Vintage Gibson ES-350T

[gitman]

These rather rare 350 variants from their introduction in the mid 50’s until the discontinuation not 10 years later have steadily increased in value but I never see them mentioned here nor in the hands of any (visible) player. The Byrdland - solid woods, more bling, same „concept“ - seems to be more popular but it’s also rarely seen on stage. Anthony Wilson uses one occasionally…. What’s your take on these guitars ? The ones I‘ve sampled were all good ….

[pingu]

i have played one for 10mins only acoustic in a shop

bit narrow at the nut but
loved it ....

[gitman]

Granted, the small neck is a dealbreaker for many players but I‘ve never had any problems with all these narrow 60‘s necks. As long as the right depth is there…

[John A.]

Granted, the small neck is a dealbreaker for many players but I‘ve never had any problems with all these narrow 60‘s necks. As long as the right depth is there…

They're also a shorter scale length (23 1/2" vs 24 3/4" or 25 1/2"), which is likely the reason they were never as popular as the other models (and hence discussed less).

[Woody Sound]

They're also a shorter scale length (23 1/2" vs 24 3/4" or 25 1/2"), which is likely the reason they were never as popular as the other models (and hence discussed less).

But you can go up a string gauge to get a fatter sound without more tension.

[jazzkritter]

I bought new one of the re releases in 1992.
It was from the Gibson “sticky neck” period, so I would warn anyone off the reissues.
Mine went back to Nashville three times under warranty. As you played the neck finish it actually got notable warm, then sticky! Really sticky. ( It’s a known problem Gibson publicly never owned up to, one of my reasons for going to Ibanez.) The third time they completely refinished it, and TBH I eBayed it with a ‘buyer beware’ warning. Lost half what I paid.
Otherwise I REALLY liked the 350T playability and comfort. I prefer thin necks so no loss for me.
good luck
jk

[customxke]

I had this one years ago:

[John A.]

But you can go up a string gauge to get a fatter sound without more tension.

I suppose, but the neck will still be a different length, and the frets will still be spaced differently.

[omphalopsychos]

I had a 57 Byrdland (PAFs) for a week, a 1956 ES 350T (p90s) for a year, and a 1958 ES 350T (PAFs) for a few months. Of the three, I'd say the Byrdland was undoubtedly the most special in sound. Really beautiful. The 58 ES 350T was very close. The 56 with p90s was a distant 3rd. The main reason I didn't bond with any of them ultimately was the scale length/neck carve. Also, the lower tension made it challenging to play the way I like--felt like the strings didn't give my right hand enough resistance compared to the acoustic archtops I'm accustomed to.

But seriously awesome sound.