Why a '64 Es335 ?

[Progear]

It seems to me that the most desirable year for a Es335 is from 1964. Why is that ? :hmm

 

[WBailey]

It seems to me that the most desirable year for a Es335 is from 1964. Why is that ? :hmm

It all depends on who you ask. There are over 26K members here with as many opinions.

'64's are okay, just not my fav. A lot of guys with normal to small hands dig em.

Guys with big hands, pass. YMMV

 

[garywright]

actually a lot of 64s have a big round neck ...that combined with the block inlays, pointed horns and reflector knobs make them a favorite of mine ...no paf's ...no prob

 

[Rev.WillieVK]

Clapton, that's why. :ganz :biggrin:

 

[CDaughtry]

It seems to me that the most desirable year for a Es335 is from 1964. Why is that ? :hmm

Because Clapton played one.:jim

 

[MapleFlame]

because Clapton made his sound good :hank:hank:hank

 

[MikeSlub]

Vintage 335's are cool. The 1964's are awesome!

1958, 1959, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1964.

 

[garywright]

actually a lot of 64s have a big round neck ...that combined with the block inlays, pointed horns and reflector knobs make them a favorite of mine ...no paf's ...no prob

don't forget the short guard ...AND 'er Clapton ..dummy !:hee

 

[Michael Minnis]

Vintage 335's are cool. The 1964's are awesome!

1958, 1959, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1964.

Thanks, Mike! The "Other Gibson" Forum has needed a dose of great vintage pieces!

 

[marshall1987]

It seems to me that the most desirable year for a Es335 is from 1964. Why is that ? :hmm

Personally I would go for a big neck 1959 ES-335 with PAFs, however, a cherry red 1964 or an early '65 stop-tail would be a close second. The 1964/early '65 necks are very nice, and they still have purple enamel wire Pat. No. pickups and Brazilian Rosewood fingerboards.

Just my 2c.

 

[Progear]

Vintage 335's are cool. The 1964's are awesome!

1958, 1959, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1964.

WOW ... :salude Mike, you (we) have a problem.. but in a good .. :teeth:biggrin:

 

[GuitarMikey]

A lot of guys with normal to small hands dig em.

Guys with big hands, pass. YMMV

First time i've ever heard that :hmm

 

[Xpensive Wino]

Because Clapton played one.:jim

Bingo!

​

 

[Wilko]

'64 are the last stop tail "golden era" 335s. Not yet narrow, and not too thin either. Nice taper. Mine's a 65 stoptail conversion and feels very similar. Very light weight. Great sound from the pre-T "PAFs.

 

[J.D.]

Anything 58-64 is gonna be good far more times than not.

For me personally, a blonde '59 dotneck is king :jim

 

[latestarter]

I'd also love a blonde '59...but my old burst '60 will do just fine!

 

[GotTheSilver]

Because I own one, and everyone wants to be like me! :hee Oh, and that Clapton guy!

Seriously, though. Based more on reading internet forums than personal experience with vintage 335s, a lot seems to have to do with the neck shape. There is a common feeling out there that the 335 necks became much thinner in '62. '63s are a bit bigger than '62, but the shape of the '64 neck is generally viewed to be the best. Take this all with a grain of salt, as there is variation in each year and different people prefer different things, but I have noticed this trend of opinion on the internet. And, of course, once the internet starts to form an opinion on something, it becomes gospel whether it is grounded in truth or not!

Add to the neck shape the small block inlays that many people (myself included) prefer over the dots (although many prefer dots). '64s still have Pat. # pickups, which are the same as PAFs. Also, it is the last full year before the nut got narrow and they changed to a different tailpiece and chrome hardware. Oh, and that Eric guy!

It really all comes down to personal preference. As others have said, '58 through '64 (actually, early '65) ES-335s are awesome! Whichever combination of features (neck shape, dots vs. blocks, etc.) floats your boat, go for it!

Personally, I do really love the neck shape, block inlays, cherry color and most of all the tone of my '64 335! But that doesn't mean I wouldn't be just as happy with one from another year.

 

[Xpensive Wino]

And because this:

 

[OKGuitar]

EC is a big reason for sure but the long term trend toward bigger neck profiles also has a lot to do with it. Big neck 59's are king but they are so pricey that 64's seem like a bargain with their medium chunky profile. 58's are also big necked but, like a 59, are often cost prohibitive as are big necked early 60's. And while a 64 isn't exactly cheap, they can be had without taking out a second mortgage or selling a kidney. The smaller necks from later 60, 61, 62, and much of 63 are still great guitars but they aren't exactly cheap either. Just for the record, the average 64 measures .82" to .85" at the first fret. 58's are usually .87" to .88". 59's have a big range of .83 (later) to .93". Compare that to a 61 at .78"-.81". YMMV (but not by much).

 

[Xpensive Wino]

And because this: :biggrin: