1966 Gibson ES-335
The 1966 ES-335 — block-inlay era semi-hollow. The guitar that B.B. King, Larry Carlton, and countless blues and jazz players chose.
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/Poplar/Maple laminate (semi-hollow, center block) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Brazilian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge with stop tailpiece or Bigsby vibrato |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe or Grover |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Cherry Red, Natural |
| Est. Production | 3,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two humbucking pickups (T-top from ~1967).
What Changed in 1966
Continued Norlin production. Tuners transitioning to Grover on some models.
Collector's Notes
Block-inlay 335s are excellent instruments. Norlin-era 335s offer exceptional value for players.
How to Authenticate a 1966 Gibson ES-335
Check the serial number on the back of the headstock — ink-stamped numbers should fall within documented ranges for 1966. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1966 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. Gibson used nitrocellulose lacquer through the late 1960s. Check for natural checking and wear patterns. Under UV light, original finishes fluoresce differently than refinishes. 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 or Grover should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.