Gibson Memphis Limited 1963 ES-335 Varitone w/Bigsby

Sonic Evaluation Bigsby-equipped 335s always make me weak in the knees, and this one is a particularly outstanding example. It has a lovely growl in its attack--likely thanks to its Bigsby tailpiece--and a clear, warm, woody voice with plenty of attitude. The high-end has lots of sweet, chiming overtones that contrast nicely with the midrange, which roars in the neck position and snarls in the bridge. The lows are meaty and deep in the neck position, but they have a dry vintage-style harmonic response that allows for excellent clarity. It's also remarkably dynamic, and you can shape the instrument's timbre quite easily using only your technique. In other words, it makes you want to play with soul! Overall, this is a marvelous ES-335 because it manages to sound aggressive in a rock context without sacrificing warmth, and because it can spin on a dime and sound sweet and soulful the next moment.

• Model: 1963 ES-335TDC Varitone w/Bigsby
• Finish Color: VOS Sixties Cherry
• Weight: 8.80 lbs.
• Top Wood: 3-Ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
• Body Wood: 3-Ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
• Neck Wood: Quartersawn Mahogany
• Neck Shape: Rounded C with Rolled Binding
• Neck Dimensions: .820 1st - .930 12th
• Fingerboard: Dark Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius: 12"
• Inlays: Mother of Pearl Small Block
• Scale Length: 24-3/4"
• Width at Nut: 1.687"
• Pickups: Memphis Historic Spec Humbuckers
• Controls: 2 Volumes, 2 Tones, 3-Way Switch, Varitone
• Hardware: Nickel
• Bridge: ABR-1
• Tailpiece: Aluminum B-7 Bigsby Vibrato
• Tuners: Kluson Double Ring Keystones
• Case: Gibson Hardshell
• COA: Yes