Music

A very special vintage Gibson - a 1964 ES-335TDC model, the same year as Eric Clapton's. Its long term owner with James 'Big Jim' Ryder of the Jimmy Crawford Four, a 60s Yorkshire group and contemporaries of The Beatles, with the singer featuring in the 1962 film 'Play It Cool' alongside Billy Fury. Big Jim performed with the group in various combinations during the 60s as well as touring Australia with them in '77-78 and performing on the Aussie TV show 'You're a Star, Superstar'.  While this guitar has lived quite a life and shows it, it is free of any breaks or serious repairs and is near all-original. The only non-replaced parts are usual perishables, including the switch tip knobs and a new nut. It has also been refretted - recently re-crowned by Dicky at Fontaine Guitars (the best in the business) who also did the nut work. The finish, pickups, electronics and all other hardware is original. Specs: Country of origin: USA (Kalamazoo, Michigan)Date of manufacture: 1964Finish: Cherry RedBody: Laminate mapleNeck: Mahogany, classic '64 round profileNut width: 1 11/16 in.Fingerboard: Brazilian RosewoodHardware: NickelPickups: Original Pat No. humbuckersTuners: Original 'Single Line' double ring KlusonBridge: Original Gibson ABR-1 'no wire' with nylon saddlesCase: Period-correct Selmer thinline tweed Condition: As above, this guitar has lived a life but is free of the usual Gibson neck break. The finish while worn, is wholly original with no overspray or touch ups and a beautiful patina. Big Jim gigged this guitar over a lifetime and it shows, with numerous dings, marks and heavy lacquer checking, namely to the arm rest portion (pictured) and some very heavy buckle rash to the back. One particularly heavy mark to the back - but again, no breaks. Some minor binding lift which has been secured, blacklights perfectly and no surprises or issues. All wiring appears to be original and correct, pots all date to '64. The neck tone pot can be temperamental - but again, is original. Jim previously had repro Schaller tuners on with the original single line Klusons in the case - which I have reinstalled. Playing phenomenally, neck angle is excellent as are the frets. The original ABR-1 bridge with nylon saddles was in the case when I acquired it and has some of the usual 'sink' and one of the brittle nylon saddles had split. It is currently sporting an excellent aged nickel Faber, but the original will be included (though it currently has little utility and the Faber is near-identical). The odd screw may be non-original, though of course it's difficult to tell. Modifications/repairs: Minor binding lift secured, replaced knobs and switch tip (both aged repros). Previous refret, fret dress and new nut carried out by Fontaine Guitars. Accessories: Period correct Selmer thinline tweed hard case. Collection/delivery: Collection highly preferred due to obvious reasons, though I'm happy to send this within the UK mainland. To my mind, this is a highly desirable 335 for being original, free of breaks and a guitar you wouldn't be fearful to play, owing to not being in museum-grade condition. It of goes without saying that it sounds and plays phenomenally. It comes with an original press card for the Jimmy Crawford Four, signed by Big Jim himself. a wonderful piece of American - and British - music history. Free shipping to mainland UK via Parcelforce 24. More photos available on my site - if you have any questions or queries then please get in touch! Ollie's Guitars is an independent Nottingham-based business run solely by myself - Ollie. All guitars receive a basic shop setup, including the action being set comfortably, a fresh set of strings and all electronics / pots cleaned (unless otherwise specified). I would recommend having any guitar setup to your preferences following delivery to suit your preferred playing style and string gauge, etc.

The Gibson ES-335TD-12 is a 12-string version of the classic ES-335 guitar, known for its semi-hollow body and versatile sound.