Gibson ES-335TD Model Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1969), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 869161, black lacquer re- finish, laminated maple body, mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, molded black plastic hard shell case.
This is late 1960s ES-335TD has been neatly refinished in black lacquer, giving it an unusual ( and pretty badass) look for the period. The instrument has also seen some player-oriented modifications over the years (stoptail conversion, Grover tuners) but remains a fine playing and sounding guitar with a killer vibe.
The stop tailpiece was added long ago replacing the original trapeze. This common player modification is not period correct for the later 1960s but many players then and now feel it makes the guitar a better sounding and handling instrument. The original Kluson tuners were replaced with Grover Rotomatics before the refinish, so there are no errant holes in the headstock.
Apart from these changes features are typical for 1968-9 with chrome-plated hardware including the Tune-O-Matic bridge with nylon saddles and twin "patent #" humbucking pickups. The bound rosewood fingerboard has pearloid block inlay and the slimmer nut width typical of this era; the neck is fairly thin back to front as well with a very fast feel. The black back-painted plastic knobs are the older late 1950s style pieces and not the original type.
Gibson made a lot of 335's in this era but VERY few black ones; although one is not original this is a very high quality lacquer job and one of the few ebony-finished late '60s semi-solid Gibson we have had. While its collectability factor is lessened by the refinish and stop tail conversion this is a fine player's guitar; super sharp looking and great sounding with a real ring even when not plugged in.
Overall length is 41 1/2 in. (105.4 cm.), 15 7/8 in. (40.3 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 9/16 in. (40 mm.).
While no longer a fully original instrument this is still a very nice player showing only very minor wear since the refinish. The black lacquer finish job is very clean, pro quality and great looking with only light handling wear. The pickups are the original patent # units and sound great; the chrome covers have been off and on again (the solder is a bit sloppy) and the neck pickup for some reason is missing the small screws on the underside securing the polepiece-equipped bobbin. The patent sticker is lost from that base, but intact on the bridge unit. The visible wiring appears original including the pots and caps.
The stop tail addition was neatly done before the refinish; the screw holes from the trapeze can still be seen on the back rim but are mostly filled in. The Groverization was also very neat, once again the refinish covers any evidence. The Tune-O-Matic bridge with Nylon saddles and laminated pickguard are original, the switch tip appears more recent. The serial number appears to have been at least partially re-etched when the refinish was done; it is visible but one digit reads a "5" on the headstock and a "6" on the still-intact original orange label.
The original large frets have been crowned a bit with plenty of meat left remaining and the nut replaced. This is a fine playing and really great sounding example of this late '60s ES-335 in a very stage-worthy and striking ebony look. It resides in a modern molded HSC, ready for the road. Very Good + Condition.
