1978 Gibson ES-335 Left Handed

Vintage lefties are rare—but finding a left-handed 1978 Gibson ES-335 in its original Sunburst finish with factory coil split and original Gibson “tarback” humbuckers is a real gem. This Norlin-era semi-hollow delivers classic ES tone that make it a true player’s vintage piece.

It features a solid maple center block, a 1 5/8" nut width, and a comfortable maple neck. The factory coil-split switch allows you to switch between full humbucker warmth and a tighter, brighter single-coil-like voice on the fly—giving you far more versatility than the average 335. The tarback pickups offer bold articulation, great midrange character, and vintage clarity that suits everything from jazz to classic rock.

In very good to excellent condition, this guitar has light signs of use and one hairline finish crack near the coil split switch (purely cosmetic, not structural). A rare, stage- and studio-ready vintage Gibson built for southpaws.

Specifications

Model: Gibson ES-335
Year: 1978
Orientation: Left-Handed
Finish: Original Sunburst
Body: Laminated Maple with Solid Maple Center Block
Neck: 3-Piece Maple
Neck Profile: Medium C
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Nut Width: 1 5/8"
Scale Length: 24.75"
Frets: 22 (Original – light wear)
Inlays: Small Pearloid Blocks
Bridge: Nashville Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece: Stopbar
Tuners: Gibson Deluxe
Pickups: Original Gibson Tarback Humbuckers
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle + Factory Coil Split Mini Toggle
Electronics: All original and functional
Hardware: Chrome
Case: Original hardshell case included
Made in: USA

Condition

• Overall: Very Good to Excellent Vintage Condition

• Finish: Original Sunburst in great shape; light scuffing and small dings from honest play

• Cracks/Repairs: One hairline finish crack near the coil split switch – cosmetic only

• Knobs: Non-original with the functionalities etched into them crudely

• Neck: Straight, no issues; plays smoothly

• Frets: Moderate wear, plays clean

• Electronics: 100% functional, original

• Case: Original Hardshell

Why You’ll Love It

This isn’t just a vintage ES-335—it’s a rare left-handed, factory-original sunburst model with tarbacks and coil split, offering tones you won’t get from a typical '70s semi-hollow. It nails that warm, singing ES voice but also gives you the edge and clarity to cut through in any band or mix. Plus, it looks the part, with a beautifully aged vintage sunburst top that’s full of character.

Packed securely, shipped fully insured, and handled with care.
Happy to answer questions or provide additional pics, clips, or details upon request.