Gibson ES-335TDC Model Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar (1967), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 8668720, cherry lacquer finish, laminated maple body, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case.
This is a nice example of the classic 1960's ES-335TDC, in cherry finish complete with a Gibson Vibrola that was a factory option but not seen that often in this period. The instrument's other features are typical for 1966-7, with chrome-plated hardware including the Tune-O-Matic bridge with nylon saddles and two Gibson humbucking pickups with patent number sticker on the bases. There is a black ring around the switch that is not a standard fitting but appears original to the guitar-Gibson specs can be a bit varied in this just-post Ted McCarty era when the company lacked a firm hand on the tiller! Other typical features include enclosed Kluson Deluxe tuners with double-ring plastic buttons and the "capped" back-painted clear plastic knobs that were replaced within the next year with "amp" style black molded knobs. The bound rosewood fingerboard has pearloid block inlay and the nut width is the narrow 1 5/8" width adopted in late 1965.
Overall length is 41 9/16 in. (105.6 cm.), 16 in. (40.6 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 5/8 in. (41 mm.). Overall a nice example of a period 335 with some wear but all original with no repairs or major alterations. We did make a new bone nut, as the guitar appears to have spent part of its playing career strung left-handed and the original was no longer salvageable. There is also a spot of wear through the finish just above the bridge pickup, where it looks like an upside-down player's fingers likely rested on the face for some time and finish wear down to the wood on both sides of the neck. The finish has checking overall and some chips and dings, but no other major wear areas-there is some flaking to the lacquer from moisture on the bottom of the rim. The original frets are low but functional and the guitar plays and sounds excellent. A cool period 335, worn enough to gig but not abused; includes the original case which is somewhat worn but still serviceable. Excellent - Condition.
