1966 Gibson ES-335 TDC XII 12-string Faded Cherry

What's not to like on this 12-string wonder? Too many strings? Just lose the 6 double harmonic ones and you end up with a 1966 ES-335 6-string for not even 1/2 the price!!

Gibson's first single-neck electric 12-string, the ES-335-12 was introduced in mid-1965 in response to the 12-string craze which followed George Harrison playing a Rickenbacker 360/12 in the prior year's of The Beatles in "A Hard Day's Night". The model was a straight adaptation of the standard 335 design, with only an extended headstock and 12-string tailpiece and nut as alterations. The 12-string ES-335 was reasonably successful over the next couple of years but was phased out in 1970 after only 2050 guitars produced.

This beautiful faded cherry example was built in 1966, the first full production year and is one of only 152 shipped that year. This guitar sports a lovely clear and faded cherry finish with some wear and checking and lots of beautiful woodgrain showing on the top sides and back. It comes with the original chrome-plated hardware, nylon saddle bridge and the earlier '60s-style metal capped reflector knobs. The neck is comparable to the Rickenbackers at the time, fast and very easy on the hands. The pickups are the original Pre T-Top Pat. No. Sticker humbuckers that sound full and open in the neck and jingly like a Tele in the bridge. Pots, electronics etc are all original and untouched. The neck has a deep scratch near the heel on the bass side and a smiley on the back of the headstock. Both are old, stable and come with our full shop warranty.

This model was never hugely popular but did see some high-profile use; one was famously used by Robbie Krieger on the Doors' "Love Her Madly". The most prominent regular user was Richie Furay of the Buffalo Springfield, but the model can also be seen in the hands of the Beau Brummels and a number of other period folk-rock acts. The ES-335-12 remains one of the 1960s' better-sounding and playing electric 12's and it is a very fine instrument, even if not generally considered an all-time Gibson classic.
 
Overall this is a pretty clean and 100% original guitar. The beautiful light and clear cherry finish shows some checking mostly to the front and small dings and chips but no serious wear. The original frets are in pretty good condition, the neck has a 40mm nut width and feels very easy and smooth in your hands. It comes in a late 60's early 70's non marked Gibson Cheney case with burgundy red plush interior and both keys in the center pocket.