I am offering here a Gibson Custom Shop 1963 ES-335TDC 50th Anniversary Cherry VOS from 2014, a manufactured at the Custom Shop in Memphis, Tennessee (USA), 50th Anniversary Reissue semi-hollow electric guitar model featuring top, back, and sides made of maple/poplar/ maple laminate, including a solid maple center block, set mahogany neck with 1963 neck profile and 43.2mm nylon nut, bound rosewood fretboard featuring classic Pearl Block inlays, two tonally versatile Gibson Custom Burstbucker 1 & 2 humbuckers, high-quality Kluson Single Line Double Ring Tulip Button vintage tuners as well as a Gibson ABR-1 bridge with nylon string saddles and an aluminum stopbar in a beautiful Cherry VOS nitro finish in excellent collector's condition, including black Gibson luxury hardshell case, manufacturer’s paperwork (including C.o.A.) and professional setup with 10-gauge Elixir strings.

This 2014 Gibson ES-335TDC is a meticulously detailed replica, crafted to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary ’63 ES-335, from the Gibson Custom Shop in Memphis, Tennessee—which has since, unfortunately, closed. With its semi-hollow construction featuring a 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 version was the first to have a thinner neck, and the fingerboards featured the sought-after block inlays. Accordingly, the guitar presented here also features mahogany neck (in hide glue construction) with rather slim 1963 profile, which, combined with the pleasantly rolled fretboard binding, ensures excellent playability right up to the highest registers. The short scale length of 628mm and the 43.2mm nylon nut enhance the soft attack and nuanced dynamics—ideal for expressive players with refined tonal expectations. What isn’t historically accurate here is the PLEK optimization, which was performed at the factory; however, this is arguably a real advantage over an original from the ’60s.

Sonically, this Gibson CS ’63 ES-335TDC impresses with its remarkable versatility. The hand-wound Burstbucker humbuckers with AlNiCo II magnets deliver warm, open clean tones, bluesy mids, and a clearly defined vintage crunch with transparent, PAF-style response.

Combined with the traditional ABR bridge—complete with nylon saddles and an aluminum stopbar—this creates an exceptionally dynamic playing feel with an authentic ’60s tone character—perfect for jazz, blues, soul, classic rock, or indie.

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

Visually, this ES-335 features a semi-transparent Cherry VOS Nitro finish with a subtle vintage paint job and authentic patina. Classic block pearl inlays, 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 of Manufacture: 2014
• Construction: Semi-hollow with solid maple center block
• Top: Maple/poplar/maple, laminated
• Back/Sides: Maple/poplar/maple, laminated
• Neck: Mahogany, set
• Neck profile: 1963
• Fingerboard: Selected rosewood with pearl block inlays and rounded fingerboard edges, bound
• Fingerboard radius: 12"
• Frets: 22, PLEK
• Nut: 43.2mm, nylon
• Pickups: 1x Gibson USA Burstbucker 1 (neck), 1x Gibson USA Burstbucker 2 (bridge)
• Electronics: 3-way switch, 2x volume & 2x tone controls
• Tuners: Kluson Single Line Double Ring Tulip Buttons Vintage Tuners
• Bridge: Gibson ABR-1 with nylon saddles and aluminum stopbar
• Hardware: Nickel VOS
• Bindings: Cream, single-ply
• Pickguard: Black, 4-ply
• Finish: Cherry VOS high-gloss, nitrocellulose
• Scale length: 628mm
• Weight: 3.56kg
• Serial No.: 41538
• Includes black Gibson Custom deluxe hardshell case, certificate (C.o.A.), checklist

The Gibson Custom Shop 1963 ES-335TDC 50th Anniversary Cherry VOS was built in this configuration only in 2013 and 2014.

This Gibson CS ES-335TDC is in excellent collector’s condition and technically flawless. Visually, there is practically no visible wear (see photos). The frets are immaculate.

The instrument has been professionally set up 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 for €119.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping is available—individual shipping costs upon request.

All photos shown are of the actual instrument for sale.