1969 gibson 335

[riker4208]

Anyone familiar with this year. I'm going to go check one out, but I've only played the reissues and the larry carlton model (which I kick myself for not buying). How is the trapeze tailpiece? Anything I should look for for originality of the pickups (*I want those original).

What's a good price for the walnut color?

thanks, any input would be welcome

[Caretaker]

Most people that play OTHER than jazz usually prefer a stop tail like a Les Paul. A 69 will have no volute or Made in USA. Be sure to check. Should be between $4500-$6000. if all original and great shape. Good luck.

[mark norwine]

Original pickups will have pat number stickers on the bottoms. If the covers have been removed, you will see the letter "T" molded into the top of the bobbins.

Expect the nut width to be very narrow.....as small as 1-9/16". Some players like them, many hate them.

[infiniteposse]

If it's the one on Pdx CL, it's got non-origional tuners and perhaps extra holes to accomodate the Schallers. Not a great price but not horrible. You're close to a Collings at the $ though and that's a sure thing.

Good luck.

[Vintage-tone]

Walnut are the cheapest of the family.
Can be hard to move them.

[franksguitar]

I once had a walnut 1969-1970 but had a volute. A 1969 at 98% mint blue book goes for $6000 but sure you get them for alot less maybe half that probably under 3K. 69-70 had a volute since they were Norlins and not as popular.

[Rotten]

I have a 1973 walnut. Probably the bottom of the barrel as far as collectibility. However, once I put in a stop tail piece (after a decade long bad decision with a Kahler) it is one of the best sounding 335s I've played. It has more hollow-body sound than most 335s because the solid block stops at the front pickup. There is another solid block under the bridge. The neck is skinny, 1 9/16". However, I often play it after playing the R8 that I'm used to and it feels very fast. I don't, however, have one of those techniques where I wrap my thumb around the neck.

http://i269.photobucket.com/albums/jj44/Encinitastubes/Alex013-1.jpg

[riker4208]

Infiniteposse.....totally the one on craigslist. Lee, we have some mutual friends in Portland I think. This is why I like posting about stuff like this......totally helps me not make bad decisions.

[infiniteposse]

Understood. Buying something so $$$ is always a little intense for me, especially when it falls into that late 60's period when fender and Gibson, etc all went downhill to some degree.

Who's our mutual peep? Have we ever met?

Are you going to check out the guitar still? If so give a report.

[riker4208]

I'm in a band called sabertooth. Amanda Lawrence recorded the strings. I noticed she was on your stuff.

http://www.myspace.com/sabertoothsongs

[mark norwine]

Norlin, schmorlin.........If they "speak to ya", you've arrived! No nay-sayers allowed!!!

Almost a year ago, I scored a '70 Walnut ES-345. I yanked the varitone & rewired for mono. A previous owner had already drilled for the stop bar. It's my #1 now, and has displaced several other fine, "more-vintage" pieces.

Even during the norlin period, good pieces escaped from the factory now & then....

[Caretaker]

Norlin, schmorlin.........If they "speak to ya", you've arrived! No nay-sayers allowed!!!

Almost a year ago, I scored a '70 Walnut ES-345. I yanked the varitone & rewired for mono. A previous owner had already drilled for the stop bar. It's my #1 now, and has displaced several other fine, "more-vintage" pieces.

Even during the norlin period, good pieces escaped from the factory now & then....
:dude Well said.