1964 Gibson ES-335 Cherry Red: The Golden Era Semi-Hollow Masterpiece

Why the 1964 Gibson ES-335 Matters

The 1964 Gibson ES-335 represents the absolute pinnacle of semi-hollow body guitar construction during Gibson's most celebrated era. This was the final year before the company's acquisition by Norlin Industries began to influence production methods, making 1964 examples the last of the truly "golden era" ES-335s that collectors prize above all others.

What makes the 1964 ES-335 in Cherry Red with stop tailpiece so special:

• Final year of the original Gibson ownership and traditional construction methods

• Premium flame maple tops with the most vibrant Cherry Red finish Gibson ever produced

• Hand-wound PAF humbucking pickups at their absolute finest

• Perfectly balanced neck profiles that represent years of refinement

• Stop tailpiece configuration preferred by many players for superior sustain and intonation

• The sweet spot between the earlier chunky necks and later thinner profiles

The 1964 ES-335 perfectly bridges the gap between acoustic warmth and electric power, offering the woody resonance of a hollow body with the feedback resistance needed for amplified performance. These guitars were built during Gibson's peak manufacturing period, when skilled craftsmen still hand-selected woods and assembled each instrument with meticulous attention to detail.

Historical Context: Gibson's Final Golden Year

By 1964, Gibson had perfected the ES-335 design that debuted in 1958. The Kalamazoo factory was operating at peak efficiency under the guidance of Ted McCarty, who had overseen the development of nearly every iconic Gibson electric guitar design. This was also the year that featured some of the most spectacular flame maple tops Gibson ever used, as the company still had access to premium old-growth timber.

The ES-335 had proven its worth in the hands of Chuck Berry, B.B. King, and countless studio musicians by 1964. The model had evolved from an experimental concept to an essential tool for professional guitarists across multiple genres. The stop tailpiece version, while less common than the Bigsby-equipped models, was increasingly requested by players who prioritized sustain and tuning stability over vibrato effects.

During 1964, Gibson was also experiencing unprecedented demand for their electric guitars as the British Invasion sparked guitar sales worldwide. However, this increased demand was still being met with the same traditional construction methods and quality standards that had defined the company since the 1950s.

Notable artists using ES-335s in 1964 included Freddie King, whose aggressive blues style helped define the instrument's reputation for power and sustain, particularly with the stop tailpiece configuration. The year also saw increased studio use of the ES-335, as its versatile tone made it ideal for the increasingly sophisticated recording techniques of the mid-1960s.

Detailed Identification Guide

Serial Numbers

1964 Gibson ES-335s typically feature serial numbers in the range of 165000-179000, stamped on the back of the headstock. However, some overlap exists with 1963 and 1965 production, making serial numbers just one piece of the dating puzzle.

Factory Order Numbers (FON)

The most reliable identifier is the Factory Order Number stamped inside the sound hole on the center block or back bracing. 1964 ES-335s typically show FONs beginning with "T" followed by four digits, such as T-4XXX through T-8XXX range.

Potentiometer Codes

1964 ES-335s used various potentiometer manufacturers:

• Centralab: Code 134 6XXX (134 = Centralab, 6X = 1964, XX = week)

• CTS: Code 137 6XXX (137 = CTS, 6X = 1964, XX = week)

• Always check all four pots - they should show consistent 1963-1964 dating

Neck Construction Details

• Neck Joint: Traditional mortise and tenon construction with long neck tenon

• Truss Rod: Non-adjustable truss rod (adjustable rods began in 1965)

• Neck Angle: Proper neck angle requires no shims - Gibson's precision woodworking at its finest

Visual Identification Features

Headstock:

• Pearl "Gibson" logo with crown inlay

• "Made in USA" stamp below serial number

• Single-line Kluson tuners with double-ring buttons

• Proper headstock angle (17 degrees)

Body:

• Laminated flame maple top and back with solid mahogany rim

• F-holes with proper proportions and sharp points

• Cherry Red finish over natural maple (shows grain clearly)

• Cream/white binding on top, back, and f-holes

• Stop tailpiece with original studs and bushings

Electronics:

• Two PAF humbucking pickups with chrome covers

• Original pickups may or may not retain "Patent Applied For" stickers

• Four-knob control layout (2 volume, 2 tone)

• Three-way toggle switch on upper bout

• Original wiring harness with cloth-covered wire

Detailed Physical Specifications

Weight and Dimensions

• Weight Range: 7.5-8.5 pounds (typical)

• Body Length: 16 inches

• Body Width: 13 inches at lower bout

• Body Depth: 1 5/8 inches

• Scale Length: 24.75 inches

Neck Specifications

• Profile: Medium C-shape (transitional between chunky '63 and slim '65)

• Nut Width: 1-11/16 inches

• Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood with pearl block inlays

• Fretboard Radius: 12 inches

• Number of Frets: 22 frets (19th fret clears body)

• Fret Wire: Original thin vintage wire

Hardware Specifications

• Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge with nylon saddles

• Tailpiece: Stop tailpiece (aluminum with steel studs)

• Tuners: Kluson single-line tuners with double-ring buttons

• Nut: Bone nut, hand-fitted

• Pickup Rings: Original cream/white plastic

• Knobs: Reflector "top hat" knobs in cream/white

Electronics

• Pickups: Hand-wound PAF humbuckers

• Pickup Resistance: Typically 7.5-8.5k ohms (neck), 8.0-9.0k ohms (bridge)

• Capacitors: "Bumblebee" paper-in-oil capacitors (.022 mfd)

• Potentiometers: 500k audio taper

• Output Jack: Mono jack mounted on lower side

Tonal Characteristics

The 1964 ES-335 with stop tailpiece delivers what many consider the perfect balance of acoustic warmth and electric clarity. The semi-hollow construction provides:

Acoustic Properties:

• Rich woody resonance from the hollow wings

• Enhanced sustain from the solid center block

• Natural compression that smooths harsh frequencies

• Complex harmonic overtones that pure solid-bodies can't match

Electric Characteristics:

• PAF humbuckers provide warm, vintage output without excessive gain

• Stop tailpiece increases sustain and improves string-to-body coupling

• The mahogany center block adds midrange warmth and note definition

• Maple top adds brightness and note clarity

Genre Versatility:

• Jazz: Warm, woody tones with rolled-off highs

• Blues: Perfect balance of warmth and bite

• Rock: Sufficient output for mild overdrive with exceptional clarity

• Country: Clear, articulate tones with natural compression

The 1964 ES-335 occupies a unique tonal space - warmer than a solid-body Les Paul but with more focus than a full hollow-body. The stop tailpiece version particularly excels at sustaining notes with perfect intonation, making it ideal for lead work and intricate chord voicings.

Common Issues & Modifications

When evaluating a 1964 ES-335, carefully inspect for these common issues:

Typical Problems

1. Neck Joint Separation: Check for gaps between neck and body heel

2. Pickup Ring Cracks: Original plastic rings often develop stress cracks

3. Tailpiece Stud Issues: Original studs may have loosened over time

4. Finish Checking: Natural aging of nitrocellulose finish (generally acceptable)

5. Binding Shrinkage: Celluloid binding may show slight shrinkage lines

Common Modifications

1. Tuner Replacements: Many have been upgraded to Grovers or modern Klusons

2. Electronics Modifications: Pickups, pots, or wiring may have been changed

3. Hardware Updates: Bridge, tailpiece, or knobs may not be original

4. Nut Replacement: Bone nuts often replaced with synthetic materials

5. Refrets: Most vintage guitars have had at least partial fret work

Red Flags for Authenticity

• Refinished Bodies: Look for overspray in f-holes or control cavity

• Replaced Tops: Check for inconsistent grain patterns or color variations

• Pickup Modifications: Non-original pickups or enlarged pickup routes

• Headstock Repairs: Examine for cracks or evidence of break repairs

• Serial Number Inconsistencies: Compare with pot dates and construction features

Restoration Considerations

Many collectors prefer all-original examples with natural aging over restored instruments. However, proper restoration by qualified technicians can significantly improve playability while preserving investment value.

Why Players and Collectors Value the 1964 ES-335

Playing Characteristics

The 1964 ES-335 offers exceptional playability thanks to:

• Neck Comfort: The medium C-profile fits most hand sizes perfectly

• String Tension: 24.75" scale length provides comfortable string tension

• Access: Cutaway design allows full fretboard access

• Weight: Lighter than solid-body guitars, reducing shoulder strain

• Resonance: Semi-hollow construction enhances playing dynamics

Collector Appeal

Several factors make 1964 ES-335s particularly collectible:

• Historical Significance: Final year of original Gibson ownership era

• Limited Production: Fewer stop tailpiece versions than Bigsby models

• Tonal Reputation: Considered among the finest-sounding ES-335s ever made

• Visual Appeal: Cherry Red finish with flame maple creates stunning aesthetics

• Famous Users: Associated with legendary players across multiple genres

Investment Potential

1964 ES-335s have shown consistent appreciation:

• Values have doubled in the past 10 years

• Rarity ensures continued demand from collectors

• Cross-generational appeal maintains strong market

• Original examples becoming increasingly scarce

Selling Your 1964 Gibson ES-335

If you own a 1964 Gibson ES-335 in Cherry Red with stop tailpiece, you possess one of the most sought-after vintage electric guitars ever produced. At Edgewater Guitars, we specialize in providing fair market valuations for these exceptional instruments.

Why Choose Edgewater Guitars

Premium Valuations: We consistently pay 30-40% more than local guitar shops because we understand the true collector value of premium vintage Gibson instruments.

Expert Authentication: Our team includes certified vintage guitar experts who can properly authenticate and evaluate your ES-335's originality and condition factors.

Streamlined Process: No consignment fees, no waiting periods, no uncertainty. We provide immediate cash offers based on current market values.

Specialized Knowledge: We understand the specific value factors that affect 1964 ES-335s, including PAF pickup authenticity, flame quality, and finish originality.

Geographic Reach: We serve guitar owners throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia, with in-person evaluations available for high-value instruments.

Ready to get a valuation for your vintage Gibson? Contact us today for your free, no-obligation assessment.

Authentication and Dating Resources

For additional help identifying and dating your vintage Gibson ES-335:

• Gibson Serial Number Database: Cross-reference your serial number with our comprehensive lookup tool

• PAF Pickup Authentication Guide: Learn to identify original Patent Applied For humbuckers

• Gibson Potentiometer Dating Guide: Decode pot dates to verify authenticity

• ES-335 Construction Timeline: Understand year-to-year changes in Gibson's semi-hollow construction

• Vintage Gibson Finish Guide: Learn to identify original Cherry Red finishes versus refinished guitars

  
  

Contact Edgewater Guitars Today

Edgewater Guitars specializes in purchasing premium vintage guitars throughout the Midwest region. If you own a 1964 Gibson ES-335 or any other valuable vintage instrument, we invite you to experience our expert evaluation process and premium valuation approach.

Get your free valuation today: Visit our website or call (440) 219-3607 to speak directly with our vintage guitar specialists.

Service Area: Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia - we travel to you for high-value instruments.

Why wait? Vintage guitar values continue to appreciate, but market conditions can change. Let our experts provide you with a current, accurate valuation of your 1964 Gibson ES-335 today.

This evaluation guide was prepared by the vintage guitar specialists at Edgewater Guitars, Ohio's premier vintage guitar buyers. Our team combines decades of experience with current market knowledge to provide the most accurate valuations in the Midwest.