This guitar is a commission sale. If you have a high-end or vintage instrument you’re interested in selling, please contact us. This guitar is for sale to UK BUYERS ONLY. Collection or delivery by specialist courier only. Please contact us to arrange. Here for sale we have an incredible piece of Gibson history. This is an early '60s Gibson ES-335TDC in Cherry finish. The ES-335 was first introduced in 1958 as part of Gibson's Electric Spanish series, and was the world's first thinline archtop, with the 'TDC' designation in the model number denoting a thinline body with double humbucking pickups & Cherry finish. Prior to the Les Paul in 1952, Gibson only produced hollow body instruments. Due to the increasing use of electric pickups, their hollow body models were falling out of favour because of their propensity for feedback, and whilst the solid body alternatives solved this problem, they lacked the warmth and character that Gibson instruments were known for. The ES-335 with its centre block was introduced as a middle-ground between the two, and has since become known as an incredibly versatile and flexible instrument in the hands of countless musicians, remaining in continuous production since its introduction. From 1961 until the current date-based serial number system introduced in 1977, Gibson used a rather confusing 6 digit system. Whilst intended to simplify the dating of instruments, we find that in fact the serial number alone is not enough to pinpoint a year of manufacture during this period, and other factors and design feature changes have to be taken into account in order to accurately date an instrument. This particular example carries the serial number '100890'. This puts it in a range widely agreed to indicate a manufacture date in either '63 or '67. The pot codes that we have been able to read (1346028) indicate that they were made by Centralab in the 28th week of 1960. Parts bins in the factory were re-stocked as needed, meaning that it is quite possible that a pot manufactured in '60 sat around unused until '63, however it is unlikely to have remained unused until '67. It is also generally accepted that Gibson began transitioning to CTS pots in '63, and by 1964 Centralab pots had been almost completely phased out. The label in the bass side F-hole is another indicating factor which can help to identify the manufacture date. The orange label was in use from 1955 up until Norlin's purchase of Gibson in 1969, however a very subtle change was made to the label in 1964 to include the words 'Union Made' to the left of the Gibson insignia. 1964 was the transition year while the remaining labels were used up. The absence of these words in conjunction with the serial number is a strong indication that this instrument was manufactured in 1963. Another factor which points towards the instrument being manufactured in '63 is the presence of the stopbar tailpiece, which was the only factory option in that year. ES-335 models shipped after 1965 featured a trapeze tailpiece. This example does have screw holes present to the bottom edge where a trapeze tailpiece seems to have been fitted. However the screw holes do not appear original because they do not match up with the tailpiece fasteners seen on other examples from this era. The fact that multiple holes have been drilled points towards a tailpiece being fitted at some point during the instrument's life, perhaps with extra screws. One would also expect that the fastener would be symmetrical, but on this instrument there is an extra screw hole on the bass side of the strap button which is not matched on the treble side. This suggests that the holes were not drilled in the factory but by an owner or luthier at some stage during the guitar's life. In a similar vein, the underside of the bridge is stamped 'Gibson ABR-1'. This is a practice which was discontinued in 1965, and along with the Nylon saddles and wire retainer which were standard features by 1963, we can be confident that the bridge was made between '63 & '65. The stopbar tailpiece is finished in nickel, and bears all the markings of a genuine Gibson stopbar such as the string slots and casting line underneath. From '65 it is widely accepted that the stopbar was finished in Chrome, and ES-335 models were shipped with a trapeze tailpiece as previously mentioned. Given all of the evidence above, we can be confident of this instrument's authenticity and originality as a 1963 Gibson ES-335TDC.

Verification report

1963 examples of the ES-335 are widely regarded as some of the best around for a variety of reasons, not least the reputation of quality that Gibsons of the late '50s & early '60s command. The neck profile is also slimmer on instruments of this vintage. This example plays beautifully, exuding a character that has built up over its 60 year life. The neck is indeed surprisingly slim, offering comfortable and easy playability in any position. The wear to the rear tells the story of countless hours of playing, feeling smooth and supremely comfortable as you navigate the fretboard. The Brazilian Rosewood is rich and luxurious under the fingers, with a tight grain and dark colour which contrasts beautifully with the Pearl block inlays. The pickups deliver a sweet warmth; a voice which is quintessential ES-335 whilst remaining unique. There is incredible clarity with clean sounds, and a smooth growl when adding a little gain. They saturate beautifully when you really drive the amp too- this guitar really can do it all. It really is an incredible feeling to play an instrument from Gibson's golden era, especially one that has been cared for so well throughout its life without being mollycoddled - it proudly displays the signs of a life well lived and loved. This is your chance to be the next chapter in this incredible instrument's story. Brand- Gibson Model- ES-335TDC Finish- Cherry Year- c.1963 Made In- USA Body- Laminated Maple Neck- Mahogany Fingerboard- Brazilian Rosewood Fingerboard Radius- 12" Frets- 22 Scale Length- 24.75" Nut Width- 1.6725" Pickups- 2x Original Gibson Patent No. Humbuckers (Neck 7.62kΩ, Bridge 7.37kΩ) Controls- 3-Way Toggle Switch, Neck Volume, Neck Tone, Bridge Volume, Bridge Tone Luthier Report Our ID: 1280825130040 Weight: 8.35lbs Serial: 100890 Aesthetic Condition: Headstock: Overall good condition, the finish on the edges has worn away around almost the entire perimeter, with the corners and edges themselves being slightly rounded and the wood beneath exposed. All aspects of the headstock demonstrate consistent scratching, chipping and indentation in line with a well played instrument of this age. Neck: Overall good condition, the finish to the rear of the neck demonstrates notable wear, with patches worn down to the base coat or even in some cases bare wood. Notable lacquer checking is present at the rear behind the nut but no evidence of break or repair is apparent. The binding demonstrates cracking throughout the register and the nibs have been removed in a previous re-fret. It is still firmly attached to the neck. The fingerboard demonstrates playwear and pitting of the wood throughout the register. The rear of the neck demonstrates chipping, scratching and indentation throughout the register. Body: Overall good condition, all aspects of the body demonstrate chipping, indentation and scratching of the finish. The binding has shrunk in several places leaving a small gap, but appears structurally sound. The finish surrounding the bridge and stop tail demonstrates the most notable chipping. The finish is very slightly hazy due to the age of the nitro, however this is to be expected. Condition of Frets: The frets are not original, lacking any fret nibs & appearing wider than the vintage narrow type frets we would expect. The frets demonstrate notable signs of use, not affecting playability. There is a very small amount of material remaining for future fret work. The owner has elected not to re-fret this instrument to allow the new owner to specify their own requirements with their own luthier. Current Set Up: Truss Rod: Fully functional. There is plenty of room left to adjust the truss rod and it performs perfectly. Truss rod tool (5​/​16" socket) not included. Hardware: Fully functional with moderate signs of wear. The tuning machines are stiff but work correctly and hold tune well. It seems they have been replaced at some stage as they are stamped ‘Gibson Deluxe’ rather than the ‘Kluson Deluxe’ that we would expect in this year. The pickup covers are notably oxidised but this does not affect functionality. Structural: No concerns or issues to note. A very slight gap is apparent around the neck heel, however this is to be expected on an instrument of this age. ` Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1.5mm - Bass 2mm Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height. Strings on Guitar - 10-46 For more detail we strongly advise carefully inspecting the photographs or reaching out to us to provide closer photos if needed. The guitar can be viewed in person upon request. Electrics: Fully functional and all original. Case & Accessories: Aftermarket G4M tweed hard case The case demonstrates notable signs of wear remaining functional. The rear latch has broken off, the latch mechanism is included in the case. No truss rod tool included.