This is one of those guitars that immediately stops you in your tracks — a 1963 Gibson ES-335TD that’s absolutely dripping in vintage vibe, with a wealth of character built up over decades of real-world playing.

The top has beautifully faded from its original deep cherry into a rich, almost iced tea hue — the kind of natural ageing you just can’t fake. Meanwhile, the back still glows with the original vibrant cherry red, providing a stunning contrast and a visual reminder of the guitar’s roots. It’s the sort of finish wear that vintage lovers dream about.

There’s lacquer checking throughout, the kind that dances under the light — real-deal finish crazing that gives the top a gorgeous texture and depth. The binding shows its age too, with visible cracking and sections that have been re-glued over time. Nothing structural — just more signs of a life well lived.

The fretboard appears to have been lacquered over at some point in its journey, giving it a distinctive sheen and feel under the fingers. It’s not typical, but it works — and somehow just feels right for a guitar that’s clearly been cherished and played. The frets themselves are worn but healthy, with plenty of life left for a player.

It’s had some work done — a neck reset and a headstock repair, both expertly carried out. Structurally, it’s solid as a rock and ready for decades more playing. You’d barely notice the repairs unless you knew where to look.

Tonally, it’s everything you want from an early-'60s Gibson. The original PAF pickups (with correct Patent No. 2,737,842 stickers) are wonderfully articulate — clear and open with just the right amount of growl when pushed. They really do sing.

And then there’s the charm — like the Midland Music Centre sticker on the back of the headstock, complete with a five-digit Northampton phone number. That detail alone is enough to make any vintage nut smile — a proper piece of British guitar history, still intact.

Specifications:

Year: 1963

Serial Number: 133846

Body Type: Semi-hollow with centre block

Top: Laminated maple

Back & Sides: Laminated maple

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Rosewood (lacquered over)

Inlays: Small block pearloid

Frets: Original (worn, but with good life left)

Binding: Original (cracked and re-glued in places)

Hardware: Nickel

Tuners: Original Kluson Deluxe

Pickups: Original Gibson PAF (Patent Number Sticker. 2,737,842)

Electronics: All original

Bridge: Stopbar tailpiece

Pickguard: Original black

Case: Non-original hardcase included

Condition:The top has faded significantly from its original cherry finish, while the back retains its bright, vibrant red. Heavy lacquer checking is present across the entire body, giving the guitar an authentically aged aesthetic. The fretboard has been lacquered over at some point, and the original binding—though cracked in several areas—has been repaired and re-glued. We believe it's had a headstock repair that has been professionally executed and is structurally solid. The neck also looks to have been reset by a skilled hand, resulting in excellent playability. Despite its age and wear, this guitar is fully stable, roadworthy, and still plays with the kind of tone that only comes from six decades of history.Worldwide Shipping can be arranged and more detailed pictures are available upton request.

About Us: The Woodshed is one of the UK’s leading independent preowned guitar specialists, proudly built on a rock-solid reputation with all five-star reviews across every platform we sell on.

We’re home to one of the fastest-growing collections of preloved guitars in the country, with new arrivals landing daily. We ship safely and securely across the globe — or if you fancy a visit, you're more than welcome to collect in person from our HQ in the village of Ansty, just outside Coventry.

USA customers: If you're purchasing a guitar that was originally built in the States, you may be able to avoid import charges by submitting a Foreign Shipper’s Declaration of U.S. Goods Returned form — available online.

Be sure to follow The Woodshed on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with the latest guitars as they hit the racks. There’s something new every day.