PAF pickups, dot neck, long guard, mahogany and maple, original factory stop tail, need we go on? Early 1960 Gibson ES-335 TD anyone?

This is a first-rate example. The maple ply top is the quintessential 335 top which combined with the vibrant three-tone sunburst makes for an attractive prospect. It's evidently been well looked after and though there are a few dings and knocks, there is nothing that detracts from the overall look of the guitar. The back is in equally superb condition and has a subtle flame to it.

The classic ‘60 carve neck is as comfortable as you’d expect and is more like a late '59 than anything else. These are slightly meatier than you get in late 1960 and 1961 but still not quite as thick as a 59. This ES-335 left the Kalamazoo plant around February/March 1960.

The back of the neck is free of any dents and the lacquer is still glossy. The neck has been re-fretted at some point and the tuners have had their tips replaced. The frets and fretboard are in excellent condition and free from wear.

Worthy of note is the presence of a thin veneer strip on the back of the headstock that nobody had noticed before. This was done at the factory, either to cover up a flaw in the wood, or maybe some misplaced tuner holes, however to be totally sure it was not hiding anything nasty or nefarious we have had it extensively x-rayed which revealed... zero signs of any repairs or cracks at all.

Electrically, all is in correct, unaltered condition with some mega sounding, long magnet PAF's that have a reading of 7.92k and 7.98k

The plastics are in terrific condition showing no real signs of wear. The long guard hasn't warped either. 

Hardware is in good shape with only a little discolouration.

This guitar comes with its correct 5 latch Lifton brown and pink hard case which like the guitar, is in excellent condition too. Also included is a nice array of case candy including a strap, strings and various tags and instruction leaflets (see pics). Interestingly, there is a tag dated August 1960 when the original owner took the guitar in for an adjustment of the action.

Unplugged there is plenty of volume with a full tone that you won’t want to put down. Plugged in this fullness translates into a wonderful sustain and the PAF pickups that compliment these fundamental attributes.

There is a reason we seek out guitars from specific years as more often than not these guitars hold a certain magic that cannot be replicated. This 1960 Gibson ES-335 is just that kind of guitar. Looks stunning and plays so wonderfully with a tone that’s to die for. What more do you want?