SOLD! - 1960-1961 Gibson ES-355 TDSV PAF Cherry Red

This beautiful 355 is without a doubt the Queen of Guitars!
 
It is all original except for a removed Sideways Vibrato and a very nice refret. The serial starts with a "1" which is very rare as Gibson started a new serial number system in 1961. This therefore is most likely a very early '61 or maybe it was already built in late 1960.
 
In the early days the ES-355 was the epitome of luxury guitars and this amazing example from early '61 is nothing short of exactly that. The lush appointments like an ebony fingerboard with block inlays, bound headstock and split diamond inlay, gold hardware, stereo "Varitone" wiring and a sideways tremolo, this guitar represents the height of guitar design in the mid 60's.
 
The original 2 x PAF pickups and "Varitone" switch allow for a huge array of great sounds, leading to the ES-355 being a guitar seen with legendary players such as Chuck Berry, BB King, Keith Richards and Marty McFly... ;-)
 
The wiring is Stereo as per original and it comes with a special cable so either you're the lucky owner of the illusive Gibson GA79RVT stereo amplifier or you use the cable to plug it in into any amp you want! It is all original from the vibrant deep red Cherry finish to the tuners, electronics, knobs, pots, pickguard, plastics and black pebble hardshell case with yellow/gold plush lining. The bridge and stoptail are original from the 60's as well. No holes in the top from the removed vibrato, only 4 small plugged holes in the back/butt at the strap pin. Has had a pro refret somewhere in the past and it plays butter sweet with plenty of life left. The finish shows checking all over the body, neck and headstock and on the back the weather has left a spot with dark checking marks. No cracks, breaks or repairs whatsoever!
 
It plays ever so smooth and has a super easy neck with beautiful ebony fretboard, that fits super comfortable in your hand. The bridge pickup is perfect for leads with powerfull mids and produces glorious overtones when plugged in a amp on the brink of overdrive. The neck pickup is smooth, soft, warm and jazzy and perfect for jazz, blues and lovesongs.
 
This guitar just has it all...