1961 Gibson ES-335
The 1961 dot-neck ES-335 sits at the end of the PAF era — among the last years before block inlays arrived in 1962. PAF-equipped 1961 examples are highly desirable.
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 3 verified sales for 1961 Gibson ES-335. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Maple (laminated, solid center block) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic ABR-1 with stop-bar |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe double-ring |
| Nut Width | 1.69" |
| Finish Options | Cherry, Sunburst, Natural |
Pickups & Electronics
Two PAF or early Patent Number humbuckers. The transition from PAF to Patent Number pickups occurred gradually through 1961-1962.
Collector's Notes
Check pickup dates carefully — 1961 is a transition year between PAF and Patent Number. PAF examples command a notable premium.
How to Authenticate a 1961 Gibson ES-335
Check the serial number on the back of the headstock — ink-stamped numbers should fall within documented ranges for 1961. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1961 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 double-ring should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.