1968 Vintage Gibson ES-335 TDW - Walnut - Rare

Since its debut in 1958, the Gibson ES-335 has stood as one of the most consequential designs in electric guitar history, striking a versatile balance between hollowbody warmth and solidbody focus. By the mid-1960s, the model had taken on a more refined look and feel, and guitars from this era capture both the elegance and the transitional quirks of Gibson’s golden age, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The 1968 ES-335 is highly sought after, and represents the tail end of the "golden era" for Gibson’s legendary semi-hollow body design.

This 1968 ES-335TDW, finished in rare Walnut, a brand new color for ’68. Its laminated maple body with solid maple center block delivers resonance and sustain without the feedback concern of a fully hollow guitar. One-Piece Mahogany Neck with Rosewood Fingerboard and Pearl Block Inlays reflect Gibson’s mid-’60s move toward a more upscale aesthetic. Conventional Gibson headstock logo with the dot over the “i”. Gibson enlarged the  f-holes, from the start in 68. Has the one piece neck and long tenon (gone by mid 69). 

58 years old, shows finish-checking and honesty play wear and tear from the years. Neck pickup has been replaced with a Dimarzio, the bridge pickup is the Original Gibson Patent No. sticker pickup. Both picks work and sound well together. The trapeze was replaced with a stop tailpiece and was professionally installed – the guitar is extremely stable and stays in tune and sounds great. Grover tuners, Knobs have been changed to Top Hat's. There are extra “switch” holes that have been filled. Professionally repaired neck crack, weather checking wear and buckle rash on the back. It is well worn but also has been taken care of and is a great sounding and playing guitar. The metal hardware is lightly tarnished with age. 

Original Gibson hardshell case, very solid and sturdy protection for this guitar. Five working latches with no musty smells. Tolex torn and missing, lots of stickers and some tape. It definitely has story's of adventures to tell, like Trigger or any other Road Dog.

Key Features and Details:

• Finish Evolution: Gibson officially introduced the Walnut finish in late 1968. The brown-stained finish was created to capitalize on the massive commercial popularity of the dark brown Gretsch Country Gentleman, which was heavily associated with George Harrison of The Beatles. Though early production started quietly in 1968, Gibson did not track the Walnut finish separately in shipping ledgers until 1970. By 1971, Walnut became the single most popular color for the ES-335.
• Body Construction: Semi-hollow laminate maple body featuring a solid maple center block to increase sustain and eliminate high-volume feedback. 
• Neck: A one-piece mahogany neck with a long tenon joint. A 1-9/16" nut width, with a comfortable neck profile. Has a repaired headstock crack.
• Fretboard: High-end example from this period, including a rosewood fingerboard with block inlays. 
• Hardware: Stop Tailpiece. Grover tuners. Top Hat volume and tone knobs.  
• Pickups: Neck; Dimarzio - Bridge; Patent number sticker humbucker. 
• Serial Number: 920068. Headstock and Orange Label. The serial number dates to 1968. Gibson 1968 serial number range: 903000-920899

Used – Good

Price

$8,500

+ $300 Shipping