I am offering a Gibson Custom Shop Memphis ‘63 ES-335TDC Cherry VOS from 2016, a manufactured at the Custom Shop in Memphis, Tennessee (USA), rare reissue semi-hollow electric guitar model featuring top, back and sides made of maple/poplar/maple laminate including a solid maple center block, set-in mahogany neck with 1963 Slim Taper neck profile, bound rosewood fretboard with classic celluloid block inlays, two tonally versatile Gibson MHS humbucker pickups, high-quality Kluson Deluxe Double Ring Tulip Buttons vintage tuners as well as Gibson No Wire ABR bridge with nylon string saddles and Bigsby B7 tremolo tailpiece in a beautiful Cherry VOS nitro finish in excellent condition, including black Gibson luxury hardshell case, manufacturer's papers (including C.o.A.) and professional setup with 10-gauge Elixir strings.

This 2016 Gibson ES-335TDC, part of the “Historic Reissue” series, is a faithful reproduction of the legendary 1963 model, including rare Bigsby hardware from the former Gibson Custom Shop location in Memphis, Tennessee. With its semi-hollow construction and solid maple center block, this ES-335 combines the best qualities of acoustic resonance and electric feedback control—a design that has been considered a milestone since its introduction in the late 1950s.

While the early ES-335 models still featured thick necks and dot inlays, the 1963 variant was the first to feature a thinner neck, and the fingerboards included the sought-after block inlays. And so the guitar presented here also features a hide-glued mahogany neck with a rather slim 1963 Slim Taper profile, which, in combination with the pleasantly rolled fretboard binding, ensures excellent playability right up to the highest registers. The short scale length of 628mm and the 43mm nylon nut support the soft attack and nuanced dynamics.

Plugged in, two hand-wound Gibson MHS humbuckers with AlNiCo III (neck) and AlNiCo II (bridge) magnets deliver warm, open cleans, bluesy mids, and a clearly defined vintage crunch with transparent PAF-style response, making it ideal for all genres ranging from jazz, blues, and soul to classic rock and indie. Combined with the traditional ABR bridge featuring nylon saddles and the Bigsby B7 tremolo system, this creates an exceptionally dynamic playing feel with an authentic 60s tone character.

A sound sample of this exact guitar can be found above at the end of the photo gallery.

Visually, this ES-335 features a beautiful Cherry VOS Nitro finish with subtle vintage patina. Classic block inlays made of period-correct celluloid, the black 4-ply pickguard, cream-colored body binding, and nickel VOS hardware underscore the historically inspired aesthetic and make the guitar a visual statement as well.

Technical Specifications:

• Origin: Memphis, TN, USA
• Year Built: 2016
• Construction: Semi-hollow with solid maple center block
• Top: Maple/poplar/maple, laminated
• Back/Sides: Maple/poplar/maple, laminated
• Neck: Mahogany, set-in
• Neck Profile: 1963 Slim Taper
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with period-correct celluloid block inlays and rolled fingerboard bindings
• Fingerboard radius: 12"
• Frets: 22
• Nut width: 43mm, nylon
• Pickups: 2x Hand-wound Gibson USA MHS Historic AlNiCo III & AlNiCo II humbuckers
• Electronics: 3-way switch, 2x volume & 2x tone controls
• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe Double Ring Tulip Buttons Vintage Tuners
• Bridge: Gibson No Wire ABR with nylon saddles and Bigsby B7 tremolo tailpiece
• Hardware: Nickel VOS
• Bindings: Cream, single-ply
• Pickguard: Black, 4-ply
• Finish: Cherry VOS High-Gloss, Nitrocellulose
• Scale length: 628mm
• Weight: 3.9kg
• Serial No.: 61348
• Includes black Gibson luxury hardshell case, certificate (C.o.A.), checklist

The Gibson Custom Shop Memphis 1963 ES-335TDC Cherry VOS was built in 2016.

This Gibson CS ES-335TDC is in excellent condition and technically flawless. Visually, there is only occasional fine superficial wear (see photos). The frets are flawless.

The instrument has received a professional setup with 10-46 Elixir Optiweb strings, and I (a long-time guitar teacher) will ship it fully insured with DHL for €49.99 within Germany or €119.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping available—individual shipping costs upon request.

All photos shown are of the actual instrument for sale.