DATE :
Saturday, March 22, 2025
1959 Gibson ES-355 Factory Mono: The Burst Killer of Semi-Hollow Guitars
1959 Gibson ES-355 Factory Mono: The Burst Killer of Semi-Hollow Guitars
Why the 1959 ES-355 Mono Matters
The 1959 Gibson ES-355 factory mono represents the absolute pinnacle of Gibson's thinline electric guitar craftsmanship—often called "The Burst Killer" by collectors who recognize its extraordinary rarity and tonal superiority. While Les Paul "Bursts" command headlines and six-figure prices, knowledgeable collectors understand that a 1959 ES-355 mono offers everything that makes a '59 Les Paul legendary, plus the feedback-resistant semi-hollow construction that makes it infinitely more versatile for live performance.
What makes the 1959 ES-355 mono historically significant:
The inaugural year: Though ten prototypes shipped in 1958, 1959 marked the official introduction of Gibson's flagship semi-hollow electric
Pre-stereo purity: Factory mono versions preceded the complex Varitone circuitry, offering pure, uncompromised tone
Peak craftsmanship era: Built during Gibson's golden period before corporate changes affected quality control
Extreme rarity: Only approximately 177 mono-wired ES-355s were produced in 1959, making them exponentially rarer than '59 Les Pauls
"ES-335 on steroids": All the sonic benefits of a '59 ES-335 with premium ebony fretboard, gold hardware, and multi-ply binding
This instrument represents Gibson's vision of the ultimate electric guitar—combining the sustain and feedback resistance of semi-hollow construction with appointments befitting the most discerning professional musicians.
Historical Context: Gibson's Flagship Vision
During 1959, Gibson was operating at the absolute peak of its manufacturing excellence. The Kalamazoo factory was producing instruments with meticulous hand-craftsmanship that would become the standard by which all future guitars would be measured. The ES-355 was conceived as the crown jewel of the new ES (Electric Spanish) thinline series, sitting above the ES-335 and ES-345 in Gibson's hierarchy.
Gibson's strategic positioning in 1959:
The ES-355 served as Gibson's answer to players demanding both acoustic resonance and electric sustain
Factory workers were still using traditional techniques: hand-wound PAF pickups, nitrocellulose finishes, and careful wood selection
The mono configuration represented Gibson's purest electrical approach before the complexity of stereo wiring
Gibson was competing directly with Gretsch's high-end hollow bodies while offering superior feedback resistance
Why 1959 was the sweet spot:
Gibson had perfected the ES-355 concept by 1959 after learning from the 1958 prototypes. The combination of the legendary PAF humbuckers reaching their tonal peak, the classic "watermelon" fade cherry finish, and the optimal neck profiles created what many consider the perfect semi-hollow electric guitar.
Notable artists discovering the ES-355:
While the ES-355 wouldn't achieve widespread recognition until the mid-1960s, forward-thinking jazz and blues players immediately recognized its potential. The instrument's ability to deliver both clean jazz tones and overdriven blues made it invaluable to session musicians working in Nashville and Los Angeles studios.
Detailed Identification Guide
Authenticating a genuine 1959 Gibson ES-355 mono requires examining multiple identification points, as the extreme value of these instruments has led to numerous refinished and counterfeit examples entering the market.
Serial Number Characteristics:
1959 ES-355s use Gibson's "A" prefix serial number system, typically ranging from A28000 to A32000. The serial number appears on an orange oval label visible through the bass-side f-hole. Critical note: Gibson Custom Shop reissues also use this format, so a Certificate of Authenticity indicates a modern reissue, not a vintage original.
Factory Order Number (FON):
The most reliable dating method is the Factory Order Number, typically found inside the treble-side f-hole. 1959 examples will have an "S" prefix indicating the batch began in 1959, followed by a 4-digit batch number and position number (example: "S 7841 10").
Potentiometer Dating:
1959 ES-355s typically feature Centralab potentiometers with date codes readable as:
First three digits (134) = Centralab manufacturer code
Fourth digit (9) = 1959
Last two digits = week of manufacture
Visual Identification Features:
Neck and Headstock:
"Spaghetti" Gibson logo with thin, flowing script
Split diamond mother-of-pearl inlay unique to ES-355 models
Patent number placement below logo
Gold Grover tuners or Kluson "waffleback" tuners
Body and Hardware:
16" wide body with maximum depth of 2¼"
Distinctive "watermelon" cherry red finish that fades over time
Multi-ply binding (7-ply) around top, back, and f-holes
Long pickguard extending to bridge pickup ring (changed in 1961)
Ebony fretboard with large block mother-of-pearl inlays
Gold-plated ABR-1 bridge without retaining wire
Gold stop tailpiece or Bigsby B7 vibrato (factory options)
Pickup Specifications:
Original 1959 PAF humbuckers are crucial to authenticity and value:
Patent Applied For stickers (though many have fallen off)
Double-white or cream plastic bobbins
Long magnet configuration
Typical resistance readings: 7.5k-9k ohms
Hand-wound with inconsistent wire patterns
Detailed Physical Specifications
Body Construction:
Width: 16" at lower bout
Depth: 2¼" maximum depth
Weight Range: Typically 7.8-8.6 lbs (lighter than solid-body equivalents)
Top: 5-ply laminated maple/poplar
Back: 5-ply laminated maple/poplar
Center Block: Solid maple running from neck to endpin
Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer in cherry red (fades to watermelon/orange)
Neck Specifications:
Material: One-piece Honduras mahogany
Profile: Fat '50s rounded profile (often called "baseball bat" neck)
Nut Width: 1-11/16" (slightly narrower than typical 1959 Gibson necks)
Scale Length: 24¾"
Fretboard: Ebony with 22 frets
Fretboard Radius: 12"
Inlays: Large block mother-of-pearl position markers
Binding: Multi-ply binding on fretboard edges
Electronics Configuration:
Pickups: Two PAF humbuckers with factory mono wiring
Controls: Two volume, two tone, three-way selector switch
Wiring: Period-correct cloth-covered wire
Capacitors: "Bumblebee" paper-in-oil capacitors
Pots: Centralab 500k audio taper potentiometers
Output Jack: Switchcraft mono jack (no stereo complications)
Case Specifications:
1959 Standard: Five-latch brown Lifton hardshell case
Interior: Pink plush lining
Logo: Gibson logo on exterior
Handle: Leather with brass hardware
Tonal Characteristics: Why Players Seek the 1959 Sound
The 1959 Gibson ES-355 mono represents a unique intersection of acoustic resonance and electric sustain that has never been perfectly replicated. The combination of period-specific construction techniques and materials creates a distinctive voice that experienced players can identify immediately.
Sonic Profile:
Clean Tones:
Warm, woody fundamental with excellent note definition
Complex harmonic overtones from the semi-hollow construction
Exceptional touch sensitivity allowing dynamic expression
Balanced frequency response with prominent midrange warmth
Overdriven Tones:
Creamy, sustained distortion with natural compression
The PAF pickups break up gradually, maintaining clarity at high gain
Semi-hollow body adds natural resonance without excessive feedback
Bridge pickup delivers cutting lead tones with singing sustain
Why the Tone is Unique:
PAF Pickup Contribution: The hand-wound PAF humbuckers from 1959 possess characteristics that make them legendary. The inconsistent winding patterns, unpotted bobbins, and long magnet structure create complex harmonic interactions impossible to replicate with modern manufacturing precision.
Semi-Hollow Resonance: The center block design eliminates the feedback issues of fully hollow guitars while retaining enough acoustic properties to enhance the electric tone. This creates a unique "breathing" quality that solid-body guitars cannot achieve.
Period Materials: The nitrocellulose finish, Honduras mahogany neck, and vintage electronics all contribute to the overall tonal character. The finish allows the wood to resonate more freely than modern polyurethane finishes.
Comparison to Contemporaries:
Compared to a 1959 ES-335, the ES-355 offers slightly more sustain and definition due to the ebony fretboard. Against a '59 Les Paul, the ES-355 provides similar PAF tone with added acoustic resonance and reduced weight. The gold hardware and premium appointments aren't just cosmetic—they contribute to the overall resonance and feel of the instrument.
Common Issues & Modifications
When evaluating a 1959 ES-355 mono, certain problems and modifications are more common than others. Understanding these issues helps determine authenticity and fair market value.
Typical Problems:
Finish Issues:
Checking: Natural aging cracks in nitrocellulose finish (actually desirable)
Fade variation: Uneven fading can indicate refinishing or storage conditions
Overspray evidence: Look for inconsistent color in binding channels and f-holes
Structural Concerns:
Neck angle changes: Semi-hollow guitars can develop neck angle issues over time
Center seam separation: The top center seam may develop hairline cracks
Binding shrinkage: Celluloid binding can shrink and create gaps
Common Modifications:
Hardware Changes:
Aftermarket Bigsby installation: Many stop-tail guitars had Bigsbys added later
Tuner replacements: Original Grovers often replaced with modern tuners
Bridge modifications: ABR-1 bridges sometimes replaced with modern equivalents
Electronics Modifications:
Stereo conversion: Some monos were converted to stereo wiring
Pickup replacements: PAFs sometimes replaced with humbucker reproductions
Pot and cap changes: Electronics often modified for different tonal characteristics
Warning Signs of Counterfeits:
Serial Number Discrepancies:
Non-period correct serial number formats
Serial numbers that don't match FON dating
Missing or obviously newer orange labels
Finish Inconsistencies:
Modern nitrocellulose that lacks proper aging characteristics
Color that doesn't match known 1959 fade patterns
Overly perfect finish that lacks period-appropriate wear
Hardware Anachronisms:
Parts that weren't available in 1959
Inconsistent aging between different components
Modern manufacturing marks on supposedly original parts
Why Players and Collectors Value This Model
The 1959 Gibson ES-355 mono occupies a unique position in the vintage guitar market, offering qualities that neither fully solid nor fully hollow guitars can match.
Playing Characteristics:
Versatility Unmatched: The ES-355 mono excels across multiple musical styles in ways that more famous guitars cannot. Jazz players appreciate the warm, woody tones and feedback resistance, while rock players love the sustain and PAF bite. Session musicians particularly value the instrument's ability to cover multiple sonic territories within a single recording session.
Physical Comfort: Despite the substantial neck profile, the ES-355's reduced weight (compared to solid-body guitars) makes it comfortable for extended playing sessions. The semi-hollow construction creates natural resonance that players can feel through their body, creating an intimate connection between musician and instrument.
Collector Appeal:
Extreme Rarity: With only 177 mono-wired examples produced in 1959, these guitars are significantly rarer than any other legendary Gibson model from the same year. This scarcity, combined with the model's tonal reputation, creates strong collector demand.
Investment Potential: The 1959 ES-355 mono has shown consistent appreciation over the past two decades. As baby boomer collectors seek alternatives to increasingly expensive Les Paul "Bursts," the ES-355 mono offers similar period authenticity and tonal qualities at a fraction of the cost.
Historical Significance: These instruments represent Gibson's peak manufacturing period and embody the company's vision of the ultimate electric guitar. They serve as time capsules of 1950s American craftsmanship and musical innovation.
Selling Your 1959 Gibson ES-355 Mono
If you're fortunate enough to own one of these exceptional instruments, Edgewater Guitars offers the expertise and market connections to ensure you receive fair value for your investment.
Why Choose Edgewater:
Premium Valuations: We consistently pay 30-40% more than local guitar shops because we understand the true market value of exceptional vintage instruments. Our nationwide network of serious collectors allows us to recognize quality that local dealers might miss.
Expert Authentication: Our team includes certified vintage guitar experts who can properly authenticate and document your ES-355. We provide detailed condition assessments and historical documentation that adds value to any transaction.
Streamlined Process:
Free initial consultation via phone or email
Professional on-site evaluation for high-value instruments
Immediate cash offers with no waiting or consignment fees
White-glove transaction handling ensuring security and discretion
Market Expertise: We stay current with auction results, private sales, and market trends to ensure our offers reflect true current value. Recent sales data shows 1959 ES-355 monos consistently bringing premium prices when properly presented to serious collectors.
Ready to discuss your 1959 ES-355 mono? Contact Edgewater Guitars today at (440) 219-3607 for your free, no-obligation valuation.
Related Authentication Resources
Essential Dating Tools:
Model Comparison Guides:
Selling Resources:
Conclusion: The Ultimate ES Guitar
The 1959 Gibson ES-355 factory mono represents the absolute pinnacle of semi-hollow electric guitar design. Combining the legendary PAF pickups, premium appointments, and exceptional craftsmanship of Gibson's golden era, these instruments offer everything that makes vintage guitars desirable.
For players, the ES-355 mono provides unmatched versatility, enabling everything from pristine jazz tones to soaring rock leads within a single instrument. For collectors, the extreme rarity and historical significance make these guitars exceptional investment pieces that continue appreciating in value.
If you own a 1959 ES-355 mono and are considering selling, Edgewater Guitars has the expertise, market connections, and financial resources to ensure you receive top dollar for your investment. We serve guitar owners throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia, with on-site evaluation services for premium instruments.
Contact Edgewater Guitars today at (440) 219-3607 or visit our website to begin the process of selling your vintage Gibson. Our expert team is standing by to provide the professional service your exceptional instrument deserves.
Edgewater Guitars specializes in purchasing vintage and collectible guitars throughout the Midwest. Our team of certified experts provides fair market valuations and immediate payment for exceptional instruments. Contact us today to discover what your guitar is truly worth.
