The Gibson CS 1969 ES-335 Reissue in Sunburst recreates one of the more distinctive late-1960s versions of Gibson's legendary semi-hollow electric, combining classic ES-335 construction with a slimmer late-'60s neck, block fingerboard inlays and the unmistakable trapeze tailpiece used on period instruments.

Its laminated maple/poplar/maple body surrounds a centre block for the characteristic balance of resonance, sustain and feedback control, while a pair of Gibson MHS humbuckers provides articulate vintage-inspired tones suitable for blues, jazz, classic rock, soul and studio work.

This pre-owned example, serial number 670010, is presented in Excellent Condition, showing only very light signs of previous use. A hardcase is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Gibson
Model	1969 ES-335 Reissue
Range	CS / Late-Sixties ES-335
Finish	Sunburst
Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition
Serial Number	670010
Included	Hardcase
Tailpiece	Trapeze
Main Appeal	Late-'60s ES-335 styling with MHS humbuckers and period-inspired hardware
Best For	Blues, jazz, classic rock, soul, indie, studio and live performance

Condition Overview

Excellent Condition

This Gibson 1969 ES-335 Reissue is presented in Excellent Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Excellent Condition means the guitar shows only very light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional and particularly well presented.

What's Included?

✔ Gibson CS 1969 ES-335 Reissue Sunburst
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

• Excellent overall condition
• Only very light signs of previous use
• Hardcase included
• Serial number: 670010

No specific faults, repairs or modifications are recorded.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Gibson ES-335 has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Neck MHS humbucker tested
• Bridge MHS humbucker tested
• 3-way pickup selector checked
• Individual volume controls tested
• Individual tone controls tested
• Output jack checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Rosewood fingerboard inspected
• Frets checked
• Kluson-style tuning machines assessed
• Wired ABR-1 bridge checked
• Trapeze tailpiece inspected
• Hardware assessed
• Body and neck joint checked
• General playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for setup and general playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge setup
• Tailpiece condition
• Hardware
• General playability

Semi-hollow guitars can respond naturally to changes in temperature and humidity during transportation, so minor setup adjustment may occasionally be desirable.

What Makes The Gibson 1969 ES-335 Reissue Special?

The 1969 ES-335 Reissue represents a less commonly recreated chapter of the ES-335 story. Rather than concentrating on the better-known late-'50s or early-'60s stopbar versions, this model draws on the slimmer-necked late-1960s instruments with block inlays, chrome hardware and a trapeze tailpiece, giving it a distinctly different feel and visual identity.

Gibson paired those period-inspired features with MHS humbuckers and the Memphis Tone Circuit, giving the guitar the responsive, open character expected from a premium semi-hollow while retaining enough clarity and feedback resistance for professional stage and studio use.

Key Features & Benefits

Trapeze Tailpiece

The trapeze tailpiece is one of this guitar's defining late-'60s features. Unlike the stopbar arrangement found on many ES-335s, the strings anchor further back on the body, creating a distinctive feel behind the ABR-1 bridge and an immediately recognisable period appearance.

MHS Humbuckers

Gibson's MHS humbuckers were developed to capture the open response, clarity and dynamic character associated with vintage Gibson humbuckers, making them particularly well suited to an instrument designed around late-'60s ES tones.

Late-'60s Neck Profile

The one-piece mahogany neck uses Gibson's Late '60s profile, reflecting the slimmer neck dimensions associated with ES-335s from this period and providing a fast, comfortable feel for chordal and lead playing.

Semi-Hollow Centre-Block Construction

The laminated body and internal centre block produce the characteristic ES-335 balance of airy acoustic resonance and solidbody-style sustain while helping control feedback at higher stage volumes.

Rosewood Fingerboard With Block Inlays

A dark rosewood fingerboard with period-inspired block inlays gives this reissue the visual identity associated with later-'60s ES-335 production.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

1969 ES-335 Reissue vs '59 ES-335 Reissue

A '59-style ES-335 typically emphasises dot inlays, a fuller early neck profile and stopbar construction. The 1969 Reissue offers a noticeably different experience with its block inlays, slimmer late-'60s neck and trapeze tailpiece.

1969 ES-335 Reissue vs '63 ES-335 Reissue

A '63 Reissue shares block-inlay styling but usually retains a stopbar tailpiece and earlier-'60s neck characteristics. The 1969 model pushes further into late-'60s specification through its hardware and neck profile.

ES-335 vs Gibson Les Paul

Both use twin humbuckers and Gibson's traditional scale length, but the ES-335 adds semi-hollow resonance and a larger body. It can sound more open and airy than a Les Paul while still retaining enough sustain and midrange for driven rock tones.

Who Is It For?

Blues guitarists – MHS humbuckers and semi-hollow construction provide excellent touch sensitivity and expressive overdriven tones.

Jazz players – The neck pickup offers warm, rounded clean sounds while the centre block keeps the guitar more manageable at volume than a fully hollow model.

Classic rock musicians – The bridge humbucker provides enough definition and authority for driven rhythm and lead sounds.

Soul and R&B players – The ES-335's combination of warmth and clarity works particularly well for clean and lightly driven rhythm parts.

ES enthusiasts looking for something different – The late-'60s neck and trapeze tailpiece make this considerably less conventional than the more common '59 and '63-inspired reissues.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Blues
• Blues rock
• Jazz
• Classic rock
• Rock
• Soul
• R&B
• Indie
• Alternative
• Pop
• Americana
• Fusion
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Clean rhythm guitar
• Lead guitar

Why Choose A Trapeze-Tailpiece ES-335?

Most players associate the ES-335 with a stopbar tailpiece, but Gibson used trapeze tailpieces extensively during the later 1960s.

The longer string path from bridge to tailpiece changes the physical feel of the instrument and gives the guitar an unmistakably late-'60s appearance. It also makes this specification particularly attractive to players who want something different from the numerous '58, '59 and '63-inspired ES reissues.

Combined with the slimmer neck associated with the period, it gives this ES-335 its own personality rather than simply being another variation on the earlier Burst-era formula.

Story & Context

Gibson introduced the ES-335 in 1958, creating a design that combined elements of hollowbody and solidbody guitars through its laminated body and solid centre block.

The model evolved throughout the following decade. By the late 1960s, ES-335s featured details including block fingerboard inlays, slimmer necks, chrome hardware and, on many examples, a trapeze tailpiece in place of the earlier stopbar arrangement.

This reissue was developed to capture that later period rather than the more frequently recreated late-'50s and early-'60s versions.

The result is a distinctive ES-335 that combines recognisable semi-hollow versatility with the look and feel of Gibson's late-1960s production.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson
Model	1969 ES-335 Reissue / Late-Sixties ES-335
Serial Number	670010
Country of Manufacture	USA
Finish	Sunburst
Body Shape	ES-335
Body Construction	Semi-Hollow with Centre Block
Top	3-Ply Maple / Poplar / Maple
Back	3-Ply Maple / Poplar / Maple
Rims	3-Ply Maple / Poplar / Maple
Body Binding	Single-Ply
Finish Type	Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material	One-Piece Mahogany
Neck Profile	Late '60s
Fingerboard Material	Dark Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlays	Period-Style Block Inlays
Fingerboard Binding	Bound
Scale Length	24.75"
Number of Frets	22
Nut Material	Nylon
Nut Width	Approx. 1.707"
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	Gibson MHS Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Gibson MHS Humbucker
Pickup Covers	Chrome
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Potentiometers	500k
Switching	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	Wired ABR-1
Tailpiece	Chrome Trapeze Tailpiece
Tuning Machines	Kluson Double-Ring Tulip
Control Knobs	Black Witch Hat with Silver Inserts
Pickguard	Multi-Ply ES Style
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition

Bridge & Tailpiece Note

This guitar is fitted with a wired ABR-1 bridge and trapeze tailpiece.

The trapeze component is technically the tailpiece rather than the bridge. It anchors the strings at the lower end of the body, while the ABR-1 bridge provides the saddles used for intonation and string-height setup.

Serial Number Note

Serial number 670010 is consistent with this limited late-'60s ES-335 reissue production.

Gibson has used several different numbering formats across Custom, Memphis and Historic ES production, so the serial should be considered alongside the model specification rather than interpreted using the conventional Gibson USA eight or nine-digit serial formula.

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The two Gibson MHS humbuckers and traditional ES-335 electronics are passive and connect to an amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Gibson 1969 ES-335 Reissue in Sunburst is an especially interesting choice for players who love the versatility of a 335 but want something less predictable than the familiar '59 or '63-inspired specifications.

The trapeze tailpiece, late-'60s neck, block inlays and MHS humbuckers give the guitar a clear identity of its own, while the fundamental semi-hollow centre-block construction retains everything that makes an ES-335 such a versatile professional instrument.

Presented in Excellent Condition and supplied with a hardcase, this is a particularly appealing pre-owned Gibson for serious players, ES enthusiasts and collectors of less commonly encountered reissue specifications.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying pre-owned can provide access to discontinued and limited Gibson specifications that may no longer be available through current production.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed before sale so its condition and included items are clearly represented.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging new, used and pre-owned musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with Gibson and premium pre-owned guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this Gibson.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your existing gear could be worth towards this Gibson 1969 ES-335 Reissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the trapeze part the bridge?

No. The guitar uses a wired ABR-1 bridge together with a separate trapeze tailpiece. The ABR-1 controls intonation and string height, while the trapeze anchors the strings.

Why does a 1969-style ES-335 have a trapeze tailpiece?

Gibson used trapeze tailpieces on many ES-335s during the later 1960s, making it an important period-specific feature of this reissue.

What pickups are fitted?

The guitar uses a pair of Gibson MHS humbuckers.

What does MHS mean?

MHS stands for Memphis Historic Specification, Gibson's vintage-inspired humbucker design developed for its premium Memphis-built ES instruments.

What is the neck profile like?

It uses a Late '60s neck profile, designed around the slimmer feel associated with ES-335s from the latter part of that decade.

Does it have block fingerboard inlays?

Yes. The dark rosewood fingerboard features period-inspired block inlays.

Is the ES-335 fully hollow?

No. It is a semi-hollow guitar with a solid centre block, helping provide greater sustain and feedback resistance than a fully hollow electric.

What is the body made from?

The top, back and rims use laminated maple/poplar/maple construction.

What bridge does it use?

It has a wired ABR-1 bridge, a traditional Gibson design closely associated with vintage-style ES instruments.

Does a trapeze-tailpiece 335 feel different from a stopbar 335?

Yes. The different string anchoring arrangement changes the length of string behind the bridge and can give the instrument a subtly different physical response and feel.

Is it suitable for jazz?

Yes. The neck MHS humbucker and semi-hollow construction provide warm, articulate clean tones particularly well suited to jazz and fusion.

Can it handle overdrive?

Absolutely. The centre block helps control feedback, making an ES-335 highly effective for blues, classic rock and moderately high-gain sounds as well as clean playing.

Does the guitar require a battery?

No. The MHS humbuckers and electronics are completely passive.

Does it come with a hardcase?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

No claim is made regarding original factory case status unless separately confirmed. The guitar is supplied with the hardcase currently accompanying it.

Can I request a video of the individual guitar?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like a closer look at the Sunburst finish, trapeze tailpiece and individual condition before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.