The ES-355 was launched in 1958, and is a mono version of the more well known ES-355TDSV from 1959, which features stereo circuitry and a varitone tone control. It was available from 1958 until 1970, and like most fine grade instruments, sold in small numbers only; a total production of 1343 (compared to 1808 stereo varitone models)
The finest of the 300 series (i.e. ES-335 TD, ES-345 TD), both stereo and mono versions of the 355 had an ebony fingerboard with pearl block inlays, split diamond headstock inlay, and gold plated hardware throughout.
It is sometimes compared to the Epiphone Sheraton which was made alongside the 355 in the Gibson Kalamazoo factory, using the same tooling, techniques and quite a lot of the same components.
Famous users of the mono ES355 include BB King and Pete Townsend.
Electric guitar advertisements originally published from 1959 onwards. Click on the images for larger copies. Check out other vintage Gibson advertisements
Gibson ES-355TD - Gibson Thin Body Guitars Feel Just Right (1959)
Advertisement for Gibson's new thinline guitar range launched the year before. Guitars like the ES-335 (ES = Electric Spanish) were an immediate success. This ad features Gibson 'artist-enthusiast'...
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