ES335

The Gibson ES-335 is a semi-hollow electric guitar introduced by Gibson in 1958. It was designed to combine the warmth of a hollow-body with the feedback resistance and sustain of a solid-body guitar. A distinctive feature is its solid maple center block that runs through the body, reducing feedback at higher volumes while preserving acoustic-like resonance.

Construction and features: The body is typically built with laminated maple on the top, back, and sides, with a set mahogany neck and a rosewood or similar fretboard. It uses two humbucking pickups, usually controlled by two volume knobs and two tone knobs, along with a three-way pickup selector switch. A notable design element is the rhythm/treble circuit: a small switch on the lower bout engages a darker, lower-output rhythm circuit with its own volume and tone controls, intended for clean, jazzier tones. The standard hardware includes a Tune-o-matic bridge and a stop-bar tailpiece, with a scale length of 24.75 inches (628 mm) and 21 or 22 frets depending on the model.

History and impact: The ES-335 quickly became one of Gibson’s best-known and most versatile models, favored by players across jazz, blues, and rock for its comfortable form, dynamic range, and robust output. Since its introduction, the ES-335 has been produced in numerous variants and finishes, including dot-inlay and block-inlay versions, mass-market reissues, and high-end boutique models. It remains in continuous production, reflecting its enduring popularity and influence in guitar design.