1965 Gibson ES 335 TDC

by Robert Bullock
(Corbin, KY USA)

Cherry red Gibson ES 335 TDC serial number 362781 original case. Serial number was found on a label visible through the sound hole on one side of the top. It is original.

ANSWER

Hi, Robert--

Beautiful guitar!

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."

Additional info:

"Subtract approx. 25% if with Bigsby tailpiece.

Add 100% for Natural finish on this model (1958-1960, rare).
Add 15%-20% for custom colors.
In 1958, some instruments were unbound. In 1960, Cherry finish became an option. In 1960, the name changed to ES-335 TD, and a shorter pickguard replaced original pickguard. In 1962, block fingerboard inlays became standard, and Pat. No. pickups replaced original pickups. In 1964, trapeze tailpiece replaced original stop tailpiece. In 1970, Walnut finish became an option - some instruments included a slanted block fingerboard inlay. From 1969 to 1970, a neck volute was available. From 1971-79, approx. 130 left-hand ES-335 TD models were manufactured. In 1977, a coil tap switch was added. In 1982, this original version was discontinued in favor of the ES-335 Dot (a return to the 1960 style with dot fingerboard markers). The ES-335 TD Dot is currently known as the ES-335 TD (ESDT). Early ES-335s often have shallow neck angles and accordingly, the ABR-1 bridges on these instruments are shaved much thinner to accomodate the neck angle."

Pricing info:

1964-1966 (Block/Trapeze)
Mint $15,000
Exc.+ $12,000
Exc. $9,500
Avg.+ $7,750
Avg. $6,250
General $5,000

Best Wishes,
Lynne