This is a clean and very presentable 1968 Gibson ES-335 in its original Sunburst finish. By 1968, the ES-335 had settled into its later-’60s specification with the narrower nut width, chrome hardware and trapeze tailpiece.

The body finish appears correct and original, with a pleasing tan line beneath the short pickguard, and the guitar presents very well overall. The neck and headstock have been oversprayed, and there is evidence of previous Grover tuner rings on the headstock face, along with a well-executed repair to a faint hairline fracture just below the top E tuner. The guitar is now fitted with modern double-line Kluson tuners with double-ring buttons. The nut has been replaced and the guitar has been refretted, resulting in an excellent playing instrument.

The two correct Gibson Patent Number humbuckers are a highlight, both reading very evenly at 7.17k in the neck and 7.19k in the bridge and with cover solder intact. The bridge is the correct chrome Gibson Patent No. ABR-1, with changed saddles and retainer wire. Reflector knobs and plastics are all present and correct.

The neck has a very comfortable C profile, measuring 39.5mm at the nut, with a depth of 21.1mm at the 1st fret and 24.2mm at the 12th. As expected for the period, it has the narrower late-’60s nut width, but the carve itself feels nicely balanced and full in the hand, and the guitar overall plays very well.

Overall, this is a great-looking late-’60s ES-335 with a handful of changes that keep it in player-grade territory. A very appealing vintage 335, offering the all the tone, feel, looks and playability that make these guitars so enduringly popular.