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$1201+

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Description

The 1958 Gibson ES-355 Mono is a remarkable piece of musical history, bringing together classic design and vintage charm. Known for its semi-hollow body construction, this guitar offers a unique tonal depth and richness that sets it apart from its solid-body counterparts. Originating from the late '50s, the ES-355 Mono is revered for its elegant craftsmanship and versatile sound, making it a favorite among both jazz and rock musicians.

This model features a single mono output, a distinguishing characteristic for audiophiles seeking a purer, more direct sound. The laminated maple body combined with a solid maple center block delivers a warm yet articulate tone that can handle anything from smooth blues to gritty rock riffs. The neck is crafted from mahogany, providing a comfortable grip and contributing to the guitar's overall sustain and resonance.

Equipped with dual humbucking pickups, the ES-355 Mono produces a sound that is both full-bodied and precise, while the straightforward control layout ensures easy access to its versatile tonal capabilities. The inclusion of a no-nonsense Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece ensures reliable tuning stability and sustain.

Whether you're an avid collector or a performing musician, the Gibson ES-355 Mono offers a piece of timeless craftsmanship with enduring appeal.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow body with laminated maple construction
  • Solid maple center block for enhanced sustain
  • Mahogany neck with a comfortable profile
  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • Mono output for a direct audio path
  • Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece for reliable tuning stability

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-355TD
Year 1958 - 1970
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Red
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson ES-355
Model Sub-Family Gibson ES-355TD
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the 1958 Gibson ES-355 Mono Black Electric Guitar like?

The 1958 Gibson ES-355 features a comfortable set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, offering a classic rounded profile that is characteristic of vintage Gibson guitars, providing a smooth and familiar feel for players accustomed to mid-century Gibson designs.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the 1958 Gibson ES-355?

The 1958 Gibson ES-355 is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, delivering a rich, warm tone with excellent sustain and clarity, suitable for a wide range of genres, from blues to jazz and rock.

Is the 1958 Gibson ES-355 Mono Black Electric Guitar suitable for live performances?

Yes, the 1958 Gibson ES-355 is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its semi-hollow body design that reduces feedback while still providing a resonant, full-bodied sound that projects well on stage.

How does the semi-hollow body construction of the 1958 Gibson ES-355 affect its sound?

The semi-hollow body of the 1958 Gibson ES-355 offers a unique blend of acoustic warmth and electric sustain, providing a versatile tonal palette that combines the best of both solid-body and hollow-body guitar characteristics.

Is the 1958 Gibson ES-355 Mono Black Electric Guitar suitable for beginners?

While the 1958 Gibson ES-355 is a high-end instrument with vintage appeal, it may not be the most practical choice for beginners due to its premium features and historical value, making it more suitable for experienced players and collectors.

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

1958 Gibson ES-355 played by Chris Masterson

Video thumbnail for 1958 Gibson ES-355 played by Chris Masterson by Carter Vintage Guitars

1958 Gibson ES-355 played by Chris Masterson

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1958 Gibson ES-355 played by Justin Weaver by Carter Vintage Guitars

1958 Gibson ES-355 played by Justin Weaver

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Reviews

Critic Reviews

The Gibson ES-355 was the Cadillac of Classic Thinline Semis | GuitarPlayer

guitarplayer.com

The 1958 Gibson ES-355 Mono Black Electric Guitar is praised for its luxurious design and desirable features, echoing its status as the "Cadillac" of thinline semi-hollow bodies. Its iconic ebony fingerboard with genuine mother-of-pearl inlays, multiple bindings, and gold hardware make it a standout. Players appreciate the better sustain and string bending capabilities of the stoptail models. The switch to nylon saddles in 1962 is seen as a smart move to tone down high-end shrillness. Some might swap out Kluson tuners for Grovers, though it's a matter of personal preference. Overall, a revered instrument.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aaron Lewis uses 1958 Gibson ES-355 Mono Electric Guitar

Aaron Lewis

Guitarist, Singer

Staind

...
Verified via Gibson

As mentioned in this interview for Gibson...

"Which of these Gibsons we’re going to talk about is your most prized? Or to put it another way: if there’s a fire, which one do you run in and grab?

Man, I’d be full-handed. I would probably get stuck in the fire and burn trying to get too many of them out at once. But I would have to say that, out of the Gibsons, the first one that I would run in and grab would be my 1958 ES-335 that they only made 10 of."

"Well, they made ten of those guitars from, I think, late September, early October until the end of December. This one is even more special than there only being 10 of them in the fact that it’s wired mono. It’s wired that way straight from the factory and there’s not a crack in the guitar – there is not a shoulder joint cut, the covers have never been off the pickups, and it honestly gives any Les Paul I have a run for its money as far as heaviness goes. And then you get that beautiful hollow body tone when you play it through a real clean set-up. That thing is extremely special."

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1958 Gibson ES-355 Mono Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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