Vintage Gibson ES-335 TDW - USA 1968

Here is a 1968 Gibson ES-335 TDW, a highly distinctive semi-hollow electric guitar that offers a unique twist on one of Gibson’s most iconic designs. Introduced in 1958, the ES-335 revolutionised electric guitar construction with its semi-hollow design and solid centre block, combining warmth and resonance with sustain and feedback resistance, and by the late 1960s it had become a staple across jazz, blues, and rock music.

This example stands out for its unusual and likely custom-order specifications, including an ebony fretboard with rectangular mother-of-pearl inlays more commonly associated with higher-end models such as the ES-355. These features, along with its period-correct details, strongly suggest a special factory-ordered instrument from Gibson’s production era. The mahogany neck paired with the ebony fingerboard creates a tonal balance of warmth, clarity, and snap, giving the guitar excellent articulation and dynamic response.

It is equipped with dual humbucking pickups that deliver the classic ES-335 voice—smooth, warm neck tones and clear, cutting bridge tones with excellent definition. The factory Bigsby vibrato tailpiece adds expressive character, ideal for shimmering chords and subtle pitch modulation. The guitar performs beautifully across clean and overdriven settings, maintaining clarity, depth, and vintage authority.

Condition reflects its age and use, showing honest wear and some minor historical modifications. The neck serial number is partially worn, and the Gibson logo has been retouched. The original tuners have been replaced, leaving visible holes from the original three-on-a-side tuner configuration. Despite these cosmetic changes, the instrument remains structurally solid and plays exceptionally well.

Specifications: 

Year: 1968
Country: USA
Model: Gibson ES-335 TDW
Finish: Laminated maple
Body: Semi-hollow with solid centre block
Neck: One-piece mahogany
Fretboard: Custom ebony with single-ply binding
Scale: 24.75"
Pickups: Dual humbuckers
Bridge: Tune-o-matic bridge with Bigsby vibrato tailpiece
Tuners: Modern replacements
Case: Non-original hardshell case