1965 Gibson ES-335 TDC Bigsby Special – Cherry Red – Original Patent No. Pickups – Exceptional Vintage Condition

An exceptionally preserved 1965 Gibson ES-335 TDC in Cherry Red, featuring its factory Bigsby Special configuration, original Patent Number humbuckers, 1965-dated electronics, and accompanying vintage Gibson case documentation.

Offered for sale is a remarkable example of one of Gibson’s most celebrated electric guitars: a 1965 Gibson ES-335 TDC in its iconic translucent Cherry Red finish.

What distinguishes this particular instrument is its extraordinary state of preservation, highly original configuration, and accompanying Gibson documentation identifying the guitar as a Bigsby Special.

At approximately 61 years old, this guitar displays a level of preservation that is increasingly difficult to encounter in vintage instruments.

Exceptional Original Finish and Fret Condition

Perhaps the most striking characteristic of this ES-335 is its remarkably well-preserved original nitrocellulose lacquer finish.

According to close inspection, the finish exhibits no visible lacquer checking anywhere on the instrument.

The rich Cherry Red color remains exceptionally attractive, allowing the maple grain to show beautifully beneath the glossy finish.

Equally impressive is the fret condition. The original frets exhibit no discernible playing wear, suggesting that this instrument has seen remarkably little use throughout its lifetime.

The guitar has never been refinished, refretted, or subjected to a neck or headstock repair, according to its known history.

This is the kind of preservation that makes a vintage instrument especially appealing to discerning collectors.

Factory Bigsby Special Documentation

An especially desirable feature of this guitar is its Bigsby vibrato configuration.

Accompanying the instrument is a vintage Gibson case card bearing the ES-335TDC designation and identifying the Bigsby Special configuration.

This documentation provides important supporting evidence that the Bigsby was part of the guitar’s original factory specification rather than a later aftermarket addition.

The Bigsby complements the ES-335’s classic semi-hollowbody design and gives the instrument its unmistakable mid-1960s appearance.

Original Patent Number Humbuckers

This ES-335 retains its original Gibson Patent Number humbucking pickups.

These highly regarded vintage pickups are associated with some of the most sought-after Gibson electric guitar tones of the 1960s.

They deliver the rich, articulate response, warmth, clarity, and natural harmonic complexity for which vintage Gibson humbuckers are celebrated.

The original potentiometers carry date codes corresponding to 1965, providing additional period evidence alongside the guitar’s serial number and construction features.

For collectors who place a premium on original vintage electronics, this is an especially important feature.

1965 Production Details

Serial number: 329940

The serial number, 1965 potentiometer codes, 1 9/16-inch nut width, and absence of a MADE IN USA headstock stamp collectively support the guitar’s identification as a mid-1960s Gibson, with 1965 being the attributed production year.

The narrower nut width is characteristic of Gibson’s transitional 1965 neck specifications.

Tuners and Originality

The only known modification is the installation of Grover tuning machines.

These Grovers match the specifications of mid-1965 examples, making them period-correct in design.

The exact installation date and whether the original tuner holes were altered have not been established.

Apart from the disclosed tuner change, the instrument is represented as retaining its original finish, pickups, electronics, frets, and factory Bigsby configuration.

Specifications

● Manufacturer: Gibson

● Model: ES-335 TDC Bigsby Special

● Attributed year: 1965

● Serial number: 329940

● Finish: Original Cherry Red nitrocellulose lacquer not one lacquer check anywhere

● Body: Semi-hollowbody, double cutaway

● Pickups: Two original Gibson Patent Number humbuckers

● Electronics: Original potentiometers with 1965 date codes

● Vibrato: Factory Bigsby configuration

● Bridge: Tune-o-matic style

● Nut width: 1 9/16 inches

● Fingerboard: Bound with block inlays

● Tuners: Period-correct-style Grover replacements

● Headstock: No MADE IN USA stamp

● Frets: Original, with no discernible wear

● Finish checking: None observed

● Refinish: None reported

● Neck or headstock repairs: None reported

● Refret: None reported

● Case: Vintage Gibson hardshell case with orange plush interior

● Documentation: Vintage Gibson case card identifying the Bigsby Special configuration

A Special Opportunity for the Vintage Gibson Collector

Finding a mid-1960s ES-335 is one thing. Finding an example with this combination of original Patent Number pickups, 1965-dated electronics, factory Bigsby documentation, and exceptionally preserved finish and frets is another.

This guitar represents a particularly appealing opportunity for the collector seeking a highly original, carefully preserved example of Gibson’s golden-era semi-hollowbody craftsmanship.

It is equally suited to the serious player who appreciates the feel, response, and unmistakable character of a genuine vintage ES-335.

The photographs are of the actual instrument being offered.

Additional detailed photographs of the electronics, pickups, frets, serial number, and accompanying documentation can be provided upon request.

Serious inquiries and reasonable offers are welcome.