1958 Gibson ES-335 Sunburst

The best ES-335's ever made by Gibson are late 58's (and a few 59's). The PAFs are a big factor but the biggest factor is the thin top. The thin top allows for more vibration and thus more resonance. That feature was largely gone by the beginning of 1959 because folks were complaining about hairline cracks in the top. Early 58's have the thin top as well but the neck angle is very shallow but that was improved by the end of the year but not totally fixed until 59 (and then the thin top was gone). There are a few 59's with the thin top and I seek them out above all other 59's. Of my top ten ES guitars I've ever owned, 8 of them are thin tops. They are prone to minor cracks especially around the jack but that's easily dealt with (use a 90 degree plug). It usually just the top ply of the top anyway. This 335 is all original and shows player wear on the back of the neck but it's been very well cared for.
It is all original except for the tuner tips. It still has the low profile ABR-1. I have put it in the case and added a repro ABR-1. There is some smooth neck wear at the lower frets showing that this guitar was played a lot but was very well cared for. More photos coming.