The 1960 Gibson ES-355 Stereo, officially designated the ES-355 TDSV, represents the pinnacle of Gibson’s thinline semi-hollowbody line. This model is distinguished by its luxurious aesthetics, premium details, and innovative electronics system, including a stereo output and the renowned Vari-tone circuit.
It features a semi-hollow construction with a double cutaway, laminated maple/poplar/maple top, back, and sides, reinforced by a solid maple center block. The standard finish was the classic Cherry Red.
It has a one-piece mahogany neck with the characteristic 1960 slim-taper profile, paired with a premium ebony fingerboard featuring pearloid block inlays.
Addting gold hardware, an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, and a Bigsby B7 vibrato, it comes factory-equipped with the legendary gold Grover Rotomatic tuners.
The most distinctive feature of the TDSV model it is the stereo wiring that allows the separation of microphone signals, while the 6-position Vari-tone rotary selector act as a filter, radically altering the equalization and offering a sonic palette unprecedented for the time.
The ES-355 Stereo was conceived as the big sister of the ES-335, intended for musicians seeking not only sonic versatility but also an instrument with stage presence and refinement. Its combination of visual luxury and electronic experimentation made it a guitar ahead of its time, capable of moving from the most sophisticated jazz to the emerging rock of the 1960s.
This guitar is treasured in the vault at La Roca.
