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Average Price: $21,995

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$500

$1201+

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High-end

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Description

The Gibson ES-355TD-SV is a timeless blend of elegance and versatility, designed for those who appreciate both form and function in their electric guitars. Originally introduced in 1959, this semi-hollowbody guitar is a testament to Gibson's dedication to high-end craftsmanship. What sets the ES-355TD-SV apart is its Varitone switch, offering a unique tonal flexibility that allows musicians to explore a wide range of sounds, from warm, mellow tones to bright, cutting leads. Its stereo outputs further broaden its sonic possibilities, making it a favorite among innovative guitarists.

Aesthetically, the ES-355TD-SV is a showstopper. It features an Ebony fingerboard with large block inlays, adding a touch of sophistication, while the split-diamond inlay on the headstock nods to the Les Paul Custom's iconic design. The multiple bindings on the body not only enhance its visual appeal but also contribute to its robust build. This guitar comes standard with a vibrato tailpiece, though the coveted stopbar tailpiece option is available for those seeking precise tuning stability.

Whether you're strumming in the studio or taking center stage, the Gibson ES-355TD-SV stands as a symbol of musical excellence, offering both vintage charm and modern innovation.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody double cutaway design
  • Ebony fingerboard with large block inlays
  • Split-diamond headstock inlay
  • Two humbucker pickups
  • Varitone switch for tonal versatility
  • Stereo outputs
  • Vibrato tailpiece with optional stopbar
  • Multiple body bindings for enhanced durability and aesthetics

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-355TDSV
Finish Cherry, Natural, Sunburst
Year 1961 - 1962
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Tremolo Tailpiece
Color Family Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson ES-355
Model Sub-Family Gibson ES-355TDSV
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 type of music is the Gibson ES-355TD-SV best suited for?

The Gibson ES-355TD-SV is versatile and excels in blues, jazz, and rock genres, offering a warm, rich tone thanks to its semi-hollow body and humbucking pickups.

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson ES-355TD-SV?

The Gibson ES-355TD-SV features a comfortable, rounded neck profile that facilitates smooth playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.

How does the tremolo tailpiece on the Gibson ES-355TD-SV affect its playability?

The tremolo tailpiece allows for subtle pitch modulation, adding expressive vibrato effects to your playing without compromising the guitar's tuning stability.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson ES-355TD-SV's pickups?

The Gibson ES-355TD-SV is equipped with dual humbucking pickups that deliver a warm, full-bodied sound with excellent sustain and reduced feedback, ideal for both clean and overdriven tones.

Is the Gibson ES-355TD-SV suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Gibson ES-355TD-SV is a high-end instrument with professional-grade features and craftsmanship, making it well-suited for experienced players seeking superior sound and playability.

God's Own Guitars

God's Own Guitars

1965 Fender Stratocaster vs 1970 Gibson ES-355, Better Call Saul

Video thumbnail for 1965 Fender Stratocaster vs 1970 Gibson ES-355, Better Call Saul by God's Own Guitars

1965 Fender Stratocaster vs 1970 Gibson ES-355, Better Call Saul

God's Own Guitars

God's Own Guitars

Reviews

Critic Reviews

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

guitarplayer.com

The Gibson ES-355TD-SV is hailed as a luxurious, high-end guitar, often compared to driving a Cadillac. Its ornate design, featuring gold hardware and an ebony fretboard, speaks to its premium status. Players appreciate the stoptail models for better sustain and string bending. The nylon saddles, though controversial, are praised for tempering the guitar's bright sound. While the guitar's customization options and distinctive features like the T-top humbuckers are highlighted, the review subtly hints at the potential over-customization that could detract from its classic appeal. Overall, it's a collector's dream with a few quirks.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Frank Zappa uses Gibson ES-355TD-SV

Frank Zappa

Singer, Guitarist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Twitter

As stated in this tweet, Frank Zappa played Gibson ES-335TD-SV in the film "200 Motels."

See how Dave Gregory uses Gibson ES-355TD-SV

Dave Gregory

Guitarist

XTC

...
Verified via Guitargonauts

Dave plays an ES-355TD-SV on the recording of 'Leisure' by XTC.

See how Tony Mottola uses Gibson ES-355TD-SV

Tony Mottola

Guitarist

Tony Mottola and His Orchestra

...
Verified

Mottola appears with a Varitone equipped ES-355TD with Deluxe Vibrola in at least five Gibson advertisements, all apparently sourced from a single photoshoot in 1960 (cf. Vintage Guitar & Bass). The first three have Mottola photoshopped with the Gibson GA-88S (#1, #2 (pictured), #3 (1962)), the fourth has him photoshopped with the GA-77RVTL Vanguard and specifies the ES-355TD (#4 (1963)), and the fifth is an artistic rendition of Mottola with just the guitar (#5 (1965)). A circa 2000 memo by Mottola lists a "Gibson Electric 355 Stereo (STOCK) with Varitone Control" among his personal guitar inventory; it also appears in this photograph and on the back cover of Guitar U.S.A.

Mottola also owned a custom ES-355TD-SV (sans Vibrola) with several unique features, including a rosewood body and low-impedance Les Paul pickups. It appears on the front and back cover of All the Way, as well as this photo from the same photoshoot. It was put up for sale via Rudy's Music in 2016, before being relisted by Well Strung Guitars in February 2024 (Gbase mirror, cf. February 28, 2024 Instagram post). In a 1987 memo, Mottola refers to it as the "T.M. Model":

Memo A.1

(3) Custom Gibson Elec. T.M. Model (only one made) given to Tony by Ted McCarty then president of Gibson. Has 2 Les Paul low impedance pickups. Only time Les's pickups were used on a model other than those guitars bearing his name.

Genre Usage

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