Gibson / ES-335TD / 1972 / Cherry / Guitar
This fantastic early 70’s 335 is in stunning condition. This has to be the cleanest example out there and is as near to mint condition as you could possibly expect. A superb collector grade example which sounds and plays every bit as good as it looks.
First introduced in 1958 the ES-335 has become one of the most popular models in Gibson’s history due to its fantastic playability, sonic versatility and timeless style. The model underwent some subtle changes during the 60’s with block fretboard inlays replacing the original dot inlays, reshaped cutaways (with the original ‘Mickey Mouse’ ears giving way to slightly thinner horns), different neck profiles throughout the 60’s and into the 70’s, and a narrower 41mm nut width introduced in 1965 along with the trapeze tailpiece.
With the pre-’65 spec ES-335’s commanding premium prices and becoming more and more scarce on the vintage market, players and collectors have started to look at the post-’65 spec 335’s as more affordable alternatives and these are now becoming much more collectable with prices appreciating due to the increasing demand.
So here is a 1972 example in as close to mint condition as you’re ever likely to find. This is the cleanest example of any 50+ year old guitar that we’ve ever seen and aside from a small nick on the top edge of the headstock (see pictures) the guitar looks as fresh as the day it left the factory. It really is a time capsule example.
Acoustically the guitar has a nice mid-range focus with plenty of natural sustain. Plug it in to a decent tube amp and the pair of stickered Pat No pick-ups deliver a wide range of tones depending on your amp settings. These pick-ups have a depth, clarity and bite on both clean and overdriven settings that works exceptionally well with pretty much any genre.
The neck profile is a slim tapered C profile which goes from slim down at the 1st fret to reasonably chunky when you get beyond the 7th fret. It’s a very easy neck to play and if you tend to favour necks that are on the slimmer side then this could be your ideal.
If you’ve been on the lookout for a good late 60’s/early 70’s 335 then here is 100% original example that is in exceptional investment grade condition, and which plays and sounds superb. Good clean original examples like this don’t come up for sale very often.
Comes with the original Gibson hard shell case which is in very good condition.
Weight: 7lb 13oz
Pick up readings: neck 7.8k, bridge 7.5k
**Please ask about shipping outside the UK**
20th Century Toys, UK
UK based vintage and vintage reissue dealer. We hand select original vintage guitars and limited edition reissues.