Vintage Guitar and Bass forum

My Gibson ES335TD

My Gibson ES335TD
« on: September 05, 2011, 02:19:31 PM »
Description
 
ES335TD (in case you cannot see the label!)
 
The number 506174 appears on the reverse of the tuning head, with the words GIBSON USA beneath. Both lots of info appear to have been maybe heat imprinted into the wood. (This can just be seen on photo W4).
 
The machine heads are Gibson deluxe.
 
I think that you'll be able to see all other info from the pictures which are attached.

Would be pleased to have some idea of date and value.
 
Alec Hayter

My Gibson ES335TD
« Reply #1 on: September 08, 2011, 11:35:09 PM »
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Can anyone help?
« Reply #2 on: September 21, 2011, 09:08:15 PM »
No response to this thread.

Has anyone any ideas please?

My Gibson ES335TD
« Reply #3 on: September 24, 2011, 03:57:04 PM »
With the "Made in USA" stamp & the neck volute, also the label yours has, I would guess close to 1974. It almost looks like your hardshell case is from the sixties though, is it a Lifton? The 2011 Vintage Guitar Price guide values 1971 to 1976 ES-335's from $2,800 to $3,600 USD. Knowing the year range, you can watch on line to see how much they really sell for on ebay & other vintage guitar stores. Nice guitar!! :-D
« Last Edit: September 24, 2011, 10:14:37 PM by George Porter »

My Gibson ES335TD
« Reply #4 on: September 24, 2011, 08:27:17 PM »
Thanks for your help. Gibson themselves have also been helpful, and basically confirm your dating. I have no wish to sell ithe guitar - the only wish I really have is that I could do it justice! As to the case, there appear to be no ID marks, so unless you can tell me what to look for, I have no idea of the maker. Assume that the case would affect the value if sold together?
You might be interested to know that I have an old Fender Twin Reverb, and that has the big KT66 valves. I don't think they make them like that any more!

Alec

My Gibson ES335TD
« Reply #5 on: September 24, 2011, 10:19:03 PM »
I'll post a couple pictures of a '68 EB-2DC that I have in a Lifton case...
 


 
I thought gibson was done using these in the late sixties. I have another guitar, a ES-335 12 that has a case that looks a lot like a Lifton, but it's bye a company named Ess & Ess if I remember correctly. The case could be worth $300 to $400.
« Last Edit: September 25, 2011, 02:01:15 AM by George Porter »

My Gibson ES335TD
« Reply #6 on: September 24, 2011, 10:23:06 PM »
Your case looks very similar to mine, even down to interior colour.

I cannot see any label though, and am loath to take out the lining to find it, although I would have thought it should be obvious!

Interesting estimate of value though!

Alec

My Gibson ES335TD
« Reply #7 on: September 25, 2011, 01:59:13 AM »
The name plate should be obvious, it might have come unglued. here is the other case I have by Ess & Ess...
 


 
It doesn't matter really, you have a nice vintage guitar in a nice vintage case. Many times the cases and the guitar were pieced together in the store & the case may have been in stock longer.

My Gibson ES335TD
« Reply #8 on: September 25, 2011, 11:01:21 AM »
It's definitely not the ESS, because there is a subtle difference I have noticed - that is, the ESS has a horizontal lock plate just after the carrying handle, whereas my case has a vertical one!

Thanks for all your help, and I suggest we now let the "case" rest, if you'll pardon the play on words!

Having said that, I would always be pleased to hear from a fellow enthusiast, and I'll keep in  touch too if I need the advice of an undoubted expert!

Alec

 

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