1960 GibsonES-355 – Cherry “Bernie”
If you’re looking for that incredibly unique piece with great character and fantastic tone, this 1960 Gibson ES-355 in Cherry custom-made for Bernie Smith is the one for you! Bernie Smith was a popular studio musician hailing from Louisville, Kentucky, and had a long career, notably performing on WHAS Hayloft Hoedown, and was a former member of Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch in Hollywood, CA. In fact, you can even see him play this very guitar on several clips on Melody Ranch HERE. This truly is a one-of-a-kind piece, featuring “Bernie” in pearl on the bound ebony fretboard, mono wiring with selector switch on the horn and jack on the side, custom plaque and monoplaque, factory stop-tail, and an overall 23-1/2” scale, like a Byrdland. The factory PAFs sound incredible in any setting, and the worn-in corners and compact scale make this guitar a standout. Bernie used it extensively, replacing the nut, tailpiece, bridge, knobs, and some screws to keep it functioning at its best. A custom-engraved plate was installed just below the stop tail, and some stickers used on that plate were applied to the headstock for a cool accent. The guitar is in overall good shape, with playwear, checking, and patina present throughout.
Overall Condition: 8
Specifications:
- Finish Details: Cherry, Original, Good Condition with playwear, weather checking and patina throughout
- Body Material: Maple
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Fretboard Material: Ebony
- Neck Profile: Medium C
- Weight: 8 lbs 3 oz
- Scale Length: 23-1/2"
- Pickup Readings: N: 7.68K B: 8.62K
- Electronics: Original, Untouched
- Hardware: Later Bridge, tailpiece, knobs, and skirts, otherwise Original, Good Condition with some wear to the gold plating
- Nut Width: 1-9/16"
- Includes: Original Brown Hardshell Case with pink lining, strap, original knob skirts, and CDs with video
Sku: G226
InquireQuestions?
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We’d be happy to give you an in-hand description of the guitar. All of our guitars are properly set up by John Bertsche, our brilliant guitar tech, and will be professionally packed with care.