Since its debut in 1958, the Gibson ES-335 has stood as one of the most consequential designs in electric guitar history, striking a versatile balance between hollowbody warmth and solidbody focus. By the mid-1960s, the model had taken on a more refined look and feel, and guitars from this era capture both the elegance and the transitional quirks of Gibson’s golden age in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
This 1966 ES-335TD, finished in rare Sparkling Burgundy, is a stunning example of that period. Its laminated maple body with solid maple center block delivers resonance and sustain without the feedback concern of a fully hollow guitar, while the bound rosewood fingerboard and block inlays reflect Gibson’s mid-’60s move toward a more upscale aesthetic. The trapeze tailpiece, another hallmark of the era, contributes both stylistic flair and a touch of slinkiness to the playing response. Over time, the finish has mellowed into a gorgeous brown from some angles, and as you shift it in the light, the delicate sparkle flashes in such a cool way. In particular, the back remains redder, whereas the top has taken on a softer amber brown hue with tan-lines under the bridge, tailpiece, and pickguard.
The neck on this 335 is narrow but manageable—the nut measures 1-5/8", and it avoids the cramped feel of the narrowest late-’60s examples while still playing fast and easy. Combined with the light, well-balanced semi-hollow construction, this guitar feels alive in your hands—equally suited for long sessions in the studio or stretching out on stage. Despite the years, this 1966 ES-335TD finds us in impressive cosmetic condition for its age. It shows some finish-checking and general wear from the years, and the finish is especially worn on the back of the neck behind the first few frets. As is common, there are various bumps around the edges of the headstock, and there is a scuff in between the bridge and bridge pickup trim.
Both humbuckers have Patent # stickers, and they deliver the articulate clarity, warm sustain, and range you need to blow this guitar wide open. Another sign of Gibson’s transitional era, the neck pickup has nickel pole-piece screws while the bridge shows chrome, a small detail of the company’s shift in hardware through the '60s. From there, most of the parts and components appear to be original and straightforward. The two longer mount screws on the bridge pickup trim were added recently, and the pickups are nicely balanced sonically (7.13 k ohms at the bridge and 7.39 k ohms at the neck).
When you plug in, this 1966 comes alive through an amp with the rich, singing tone that defines the ES-335. A good 335 is both smooth and percussive, a versatile guitar for a wide variety of genres and playing styles. Well-preserved and highly playable, this Sparkling Burgundy '66 bridges collector-grade rarity with sincere mojo and inspiration—an instrument you’ll be proud to own and thrilled to play every time you pick it up. It includes its original hardshell case.