Gibson ES 335 History. The ES-335 may be the most versatile electric guitar ever produced inside Parsons’ Hall in Kalamazoo in the same year as the sunburst Les Paul. The iconic models tell the story of their model’s revolutionary development and enduring influence. This was the oral history of Gibson’s semisolid electrics introduced by Gibson in 1958.
Gibson ES 335 history
If you have ever wondered what the history of the Gibson ES-335 is, you’re not alone. This article will explore the instrument’s background and its significance. Gibson ES 335 history begins in the early 1960s. It was the first semi-hollow-body electric guitar available commercially. Its body was made of a laminated maple body with a solid maple block in the center. The ES-335 also came equipped with a Bigsby Tailpiece and Tune-O-Matic style bridge. Bigsby is now owned by Gretsch.
Les Paul’s ES-335
The ES-335 is a hollow-body guitar from the Electric Spanish series. Launched in 1936, this guitar’s $355 price tag made it popular with guitarists. Its center block and side wings produced a warm tone that added sustain and bottom-end response to the electric guitar’s tone. It was also available in a solid body model and had a maple neck. Gibson’s ES-335’s history began in 1958 when the company bought Epiphone and Chicago Musical Instruments. The ES-335’s popularity grew exponentially, as did the number of models made during this period.
The ES-335’s body is made of maple, whereas the Les Paul is made from mahogany. Both types produce a warm tone, but the ES-335 is warmer and has more bass than its counterpart. The ES-335 is best for jazz and blues and is not suited to heavy rock. Unlike the ES-335, the Les Paul has greater sustain and versatility.
While the early ES-335 guitars featured a carved mahogany neck and unbound bodies, later versions featured a solid maple center block and a longer scratchplate. The ‘335’ scratchplate was positioned on the neck rather than the body. This was done to reduce feedback and increase sustain. It was also shortened. Its center block was partway through the body. The center block, which was present from 1972 to 1975, was also available in a partial-body version.
Les Paul’s ES-335 has been used in rock music by a wide variety of guitarists. Noel Gallagher plays an ES-335 and a Vox AC30. These guitars have non-reverse Firebird-style headstocks. Its distinctive sound is reminiscent of classic rock and jazz instruments. It has a distinctive tone that has made it a favorite of rock stars.
The Gibson ES 335 history has a long list of popularity. Before the legendary Ritchie Blackmore jumped on the shred band scene, it was Alvin Lee who played a modified model of the Gibson 335. The ES-335’s center block reduced feedback and boosted sustain and bottom-end response. The guitar’s body is a pressed maple and poplar combination, while the fingerboard is made of rosewood.
The ES-335 was sold in limited numbers during its first year. Records indicate that only 909 guitars were shipped. Its reputation for being an all-purpose guitar grew fast. Little changes were made to the ES-335 until 1963. Gibson introduced the cherry finish in 1961. In 1962, the position markers on the neck were changed from dots to blocks, and the body shape went from rounded to point. The wings resembled Mickey Mouse’s ears and are still highly prized today.
The Gibson ES-335 is one of the most famous models in the Les Paul line. Its solid wood body and f-holes made it popular with jazz musicians. The ES-335 was first produced in 1958. The ES-335’s tone wood is maple. Les Paul’s ES-335 history shows that Gibson was a leader in the electric guitar market during the 1950s.
The Gibson ES 335’s history dates back to 1958, and it’s the first commercial thin-body semi-acoustic electric guitar. It bridged the gap between solid and hollow-bodied guitars. It was also the first archtop semi-acoustic, and its design revolutionized the electric guitar market. Several famous guitarists adopted the ES-335, including Chuck Berry, B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and Alex Lifeson.
This guitar was used for three songs on 7 August 2001, including Layla, Will It Go ‘Round in Circles and Sunflower of Your Love. According to Christie’s catalog, the ES-335 was also used by Eric Clapton on that day. Among the famous songs played on the day of the auction are Layla, “Sunflower of Your Love” and “Will It Go ‘Round in Circles.”
The ES-335’s history is filled with fascinating details. Its fame stems from its use by B.B. King, who famously named his Lucille guitar. It was originally a Gibson ES-335, which Gibson custom-made for him. This guitar became the basis for King’s signature Lucille’s. That was a big deal, and it allowed Les Paul to expand his popularity as a guitar maker.
A similar body shape and design are shared with the ES-335, including solid ebony fingerboards and gold hardware. This guitar is also known as a semi-hollow body guitar, and it can produce some feedback when played in the higher gain territory. This model also has two pickups, both of which are Kent Armstrong. A single-coil produces a higher output than a dual-coil guitar, but two of them are low-gain. This guitar’s sound has a brighter timbre and more sustain.
The ES-335’s tale continues with the DG-335 guitar. The DG-335 guitar was based on a 1964 Gibson Trini Lopez Standard. It was marketed under the Epiphone brand. This model features a dot-style inlay and is less expensive. Gibson has also released a fancier version of the ES-335 called the Riviera and Sheraton.
The ES-335 is an iconic guitar that has been used by many great musicians. Eric Clapton used the ES-335 during the farewell concert of the Cream group in 1968. Eric Clapton even upgraded it to Grover tuners. ES-335s also has an interesting history. It’s one of the guitars that helped make the Beatles and Cream famous. And since it’s so famous, ES-335s have become a rare investment.
The Gibson ES-335 – Pros and Cons
The Gibson ES-335 has always been a popular guitar. It’s a well-designed guitar with a lot of versatility. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:
Who plays Gibson ES 335?
Gibson ES-335 Eric Clapton Crossroads
A pre-owned Gibson ES-335 Eric Clapton, who plays Gibson es 335 Cross Roads guitar is a replica of the famous Cream guitar. The guitar was auctioned off for $847,500 back in 2004. The guitar was carefully examined to make sure every ding was authentic. Since the guitar had been autographed by Clapton, proceeds from each sale were donated to the Crossroads Centre on the Caribbean island of Antigua.
This guitar is one of 250 made, including about hundred and fifty copies for the US market and one hundred fifty for foreign markets. It is in excellent playing condition with no fret wear or dings. Gibson ES-335 Eric Clapton Crossroads guitars are known for their high level of playability. If you’re looking to purchase a guitar signed by the legendary Eric Clapton, consider a Gibson ES-335.
The guitar was originally made by the Gibson Custom Shop and features a Hare Krishna sticker on the headstock. Clapton received the guitar from George Harrison in the late 60s. Clapton is one of the most famous guitarists of all time. Despite the popularity of this guitar, it has not been available for sale for long. A small percentage of the guitars will be sold overseas, but the guitar’s original price was USD 12,000.
Gibson ES-335 Chris Cornell
The ES-335 Chris Cornell Guitar is a tribute to the late frontman of Soundgarden and Audioslave. This guitar is a reproduction of the semi-hollow Gibson that Cornell played in his famous music videos. The guitar features an Olive Drab Green finish and Lollartron micros and Top Hat potentiometers, just as Cornell’s signature instrument. The guitar will be manufactured in limited quantities of 250.
Unlike most acoustic guitars, the ES-335 Chris Cornell is equipped with two Lollartron pickups for a distinctive, recognizable sound. It also features a classic semi-hollow design. As a result, it is not uncommon to see Chris Cornell playing an ES-335 in a photograph. You will find almost every image of him playing one of these guitars.
The ES-335 Chris Cornell Guitar was a semi-hollow body electric guitar manufactured in Memphis, TN. This model is designed to reflect the aggressive playing style of Cornell and his band. Other features of this guitar include LollarTron humbucking pickups, a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece, and VOS hardware. Additionally, the guitar comes with a certificate of authenticity and an owner’s manual.
Gibson ES-335 Rich Robinson
If you want an authentically crafted vintage Gibson ES-335, look no further than the Rich Robinson signature model. This guitar was built at Gibson’s Memphis factory and features a wide nut, factory-fitted Bigsby, and the signature “Custom Made” plaque. Rich Robinson’s guitar also features Gibson’s VOS aging process on the metal parts. This guitar is serialized 471 out of 500, which tells you it is one of the most highly sought-after Gibson ES-335s from that era.
The ES-335 is a semi-acoustic electric guitar that was made popular in the 1960s by Phil Hurley and Chris Beall. Today, you can own one of the few remaining original 1958 models featuring the PAF pickups. The ES-335 also came with a new limited-edition Rich Robinson model from 2014.
Gibson ES-335 Joe Bonamassa
A limited-edition Joe Bonamassa ES-335 is an electric guitar designed to resemble the legendary guitarist’s 1961 Les Paul. The ES-335’s unique construction features a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which is thinner than polyurethane and provides enhanced tonal qualities. Its aged nickel hardware also adds a vintage vibe to the instrument. This guitar is an excellent choice for guitarists who love classic tones.
The ES-335 features a Gibson type 490R/ 498T and 57 Classic humbuckers. The guitar’s body is made in Nashville, TN, and is available in olive drab and aged black finishes. Joe Bonamassa’s signature version of the ES-335 is also available in two color schemes: black with a sunburst finish, and olive drab with a Bigsby vibrato.
Unlike many modern guitars, the ES-335 is built with a semi-hollow body. The guitar’s design is inspired by Joe’s 1961 ES-335, which electrified the world in the late ’50s. It quickly became a favorite among blues musicians and influenced guitarists of all styles. The ES-335’s center block makes it easier to control string tension, and the ’57 Classic humbuckers and tuners help prevent feedback.
Gibson ES-335 Government Series
The limited-edition Gibson ES-335 Government Series guitar is a semi-hollow-body electric guitar with a rosewood fingerboard recovered from US government raids. It features a seized rosewood fretboard and genuine 335 tones. The guitar also includes a custom olive green hardshell case with a Certificate of Authenticity. The ES-335 Government Series is a great guitar for anyone who wants to make their mark on the music world.
The ES-335 Government Series was released in 2015 and is made in the USA. The guitar has light play wear and is number 100 of 200. The guitar is equipped with super hot dirt finger pickups and has been professionally set up. It is also shipped with its original case. It is a great guitar to own, whether you play classical or rock and roll. Gibson’s Government Series guitars are well-made, and the ES-335 is no exception.
The ES-335 features a thin satin finish and a gloss finish. Its headstock has a Pearloid or silkscreen Gibson logo. The neck features a crown inlay. The ES-335 is equipped with Gibson type 490R and 498T pickups. This model also features an access cover for electronics. The ES-335 is the best-selling model of the Government Series.
Gibson ES-335. Warren Haynes
The Gibson ES-335 is a semi-hollow-body electric guitar that was the world’s first commercially produced semi-hollow guitar. Designed in 1958, the guitar was not completely solid or hollow, but rather featured a solid maple wood block that ran through the body’s center, complete with violin-style f-holes over the soundholes. Gibson’s ES-335 was so popular that it has become an icon in the guitar world.
The 1961 Gibson ES-335 Warren Haynes Celebrity Series guitar was designed to be a tribute to the legendary axeman. The iconic guitar was used by Haynes, whose bandmates included the Allman Brothers and Gov’t Mule. The guitar features a vintage-style rounded neck profile, a period-correct Mickey Mouse cutaway, and Cathedral pattern Maple veneers. Warren Haynes’ 1961 Gibson ES-335 is a true work of art.
Lucille B.B. King signature model
The Gibson Custom B.B. King Lucille Legacy is a tribute to the late blues great’s influence on the blues genre. The guitar’s three-ply figured body features a transparent nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Its PAF pickups provide a true-to-life vintage tone. It also features CTS audio-taper pots and Bumblebee cap wire. The 22-fret ebony fingerboard and high-quality finish will make the guitar a perfect fit for any guitarist.
In addition to the TP-6 tailpiece and fine tuners, the Lucille guitar also features a figured maple veneer and a multi-ply binding. Its gold hardware is reminiscent of Mr. King’s signature on the Gibson acoustic guitar, and its gold “B.B. King” engraved truss rod cover is gold as well. The Lucille is an exceptional guitar fit for blues royalty.
The Epiphone Lucille guitar is based on the legendary blues guitarist’s Gibson ES(TM) guitars, which were all named Lucille at one time or another. The guitar features gold hardware, Pearloid block inlays, and a bound tortoise pickguard. It has unique features that set it apart from the competition, including Grover Rotomatic(r) tuners, Graph Tech(r) nut, and a six-position Varitone switch. Furthermore, the Lucille includes stereo output jacks and an EpiLite case.
Gibson ES-335 Traditional Projection
The ES-335 Traditional features a three-ply maple/poplar/maple body with a rosewood fingerboard and classic ‘F’-shaped sound holes. The ES-335 Traditional is also available in Vintage Ebony and Antique Faded Cherry finishes. Whether you’re looking to flex your creative muscles, or you’d like to impress your friends, the Gibson ES-335 Traditional is a great option.
The model is still widely available today. It was manufactured from 1958 until 1982. The model came with a Varitone stereo option (SV) in 1959. This model was reissued as well as available through Gibson’s custom shop. You can also find this model in a 12-string version. Gibson has recently brought back the ES-335 Traditional Projection. The original ES-335 sold for $1,495 at Guitar Center.
It has a renowned history. It was popularized by many musicians, including John Scofield, Lee Ritenour, Chuck Berry, and Larry Carlton. The price range of a Gibson ES-335 varies from $1,350 to $30,000, depending on the model and year. Gibson still produces this guitar, and it is called the TD model, which stands for Thinline with double pickups.