1969 Gibson ES-335TDC, Ex-Dennis Greaves - Nine Below Zero

A superb playing 1969 Gibson ES-335 TDC, formerly owned by Dennis Greaves of Nine Below Zero. Finished in cherry this one is a properly road-worn, player-grade example with bags of character and a killer tone!

Nine Below Zero are one of the great British rhythm and blues bands, formed in South London in the late 1970s by guitarist and vocalist Dennis Greaves. Known for their raw, high-energy take on blues, R&B and pub rock, the band built a fierce live reputation and remain a much-loved name among British blues fans.

Aesthetically this one wears its battle scars with pride after years of use with it's previous owner. It's had a few changes and repairs over the years indicative of a working instrument, but it remains a highly functional guitar and a real testament to why ES-335s have been relied upon by working musicians across a wide range of styles over the years.

Internally, the guitar retains its Union Made orange label with the serial number present. The pickups are the correct Patent Number humbuckers with their stickers intact. The covers have been off at some point and the pickups read 7.14k in the neck and 8.35k in the bridge. Tonally they are very much the highlight of the instrument: warm, balanced, open and articulate, with that lovely semi-hollow bloom.

It has a headstock break and repair, with overspray to the neck, while the body finish appears correct albeit heavily crazed and worn. It has been refretted, fitted with a new nut, and some of the pearl block inlays have been replaced. The tuners are later Schallers and it has also been converted to stop tailpiece with a repro, wired MIJ ABR-style Chrome bridge. There is a small repair around the jack area, now covered by a plastic surround, and the original pickguard is missing. 

In terms of playability, the neck has the slim rounded profile typical of the period, and it feels excellent in the hand with a very comfortable, easy-playing carve. Measurements are 40mm at the nut, 21mm deep at the 1st fret and 24.4mm deep at the 12th fret.

All in all this is a genuinely great-sounding vintage Gibson semi that has clearly earned its miles! Plugged in, it is a superb instrument: warm, balanced, lively and extremely usable, with the sort of feel and look of a guitar that has been played and enjoyed for decades. A great player’s 335 with superb pickups, cool wear, bags of character and excellent provenance.