setup to perfection, and is truly one of the finer '70s ES models we've ever come across. Wired for mono operation with the original Varitone still wired into the circuit, the range of sounds that one can eek from this ES-355 is truly astounding. Essentially an upscale version of the 335, the 355 features all the hallmarks of a top-tier Gibson "Custom" model, with an ebony fretboard, pearloid block inlays, multi-ply binding on the top, headstock, and transparent celluloid pickguard, and the iconic split diamond inlay beneath the Gibson logo.

The semi-hollow maple body gives the guitar both the quick attack of this classic tone wood, and also a warmer, more airy response than a solidbody. The instrument has a commanding, clear acoustic voice, and weighing in at 9lbs 6oz, this guitar delivers a host of classic Gibson tonalities while still being kind to your back for long sessions and gigs. The original T Top humbuckers are intact (one patent sticker and one stamped baseplate given that 1974-75 were transitional for the baseplates), with great power, growl, and cut in the bridge position, and plenty of warmth and articulation when you switch to the neck humbucker. The Varitone allows for five distinct sounds that can range from midrange boosted snap, to nasally quack, to hollowed out twang. This setup has also been augmented with an additional "StellarTone" Varitione module (no routing required). Each five setting Varitone can be individually selected or engaged simultaneously for the most dynamic and versatile range of classic and newly refined Varitone sounds found anywhere. Accessible by two push/push tone pots, these sounds can really bring out fingerpicking dynamics, as well as uniquely voicing your favorite tube amp or fuzz box. Professionally setup and strung with 11-50 strings, this ES-355TD has low, comfortable action and solid intonation. 

The three-piece mahogany neck has a fairly slender C shaped profile down at the nut, and the depth of the profile grows considerably as you move into the higher registers of the fretboard, filling the palm. The deep Cherry gloss nitro lacquer finish on the profile is subtly transparent, and it's particularly notable that this was one of the last ES guitars in the Norlin era produced with a mahogany neck before Gibson transitioned to maple necks for the rest of the decade on most models. The profile does have nice, full shoulders too, with a solid and substantial feel. The bound ebony fretboard boasts original fretwire, which firmly belongs to the wide/flat variety Gibson was known to use in this era. These frets still have plenty of height and crown, with notably more substance than your typical "fretless wonder." The guitar plays well up the neck with no buzzing or dead spots, and the fretwire is incredibly clean, showing only a hint of wear beneath the G and B strings on frets 1-3 and virtually no wear up the neck. The nut width is 1 9/16", and the nut has been upgraded to a hand-carved and polished piece of bone for optimal clarity and sustain. On the headstock, the original gold Grover tuning machines with metal tulip buttons are present, turn smoothly, and hold pitch as they should.

The electronics work as they should, and while a new harness has been installed for the purest mono operation and use of the Stellartone Varitone (in addition to the original Varitone and chokes still present), the original harness is also included. All of the original metal parts are intact, including the stock gold pickup covers, ABR-1 Tune-o-Matic patent number bridge, and Maestro Vibrola tailpiece. Easily one of the best vibrato units ever designed for guitar, this Maestro responds with great subtlety and nuance, perfect for warbles, dives, and flutters, all while jumping back to the original pitch with ease. Visible through the bass side F hole, the original purple and black rectangular "Union Made" Gibson label is present, noting the ES-355TD model.

The pickguard is a brand new piece of celluloid crafted by Pickguardian. The original pickguards are notorious for "off gassing," a process that causes the stock pickguard to crumble and disintegrate, which ages the adjacent hardware, and leaves the majority of 355s on the market without their stock guards. Thankfully, Pickguardian crafted a faithful reissue for this guitar (they also make the new ES guards for Gibson) and cut a new piece of celluloid that doesn't have the same chemical composition as the original guard, but does have a gorgeous brownish-red transparent appearance that's faithful to the vintage look. The other plastic parts on the guitar consist of a set of original witch hat knobs with gold inserts, stock Varitione chicken head knob and gold plate, the original pickup rings.

Cosmetically, this guitar is notably clean and well cared for, with a very vibrant and rich Cherry finish. This guitar is a borderline "case queen" and the finish is glossy unfaded and only very faintly checked. Aside from a few light scratches in the clear coat on the back of the guitar, it's as clean as they come. The grain of the maple on the back is particularly prominent too and highlighted by the deep red nitro lacquer. The finish is also 100% original with no touchups or overspray!There is light wear through the gold plating on the edges of the pickup covers and bridge saddles, while the gold tuners remain remarkably clean with only light surface patina. The neck profile is remarkably clean of any wear.

This ES-355TD is clean, complete, and dialed in for the discerning player who wants all the versatility this model can provide, with more conventional mono operation.

The original Gibson hardshell case is included. This case is near mint with working latches, original handle, and a clean Gibson silkscreen on the case exterior.

Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.

Shipping in the continental USA will be $80, fully insured and shipped via FedEx Ground. Expedited shipping available for an additional fee at buyer's request. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.

International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery, as well as any additional charges involved with import.

We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!