A stunning, all original Limited Edition Gibson ES 335 Dot Reissue, this guitar was recently acquired from the original owner. Original everything including finish, matching date-coded Gibson / Tim Shaw pickups, frets, hardware, date-coded pickups and Grover tuners.
Moreover, the guitar is in superb, collector-grade condition having rarely if ever left the house in 40 years. The only ‘flaws’ that I could see are a matchhead-size chip in the headstock finish and some very minor surface/finish scratches. Otherwise, no prior repairs, modifications, dents or buckle rash. The neck is straight and the fret wear is minimal. Also comes with its original Gibson branded hardshell case in very good condition.
The guitar was built on December 27, 1983 making it one of the earliest guitars to wear Gibson’s Custom Shop insignia. This Limited Edition model was the company’s first attempt to recreate the glory of the early “burst killer” ES-335’s and was only built for a few years. For it, the Custom Shop reached back to ES-335 lore utilizing original specs down to the dot markers on the fretboard, the ‘Mickey Mouse’ ears and the full-length center block. Perhaps most important in this effort was the use of the limited production Tim Shaw “PAF” pickups. These were created to emulate the rich and warm sound of Gibson’s legendary original “Patent Applied For” pickups which were only used in their top-of-the-line instruments from the late 50’s to the early 60’s.
The pictures do not do justice to the beauty of this guitar with its stunningly flamed “curly maple” body and antique natural finish.
Genuinely as nice as you’ll find, this striking and rare vintage, Limited Edition Custom Shop ES-335 would be a great addition (centerpiece?) to any collection.