Gibson ES-335 DOT Owned by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1982)

Gibson ES-335 DOT Owned by Jeff Tweedy of Wilco Model Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1982), made in Nashville, TN, serial # 80242569, natural lacquer finish, laminated maple body, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original brown tolex hard shell case.

The ES-335 DOT model is one of Gibson's best regarded 1980s instruments, an early example of the company finding their way back to their own roots. Introduced in 1981 it is a really superb re-issue of the original 1958-9 ES-335 with a few more modern touches (most notable the Grover Rotomatic tuners many of the originals had added in the 70s). This second year model came stock with the then-new Tim Shaw humbucking pickups that have now become sought after in their own right as one of Gibson's best post-1950s PAF Humbuckers. This "DOT" was in Jeff Tweedy's hands for some time and mounts a Bigsby vibrato added for use with Wilco and beyond; the original stop tailpiece is still in the case pocket.
 
Overall length is 41 3/8 in. (105.1 cm.), 15 15/16 in. (40.5 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).

This very early blonde ES-335 Dot is now 44 years old and shows light wear overall, with the finish looking a bit weathered but not heavily worn, with lovely ambered natural patina showing minor checking, scuffs, and dents. The pickguard has some light scuffing and the nickel plating has some noticeable ageing and corrosion from play, most noticeable on the bridge and pickup covers. It appears to have been refretted along the way with larger 80s style wire; these frets show hardly any wear.

This blonde 335 has the classic look of the most desired original variant and carries a cool Dave Edmunds vibe, if you're old enough to remember! It has a great feeling round-backed neck, slimmer than some and plays and sounds beautifully for just about any style. The original case is a bit worn and has the typical Wilco loft marking strip along the bottom edge, reading "JT '82 Gibson ES-335 Natural" and the serial number. The original stop tailpiece, bolts and an additional switch tip are in the case pocket. As an extra Loft bonus a cool blue patterned Souldier ""Handmade in Chicago" strap is included as well. Overall Excellent - Condition.