Gibson ES-335TD Sunburst (1964)

1964 Gibson ES-335TD in original Sunburst finish just into the shop on consignment!

There's no surprise in the vintage guitar world that 1964 is widely regarded as a special year for Gibson electrics. For one, it's the last full year of "wide nut" production, which is typically the most in-demand spec for a 60s Gibson. In a close second, perhaps, would be humbucking pickups. These Patent # humbuckers share DNA with the late PAF spec and provide essentially the same tone, just with a different sticker on the baseplate.

By all accounts this ES-335 shipped out earlier in the year given its 5-digit serial number, and was incredibly well maintained (and frankly not played much) throughout its life. It left the factory as a stoptail model, though it was once outfitted with a period-correct Bigsby many years back. You'll find a couple of "snake bites" as evidence of the old install, and the Bigsby is included should its next owner decide to whamify the guitar. The original Sunburst finish is rich and unfaded, with nice clean lacquer that shows minor wear, and clean plastics and hardware with light patina throughout. Three of the original nylon saddles became brittle and cracked, and were replaced with period-correct nylon saddles. There's a small chip-out on the backside corner of the headstock, which is probably the most notable wear spot on the guitar.

The aforementioned humbuckers sound amazing, with a distinct combination of clarity and punch that these great pickups are known for. The bridge and neck pickups had their positions swapped for more favorable tonal balance given their respective DCR readings, but the covers have never been off and the original harness remains fully intact.

The guitar includes some great case candy, including paperwork, the Bigsby, and an old set of Ernie Ball strings! The original Lifton case is in excellent shape as well.