Gibson TD ES 355 1962

by Sam
(Michigan)

Have not been able to find any info on this Gibson with ebony block.Have seen other models with wood ebony block inlayed with pearl,but not this one.Serial number 84950.Pretty sure it is a 1962. Would like to know how much it is worth & how many were made.If you can not help do you think Gibson Would have any info?
Thank you.

ANSWER

Hi, Sam--

The Blue Book does not mention that this model was made with Ebony inlays. Maybe it was a special order.

Here is the general info:

ES-355 TD
- double rounded cutaway semi-hollow bound body, arched maple top, unbound f-holes, raised layered black or tortoiseshell pickguard, maple back/sides, mahogany neck, 22-fret bound ebony fingerboard with pearl block inlay, tune-o-matic bridge, stop or Bigsby vibrato tailpiece, bound blackface peghead with pearl split diamond/logo inlay, three-per-side tuners, gold hardware, two covered P.A.F. humbucker pickups, four knobs (two v, two tone), available in Cherry finish, mfg. 1958-1970.

The pricing info:

1958-1962 PAF Pickups, Stop Tailpiece Mint $25,000
Exc.+ $20,000
Exc. $16,500
Avg.+ $13,500
Avg. $11,000
General $8,500

1958-1962 PAF Pickups, Vibrato
$20,000 $16,500 $13,500 $11,000 $9,000 $7,000

1962-1964 Patent No. Pickups
$14,000 $11,500 $9,500 $8,000 $6,500 $5,000

As you can see, there are several configurations for that year.

If you want to contact the Gibson company:

Gibson Repair & Restoration
138 12th Ave. North
Nashville, TN 37203 USA
www.gibson.com
service@gibson.com
615-244-0252, ext. 5102 (phone)

Lynne