Introduction
With legendary artists like Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee, Larry Carlton, Gary Moore, and Rich Robinson among its fans, the Gibson ES-335 stands as a true icon in the music world. Launched in the late 1950s,it played a pivotal role in shaping the electric guitarS aesthetic and sound during a time of remarkable innovation.Today, the ES-335 remains just as significant for contemporary musicians as it was for the pioneers of its era.
While gibson has made some modifications over the years, the classic tones that defined the original models continue to resonate in modern recordings. So, what better way to tap into that rich history than with a vintage-spec instrument? Enter the Gibson ES-335 ’50s, which I have the pleasure of reviewing.
According to Gibson, this model “captures the classic features of the earliest ES-335 iterations,” offering the beloved semi-hollow design with ’50s specifications that should delight traditionalists and provide that sought-after vintage sound.
Let’s plug it in and see if it lives up to the high standards set by its illustrious legacy.
Specifications
- Launch price: $3,499 | £3,099 | €3,599
- Origin: USA
- Type: Six-string electric guitar
- Body: 3-ply poplar/maple/poplar
- Neck: Mahogany, rounded C shape
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale length: 24.75 inches
- Nut: Graph Tech, 42mm
- Frets: 22 medium jumbo
- hardware: Vintage deluxe tuners, ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge
- Electronics: HH, Custombucker alnico III pickups, 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way selector
- Weight: 8.4 lbs / 3.8 kg
- Finishes: Ebony, Vintage Natural, Tobacco Burst
- Included: Gibson hard case
- Contact: Gibson
Construction Quality
Construction Quality Rating: ★★★★½
the Graph Tech nut has a slightly sharp edge on the right side, which can be uncomfortable.
Aesthetically, Gibson has nailed it with the ES-335, a timeless shape that still feels contemporary. the Ebony finish on this model is particularly striking,though there are also Vintage Natural and Tobacco Burst options for those who prefer a splash of color.
The guitar features a classic three-ply poplar/maple/poplar body with single-ply cream binding, a mahogany neck, a bound rosewood fingerboard, and 22 medium jumbo frets, all impeccably crafted, as was to be expected from a $3,499 instrument.
At this price point, I feel justified in being meticulous, and I did notice that the Graph Tech nut has a sharp edge that can dig into the hand slightly.
In terms of hardware, it includes vintage deluxe tuners and an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge with an aluminum stop bar tailpiece. The three-way pickup selector, along with two volume and two tone controls, operate smoothly, contributing to a premium feel.
Gibson often faces scrutiny regarding tuning stability, with the headstock break angle frequently cited as a concern. Though, this model performs admirably, showcasing the quality of its components and the craftsmanship behind this well-assembled guitar.
Playability
Playability Rating: ★★★★½
This guitar allows for seamless transfer of thoughts from mind to fingers.
As expected from a Gibson ES-335,it features a 24.75″ scale length, which results in lower string tension compared to the 25.5″ scale found on Fender-style guitars. This makes the strings feel supple enough for smooth vibrato and effortless bends, while the medium jumbo frets provide ample grip for expressive playing.
Adding to this smooth experience is the excellent setup of this particular model. With precise intonation and low action-1.5mm on the low E and 1.25mm on the high E-this guitar facilitates an effortless connection between thought and execution.
Though, if your thoughts lean towards the speed of Joe Satriani or steve Vai, you may find the rounded C neck slightly less accommodating. While it’s not as chunky as the neck on my Custom Shop 51 Telecaster,it offers a comfortable palm-filling shape that many blues players appreciate,though it may not be ideal for shredding.Fortunately, that’s not the target audience for this instrument.
The shallow cut of the lower horn can make accessing the 21st and 22nd frets a bit tricky at times. While I hesitate to mention this,as I appreciate the classic ES-335 silhouette,it is a compromise worth noting.
Additionally, the output jack’s placement on the front can lead to a straight jack protruding awkwardly, potentially getting in the way during play. An angled cable can easily remedy this issue.
Following the classic design, the guitar features a 12″ fingerboard radius, which is flat enough for speedy pentatonic runs while still feeling comfortable for open chords.
this guitar is a joy to play, enhanced by an excellent factory setup and impeccable fretwork.
Sound Quality
Sound Quality Rating: ★★★★★
Using a Fender Hot Rod deluxe tube amp, a Browne Amplification Ethane dual overdrive, and an MXR Carbon Copy delay pedal, the Custombucker pickups with alnico III magnets deliver a remarkable sound, enhanced by the semi-hollow body’s unique characteristics.
Starting with the bridge pickup and a clean tone, there’s a bite that’s balanced by the semi-hollow body’s low-end resonance, preventing it from becoming overly harsh. While it may not be the first choice for a clean tone, it cuts through a busy mix effectively, offering a clarity that many solid-body bridge pickups struggle to achieve.
Switching to the neck pickup, the low-end resonance provides a warm, rich tone with a delightful high-end chime, ideal for jazz or strumming chords. Engaging both pickups together allows the bridge to add its brightness when the neck’s warmth becomes too dominant.
The sustain produced by this guitar is nothing short of mesmerizing.
As the volume increases, the semi-hollow design shines, allowing the guitar to resonate in harmony with the amplifier, creating the signature sustain associated with these instruments.
However, when pushed into higher gain settings, feedback can occur sooner than with solid-body guitars. The solid maple center block helps mitigate this, allowing for a smooth transition from low-gain crunch to mid-gain classic rock tones while keeping feedback musical and controlled.
The sustain this guitar produces is truly addictive. While it may not handle extreme gain levels without veering into uncontrolled feedback, it excels in low to mid-gain settings, where its warmth shines through. The bridge pickup provides a nice bite for classic rock, while the neck pickup offers a rounded tone, perfect for soulful solos or lightly driven rhythms.
Interestingly, this guitar proves versatile beyond its blues rock reputation. The neck’s warmth, combined with the bridge’s bite, makes it suitable for various tones in modern pop and funk genres. While it may not be the best choice for high-gain or rapid legato playing, it excels in nearly every other aspect.
Conclusion
the Gibson ES-335 ’50s is a guitar that truly lives up to the high expectations set by its storied history. Priced at $3,499, it delivers precisely what one would hope for.
It boasts exceptional craftsmanship, is a pleasure to play, and while it may not cater to those seeking extreme high-gain tones, it offers a versatility that the ES-335 often doesn’t recieve credit for. It’s no surprise that this guitar is frequently seen in the hands of professional musicians.
guitar World Verdict: At this price point, only excellence is acceptable, and despite a few minor issues, this guitar delivers just that. It embodies the classic Gibson ES-335 sound and design in a well-crafted instrument that pays homage to its origins. In essence, it fulfills every promise made.
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|
test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
build Quality |
Nearly flawless, with the only minor issue being a slightly sharp edge on the nut. |
★★★★½ |
|
Playability |
Not designed for shredding, but perfect for nearly everything else. |
★★★★½ |
|
Sound Quality |
From bright cleans to driven leads, the 335 is more versatile than it’s frequently enough credited for. |
★★★★★ |
|
Overall |
A classic guitar that is a joy to play, delivering the vintage semi-hollow tones it promises. |
★★★★½ |
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