Simon S Posted August 29 Share Posted August 29 I've got the opportunity to buy an original Gibson ES-355 (serial A34380) in great condition with a paperwork trail from reputable dealers in the UK. It's all original parts and finish, 2 x PAFs. I've played it, it plays beautifully and I'm a massive fan - I'm going around in circles on what it might be worth. Photos here: https://imgur.com/a/BhmpQ99 Happy to provide more info - would love to hear what people value this one at! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil OKeefe Posted August 29 Share Posted August 29 Welcome to the forums! Nice looking guitar! Based on the serial number, it's probably from 1960. In your shoes, I'd get a detailed inspection and evaluation by a local vintage guitar expert, or take extensive photos and have it evaluated remotely via those. For ideas on the prices they typically go for, you can always check completed Ebay and Reverb auctions to see what similar guitars sold for recently, as well as what people are currently asking for similar guitars. It's not going to be inexpensive. Last time I looked, they were in the $20k-$25k+ price range. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsongs Posted August 29 Share Posted August 29 I agree with Phil. A proper Vintage Dealer & even a second one wouldn’t hurt. First question. Is it in 100% original condition? With all original Parts in perfect working condition. Has it been modified? Any Parts replaced? Has it ever been damaged & repaired? I’ve owned a mint original 1959 ES-345 PAF’s which I foolishly sold when I was young & knew nothing about Guitars. Biggest Guitar mistake I ever made. It was the best Guitar I’ve ever heard or played. Best of luck! Keep us updated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JO'C Posted August 29 Share Posted August 29 Hi Simon, Yes serial number indicates 1960. Last year I was looking at a 1959 355 same color and with Bigsby. $20-30K price range is expected if all original and with working electronics. ES-335's from that era go 4-5X more, even though the 355 was a higher end and more expensive model when new. The reason is the stereo wiring and the Varitone which are not highly regarded and cause issues. A common nickname for the Varitone is ToneSuck. One of the PAF's will be reverse wound for the stereo effects of the Varitone. My research found that the market for 335's from that era is hot but not so much for 355's. The guitar I was looking at was in an auction. I decided not to bid. It ended up selling for $22K. Good luck, JO'C Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Larsongs Posted August 29 Share Posted August 29 While the 335’s are fantastic Guitars & bring all the money the 345’s & 355’s are equally or more amazing IMO. I never found the Varitone on my 345 to be a negative. It worked perfectly & did what it was designed to do. Provide more Tone choices. I recall liking & using 1-2 the most. I had the Stereo Cord but usually played thru a single Amp. I recall using a Mono Cord without any issues either. I miss that Guitar. I would have no problem opting for a 355 of that vintage. Especially with Bigsby. IMO in addition to what it shares with the 335 it is the most luxurious version & is absolutely beautiful! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sgt. Pepper Posted August 29 Share Posted August 29 Hope you have deep pockets. It’s not gonna be cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted August 30 Share Posted August 30 It may be worth getting in touch with this chap, he knows ES guitars inside out: The Gibson ES-335 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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