1959 Gibson ES-335 Sunburst Thin Top

Every now and then, a truly special guitar crosses my path—one that stops me in my tracks and reminds me why I do what I do. That was the case with this incredible 1959 Gibson ES-335 Sunburst Thin Top, a well-preserved piece of electric guitar history that’s as collectible as it is inspiring. I had the opportunity to fly up to Niagara Falls to meet with the son of the original owner and purchase the guitar in person. Experiences like this one are a big part of why I love hunting for vintage guitars.

I’ve always had a personal soft spot for Gibson ES-335s from the late 1950s, especially those made in 1958. The model was still in its infancy then, and you can feel the craftsmanship and bold design choices in every curve and note. This particular 1959 ES-335 is a perfect example of why collectors and players alike are drawn to these early versions.

Do you have a 1959 Gibson? Get an appraisal: Vintage Guitar Appraisal.

Or contact us to inquire about selling: Sell a Gibson.

From the Original Family

The guitar came from the son of its original owner—a drummer whose father purchased it new and kept it carefully stored for decades. The condition of this instrument is nothing short of amazing. It remains 100% original, with the sole exception of reproduction tuner buttons replacing the deteriorated originals (which were fortunately included in the case). There are no breaks, no repairs, and no extra holes. It’s the kind of guitar you dream of finding.

Getting to speak with the family, hear the stories, and hand-deliver payment for such a fine piece of history is what makes this work so rewarding. And of course, the opportunity to inspect a guitar like this in person is invaluable.

What Makes It Special

This 1959 Gibson ES-335 features everything we look for in an early semi-hollow: a thin top, a factory stop tailpiece, and an exceptional neck profile. The neck measures 1.71" wide at the nut with a substantial feel—0.89" deep at the 1st fret and 1.00" at the 12th fret. The full, rounded carve is pure 1950s Gibson and feels just right in the hands.

It’s loaded with a pair of original PAF humbucking pickups that read 7.70k ohms in the neck position and 7.35k ohms in the bridge. These pickups deliver the clarity, warmth, and harmonic complexity that have made PAFs legendary among players and collectors. It weighs in at just 7.8 lbs (3.55 kg), striking the perfect balance for a semi-hollow guitar.

Dating the Guitar

One of the most exciting aspects of this guitar is how well its dating lines up. The Factory Order Number (FON) has a "T" prefix, indicating that construction likely began in 1958. The serial number confirms that it shipped out from Gibson in February of 1959, placing it in a rare and highly desirable transitional period. For those interested in learning more about serial numbers and production years, I’ve written a guide on how to date a Gibson ES-335.

Condition and Case

Despite being over six decades old, this ES-335 is in exceptional condition. There’s some light finish checking, but it’s purely cosmetic and typical of vintage guitars of this age. It still retains its original brown and pink Lifton hardshell case, which is a wonderful touch for collectors seeking completeness and authenticity.

Why This Guitar Matters

The ES-335 was a groundbreaking design when it was introduced in 1958, and examples from the first two years of production—especially unmodified ones like this—are getting harder and harder to find. Collectors value these early models not only for their historical importance but also for their superb tone and playability.

As someone who has spent years buying and selling vintage guitars, I can say with confidence that this is one of the finest 1959 Gibson ES-335s I’ve had the pleasure of handling. And if you have one like it—or are unsure what you might have—I’d love to help.

Looking to Sell or Appraise a 1959 Gibson ES-335?

If you have a vintage Gibson guitar and are looking for more information on its value or history, I offer a Vintage Guitar Appraisal service to help owners understand what they have. I’ve traveled across the country to evaluate guitars like this ES-335, and I’m always looking for new pieces to add to the collection.

Whether you're ready to sell, curious about what your guitar is worth, or just want to learn more about its place in Gibson’s history, feel free to reach out. The more we preserve these guitars, the more we keep their stories alive.

Thanks for reading,
John Shults
Owner, True Vintage Guitar