1969 Gibson ES-335 Black

Factory black 335's are about as rare as rare gets. I know of a 59, a 60, a 66 and now this 69. I'd be surprised if there are more than a dozen pre Norlin black 335's. They were, of course available only by special order. This one has a minor issue or two but the important elements are all there. It is a factory Bigsby that has been converted to a stop tail. There is no doubt that the finish is original. The inside label is missing and the case handle has been replaced. The nut is not original but the frets are. I would suggest a new nut only because the string spacing is a little off between the E and A strings. It plays well and sounds excellent. I think the pickups are pre T-tops which is late for them but not that unusual. I've seen plenty on 68's and a few on 69's. They are sealed but they have Phillips bobbin screws which often means pre T tops. The serial number suggests a 67 but it clearly is later. Serial numbers in the late 60's and into the 70's are notoriously unreliable. The logo type and lack of a volute and "Made in USA" designation place the guitar in 1969. Condition is 9/10 with very little wear and only minor checking.