1971 Gibson ES-335
The 1971 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 | Indian Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge with stop tailpiece or Bigsby vibrato |
| Tuners | Grover Rotomatic |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Cherry Red, Natural, Walnut, Wine Red |
| Est. Production | 5,000 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two humbucking pickups (T-top from ~1967).
What Changed in 1971
Norlin-era 335. Still fundamentally excellent semi-hollow guitars at accessible vintage prices.
Collector's Notes
Block-inlay 335s are excellent instruments. Norlin-era 335s offer exceptional value for players.
How to Authenticate a 1971 Gibson ES-335
Check the impressed (stamped) serial number on the headstock back — verify within documented 1971 ranges. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1971 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. By the early 1970s, Gibson was transitioning to thicker finishes. Check finish thickness and aging characteristics. 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 — short tenon introduced ~1969. Original Grover Rotomatic should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.