Mountain House, CA, United States
About this listing
1988 Gibson ES-335 in Cherry, Owned and Played by SF Radio Icon Steve Masters (LIVE105, SF)This 1988 Gibson ES-335 in Cherry comes from a pivotal era when Gibson was reestablishing the feel, tone, and craftsmanship of its earlier instruments. It features an ebony fingerboard with dot inlays and a set of Tim Shaw humbucker pickups, celebrated for their clarity, warmth, and expressive dynamic range.The guitar comes directly from the collection of Steve Masters, one of the key voices behind San Francisco’s alternative radio movement on Live 105 (105.3 FM) during the eighties and nineties. Steve used this ES-335, often alongside his Telecaster, for live performances throughout the Bay Area, giving it a real working history rooted in the local music scene.Key Features • Year: 1988 • Serial Number: 83388555 • Model: ES-335 • Finish: Cherry • Fingerboard: Ebony with dot inlays • Pickups: Verified Tim Shaw humbuckers • Body: Semi-hollow maple • Neck: Mahogany • Hardware: Nickel • Bridge: Tune-O-Matic with stop tailpiece • Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way selectorConditionExcellent vintage condition. Light, honest playwear consistent with age and use. No structural issues, straight neck, healthy frets, and clean electronics. The Tim Shaw pickups sound articulate, open, and balanced. View images for more...ProvenanceSteve Masters shaped the voice of alternative radio in San Francisco, and this ES-335 was part of his musical life for years. The original hard shell case is covered in authentic backstage passes from landmark concerts and tours, creating a visual map of the era in which this guitar lived and worked.Backstage Passes on the Case Deee-Lite — The Warfield, 1991 Depeche Mode — World Violation Tour, 2007 Eurythmics — World Revival Tour, 1989 Front 242 — Tyranny Tour, 1991 Jesus Jones — The Warfield Aftershow, 1991 Peter Murphy — Deep Tour, 1990 The Ramones — Mondo Bizarro, The Greek Theatre, 1992 The Charlatans (UK) — The Warfield Aftershow, 1991 The Church — Gold Afternoon Fix Tour, 1990 The Fixx — Calm Animals, The Warfield, 1991 The Ramones — The Fillmore Aftershow, 1989 The Replacements — All Shook Down Tour, 1991 The Sisters of Mercy — Merciful Release, 1991These passes transform the case into a curated archive of late eighties and early nineties alternative culture, offering a rare glimpse into the era’s touring landscape and music history.Tone and FeelThe ebony fingerboard adds clarity, speed, and articulation, while the semi-hollow maple body brings warmth and resonance. Combined with the Tim Shaw pickups, the guitar delivers a balanced and expressive tone, rich in harmonics and responsive to dynamic playing. It excels across clean, edge-of-breakup, and driven settings.IncludedOriginal hard shell case with historic backstage passes. 👉🏼 Functionality = 10/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 👉🏼 Cosmetic = 8/10 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 📦 Los Gatos Music Exchange prefers to ship within the continental US (and possibly Hawaii) 🌎 Message us directly for international shipping 🏘 Local pickup is also welcome ** As this item is considered VINTAGE/USED, it is in the condition described and sold 'As-Described' with no returns. Images are of the actual item(s) and may contain AI generated backgrounds and are for illustrative purposes only **
Price$5,750
+ $75 Shipping
