The GUITAR that Took a LIFETIME to find. 1965 Gibson 335

[@backlineguy]

Fabulous 335...and in YOUR hands, it SINGS...

[@kirkjohnson9353]

The guitar is lucky to have found the perfect home. I love Tim's playing.

[@randallparker8477]

My old 1978 Ibanez PF200 was this type of well used, well setup, players instrument. I bought it in Sasebo, Japan from another sailor when he was sent to the brig for drug offenses. He was a heck of a player, just took too many risks in his life. It was a dark brown/wine color and it sounded great. I had it for 4 years and never achieved the level of playing I wished for. At the end of those 4 years it was essentially a closet queen. I got a letter from another ex-shipmate telling me my friend that sold me the guitar had been released from the brig/prison with a BCD: Bad Conduct Discharge and was back home in San Diego and having a rough time. He gave me his mom and dads ph.# so I called. A week later I drove down from Long Beach and hooked up with my friend. He was having a hard time getting a job, so I asked him if he had tried to get a playing gig. He told me no, that he couldn't afford an instrument and that he was way too rusty anyways. We went out to my truck and I pulled out the Ibanez. He had tears in his eyes. He hadn't even remembered selling it too me. I sold it back to his dad for the price I paid him for it, his dad was a player and we took it into the garage and plugged it in. His dad was holding it and tuning it and he handed it to his son... "You are gonna work your ass off and pay me back, now get to practicing." He wept for a few minutes and they hugged. Then that "too rusty" teary eyed ex-sailor broke into a perfect Dust In The Wind by Kansas... it was one of his moms favorites. My job was done. I reunited a player with his instrument. He gigged hard for several years and moved to Las Vegas and worked the lounges and doing sessions. I still miss that guitar.

[@bobsmith6538]

You sir are a REAL friend. Kudos to you for what you did for a guy that was down & out!!

[@Cyxodus]

You did the right thing and are a saint. God bless you.

[@bakkels]

Holy crap, that's one of the greatest guitar-related stories I read on here. Scratch that, that's one of the greates guitar-related stories PERIOD. You're a true gentleman.

[@bombsheltermusic7986]

She's a beaut Clark.

[@sd_design]

😄

[@Jakexx01]

Right? Tim kind of reminds me of Jimmy Page getting turned on listening to a noisy vinyl 45 of Rumble. All things music can, will and do transport us via our time portals of memory. It's a beautiful thing!

[@matt_ess153]

Nice Eddie reference.!

[@Darm0k]

Surprisingly strat-like tone out of that neck pickup.

[@Opeckie]

My favorite thing about it is that HUGE smile on your face! Every guitarist should be able experience that :)

[@ronmartinez2766]

Beautiful guitar. Truth is; Tim Pierce makes every guitar look and sound like they play like butter...what a talent.

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Wow that thing sounds amazing what a glassy humbucker in the bridge!

[@griiseknoen]

That thing when you keep blending in the open strings (on the mid-tempo tune) is BREATHTAKINGLY beautiful.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I've been binge watching ES-335 videos - it seems like most of my favorite guitar channels did ES-335 videos last year, all of them saying it's their favorite guitar. I usually don't like red, but THAT red is beautiful, almost purplish - VERY pretty! I'm just getting an EART ES-335, because they did everything right for under $400. This is an old video, so this comment will likely go into purgatory, just wanted to compliment and congratulate Phil on finding his main squeeze!!

[@randyvanvliet226]

Guitar couldn't have gone to a nicer guy in the music industry. Love her, and play her, Tim, she's in good hands, yours.

[@rorymcloughlin2023]

Like everything he does, effortless and sweet

[@dennisapplegate7553]

Nothing better than a man playing something he loves .congratulations enjoy I had a 67 wish I still had it.

[@robbuk66]

Someone is happy like a little child with a big smile on his face, getting a present from Santa Claus. I can understand that very well.

[@beoz658]

Tim you seem to enjoy playing guitar as much as anyone I have ever seen. My friend passed away 30 years ago and his wife gave me his 67 ES 355 plays like a million dollars I think of him every time I play it. He had a 61 ES 335 dot his brother sold to a friend for 3 grand in 1975. Congratulations on your guitar you make it sing.

[@drmarcfpelletier]

Happiness. I feel the same way about my '55 ES-125. Sounds like it was touched by an angel.

[@ianhousley2541]

I have a 1966 335, exactly the same color with the original pickups which also sounds great. It has the thinner neck and a trapeze tailpiece. Its a dream to play and the sounds like every one of its 54 years have added that little something.

[@OnfloorAudio]

You're looking very happy with your new guitar. Thanks for letting us see her !!!!

[@snowdoniahoney37]

So glad that guitar found it’s way to you - it deserves to be played!

[@seankearney5469]

This guy has seen and done everything, but he's so keen and up and on it. Love tim peirce.

[@kyleetie5608]

Whoa! Chicago needs Tim for their live set! The 335 sounds *great* in his hands

[@justyeti3411]

That guitar is everything you would hope for: dynamic, fat, glassy, playable, versatile, all at once ... I am so jealous

[@InGratitudeIam]

Congratulations, Tim! If ANYONE can bring out the character of that iconic guitar, it would be you! What a tremendous find.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Awesome! She's a beaut, Tim! I have a '66 and I know exactly what you mean about the neck; it's a bit on the skinny side but the way it dictates your approach is part of its charm. Vibe for days :)

[@LostMountainRestoration]

Congratulations. I'm glad it wound up with you. It will be played and loved. Enjoy it!

[@kmacmckee2931]

So delicious. Beautiful axe, technique, and Mr. Pierce's unbridled exuberance and joy. Thanks for what you do!

[@Louizalass]

Truly, you are a joy to watch.

[@mrh3578]

Love the tone on that neck pickup. So smooth.

[@mr.rosales411]

Man the string separation on that bridge pickup is golden

[@HundredDollarVideo]

Terry Kath inspired me, in 1970, to pick up the guitar and play... and to hear you riffing on 25 or 6 to 4 is amazing. I am saving the video just so I can dig into how you are playing on it... amd it is sooo tasty, its amazing. Just know that you are inspiring me to keep working, even here at 59. I can't thank you enough.

[@bobthreeton6976]

The 335 is, to my eyes, just about the most beautiful guitar ever, especially the vintage red model. This from an avowed Tele and Strat lover! Congrats, Tim.

[@pookachu64]

Bob Threeton I was also an avowed tele owner, just picked up a custom shop 335. Just love Em now!

[@bobthreeton6976]

rsw Someday I’ll have one. Someday.

[@DaemonRicks]

What makes people love an artist is the enthousiasm you can feel when you see/hear said artist playing. Tim is the epitome of that!!

[@DeekJohnson]

I want that guitar!!! Love that sound too. It's "real" and not over processed. It talks and it cries. Love hollow bodies.

[@DeekJohnson]

Plug that baby into a fender bassman please...

[@gbarge4]

Ha! Tim, your joy is palpable and contagious! Part of this video is a shout out to great, legit techs. First stop for ANY guitar for me is my friend Larry, who can get the best out of anything and can take some to world class level. They are at their best, feel special to hold and develop that "gravitational pull" which leads you over to play "for just a minute..." Tim, your joy couldn't have come to a nicer guy. Can't wait to see more of you and your 335!

[@TheCjbowman]

The very best thing about that guitar is the pure joy and inspiration it brings out of you. Truth, baby!

[@jeffreybuckingham3782]

Magical Guitar! You certainly know how to make it Shine! Happy for You!

[@scandal007]

Not sure what is better....that tone or your techniques. ....amazing dude.

[@davidrobinson6443]

never heard a better sound on youtube

[@jollycobra]

The best video yet. You look like a kid in a candy store. So much joy in your face.

[@chrisboule970]

So interesting that Paul Davids found his dream 335 recently too. Super versatile guitar.

[@Chewwy153qt]

I have a 65 335 bought for me new when I was a kid. I took off the Bigsby for a stop TP when I discovered Larry Carlton 40 years ago so it's a players grade and I'm totally happy with that.

[@davidrussell8918]

That really does have the dream 335 tone , way better than the one I had. Mine was a 63 ,but it sounded dead. So I sold it and bought a flyingV ,echo plex and a Orange half stack. My at the time 1982 dream rock rig!

[@shimonbenloulou1778]

usually i dont like to watch youtube guitarists play, i always get the feeling they're just trying to show off and it barely sounds good but this... This was musically good! Enjoyed alot!

[@WolfGuitarsandGear]

That’s what separates a mediocre player from a pro. Not having to show off and only playing what should be played.

[@piotrtrypus]

Hi Tim! I Your Gibson sounds so sweet! Glad you like it so much :) I have a wonderful vintage 80's Tokai ES-335 and I just love it :) Happy New Year!

[@garyjohnson4988]

Your happiness made me happy!

[@steverolfeca]

Glad you found her- it's obvious from the way you're playing, that you are finding inspiration from it.

[@leslieperry3001]

I believe Tim could make anything sound great.

[@yippy327]

Thanks so much for sharing your joy.

[@pierheadjump]

Thanks Tim. ⚓️

[@robertp330]

Love the pure sound of the divided by 13. Sounds open and airy. No pedals needed! Love to watch Tim work!

[@joehammer3462]

Sweet, just really fucking sweet sounding musicianship with that special AXE!

[@mjt5576]

Awesome guitar. Nothing beats an old ES-335.

[@doncollins6465]

Man alive! As soon as you started playing I went straight back to the late 60’s. Incredible sound. Amazing tone. Love it.

[@oudaram1]

Someone left a 65 345 in a school in ny that i was teaching at, and i played it for a month. It was a dream, i couldn't play mine after that. Congratulations, i know that tone ! (You tube doesn't do it justice) in your hands its perfect for your style!

[@MattyK-USA]

Okay, now that thing sounds absolutely KILLER. Holy cannoli.

[@obijuan3004]

That little riff at 0:39 is just beautiful. Just straight, clean, beautiful lead guitar. Brilliant. That guitar sounds like a Gibson with a single coil on the bridge.

[@georgesarris5556]

Wow what a sound!!

[@johnbarber3499]

Thanks Tim

[@theruley]

Drew Shirley put it really well during a rig rundown. He said he is not much of a shredder, so what he likes is a guitar that has some feeling to it and that is something he can connect with. It seems like that is exactly what you have right here!

[@zanedgallipeau9119]

sounds incredible, my son has my dads 1963 ES335 that also has been modified but they both sound amazing

[@00xanawolf00]

Tim that lick and song you erupted into around the 3:00 minute mark blew me away. Lovely guitar and congrats.

[@CasperLCat]

A worthy salute to the late great Terry Kath. As a 70s teenager, I still miss the early Chicago stuff with TK’s guitar and rough n ready vocals. What a loss to American rock, his early demise. Terry, Duane, and Jimi - we hardly knew ye !

[@ruinunes8294]

I just LOVE Tim Pierce...so much so, I can't find a reason why just today I made this comment!!! I'm following you for quite some time now and it thrills me every time I get to listen to you. Not only your playing is so full of CHARACTER and as TASTY and fulfilling as it gets, but also your overall musical and even life conception are so rewarding. Your such a kind and noble soul. Thanks. Greetings from Portugal.

[@Busyfingers24]

Congrats Tim...way to start off the new year! 👍

[@BootlegBil]

1963 I got my 1st 335. That one's since been 'borrowed' by sons, and now their own sons. It gets a refurbishing every so often, just to keep it looking & sounding good. Finally found one around the same age but needing plenty of work. It now sounds better than the original! Others have eyes on it but.....It's staying with Grandpa!

[@mrsmithorginals]

I Had no idea my friends dad played guitar and one day over there it comes up and he asks if I want to see his guitar and I say sure so not being able to walk well anymore he sends his son to get the guitar for me and I open the case and it's a 1966 - 335 all original. So I come to find out that His dad bought it for him as a kid to learn on and he has had it all these years mostly in a closet and needless to say it was a very fun day and helped put the spark back in me to more seriously take music back up after nearly 20 years. I love to visit and play that guitar which he will not be selling even if I could afford it lol Thanks for the video Tim!

[@jonathankrieger9121]

Love your videos! Sometimes I just browse through them to find some cool licks to learn.

[@southpaw335]

Tim, congrats man and i honestly don’t know if i have ever heard you play better, those sounds are just so sweet. I was lucky enough to find my 335 (just a 59 dot reissue) 20 years ago this year and it still puts a big grin on my face every time i pick it up. I hope you are still grinning and playing that one in 20 years. Cheers.

[@mdp303]

So many have said it before... but your playing is F**king great😁.

[@TheFeelButton]

Gorgeous! Congrats Tim!!

[@realreally5927]

That guitar has a sweet tone in the mix....

[@rickyhuff]

I love love love the 335, but this is the first time I have seen and heard the one I really want!

[@tonydeaton2890]

Having someone with the street cred of a Tim Pierce saying the same thing I've been saying about vintage guitars, not always, sounding and playing all that well is satisfying all by itself. My money is on those pickups being Seymour Duncan's.

[@rufusevans7844]

You look so happy!

[@WolfGuitarsandGear]

335’s sound so much sweeter than Les Pauls.

[@GundogJake]

How very true

[@TheH.W.]

Holy Neck that thing has, it hits right in your face... brilliant piece of guitar, lucky man

[@CO-254]

Man that's a hell of a nice guitar. The binding looks old and awesome! Congratulations!

[@stephenbonshire5678]

She sounds Amazing!!!

[@TSFAHTPS]

The top end on that guitar amp combo is amazing

[@jasonjstdr]

Congratulations! I have a 1997 Gibson ES335 that looks like yours, except the pickups. Your joy reminds me of my joy.

[@PedalsFriends]

super cool, how happy you are! the good mood is contagious! congratulations on the dream guitar 🎸😄😄👍👍👍

[@StephenNaveed]

Amazing sounding middle position. Very cool

[@regularguy1140]

Holy crap, I didnt realize how good those actually sound. Wow, great video man

[@robertsbri]

The look of elation on your face says it all. I have a beat-up 65 SG special that is my everything.

[@ToadLick]

First note, my jaw dropped, nice! I smiled there after. Guitar found a great home. rock forth! thanks for sharing....cheers

[@300rivers7]

That looks as pretty as it sounds. Congratulations.

[@LeftyPem]

Congrats on finding your dream guitar! Maybe someday we will all achieve such a goal!

[@jerrystephenson1172]

This guy! I love to watch/hear him play & when he cracks that smile after a thrilling run you just know...he loves playing so much & just killing' it!

[@erickent3557]

Ha! Yes! I love his expression after a crescendo run. He's like "Omigod! What Just Happened?!?!!"

[@legalsolutions07]

Nice guitar. I haven't been that excited about buying a guitar in a long time. Thanks for sharing.

[@dacvader2]

Nicely done. My grandfather gave me a new heirloom which is a 1963 gibson es335 with the bigsby b7 on it. Plays amazing.

[@jnucleo]

That solo at 3:00 sounded fantastic Tim, the chimey tones were killer. Happy New Year!

[@fmartin09]

I have pretty much all the iconic guitars but my ES335 is the most special of all. That tone is just incredible.

[@toddflowers8052]

Congratulations Tim she's a beaut ! 😎🎸🎼

[@jamesfrisbey6273]

Love it! In the 70’s my guitar teacher in the San Fernando Valley, James Pettaway who was a touring GP for Freddie Fender & Kris Kristopherson had a 68 or 69 Blonde 335. It was amazing too!

[@redrock1963]

Tim looks so excited I feared he would "slip" off his chair.

[@geraldhills41]

What a great sound !

[@russelnokes1095]

Pure magic thank you for sharing.

[@joerobinson2538]

I could listen to Tim play all day long!

[@kjv-public-domain]

My teacher played on one for his entire playing career. It was the nicest guitar I've ever played. His was beat up pretty good, but it played like a dream, and I've never heard a hotter pickup. Rest his soul.

[@tubingforever]

That bridge pup sounds INSANE! And I'm purely a neck guy. Good god!