1960 Gibson ES-335
The 1960 ES-335 is the last of the pure dot-neck era, with a slimmer neck that many players prefer. Cherry finish models became more common this year, offering a bold alternative to sunburst.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Recent Sales
Showing 10 verified sales for 1960 Gibson ES-335. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Maple (semi-hollow thinline with solid center block) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood (dot inlays) |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece or Bigsby |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Nut Width | 1.69" |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Natural, Cherry |
| Est. Production | 804 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two PAF humbuckers. Final dot-neck year before block inlays in 1962.
What Changed in 1960
A slightly slimmer neck profile compared to 1958-1959. Cherry finish became more widely available. The final year of early dot-neck production before the model evolved significantly.
Collector's Notes
Cherry finish 1960 ES-335s are highly collected. 'Long guard' pickguard versions (extending past the treble pickup) are sought after. Confirm PAF vs. patent-number pickup status (late 1960 can go either way).
How to Authenticate a 1960 Gibson ES-335
Gibson serial numbers from this era are ink-stamped on the back of the headstock. Cross-reference with known Gibson serial tables — numbering was not strictly sequential. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1960 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer showing age-appropriate checking (fine crazing). Under blacklight, original nitro fluoresces a distinctive green-yellow — refinished instruments lack this characteristic. Check for original PAF or patent-number humbuckers — examine baseplate markings, wire colors, and magnet type. The ES-335's pickups should match each other in construction details. Semi-hollow body — tap test (solid center, hollow bouts). Dot neck inlays (most collectible). Verify long-tenon neck joint for this era (correct). Original Kluson Deluxe should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.