1959 Gibson ES-335 Sunburst

It's interesting that a Les Paul is so often judged by the amount and intensity of the figuring in the maple top. A wild flame top can add $100,000 or more to the price of a burst. When most players and collectors of vintage guitars see a flame top ES-335, the reaction is generally a yawn. I like to think it's because the 335 is such a beautiful guitar that it doesn't need fancy figuring to make it stand out in a crowd. And, frankly, there aren't that many of them from the "Golden Era". This 59 is such a great player that the fact it has a gorgeous flame top (and back) doesn't really enter the equation. It's simply a great 59. This mid year example is all original (except for the frets) with sealed PAFs, big (but not huge) neck and a factory stop tail. Original tuners are in the case needing tips. Aged repros on the guitar. Never had a Bigsby. It has one issue of note: Someone removed the finish from the back of the neck. Fender guys do that all the time to get a smoother feel but you rarely see it on a Gibson. Condition is 8+/10. Case is the original brown with pink interior Lifton.