1950 GIBSON ES-350N

Exceptional 1950 Gibson ES-350N, in superb preserved condition.

This is a stunning original example of a Gibson ES-350 from the early 1950s, one of the most iconic hollowbody electric guitars of the pre-solidbody era. Like the L-5 and L-7 carved-top models, the ES-350’s body is 17 inches wide and full-depth, yet it is made entirely of laminated maple, including the top—specially chosen on models whose Natural finish highlights the figured grain of this wood. Introduced in 1947, the ES-350 initially featured a single pickup in the neck position, which was quickly supplemented by a second one in the bridge position the following year. Interestingly, this was the first electric guitar made in Kalamazoo to feature a cutaway—hence its initial name, ES-350P, for Premier. It represented the top of the line electric guitar until 1949, when it was overthrown following the introduction of the three-pickup Gibson ES-5.

This guitar was shipped in the early summer of 1950, one of 46 Naturals that left the Kalamazoo assembly line that year. It is equipped with two P-90 single-coil pickups with individually adjustable pole pieces (the dogear covers have been replaced, however the assembly is original to the instrument, and each pickup has a coil resistance of approximately 8kΩ). The wiring associated to the pickups is specific for this era, without a selector switch but a volume control for each pickup and a master tone control on the cutaway. Gibson revised this system starting in 1953, following the introduction of the L-5CES and Super 400CES models, to incorporate the layout we know today consisting of four knobs and a switch. However, the earlier system found on this guitar is no less relevant, allowing for a more subtle and immediate blend of the two pickups.

After 75 years on Earth, and with the exception of the pickup covers and a potentiometer knob, this ES-350 reaches us as it left Kalamazoo in the last century: all major parts, including the Natural finish, the two P-90 pickups, and the electronic wiring, are original. The hardware is also complete, with a full set of gold-plated Kluson Deluxe Pat. Appld. tuners, the trapeze tailpiece, 5-ply beveled pickguard, and adjustable rosewood bridge. Beyond its state of preservation, its playing condition is also excellent: we completely refretted the guitar in our workshop with fine fretwork matching the original, followed by a complete setup of the instrument, including the crafting of a new bone nut fitted to the instrument, adjustment of the action and intonation at the bridge, and a complete cleaning of the electronics (all original components are present and the solder joints are still intact).

The guitar is sold in its period Lifton case, along with its certificate of authenticity by Jérôme Casanova.