PAF pickups, mahogany and maple, the recipe for success? Well this original factory stop tail 1959 Gibson ES-335 TD is surely testament to that and even has a nice top to boot. Previously owned by the band ‘Little Big Town’ it has been featured on a few recordings by them.

This is a fantastic example. The maple on the top has a subtle flame which combined with the vibrant three-tone sunburst makes for an attractive prospect. Its been well looked after. There are a few dings and knocks and at some point there has been another tailpiece fitted, evident only by the presence of two small screw holes around the bottom strap button. Luckily, whatever was on there was not a Bigsby and has left no trace at all on the lovely top.

None to this detracts from this sublime instrument. The classic ‘59 carve neck is as comfortable as you’d expect. The back of the neck is free of any dents and the lacquer is still glossy. Also worthy of note is the ‘stinger’ painted on the back of the headstock. Often employed by the factory to hide grain defects, these are a rare sight outside of the high-end archtops making this guitar quite unique amongst ES-335s The neck has been re-fretted at some point and the tuners have been exchanged for Grovers, a common modification.

Internally, all is correct, unaltered and includes a stonking hot pair of classic, un opened and unmolested PAF pickups with health readings in the low 8k ranges. Externally all is also correct aside from the aforementioned Grover tuners. It has the classic long guard, no wire ABR-1 and bonnet knobs which is exactly as one would hope for and expect.

This guitar comes with its correct 5 latch Lifton brown and pink hard case which like the guitar, is in excellent condition too.

Unplugged there is plenty of volume with a full tone that you won’t want to put down. Plugged in this fullness translates into a wonderful sustain and the PAF pickups that compliment these fundamental attributes.

There is a reason we seek out guitars from specific years as more often than not these guitars hold a certain magic that cannot be replicated. This 1959 Gibson ES-335 is juts that kind of guitar. Looks stunning and plays so wonderfully with a tone that’s to die for. What more do you want?