Gibson ES-335TD Cherry (1963)

A benchmark example of Gibson's legendary semi-hollow electric

Just in from the family of the original owner out of Noblesville, Indiana - a gorgeous 1963 Gibson ES-335TD in original Cherry finish!

It probably goes without saying at this point, but here at TME we just can't get enough of guitars like this finding their way out into the wild for the first time since they were originally sold as new instruments. And when they're as special as this ES-335, that romanticism never withers...

This is one of those Gibsons that represents the "perfect storm" of sorts when it comes to early/mid 60s Kalamazoo electrics. We'd wager a guess that it was completed sometime earlier in the year, but shares some features we typically see into the later part and into 1964, and that's what makes it so unique. Mickey Mouse ears and an original, undisturbed pair of PAF humbuckers combine with a '59-meets-'64 neck profile to make it one of the best spec'ed vintage 335s we've encountered to date. PAFs in a 335 in '63, you say?!? Yes, that's right! You can imagine our surprise as well. It's not entirely uncommon, but given production timelines and transitions from PAF to Patent # started happening in the prior year, it becomes much rarer to find two PAFs loaded into this model during this period. We've seen our share of ES-175s and ES-335s from 1962 that have a mix of PAF/Pat # or two Pat # that it goes to show just how unlikely finding two PAFS in a '63 build can be.

If you're familiar with any early 60s Gibson electrics, than chances are you have this neck profile already figured out. Again, we were proven wrong when we first got our hands on this one. The best way to describe it? A little bit of '62/'63 with a healthy dose of '59/'64 - it's just a wonderful playing neck with a perfect balance of comfort, fullness, and taper that would satisfy almost any player.

The guitar was a prized piece for the original owner, who played at home and out with friends, picking on country tunes together over the years. While it does exhibit some honest play wear and some old fashioned yellowing of the finish/parts from now decades-old tobacco exposure, it was very well maintained over the years. Nothing had ever been replaced on the guitar. In fact, it features such a cool personal addition that we elected to leave it in place - an old Wile E. Coyote decal adorns the original pickguard!

And when it comes to tone? This is what it's all about, folks. Incredible air and sparkle combined with warmth, fullness, and punch that only these old PAFs seem to possess. Every pickup position leaves us shaking our collective heads. It should be highlighted that the Bigsby tailpiece seems to impart a touch of extra zing or bounce to the guitar's response, and all without compromising its fundamental power.

We flipped the original no-wire ABR-1 to stabilize the often jumpy original saddles, and it's playing and sounding as good as ever. Otherwise, just minor cleaning of the electronics, some light fret dressing and a finely tuned setup have got this 335 singing.

Paired with a vintage Ess & Ess hardshell case.