The ES models seem to find their way into the shop quite easily at the moment. Presented here is a superb thinline with an iced tea finish, a soft and subtle tone reminiscent of the early-1960s sunburst, without the black edge. This particular example is in excellent condition, with no repairs or modifications. All of the electronics are original, including its two patent number humbuckers. Only the plastic volume and tone knobs have been replaced with reflector knobs instead of the witch hats typically found during that period.

This is a transition model—a term I don’t use lightly, as it is often overused, but it truly applies here. It features an oval orange label whose final year is 1969. The rectangular Norlin label appeared in 1970 along with the volute, so this guitar is from late 1969 or very early 1970. The “Made in USA” stamp and the volute are generally associated with 1970, so we’ll refer to it as a 1970 model, though it must date from the very first weeks of that year.

The neck is perfectly straight and extremely comfortable to play. The guitar is in very fine condition with its original finish. It’s an instrument that can do it all. The pickups are truly excellent—certainly one of the most versatile Gibson models across the entire range.

It comes with its period correct hard case.