Gibson ES335 serial number help

[Douglas858]

Just picked up what I think is a 68 ES-335 in natural/blond over the weekend. The serial # is 512222. I did not see that number configuration on the Gibson SN site. Can someone who knows help me out here? Is this a 68? I was told the natural/blond was rare for a 68 if anyone knows about that.

Also is it common for the orange sticker to be blank?

It plays and sounds amazing but I can still return it if need be...so feel free to be open with your comments.

Thanks all,

Doug

 

[BettyFjord]

I can't tell you about the rarity or the label but I can say that if it says 512222 on the headstock then it's a candidate for a 1968 Gibson.

http://www.gibson.com/Files/downloads/bluebook/GibsonElectrics.pdf

"This is generally considered to be the most confusing out of all Gibson’s serial number systems used between the years 1961 and 1970. There are several instances where batches of numbers are switched in order and duplicated, not just once, but up to four times, and seem to be randomly assigned throughout the decade.

Note: If "MADE IN USA" is stamped in the back of the headstock near the serial number, the guitar is not from the 1960s, but the 1970s. In this case, please refer to the next section on serialization for 1970-1975 guitars."

SERIAL = YEAR
503405-520955 = 1965, 1968

 

[Douglas858]

no "made in the USA" Stamp. Thanks Betty.

 

[Douglas858]

Any one else seen a blank sticker or have any info on a blond 68?

 

[Bluzeboy]

Any one else seen a blank sticker or have any info on a blond 68?

According to the Gibson books I have no 335 TDN were made in 68/69.

As for the label. Never seen a blank one however; I have seen a few that the the ink has faded or worn off.

Sorry best I can do.

 

[DanR]

According to the Gibson books I have no 335 TDN were made in 68/69.

The guitar doesn't have the volute at the headstock neck joint, does it? Could the orange label have been a replacement and the 'made in USA' stamp refinished over?

 

[Douglas858]

no volute...I don't see any signs on a refinished neck. I am going to post some detailed pics tonight. Thanks for all this info.

 

[Drew816]

The 'blank' orange label is probably a reproduction just popped in there; just a guess but...

Sounds like a cool guitar, now where are our PICTURES!!! You must feed the animals after all...

I have a 65/68 335 as well, it's a 67 or 68 we're pretty sure but the serial number leads you in either direction (had has T-Tops in it though).

Happy Playing!

 

[Douglas858]

Here are a few

 

[newswede]

A beauty!I REALLY like it.
As per http://www.guitardaterproject.org/gibson.aspx Your guitar was made at the Kalamazoo Plant, USA, approximately in: 1965 or 1968. I would say it is a '68

 

[Drew816]

That's more like it, I LOVE it! Nice grab, enjoy it in good health; my 335 is my favorite guitar as it just sounds unreal...

Happy Playing and Happy New Year!

 

[PRGuitar]

Hey bro! Great guitar!!

my name is Paul and i'm a guitarrist from Brazil. I recently bought a Gibson Les Paul custom, but she's diferent from the other custons i know...the inlays in the neck are different, and i just can't find out this guitar's year...somebody can help me? Here's it serial number (carved on the wood in the back of headstock)

59092180 MADE IN USA

Thanks for any help!! God bless ya!!

 

[Douglas858]

Right on guys ...I am really digging it. thanks for the info

 

[Bluzeboy]

NICE guitar.. Enjoy it. !!!!!!!!

 

[Douglas858]

I have had it for 4 days. 335 into TS808 into Expandora into DM2 into Budda Twinmaster Ten may be the best tone I have ever pullled off. Holy cow!