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1964 Gibson ES-335TD

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Serial #: 69399

Body size at lower bout: 16". Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut Width: 1 11/16"

Finish: Original sunburst finish, nitrocellulose type

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

Hardware: All original nickel hardware includes twin Patent # pickups with original covers, Kluson Deluxe double line tuners with double ring tulip pegs, Tune-o-matic bridge with metal saddles and retaining wire, aluminum stop tail bar; gold reflector cap volume and tone knobs, beveled b/w/b/w/b pickguard with nickel support bracket, 3 way pickup selector switch, truss rod cover .

Notes: Clapton's live recording of 'Crossroads' may just be the most famous solo in rock history. And Eric's 1964 ES-335 is the guitar that played it. That legendary axe sold for almost $850,000. But you can pick up this gorgeous original for...just a little less.

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 gleaming example was built in the last year for the most sought-after features of the first-generation ES-335. Stop tail construction for maximum sustain. The generous full width 1 11/16" fingerboard, with gentle D profile neck. Twin original Pat. sticker pickups for superlative tone. And all-nickel hardware for that burnished vintage look. The handsome sunburst finish shows the slab-cut figured maple body to great advantage, and contrasts elegantly with the jet-black pickguard and gold reflector cap control knobs.

One of just 218 sunburst examples built in its model year, this exceptional guitar has been lovingly kept by its current owner for several decades. Maintained in superb condition, the instrument is without cracks, pick or fingerboard wear. And apart from a few scattered lacquer nicks and a bit of normal thumbwear on the neck, the guitar shows few signs of play altogether. An original stop tail model, the guitar has never been fitted with a vibrola, and has all stock hardware, electronics and wiring, including the original Sprague tone caps. The original Pat. sticker pickups produce a smooth, high output signal with lots of snap and endless sustain. Action is smooth and low, with immaculate pro fretwork over a fine straight Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and the solid mahogany neck has an eye-catching barber pole grain figure. The original Kluson Deluxe tuners have been restored to the peghead with hand-antiqued nickel bushings, and a tiny strap pin hole neatly filled at the tip of the bass cutaway horn.

All nestled in its handsome original Gibson black alligator hardshell case, complete with badge from Hullings Music House, Des Moines, 9, Iowa. If you hurry, you can bag this stunning original for less than the cost of the Clapton reissues. But don't be left standing at the Crossroads: call now.

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 Faultless black alligator arched hardshell case with gold plush lining.

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