From the fertile green lands of God’s own country comes this 1969 Gibson ES-335 TD in Walnut. 

Currently owned by Endaf Emlyn, award winning welsh film director and musician, the guitar was brought into the UK from America by Myfyr Isaac who was then touring as part of Budgie’s live band in mid 70’s. Endaf has owned the guitar since the early eighties.     

This guitar is in good condition. We believe the body and neck have been overpaying a while ago as there are some marks under the clear coat. The Walnut finish is otherwise in good condition. As this is a 1969 example, this would have been one of the first to have been finished in this colour. There are some marks to the wood that you will notice. These do not go all the way through the finish and could have been one of the reasons a new clear coat was applied. 

The stoptail was added in the eighties by the current owner. Evidence of the original tailpiece can be seen near the strap button.

The neck too has the same gloss finish. The fretboard shows some signs of use and an inlay is missing on the 12th fret. The frets have plenty of life left in them. The headstock shows some signs of use but no sign of any change of tuners and thankfully, no sign of repair either.

Between 1965 and 1969, Gibson changed the nut width on their guitars from 1 11/16" to 1 9/16" advertising it as a faster neck. Interestingly though the nut width is narrower, the depth is retained so it doesn't feel too small in the hand.   

The hardware has worn somewhat, particularly evident on the bridge  as you’d expect. 

The plastics are in good condition. The pickguard hasn't warped but there is a chip missing from a tone knob.

Electronically all soldier joints are undisturbed and both PAT number pickups sound superb and well balanced.

The guitar comes in a hardshell case.

Sonically this guitar has all the hallmarks of a great semi hollow. Acoustically there's a depth that balances out the presence giving the guitar a nice sustain. Once plugged in the patent number pickups accentuate the guitar's inherent tonality, the neck pickup being a particular highlight. The bridge pickup provides a superb bite that really cuts through. 

This is a workhorse that's got many more miles left to go. Grab it before it gets away…