Fifty-Nine Series
Built in true vintage
fashion
The goal of the Fifty-Nine has never been to build another semi-hollow guitar.
The goal has been to understand what made the original 1959 instruments so special—and preserve the details that mattered.
From the correct plate count and thickness to hide glue construction, period-correct finish options, and the choice of fingerboard materials, every decision is made with the same question in mind:
Does it move us closer to the feel, response, and character of the originals?
The result is a guitar that stays remarkably true to its inspiration while delivering the consistency and confidence players expect.
Brazilian Rosewood Fingerboard - dot neck
The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard is crucial for the ‘59 spec, contributing significantly to its tonal quality and playability. Known for its rich, warm sound, Brazilian rosewood enhances the overall tonal characteristics of the guitar, providing depth and complexity. The smooth texture of the fingerboard allows for effortless play, making it ideal for various playing styles. This high-quality wood, combined with the instrument's expert craftsmanship, results in a visually stunning and sonically versatile guitar that embodies the essence from ‘59.
Hide Glue & Plate count
A key feature in the ‘59 specs is Hide Glue. One of its most significant advantages is its exceptional acoustic properties, which make it ideal for creating instruments that need to resonate fully. The strong bonds formed by hide glue facilitate optimal vibration transfer, thereby enhancing the resonance and overall tone of the guitar.
Equally as important is the correct number of ply’s used for the top, back, and sides. Here in the shop, we make our own ply, all with accurate thickness and plate count. This enriches the way the body breathes and responds.
Handwound custom Pickups
After spending time with countless pickup combinations, Ron Ellis’ Fifty-Nine set consistently landed closest to the response, clarity, and dynamic range we were looking for. For that reason, every Fifty-Nine is equipped with this exclusive set. Each pickup is designed to replicate the true tonal characteristics of vintage pickups while offering consistent performance. The result is a rich, dynamic sound that captures the essence of the ‘59 era. Ron’s pickups deliver the experience of unparalleled quality and craftsmanship that comes from a build focused on authenticity and detail.
Finish Options
One of the goals behind the Fifty-Nine has always been to stay as true as possible to the guitars that inspired it. In 1959, the ES-335 was offered in three finishes: Burst, Natural, and Cherry. For that reason, we’ve chosen to offer those same three finishes on the Fifty-Nine.
Vintage Cherry
59 Burst
Vintage Natural
Simple. Classic. Period correct.
Choose Your Fifty-Nine
Every Fifty-Nine shares the same construction, voice, and attention to detail.
Choose between Old Growth Indian Rosewood or Brazilian Rosewood—reserved for just ten builds each year.
Build Pricing
Fifty-Nine
$8,000 - 2027
Built with an Old Growth Indian Rosewood fingerboard, the Fifty-Nine delivers everything that defines this series—hide glue construction, period-correct plate construction, and the exclusive Ron Ellis Fifty-Nine pickups—without the annual production limit.
Built to be played every day
Fifty-Nine Brazilian
$9,500 - 2027
Built with a Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard, the Fifty-Nine Brazilian shares the same hide glue construction, period-correct plate construction, and exclusive Ron Ellis Fifty-Nine pickups found throughout the series.
Reserved for only 10 players each year
Reserve one of 10 Brazilian Rosewood Fifty-Nine build slots available for 2027.
Your $500 deposit secures your place on the 2027 build calendar and will be applied toward the final price of your guitar.
Once your build is reserved, I’ll contact you personally to begin working through the details and specifications of your Fifty-Nine.
2027 Fifty-Nine Brazilian Rosewood builds start at $9,500.
Deposits are non-refundable.