1964 ES335...keep as is or return to original spec??

smithell · Newbie Alert Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 2

This is a question for collectors/dealers. I have a very clean '64 ES335 stop tail, cherry, block inlay. Finish is exc, as is pickups (Pat Pending I believe), neck, etc. The origianl owner pulled off the orange label inside the F hole Sad

and installed Schaller tuners. The pickups have replacement nickel covers. I've had one dealer tell me it would be worth finding original tuners, an orange label, etc and would add value. It would make the instrument look period correct however I don't want to represent it as totally original.
Any thoughts/comments would be appreciated.

SAguitar · Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:34 am Post subject:

Welcome to the Forum, Smithell! That sounds like one sweet machine you have there!

The mechanical parts you are asking about are available, but might be hard to locate, and will certainly cost you a sizable amount to get them from the correct year. There are some dealers listed in Vintage Guitar Magazine that might have what you're looking for.

As far as the orange label, that is a very different issue. Without some inside help at Gibson, I believe it will next to impossible to obtain one of those. Of course, counterfeits are available, and illegal, and will not increase the value of your already very valuable guitar.

I'm sure a couple of guys with more knowledge than me will be dropping by with some more clues and probably better info.

Congratulations on owning such a fine heirloom!

Stay tuned,
Stan

Strat Man dwight · Big Guppy Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 48

Hey Stan, who's dropping by??? Laughing

I agree, welcome the man, and think that he should get some original tuners or at least repros.

And as you said, the orange label is a difficult if not impossible issue. I'd say forget about the label, it's gone, and any replacement there is not kosher, like the real thing. Should I have said, legit? Laughing