Vintage Gibson ES-335 TDW - USA 1968

The 1968 Gibson ES-335 TDW is a remarkable semi-hollow electric guitar that offers a fresh twist on a timeless classic. With its elegant ebony fretboard, distinctive mother-of-pearl rectangular inlays, and vintage tonal charm, this guitar stands out as a truly unique piece. Based on its specifications and unusual features, we believe this to be a custom order from the Gibson factory, adding to its intrigue and collectability.

Launched in 1958, the Gibson ES-335 forever changed the guitar world with its innovative semi-hollow construction. It combined the warmth and resonance of a hollow body with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid centre block. By the late 1960s, the ES-335 had become a staple for players across genres, from jazz and blues to rock and fusion.

This 1968 example retains the classic features that made the model legendary but introduces some uncommon details that set it apart. The custom ebony fretboard, paired with rectangular mother-of-pearl inlays typically associated with more upscale Gibson models like the ES-355, leads us to believe it was a special factory order. In an era when Gibson was known to accommodate custom requests, it's not unusual to find such personalised touches, especially on professional-grade instruments. The absence of the dot on the "i" in the Gibson logo, along with the lack of a neck volute, indicates pre-1969 production, consistent with the guitar's 1968 build year.

The combination of a solid mahogany neck and custom ebony fingerboard results in a dynamic tonal character. Mahogany lends warmth and midrange richness, while the ebony board adds clarity, brightness, and snap. This combination makes the guitar equally at home with singing jazz lines, percussive blues rhythms, and articulate rock solos.

Its dual humbucking pickups deliver the classic Gibson tone—smooth and warm in the neck position, clear and cutting at the bridge. The factory Bigsby vibrato tailpiece adds another layer of expressiveness, perfect for shimmering chords and soulful bends. Whether played clean or through a cranked tube amp, this ES-335 projects with clarity, depth, and vintage authority.

As is common with guitars of this vintage, this ES-335 shows signs of use and some minor modifications. The neck serial number is partially rubbed off, and the Gibson logo has been retouched. The original tuners were replaced with modern units, leaving visible holes from the factory-installed three-in-a-row tuners. Despite these cosmetic quirks, the guitar remains structurally sound and plays exceptionally well.

Features:

Action at 1st fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th fret: 1.75mm

Neck depth at 1st fret: 20.7mm

Neck depth at 12th fret: 25.99mm

Nut Width: 39.95mm

12 fret width: 50.59mm

Weight: 3.86kg / 8.52lb

Brand/Model: Gibson ES-335 TDW

Year: 1968

Body Construction: Semi-hollow with solid centre block

Top/Back/Wood: Laminated maple

Neck: One-piece mahogany

Fretboard: Custom ebony with single-ply binding

Inlays: Mother-of-pearl block inlays

Headstock: Custom truss rod cover, Gibson logo

Tuners: Modern replacements

Pickups: Dual humbuckers

Controls: Two volume, two tone, three-way toggle switch

Bridge/Tailpiece: Tune-o-matic bridge with Bigsby vibrato tailpiece

Case: Non-original hardshell case