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1965 Gibson ES-335 TD

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Serial #: 304481, orange oval 'Union Made' label

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 1/2" Nut Width: 1 9/16"

Finish: Original sunburst finish, nitrocellulose type

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

Hardware: Original hardware includes twin Patent Number pickups with original covers and electronics; ABR-1 Tuneamatic bridge with original nylon saddles and retaining wire; gold reflector volume and tone knobs; beveled b/w/b/w/b pickguard with support bracket. Hand antiqued vintage style hardware includes nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners with double ring tulip pegs; nickel stop tailpiece and studs.

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 PAF humbucking pickups set a new 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.

The handsome sunburst finish shows the slab-cut figured maple body to great advantage, and contrasts elegantly with the jet-black pickguard and gold control knobs. The neck has a fast, easy "C" profile, ideal for those seeking the sleekest neck Gibson ever produced. The original frets are the classic mid 60's medium-jumbos, famously easy to play. The body and neck are well balanced, and the instrument sits comfortably on the lap or the shoulder. The patent-number pickups are all original, and produce a smooth, high output signal with lots of snap and sustain.

A handwritten indication on the label would date the guitar to August of 1965, and the peghead serial is stamped as a second, for some incidental nick or ding that time has long forgotten. The instrument has been very well cared for, and shows no cracks, pick, or thumb wear. Apart from a few lacquer dings, buckle dents and a bit of scattered normal checking, the guitar is in wonderful condition, and plays superbly, with smooth sweet buttery tone. With the addition of the hand antiqued nickel stop tail, the guitar has the increased sustain and bluesy eloquence of the most treasured late 50's examples, at a working player's price. An outstanding example of one of the most desirable electric guitars of all time.

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 black Gibson deluxe gold plush lined hardshell case.

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