The only full-size Gibson ES-350 Gibson made after 1956

**wintermoon** · 03-03-2022, 08:28 PM

Not saying it's a worthless piece of junk, I'm sure it's a fine modern guitar, just not my cuppa tea and no way worth 8K imo, again, we're talking about a refinished modded laminate guitar. Also not saying I'd have to make a profit if sold down the road, that's not my mindset when I buy a guitar. But I'm not a big fan of taking losses. If someone doesn't care about that, well that's none of my business but I don't have infinite funds to throw around on guitars, so I have to think down the road in most instances.
And you can't compare a modern 350 to a vintage one from a value standpoint, apples and oranges. I only see 2 orig examples on Reverb currently, one ridiculously priced at over 13K w a Bigsby and one @9995. I don't consider that cherry refin and the other mods upgrades, quite the opposite imo, but ymmv

**QAman** · 03-03-2022, 08:33 PM

It’s a modern blinged out reincarnation of an iconic vintage ES-350. I find the bourbon burst finish to be quite beautiful, and others might , or my not agree. We all have our preferences. I’m not viewing this instrument in the context “of vintage “ as others might be, its irrelevant, just like any reissue cannot be compared to the valuation of its namesake.

It’s not vintage, and its not pretending to be - nor will it ever appreciate like a vintage guitar. The vintage purist ( I’m one of them) might scorn at such at guitar - for valid reasons. But in this case I’m not.

My interest in this guitar for the past two years was for its unique appeal, not a purchase with a necessary exist strategy in mind. I find the guitar interesting, along with the others who started the post.

Fortunately , or perhaps unfortunately, the business / collectibility side of my better judgement has restrained me from acquiring this guitar, because John Southern and I are just too far apart in numbers. But I certainly wouldn’t mind having this in my collection.

It’s arguably one of the most unique ES-350 instruments to come out of Gibson’s modern custom shop, built during Hutch’s tenure -…..then redone to an exquisite presentation grade instrument by some fine craftsmen.

Unfortunately , the sellers lack of disclosure and honesty about what took place with this guitar - might detract somewhat from the appeal, “but it is - what it is “.

Had I not informed this forum of the refinish, the excitement would still be high, thinking this came from the custom shop “ As is”.
But since it’s a modern refinish, on a modern reissue type instrument, it’s affect on value is really subjective, and unknown , since there is nothing to compare its affect on valuation.

So - does it have value ….you bet it does. As Stan Jay would say “ go try and find another one” .

Vinny - just hop on a plane and go get it ……bring cash.

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**Woody Sound** · 03-03-2022, 08:58 PM

Maybe if it had black P90s it wouldn't look so over-the-top. And as much as I like bound f-holes, those are a little too much.

**Hammertone** · 03-04-2022, 03:01 AM

Originally Posted by omphalopsychos

Totally agree Vinny. That's why I would hesitate to call them "upgrades", insisting that somehow the guitar is worth more because someone preferred a modern fruit-punch-burst over the original finish. This guy should be open to selling this player's instrument it at fair price to his band of brothers, rather than insisting on his high asking price for 3+ years on Reverb & refusing to disclose the refinish.

I like the original finish, but I also dig the fruit punch burst. Maybe I'm biased.