1988 Gibson ES-335 "Showcase Edition" with factory EMG pickups
Very rare limited edition with black hardware and active EMG 60 and 85 pickups. It is a limited-run semi-hollow body guitar that came standard with factory-installed active EMG pickups and black hardware. Only 200 units were produced.
Pickups: The guitar featuresfactory-installed active EMG 60 and EMG 85 humbuckers. These pickups are known for their high output and clarity, a departure from the traditional passive pickups found in most ES-335s.
Body: It has asemi-hollow, double round cutaway laminated maple bodywith f-holes and cream binding.
Neck and Fingerboard: The neck is made ofmahoganywith a boundrosewoodfingerboard (some rare versions have ebony) and pearloid dot inlays. It generally has a comfortable "C" profile.
Hardware: The hardware is allblack, including Grover tuners, a tune-o-matic bridge, and a stop tailpiece. There is no pickguard.
Controls: The controls consist of two volume knobs, two tone knobs, and a three-way pickup selector switch, all with black top hat knobs.
Finish: The primary finish wasAlpine White(which often aged into a cream color over time), though a few custom finishes like "Olive Drab" have been seen.
Production: This was the "Guitar of the Month" for April 1988, with a limited total production of around 250 units (200 for the US, 50 worldwide).
Noteworthy Features
Unique Electronics: The inclusion of active EMG pickups from the factory is a defining and unusual feature for a Gibson semi-hollow body, offering a powerful, high-fidelity tone.
Rarity: Due to its limited production run, this specific model is a rare find.
Originality: The original configuration with EMG pickups and black hardware makes "all original" examples highly sought after by collectors.
