Gibson's ES-335 was a revolutionary instrument upon its release in 1958. The double-cutaway, semi-hollow build of its body was an innovative design that inspired many of Gibson’s competitors to offer double-cut hollow body models of their own over the following years. While Gibson's ES-345 and ES-355 guitars shared many of the same elements of their less expensive sibling, the ES-335 was by far the most successful instrument in Gibson's line-up of Thinline guitars and has become one of the most iconic electric guitar models ever produced.

A late 1962 build, this early "block-marker" ES-335TDC features many of the most desirable ES-335 specs, including a factory stop-bar tailpiece, "mickey-mouse" ear horns, nickel hardware, and a wide nut width. The PAF-spec early Pat. No. pickups have never been opened and the wiring harness appears to be completely unmodified. This guitar is entirely original apart from a fresh set of frets installed here at Folkway Music, and the neck strap button mounting screw. There is a tiny binding repair on the bass-side of the neck at the end of the fingerboard extension. A Tonepros bridge and new nut are currently installed on the guitar, while the original ABR bridge, nut, and frets are housed in the guitar's case pocket.

Among the finest ES-335s that we have encountered, this 1962 semi-hollow is an inspiring instrument. The PAF-spec humbuckers are wonderfully dynamic and brimming with rich harmonic content. The bridge pickup (7.7K) delivers a full-bodied response with incredible clarity and beautiful top-end sparkle. The neck pickup (8.1K) offers a warm and rich voice with an airy, vocal-like quality and excellent articulation. This ES-335 is a notably resonant semi-hollow with a powerful and warm acoustic response that is no-doubt playing a big role in the guitar's amplified voice. With a first fret depth of 0.827" and neck thickness tapering up to 0.910" at the twelfth fret, the neck profile is quite comfortable and more full than the average early '60s carve. The guitar weighs a respectable 8.5 lbs.

This early '60s ES-335 presents beautifully, boasting a vibrant and largely unfaded Cherry Red finish. The guitar shows playwear typical of a 60 year old instrument; most notably, some buckle wear on the body’s backside. There are impressions and finish chips around the strap buttons from previously installed strap locks. 

A wonderful sounding stop tail 335 with top-notch playability, great looks, and original hardware and solder.

With original hardshell case.