The Evolution Of TheES-335TD

1957

Engineer and Gibson president Ted McCarty designs the ‘semiacoustic’ ES-335TD

1958

Gibson ES-335TD launched; official production begins in Spring

1959

Iconic Cherry finish available in addition to Sunburst and Natural

1960

Neck profile becomes less chunky; thinner/flatter ‘blade’ necks appear

1961

Shorter pickguard transition complete; stops below the bridge

1962

Pearloid blocks replace dot inlays

1964

Transition begins towards trapeze tailpiece; stop tailpieces becoming less common

1965

Nickel plated hardware replaced by chrome hardware; nut decreases in width

1966

Brazilian rosewood fretboard replaced by Indian rosewood