Gibson VINTAGE ES-335TD w/Coil Tap Switch '78

Since its introduction in 1958, the ES-335TD has reigned as a leading semi-acoustic guitar, not only for Gibson but for the entire guitar market. Its appeal lies in its user-friendly sound, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

The sunburst finish was popular during this period, as evidenced by the large number of units shipped. The ES-335 with a pickup coil-tap switch appeared in the late 1970s.

【body】
The overall weight is approximately 3.95 kg. The body is made of the familiar semi-hollow maple wood, clad in a sophisticated tobacco-colored sunburst. This model features a coil-tap switch, a feature seen in a certain number of guitars from this period. While there is some weather checking on the paint surface and at the material boundaries, dents, age-related discoloration of the binding, and signs of use and tarnishing on the parts, it can be said to be in relatively good condition. The bridge has been replaced with a new one of the same specifications, and the pickup covers have been replaced along with the pickups.

【neck】
The neck is a three-piece maple construction, typical of this era. The fingerboard is rosewood. The sticker indicating that it was handled by Gibson Japan remains on the back of the headstock. There is some age-related discoloration of the binding and weather checking at the material boundaries, but it remains in good condition, similar to the body. The tuners function properly, although there is some slight variation in the winding tension. The frets and nut show some minor wear, but playability is good. The nut width is 43.0mm. It has a relatively clean neck shape.

[Electrical System]
The controls consist of a pickup coil tap switch, a 3-way pickup selector, a volume control for the front position, a tone control for the front position, a volume control for the rear position, and a tone control for the rear position. One of the guitar's appealing features is the coil tap switch, which allows you to select between single-coil and humbucking modes. The pickups have been replaced with "'57 Classic" pickups. The other control components are in their original condition.

Featuring a rich body resonance thanks to its semi-hollow construction, both the front and rear pickups deliver a clear and focused tone in standard humbucking mode. The front pickup offers a full and smooth sound, while the rear pickup provides a crisp, well-defined tone. In single-coil mode via coil tapping, a lighter and more articulate tone is obtained, making it ideal for cutting and arpeggios. This guitar offers a versatility that can handle a wide range of genres, from blues and jazz to rock, fusion, and AOR.

Accessories: Gibson black hard case


Weight: 3.95kg
Body Material (Top/Rim/Back): Laminate Maple 1 piece/Laminate Maple/Laminate Maple 1 piece
Neck Material/Scale length: Maple 3 piece w/volute/624mm (24-3/4inch)
Bridge/Tail: Schaller BR-030 Modern Tune-O-Matic Nashville Style, chrome (replaced)/Gibson Trapeze Tailpiece, chrome
Fingerboard/Fret Marker/Radius: Rosewood w/Single piy binding/Pearloid Block/304.8mm (12inch)
Nut Width/Fret Size (Width): 43.0mm/2.7mm, 22 Fret
Neck Thickness (1F/7F/12F): 20.5mm/23.1mm/25.8mm
Pickup (Neck/Bridge): (replaced) Gibson '57 Classic Humbucker w/coil tap, Chrome Cover (7.85kΩ/7.85kΩ)
*The DC resistance value of the pickup is measured through the control section.

Heartman Vintage Guitars is a specialty store for vintage guitars and basses operated by Ikebe Musical Instruments.