1964 Gibson ES-335
The 1964 ES-335 — block-neck, cherry or sunburst — is one of the most widely appreciated vintage semi-hollows. Patent-number humbuckers are excellent and the construction quality is high. More accessible pricing than dot-neck models.
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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Specifications
| Body Wood | Maple (semi-hollow thinline with solid center block) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood (block inlays) |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece or Bigsby |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Cherry, Natural |
| Est. Production | 1,200 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two Patent Number (PAT. APPL. FOR → PAT. NO.) humbuckers. Good sounding pickups, different character from PAFs.
What Changed in 1964
Block inlay fingerboard now standard. Patent-number pickups have fully replaced PAFs. The ES-335 was becoming Gibson's best-selling semi-hollow model. Slim neck profile is standard.
Collector's Notes
The transition from dots (1961) to blocks (1962) is the single biggest value driver in ES-335 collecting. 1964 block-neck models are priced appropriately for what they are — outstanding guitars at fraction of dot-neck prices.
How to Authenticate a 1964 Gibson ES-335
Check the serial number on the back of the headstock — ink-stamped numbers should fall within documented ranges for 1964. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1964 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). Block inlays. 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.