{"product_id":"1969-gibson-es-355-tdsv-walnut-brown-ala-bb-king-vintage-1960s-355","title":"1969 Gibson ES-355 TDSV Walnut Brown ala BB KING! Vintage 1960s 355 Semi Hollow Body Guitar Stereo","description":"\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cimg style=\"float: none;\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1771\/7813\/files\/KC_Vintage_Guitars_Logo_2_240x240.png?v=1711760835\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e1969 Gibson ES-355 TDSV Walnut Brown ala BB KING! Vintage 1960s 355!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHere is a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ereally nice and exceptionally original 1969 Gibson ES-355 TDW SV\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, built to the exact configuration associated with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eB.B. King\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, including the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWalnut finish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e used on B.B.'s guitars in the early 1970s. This is a particularly clean example that remains \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e100% original\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, making it a very special guitar for collectors of vintage Gibson ES-355s and B.B. King instruments.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis guitar has \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eno breaks, no refinishing, and no changed parts whatsoever\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The original electronics are still intact, including the complete \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003estereo Varitone wiring\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and the potentiometers still retain their original cans. The guitar also retains its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoriginal frets\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which are in great shape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe only real issue with this guitar is the familiar \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epickguard off-gassing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e that commonly occurs on these Gibsons. The pickguard has caused some corrosion on several of the metal parts in the same area. The pickguard is pictured with the guitar, but we have removed it for now to prevent the corrosion from progressing any further. This is a very common issue with vintage Gibson celluloid pickguards and is something worth noting for anyone considering a guitar of this age.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis one represents the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003every end of the 1960s Gibson production era\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, retaining several characteristics collectors specifically look for. It has \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eno \"Made in USA\" stamp, no neck volute, and no dot over the \"i\" in the Gibson logo and orange interior label,\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e all features consistent with a late-'60s example.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe guitar does not appear to have seen a tremendous amount of playing time and is more of a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecase queen overall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, although there is some moderate finish checking and a few scattered dings here and there. Overall, it remains a very clean and well-preserved example of one of Gibson's most elaborate and desirable vintage semi-hollow models.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe neck has the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003enarrow late-'60s nut width of 1-9\/16\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, but it is a fuller feeling neck, measuring \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e0.85\" at the first fret and 1.08\" at the 12th fret\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. That gives this ES-355 a much chunkier feel than the narrow nut width might suggest.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe guitar plays \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ereally well\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and sounds wonderful plugged in. With its original pickups, stereo Varitone system, original frets, and completely intact wiring, this is a very special-playing and very original example.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt comes complete with the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eoriginal Gibson hardshell case\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, along with some \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eextra vintage hardware from back in the day\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Details\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Very Good Plus\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginality:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 100% Original\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Walnut\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConfiguration:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e B.B. King Spec\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElectronics:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original Stereo Varitone Wiring\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePickguard:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original; Removed to Prevent Further Off-Gassing Corrosion\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrets:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original and in Great Shape\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNotes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e No Breaks, No Refinishing, No Changed Parts; No \"Made in USA\" Stamp, No Volute, No Dot Over the \"i\" in Gibson\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlayability \u0026amp; Sound\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis ES-355 plays \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ereally well\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and has a wonderfully substantial neck despite the narrow late-'60s nut width. At \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e0.85\" at the first fret and 1.08\" at the 12th fret\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, there is plenty of meat in the neck, giving it a very comfortable and substantial feel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe original frets are in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003egreat shape\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, and the guitar has clearly spent a good portion of its life safely in its case rather than being heavily played.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlugged in, this one sounds \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewonderful\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. The combination of the original Gibson pickups and fully intact \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003estereo Varitone electronics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e gives this guitar the unmistakable character and tonal flexibility that make the ES-355 such a special instrument.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAt \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e9.4 lbs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, it also has the substantial feel you'd expect from a fully appointed ES-355.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrand:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Gibson\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModel:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ES-355 TDW SV\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYear:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1969\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Walnut\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eConfiguration:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e B.B. King Spec\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNut Width:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 1-9\/16\"\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeck Depth:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 0.85\" (1st Fret) \/ 1.08\" (12th Fret)\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrets:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original, Excellent Condition\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eElectronics:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original Stereo Varitone Wiring\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePotentiometers:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original, with Cans\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 9.4 lbs.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original with Moderate Finish Checking and a Few Dings\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginality:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 100% Original\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeck Features:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e No Volute\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeadstock Features:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e No \"Made in USA\" Stamp; No Dot Over the \"i\" in Gibson\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePickguard:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original; Currently Removed Due to Off-Gassing\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCase:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Original Gibson Hardshell Case\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAccessories:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Additional Vintage Hardware\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy Buy From Kansas City Vintage Guitars?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe specialize in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehigh-quality vintage and modern guitars and basses\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for collectors and serious players alike. With over 25 years in the guitar business, we focus on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eaccurate descriptions, originality, and transparency\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExpert Packing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e We take pride in packing instruments safely and securely.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFully Insured Shipping:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Your instrument is covered door-to-door.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorldwide Service:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e We buy and sell guitars and basses across the globe.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrusted Vintage Dealer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Known for honest, detailed listings.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThanks from KC Vintage Guitars!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54706073338080,"sku":"KC3352","price":9999.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1771\/7813\/files\/IMG_5944_0539f626-b0db-4a2b-87af-dcfadc206728.jpg?v=1789951651","url":"https:\/\/kcvintageguitars.com\/products\/1969-gibson-es-355-tdsv-walnut-brown-ala-bb-king-vintage-1960s-355","provider":"Kansas City Vintage Guitars","version":"1.0","type":"link"}