The One You Want. Near Mint Early 1963 Gibson ES-335

Up for sale is a near mint early ’63 ES-335. One of the absolute best I’ve ever played (and I’ve played over 20 this year alone).

This guitar comes from a Midwest collector who owned it for 30+ years and preserved it exactly as he acquired it.

Condition:

• Headstock: Front is clean with light checking, original tuners (tips replaced). No cracks or major wear; minor edge chips from years of string changes. Back is crack-free with mild top-edge wear.
• Neck: Original frets with plenty of life left; no pitting or dead spots. Mild fingerboard wear in first positions, no cracks. Back has light wear and small dings not felt while playing. Neck joint is clean with no breaks. Comfortable, fast-playing ’63 neck profile.
• Body: Top is clean with very light checking and almost no wear — never had a Bigsby. Two small fingernail-sized chips (see photos 16–18). Top features exceptional figure, including a rare knot-like mark I’ve never seen on another 335.
• Hardware: All original and clean. One replaced high E saddle (original included, cracked in half. this can easily be repaired by a good luthier).
• Electronics: Untouched and original. Early patent number pickup in the neck, PAF in the bridge. Pickups sound unbelievable with great balance and clarity.
• Case: Original case included. No structural damage, just minor tolex wear.

This is a collector grade ’63 ES-335 with the tone and playability to match its looks.

Questions welcome, serious inquiries only.