1961 Gibson ES-335TDC – Cherry Red – Original PAFs – Factory Bigsby – Dot Neck

Sometimes a guitar comes into the shop that stops us dead in our tracks. This is very much one of those guitars.

An original short-guard, dot-neck Gibson ES-335TDC in its wonderfully vibrant Cherry Red finish, complete with its original PAF pickups and factory-fitted Bigsby B7. Quite simply, a very special example of one of Gibson's most celebrated instruments.

We have had Gibson check the original factory ledger, which confirms that the guitar was completed on 19th January 1962. Although dating from the 1961 model year, it seems likely that the guitar was awaiting its Bigsby installation towards the end of 1961 and was subsequently completed when the factory reopened in the new year. We also have confirmation from Gibson that the Bigsby was factory fitted and that the original 'Custom Made' plaque is correct. An image from the factory records is also available.

Coming from Gibson's much-celebrated golden era, this ES-335 weighs a very comfortable 7.87lb and has all the resonance, depth and musicality one could hope for from a fine vintage 335. It is a beautifully responsive instrument, with a rich acoustic voice, wonderful sustain and a dynamic range that really comes alive when plugged in.

The neck is particularly nice, with a slightly deeper profile than some of the other 1961 examples we have encountered. There are no breaks or repairs to the neck, and it feels wonderful in the hands. The guitar has undergone at least one refret during its lifetime and there is some evidence of minor fretboard edge breakout, but nothing that detracts from its playability. Our in-house technician has given it a thorough setup, and it plays beautifully.

The original PAF pickups are quite exceptional. These are amongst the sweetest and most harmonically rewarding original PAFs we have encountered, with output readings of 7.74kΩ at the bridge and 7.39kΩ at the neck.

The bridge pickup has that wonderful vocal midrange, with plenty of punch, authority and power, while the neck pickup is beautifully sweet and flute-like, with an almost effortless clarity. Roll the tone back and those familiar, rounded Clapton-inspired tones are immediately there; open things up and you have all the bite and articulation associated with classic BB King and Freddie King sounds.

The middle position opens up an enormous range of possibilities, from warm, rounded funk and Motown tones to sweet, shimmering jangle and more cutting blues sounds. A wonderfully versatile guitar that seems to have an answer for almost anything you throw at it.

It's easy to understand why these early dot-neck 335s are so highly regarded. The combination of a beautifully resonant semi-hollow construction, original PAF pickups and that unmistakable Gibson character makes for an instrument that is very difficult to improve upon.

Originality & Condition

As you would expect from an instrument of this age, there have been a few changes and repairs during its lifetime, and we have tried to be as transparent as possible.

The original Cherry Red nitrocellulose finish remains in very nice condition, showing the expected playwear, checking and character accumulated over more than six decades. It is a guitar that has clearly been played and enjoyed, and we rather like that.

There are no breaks to the neck or body.

The electronics are largely original. The neck pickup volume pot appears to have been replaced, while the remaining pots, switch and other electrical components appear to be original.

The original ABR-1 bridge and saddles remain in place. We believe the pickup height adjustment screws and thumbwheels have been replaced. The guitar currently wears a period-correct set of mirror-top control knobs, with an additional set of period-correct all-black knobs included in the case. Perhaps a previous owner fancied a change at some point in its history.

The original Kluson single-line, double-ring tuners have suffered from the familiar age-related celluloid deterioration often seen on Gibson instruments from this period. These are included in the case, with an excellent set of aged reproduction tuners currently fitted. This is a sensible and sympathetic solution, allowing the originals to be retained.

The original nut has also been replaced, most likely at the time of the refret.

Importantly, the factory-fitted Bigsby B7 is present and correct. The tell-tale earth wire running to the end pin is still in place, and Gibson has confirmed the factory installation. The original 'Custom Made' plaque is also present and correct.

Specification

• 1961 Gibson ES-335TDC

• Original Cherry Red nitrocellulose finish

• Short pickguard

• Dot fingerboard inlays

• Original Gibson PAF humbuckers

• Bridge PAF: 7.74kΩ

• Neck PAF: 7.39kΩ

• Factory-fitted Bigsby B7 vibrato

• Original 'Custom Made' plaque

• Original ABR-1 bridge and saddles

• Original Lifton case with pink lining

• Weight: 7.87lb

Final Thoughts

It is often said that a good ES-335 can do just about everything. This particular example makes a very convincing case for that argument.

From the wonderfully sweet and articulate neck pickup to the punchy, harmonically rich bridge PAF, this is a guitar with an extraordinary range of sounds and a level of musicality that is increasingly difficult to find.

It is also a genuine piece of Gibson history. An early dot-neck example, with original PAFs, factory Bigsby, confirmed factory documentation and all the character that comes from a lifetime of playing.

The best vintage guitars are often the ones that have been played, and this one has clearly been loved. It has the look, feel and sound that make these early ES-335s so desirable.

A first-class vintage instrument and quite possibly the crown jewel of someone's collection.

Our 1961 Cherry Gibson ES-335TDC is supplied in its original Lifton case with pink lining and the previous owner's 'AXIS' insignia.

As with every new arrival, this rather special 1961 Gibson has been through the trusted hands of our team in our onsite workshop to ensure it is playing beautifully and ready for its next owner.

We are an appointment-only store. All instruments are handled by Motomusic employees only.

We are always happy to consider quality part-exchange instruments.

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