1962 Gibson ES-335TD Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends
Please note: This guitar has been purchased by one of our customers, and is no longer available for sale. For instruments now available, please visit our Instruments section here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments as they arrive, please contact joev@archtop.com. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.
archtop.com
1962 Gibson ES-335TD
Serial #: 84967
Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24.9" Nut Width: 1 11/16"
Finish: Original cherry finish, nitrocellulose type
Materials: Solid Honduras mahogany neck; maple top back, and sides; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard
Hardware: All original hardware, including original twin Patent Applied For pickups with original nickel covers, original nickel stop tailpiece, original nickel Tuneamatic bridge (early version, stamped ABR-1, with original nylon saddles and no retaining wire) original black bonnet volume and tone knobs; original beveled b/w/b/w/b pickguard with nickel support bracket; original nickel-plated Kluson Deluxe tuners with correct recent double ring tulip pegs, original Gibson truss rod cover.
Notes: Introduced in 1958, the ES-335TD ("Thin Double-cutaway") 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.
This example combines some of the most sought-after features of the earliest 335's. Twin original PAF pickups for superlative tone. Original stop tailpiece for maximum sustain. And all nickel hardware for a 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 neck has a gentle "C" profile, nicely slim but not too skinny. The original frets are the classic early 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 PAF pickups produce a smooth, high output signal with lots of snap and sustain. And the overall condition of the instrument is truly extraordinary. The instrument has been babied its entire life, and shows no appreciable pick, buckle or thumbwear. After much squinting, we concluded that the notoriously unstable original plastic tuning buttons had been deftly replaced on the original shafts. With just a hint of light checking in the original nitro finish, some fogging of the original nickel plating, and some pick traces on the guard it would appear that this guitar spent most of it's career nestled in the deep gold plush of its black alligator case.
It's expensive, of course, but thousands less than those few other survivors currently available for sale. Please feel free to call for an in-hand description of this exceptional find.
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 Gibson black alligator hardshell case.
Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends
Please note: This guitar has been purchased by one of our customers, and is no longer available for sale. For instruments now available, please visit our Instruments section here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments as they arrive, please contact joev@archtop.com. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.