Gibson USED Murphy Lab 1959 ES-335 Reissue Ultra Light Aged (Vintage Natural) [SN. A930611] Gibson

The Murphy Lab, the pinnacle model in the Gibson Custom Shop lineup, has arrived! This 1959 ES-335 Reissue boasts a rich vintage natural finish!

Established in 1993, the Gibson Custom Shop is dedicated to creating the ultimate electric guitars and basses through long-cultivated high-level manufacturing techniques, an insatiable spirit of inquiry, and carefully selected materials. Even today, the Custom Shop lineup, crafted using traditional handcrafting methods and thoroughly researched vintage knowledge, boasts unparalleled craftsmanship and will become the ultimate instrument to endlessly ignite the inspiration within each player.

~About Murphy Lab~
Murphy Lab, a new lab located within the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, specializes in guitar aging (a process that replicates the aged appearance and playability of vintage guitars) using the latest technology based on scientific verification.

Tom Murphy, a founding member of the Gibson Custom Shop and project leader for the Historic Collection, has since made a name for himself with aging techniques that bring the look and feel of vintage guitars to new instruments. Backed by Tom's passion for vintage guitars and deep knowledge, his skills beautifully recreate the natural lacquer cracks and wear from playing on Gibson guitars.

Tom Murphy and Gibson scientifically analyzed the nitrocellulose lacquer used in 1950s and 1960s guitars, which develop cracks known as weather checking over time. They unraveled the process of this change and, through extensive testing with prototypes of various models, developed a lacquer process that reproduces the natural weather checking seen in vintage guitars.

Murphy Labs was conceived when Tom Murphy led the Gibson Custom Shop team in testing every body shape, finish, and aging level based on prototypes. As a result, it was established within the Gibson Custom Shop to pursue unprecedented realism and attention to detail in aging.

Tom Murphy's presence and his artistic creations have played a significant role in Gibson's history, and will continue to be carried on forever as the Murphy Lab.

This particular instrument is a 1959 ES-335 Reissue that has undergone the "Ultra Light Aged" treatment, the least damaged condition among the four aging levels available. The 1959 ES-335 Reissue is characterized by its tight resonance, thanks to the small cutouts characteristic of this era and the drilled wiring hole for the rear pickup in the center block, combined with the solid '59 style neck grip. This results in a versatile tone that is thick and full, yet tight and clearly defined.

Ultra Light Aged guitars naturally exhibit the look of aged guitars that have been carefully stored in their cases for many years, with minimal damage and subtle weather checking and dents. The fingerboard edges are rolled, providing an excellent grip that players will appreciate.

Regarding the condition of this particular instrument, there are some minor dents that appear relatively new, and the pickguard bracket is missing a nut. The frets have about 70% of their height remaining, and there are no issues with playability, including the neck and electronics, so you can expect to enjoy this guitar for many years to come. This Urphy Lab semi-acoustic model is rarely available, so please consider it while you have the chance!

Made in 2023

Includes original hard case and certificate of authenticity.

Toggle switch cap replacement

Weight ≈ 3.50 kg

Body....3-Ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
Neck....Solid Mahogany with Long Neck Tenon, Medium C-Shape
Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
Frets....22, Authentic Medium-Jumbo
Scale: 24.75 inches
Nut.....1-11/16inch
Tuners....Kluson Single Line, Single Ring
Bridge....ABR-1 & Lightweight Aluminum Stopbar
Hardware.....Nickel
Pickups.....Custombucker
Controls....2Volume, 2Tone, 3way Toggle SW