1961 Gibson ES-335 Sunburst

Incoming. A '61 ES-335 still has dot markers, PAFs, a wide nut and everything that makes a Golden Era Gibson great and yet they are the least expensive dot neck and, arguably, the least desirable of the 335's from 58 to 64. Most of you already know why. It's the neck. The necks on most 61's are very slim-some with a depth of .77" at the first fret and .87" at the 12th. Most are closer to .80" and .90" but that's pretty slim as well. They tend to be wider than many other 335's reaching a few hundredths over 1 11/16" and that makes them easier to play (for me anyway). That slim neck is prone to cracking right down the middle because there is so little wood between the truss rod and the back of the neck. Overtighten it and you could have a problem. That crack isn't structural nor is it present on more than maybe 20% of 61's. If it isn't there by now, it probably won't happen. This one doesn't have it. Values have crept up as the 58-60 ES-335's have climbed in recent years. But they are still wonderful players and if you don't mind a slim neck, then they are also a great bargain. More details once I have it in hand in a week or so.