1964 Gibson ES-335 Stop Tail Cherry Red (consignment)

First of all, this guitar is something truly special.

Offered here is an original 1964 Gibson ES-335 with stop tailpiece, serial number 174530. Instruments from this year are particularly sought after, not least because of their association with Eric Clapton, who famously played a 1964 ES-335. During this period, many ES models left the factory fitted with Bigsby vibratos, making original stop-tail versions significantly rarer. Finding one in Cherry Red, matching the iconic look of the era so precisely, is especially difficult. We are therefore pleased to be able to offer such an example here.

The guitar is structurally sound and fundamentally original. Over the course of its life, a small number of player-oriented modifications were carried out, resulting in an excellent player-grade instrument without compromising its tonal character.

There was a small rout on the lower horn above the pickguard, which has been professionally filled and carefully retouched. The pickup feet were shortened, and the pickups are mounted using a rail system similar to that used for mini-humbuckers. The pickups themselves retain their original windings and covers and sound excellent. The electronics consist of two original potentiometers and two CTS pots from the mid to late 1960s. The capacitors are later Black Beauties. The toggle switch is old and period-correct, though gold-plated. The case is not original.

The finish presents as authentic and consistent, and it reacts correctly under blacklight.

And now to the most important point: the sound.

This ES-335 is an outstanding player’s instrument. The tone is woody, big, and open, yet at the same time sweet and assertive. The response is immediate, with notes coming effortlessly off the fingerboard. The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard contributes noticeably to the depth and complexity of the sound. The appropriate CITES documentation will of course be included.

If the dream of being Eric Clapton has so far remained unfulfilled, we cannot help with that. What we can offer, however, is a genuine 1964 ES-335 with exactly the tone, feel, and character these guitars are famous for—presented in a form that appeals to a serious musician, rather than as a museum piece.