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1956 Gibson ES-350T
The ES-350T was introduced at the start of 1956 as the less fancy sibling to the Byrdland model which debuted at the same time. Both guitars featured the 17” body shape and dual-pickup configuration of the L-5CE, along with a short 23.5” scale neck and smaller 1-5/8” nut width. Although prototypes of both of these models were completed in 1955, the first production runs began in early 1956. This particular ES-350T, with pots dated October of 1955 and a mid-1955 Factory Order Number was surely among the very first of its kind to be shipped.
The guitar is in exceptional condition. It was quite obviously cared for immensely through its lifetime and came to Folkway by way of the family of its second owner. It shows almost no playwear and is 100% original. The electronics have never been touched, the nut and tuners have never been off the guitar, and the original finish is simply breathtaking. The only modification to this guitar (and it’s subtle) is that the tailpiece has been engraved “Byrdland.” The owner also had his name engraved on the tailpiece’s screwplate. The tailpiece is the original ES-350T part, which was originally designed with its oval string hanger left blank.
A finer example of the ES-350T would be hard to come by.
17” maple body with 2-1/4 depth, venetian cut-away, three-ply bindings and bound F holes. The neck is two-piece maple with mahogany center strip and features a short 23.5” scale, 1-5/8” nut width, 22 fret bound rosewood fingerboard, and narrow 1-7/8” string spread at the bridge. All hardware is gold plated, including original Tune-O-Matic bridge, and Pat. Appl. Kluson tuners. P-90 pickups, 5-ply bevel-edge black pickguard, and original Bonnet knobs. Playability is excellent, with near-perfect original frets and a recent setup by our shop.
With original hardshell case.
