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Considering a 1969 ES-335

Logjammin

Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2020
Messages
38
Hi all, hope to grab some informative opinions on this particular 335

https://reverb.com/item/31754084-gibson-es-335-tdw-1968-69-walnut

Admittedly, I don't know much about the ES line except that I love how they sound. From what I can tell, the serial and orange sticker both seem to check out as far as validating that era. I'm just wanting some opinions if this might be a reasonable purchase vs a couple of mid 70's models that are listed about 1K cheaper.

Thanks!
 

fakejake

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 3, 2010
Messages
1,274
IMO this is way overpriced, given all the mods it has. You should be able to find a clean, all original '69 for just a little more.
Also, the walnut color is much less popular than cherry or sunburst, which would make it much harder to sell it at a later point.
My advice is to move on and look elsewhere.
 

Logjammin

Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2020
Messages
38
Thanks for the advice! I do love the walnut finish, but may hold off for the next one to come along. I'm checking out some 70's ones as well.
 

brandtkronholm

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 3, 2006
Messages
2,737
+1 on over priced.

Have you considered any of the new re-issue ES335s? They're out of this world and priced similarly.
 

rob livesey

Member
Joined
Feb 28, 2007
Messages
655
It’s just a little bit too messed with for my taste, and the stoptail has been put in the wrong place, I probably wouldn’t be able to look at it after a day in the house as that would jar my sensibilities too much.

I have a ‘69 and a ‘70 335. I paid that price for my very clean untouched ‘70 and not much more for my very clean ‘69.

How he can say 68/69 in the ad baffles me. It simply cannot be a ‘68. It’s late ‘69 or early ‘70 for me with the three piece neck.

Move along and find another, they come up quite often.
 

AA00475Bassman

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Joined
Apr 26, 2016
Messages
3,762
1 9/16 nut with ? Being 62 years old buying and playing guitars in the 70's owning a boat load of Gibson's of this vintage I would buy a Historic . I just don't understand the lust for this era Gibson , age does not define a overall good guitar .
 

fakejake

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Joined
Sep 3, 2010
Messages
1,274
1 9/16 nut with ? Being 62 years old buying and playing guitars in the 70's owning a boat load of Gibson's of this vintage I would buy a Historic . I just don't understand the lust for this era Gibson , age does not define a overall good guitar .

I respectfully disagree. Up to 1970, I think these can be fantastic guitars. I actually prefer the smaller nutwidth, and the trap tailpiece ads a wonderful slinky feel and a chimey, airy component to the sound.
But as always, one should try the specific instrument before buying. :salude
 

AA00475Bassman

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2016
Messages
3,762
I respectfully disagree. Up to 1970, I think these can be fantastic guitars. I actually prefer the smaller nutwidth, and the trap tailpiece ads a wonderful slinky feel and a chimey, airy component to the sound.
But as always, one should try the specific instrument before buying. :salude
67 black Trini Lopez , 68 ES 355 ,67 ES 355 walnut , 68 ES 345 none were fantastic !
 

Progrocker111

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2003
Messages
4,013
1 9/16 nut with ? Being 62 years old buying and playing guitars in the 70's owning a boat load of Gibson's of this vintage I would buy a Historic . I just don't understand the lust for this era Gibson , age does not define a overall good guitar .

I much prefer tone of these late 60s ES3x5s to current ones. Still they are much closer tonewise to early 60s models than new Memphis series with MHS bumbuckers. :hmm
 

Logjammin

Member
Joined
Jun 15, 2020
Messages
38
Thanks for all the info and opinions guys. Definitely plenty to consider! I think I’m gonna hold out for the right vintage one to come along. I found a pretty clean 355 I’m drooling over that’s a little more than I’m trying to spend. Guess it’s time to move some gear!
 
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