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1963 Gibson ES-335TD

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Serial #: 132481, orange label

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 1/2" Nut Width: 1 10/16"

Finish: Original cherry finish, nitrocellulose type

Materials: Solid Honduras mahogany neck; maple top back, and sides; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard.

Hardware: Original nickel hardware includes twin Patent number pickups, Kluson Deluxe tuners with double ring tulip pegs, stop tail assembly, black reflector cap volume and tone knobs; beveled b/w/b/w/b pickguard with nickel support bracket; 3 way switch and truss rod cover. Correct vintage antiqued nickel Gibson ABR-1 Tuneomatic bridge.

Notes: Introduced in 1958, the ES-335TD ("Thin Double-pickup") cemented Gibson's reputation for cutting-edge innovation combined with classic traditional design. The thin body was easier for players to hold, the inner block enhanced sustain and reduced feedback, and the new humbucking pickups set a standard for quiet operation, high output, and sweet, fat tone. Small wonder that the 335 became an instant classic, and has remained one of the worlds' most popular electric guitars to this day.

This example combines some of the most sought-after features of the earliest 335's. Twin original Pat# pickups for superlative tone. Stop tailpiece for maximum sustain. And all-nickel hardware for that burnished vintage look. The deep cherry finish shows the slab-cut figured maple body to great advantage, and contrasts elegantly with the jet-black pickguard and control knobs.

The instrument has been kept by its current owner for almost three decades, and has been maintained in wonderful condition. Almost entirely free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, the instrument shows only some scattered light normal checking in the all-original cherry finish. The neck has a gentle "C" profile, nicely slim but not too skinny; the body and neck are well balanced, and the instrument sits comfortably on the lap or the shoulder. The original Patent number humbuckers produce a smooth, high output signal with lots of snap and sustain. An original stop tail model, the guitar had a Bigsby fitted and removed long ago, and a small toggle switch hole filled and spot finished near the bass soundhole. A rare opportunity to get original early 60's performance at a reissue price.

Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation set; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.

Case: Original deluxe Gibson black hardshell case with yellow plush lining.

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