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

[@dcrodwell]

I am completely enthralled by your unmitigated joy with the new 335...it is infectious! I recently passed a group of 3 and 4 year olds playing in a pile of raked leaves.... no worries about bills or health insurance...no concerns about the mortgage or rent...simple unmitigated joy....uncontrollable squeals of endless laughter over a pile of leaves... I am looking for every single chance to let that joy back into my everyday life. Playing guitar helps and watching Tim's excitement and zeal just raises my energy!!

[@EddieVanAidan]

That’s the kinda tone that would be an absolute dream on a gig. Everyone’s gonna hear ya

[@muranilife]

I got goosebumps.

[@kirkjohnson9353]

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

[@backlineguy]

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

[@theubaum]

Tim I have a 1967 ES 335! It was a high school graduation present that put food on my table for twelve years of being a full time musician and still brings me joy whenever I get the chance to play it!

[@Jay-wk9xj]

The joy on your face when you hit that last note in the intro made my day

[@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!!

[@Opeckie]

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

[@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.

[@RichBischoff]

The fact that you still get excited about a new guitar is amazing.

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

The fact that you are amazed is rather sad. You can't have everything you want already surely...

[@WolfGuitarsandGear]

If it doesn’t excite you, why do you even play?

[@safenders]

New guitars!!!

[@RichBischoff]

That is not what I meant, I meant its inspiring that Tim with all his success and experience is still excited about it! I hope when I'm his age I'm still that excited. That's what I'm saying. Its inspiring!

[@geraci89]

@@RichBischoff Dont worry I hear you bro. People are trolls behind a screen.

[@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!

[@griiseknoen]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ronmartinez2766]

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

[@dennisapplegate7553]

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

[@20cenctstyle]

Tim your playing has character. So much feeling and expression.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Something Rob Chapman has NEVER heard

[@Worlster]

@@mr.smithgnrsmith7808 Unfortunately I have to say I agree with this comment.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

from 0:33 to 0:38 seconds is magical. 2:59 solo is haunting.

[@dnantis]

I second 100% this comment by Zev

[@seankearney5469]

I agree great comments!!!!!

[@OnfloorAudio]

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

[@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!

[@LostMountainRestoration]

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

[@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 :)

[@drmarcfpelletier]

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

[@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.!

[@torchandhammer]

Dang! That's got to be your best sounding guitar by far. It doesn't even need the pedal, the pedal just obscures that fabulous tone. It looks killer too! That's a hit maker.

[@jasonjstdr]

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

[@InGratitudeIam]

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

[@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.

[@rorymcloughlin2023]

Like everything he does, effortless and sweet

[@kyleetie5608]

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

[@seankearney5469]

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

[@kmacmckee2931]

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

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

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

[@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.

[@paul_domici]

It's the sweetest sound ever! Why would you ever need another guitar!!! Love it!!!

[@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.

[@derekdauchan2741]

Thanks for sharing your gifts with us Tim, (great playing, beautiful 335). That's the instrument that will make you lose track of what time of day it is. Appreciate you.

[@TheCjbowman]

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

[@dirtycurty8394]

tim you are my favorite guitar player from youtube and the world. you are by far the most tasteful shredder and you know exactly what note to emphasize and phrase so tastefully i can feel it. i wish i could play what i feel exactly and you seem to know exactly what to play to convey emotion.which is the hardest thing on guitar to do.

[@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.

[@robertp330]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@ivanrohal7489]

So nice to see Tim sooo happy!👍

[@scandal007]

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

[@jeffreybuckingham3782]

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

[@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!

[@chrisscott2498]

Hey Tim, I'm glad you're digging that guitar...I played it the day it came in. Nick was logging it into store inventory, and I grabbed it and went into the office and played it a bit and thought hold on, I must have this...it was the first semi I've played in quite a while that qualified as being representative of what makes those guitars so special...resonant, balanced, and in this case not 100% original, which made it doable. Norman made me a great price (ex-employee discount if you will) so I told Mark to hold it for a day so I could scramble to get some cash (I live in Costa Rica), but after seeing how much extra agony it would be to bring it back, I called later and had 'em take the clamp off...I was bummed, as it's clearly a special instrument, but I had to make the call. Seeing how stoked you are almost takes the sting off...enjoy it man!

[@00xanawolf00]

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

[@ralpholiver1519]

you made me laugh out loud tim by enjoying your happiness with this wonderful old axe.....like a kid at Christmas. So glad you two finally got together....thanks for making such sonic beauty with it.

[@jnucleo]

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

[@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!!

[@Cunninglocust]

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.

[@notpopebuthope]

... indeed - a sound to die for !! Congratulations !! ... HAPPY NEW YEAR from Austria

[@JasonFiske]

Tim, I love that you started the video with the guitar in full throat. It sounds amazing and you are an amazing player. Best of luck with it. The guitar is very lucky to have ended up with you.

[@mrh3578]

Love the tone on that neck pickup. So smooth.

[@kellysmith1144]

Love the riff at 8:47! The depth of the sound is awesome! A nice blues-rock feel.

[@DavideGranato]

Really glad you found the instrument of your dreams , the smile on your face is priceless, really almost looks like it's the happiest day of your life. You deserve it Tim , you're one of the best artist , sunny and passionate about anything you talk about. My deepest congratulations and thank you for the great content.

[@jollycobra]

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

[@timothycormier3494]

Wow! It’s a beauty Tim. The first thing I noticed was how dark that red is. I wasn’t sure if it was the lighting in the video. Then you addressed it. That red is sooo nice 👍

[@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!

[@Darm0k]

Surprisingly strat-like tone out of that neck pickup.

[@steverolfeca]

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

[@briangregory6303]

I'm Jonesing on this one Tim. And thanks for showing Terry Kath some love. Greatly underappreciated player.

[@lownotesinc1962]

Hi Tim! It's great to see you so enthusiastic about a guitar. (I think you could make a broom sound great!)

[@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!

[@bryanp8010]

Tim, you are seriously my hero! I’d love to meet you sometime. You’re playing is amazing and I feel your passion for music when I watch you play. You are more of an inspiration than most famous musicians for me. Keep it up

[@Louizalass]

Truly, you are a joy to watch.

[@mike42441]

Hey Tim, that intro is bad to the bone !!! Ironically, I was just researching these guitars because of how great Larry Carlton made his '69 335 sound on his guitar solo in Steely Dan's Third World Man track. They're making some nice ones today, but those old 335's sure do sound sweet. You really lucked out with that one - it's a beauty! Looking forward to hearing you play it again in future videos !!

[@Phoebedumplings]

mike morris I was thinking 3rd world man too !

[@mike42441]

@@Phoebedumplings Yeah, it's definitely one of the greatest guitar solos of all time!

[@raychavezmt]

Congrats! That guitar is alive. The pick attack is amazing. And your impeccable playing never hurts, of course!

[@HardwiredMusicMaker]

Wow, nice find Tim, congrats on another beauty for your herd

[@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...

[@dlux703]

Tim, the way you play and show your enjoyment is always inspiring. Plus, you're the ultimate 'stay at home' guitar nerd. What a talent you have, "naturally".

[@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.

[@Busyfingers24]

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

[@zanedgallipeau9119]

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

[@AladimGTR]

Congrats, Tim🥳 It’s a great pleasure to see you feeling so excited about that 335 😊 Really happy for you 👍🏼

[@jamesstewart8054]

Tim that neck pick up and you are a team. Sounds great and great playing. Cheers James.

[@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!

[@Guns-Guitars1310]

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

[@Atttuner]

I wish we could discover what this X factor is....its a fuller frequency, its a louder timbre, its a harmonic overtone......this 335 has it in spades. If there's a guitar dealer out there that specialized in this "x factor" I would be a customer for life. Congrats tim. Adding you to a great guitar is always a masterclass moment.

[@kels866]

Wowsers on so many levels! And as for that lick at 0.40 - OMG?!?! I haven't even got past repeat on that yet!!! Happy New Year Tim P and thank you so so much for your content here. I also have to thank you too for not only (and I'm not sure how you do it) showing us what you've played/ now play in a way that's so inspirational but you make it so accessible for guys like me to play and give what you post a go. Thank you so much Tim P.

[@srubel59]

What a score! Been waiting for 35 years to find my Vintage Cherry ES 335, very envious but.. could not have happened to a nicer guy!

[@Claimjumper55]

Beautiful guitar. I love seeing people get so excited over a new (to them) 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.

[@dr.greggeddins1723]

Great opening guitar playing !! I also see in the lower right corner the Hologram “Infinite Jets” pedal ! You are the man man !

[@justyeti3411]

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

[@MrJoeyBoombotz]

I'm glad to see you so happy. I like the PRS hollowbody you have better than anything though. I had 2 Gibsons in the 70s, a Les and a 335, and couldn't keep them in tune. On stage that is a real bummer. That finished all non-straight string pull guitars for me forever. Enjoy!! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and Happy New Year. You are THE BEST!!!!

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

I love the sound of that Tim

[@GundogJake]

It’s a great feeling when you find the lifetime keeper! Mines the 335 59 VOS, gotta love the chunky neck on that beast and a 60s shell pink Strat. Everything else is surplus 😊

[@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 !

[@dacvader2]

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

[@paulblackman3936]

If I found a guitar that sounds like that I would be pleased too. Man the edge and depth of the tone colour is amazing.

[@serge_thiriet]

Love so much the sound and the playing so all the musics and sounds are at: 0:00 Awesome intro 2:03 (bridge) 2:25 (center) 2:36 (neck) 2:54 (back to middle) 2:59 Awesome music 4:33 Awesome music 5:31 Awesome music 6:10 Harmonics & Noise 6:34 With Super Sweet by Xotic 7:45 Volume @10 7:53 Volume @7 8:10 Volume @5 10:13 Last awesome music

[@LeftyPem]

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

[@bedroom.headroom]

gosh darn. Tim, we love you man. That is all.

[@davidjohnston710]

Awe Wow! Deep and beautiful! Soulful and crying it out - so true to the emotion! Love that California “wailin’ through the valley” magical sound! Great sustain and intonation, too! A re-fret is almost always the way to refresh a great sound, so that pressing harder to seat the string on older concave frets doesn’t send the pitch sharp. Combine perfect pitch with the sustain of an older (assumed loosened wood top) hollow body and you’ve got the recipe for sonic beauty. And then, there’s Tim, who masterfully feels the soul of the music and does the needed thing on those strings!

[@DanielGlenTimms]

Congrats!

[@richg1746]

Absolutely fantastic sound Tim, just beautiful.