Gibson ES 335 TD

by Scott Ebner
(Seattle, Washington)

The guitar was purchased in 1969. It has been played very little since then. It is in high average condition. The serial number is 323245. I was told that 65-69's fall in the serial number range of 300000-599999. Not sure if that is correct. Took it to Guitar Center just to gauge their level of interest. They said without a true appraisal they valued it between $8,000-$13,000

ANSWER

Hi, Scott--

The serial number comes up as 1965.

Here is the Blue Book general info:

ES-335 TD (1958-1982 MFG.) Add to Collection
- 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.

The pricing info:

1965-1966 Block/Trapeze N/A
Mint $10,000
Exc.+ $8,000
Exc. $6,500
Avg.+ $5,500
Avg. $4,500
General $3,500

Historic Prices:
2008 1965-1969 $6,000 $5,500 $4,750 $4,300 $3,850 $3,100

2007 1965-1969 N/A $6,000 $5,500 $4,750 $4,300 $3,850 $3,100

So, it appears that the value is going up.

Lynne