1965 Gibson ES-335TD, Sunburst ('64 spec)

A superb mid-’60s Gibson ES-335 TD, this 1965 example is a particularly good one, combining a great-looking sunburst finish with the ever-desirable ’64 spec and single ownership from the late ’60s. This one has the spec players look for from this period: stop tailpiece, nickel hardware, a pair of Pat No. humbuckers and a lovely comfortable neck profile with the wider nut measuring 1, 21/32" (42mm).

It is a guitar that feels every bit as good as it looks. The neck has a really inviting shape in the hand, with depths of 21mm at the 1st fret and 24.3mm at the 12th, giving it a nicely judged medium profile with enough substance without feeling cumbersome. The frets and nut appear original, with the frets now fairly low from dressing over the years, and there is honest neck play wear, buckle wear, and the knocks and dings you’d expect from a played instrument of this age. There is a small repair to the treble side headstock wing, and the G-string tuner sits slightly bent, but overall it presents very well, with plenty of character and just the right signs of age.

Sonically, this one is exactly what you’d hope for from a good ES-335. The Patent No. humbuckers measure 7.82k at the bridge and 7.73k at the neck, and together they deliver a wonderfully balanced, open, and expressive voice. It has real sweetness, chime, and clarity at the bridge, with excellent warmth, body, and richness from the neck pickup. Clean tones are articulate and airy, while pushed sounds retain plenty of bloom and sustain.

Quite simply, it’s a sublime sounding guitar and a genuinely great example from a very desirable year for the ES-335.