1964 Gibson ES-335 TDC

by ST
(Michigan)

Hello, I have the opportunity to purchase a Gibson ES-335 TDC from the original owner for a very reasonable price.
The serial # is 66406. It is in outstanding original condition except for the straplocks and some 2 way tape on the pickguard (removeable). He claims he bought it in new from a music store in 1971. I think it is a 1964 and must have sat in the store for years. Serial # is stamped in the headstock, (No made in USA) The sticker inside is Orange and does not say "union Made". The bright work is Nickel not chrome. Has Stop Tail and double ring/single stripe Klusons. What is the true Year and Value of this guitar?

Thank You
ST

ANSWER

Hi, ST--

The serial number indicates that this guitar was made at the Kalamazoo Plant, USA approximately in 1964.

Here is the Blue Book general info:
(the "C" stands for Cherry finish)

ES-335 TD (1958-1982 MFG.)
- double round cutaway semi-hollow bound body, arched maple top, interior maple block runs down the middle of body between tailpiece and endpin, unbound f-holes, raised layered black or tortoiseshell pickguard, maple back/sides, mahogany neck, 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot (originally mfg. 1958-1962) or block (became standard 1962) inlays, tune-o-matic bridge, stop, trapeze, or Bigsby tailpiece, blackface peghead with pearl crown/logo inlay, 3-per-side tuners, nickel hardware, 2 covered humbucker PAF pickups, 2 volume/2 tone controls (see-through gold bell knobs on early mfg.), 3-position switch, available in various finishes, including Ebony (1974-79, ES-335 TD), Wine Red (1975-79, ES-335 TD), Walnut, Cherry, Natural (1958-1960, rare), Sunburst (1958-1970, and 1974), or Tobacco Sunburst (mfg. 1974 only), 16 in. wide by 1.625 in. deep, 24.75 in. scale, mfg. 1958-1982.

Pricing Info:

1962-1964 Block/Stop Patent No.

Mint $22,500
Exc.+ $17,500
Exc. $14,000
Avg.+ $11,000
Avg. $9,000
General $7,500

FYI--if it really WERE a 1971, the price is hugely different:

1970-1976
$3,500
$3,000
$2,600
$2,300
$2,000
$1,750

Lynne