The Gibson 335, also known as the ES-335, is a semi-hollow body electric guitar that was first introduced to the market in 1958 by Gibson. The guitar was invented by a team of engineers led by Ted McCarty, who wanted to create a guitar that combined the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid-body electric guitar with the warm tone of a hollow body guitar.The Gibson 335 was a revolutionary guitar when it was introduced. It quickly gained popularity among guitar players, thanks to its unique combination of features. The guitar is now considered an iconic instrument that is still popular today. In this post, we will explore the history, features, and sound of the 335 guitar. Let’s dive in and learn more about this classic instrument.
Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting your guitar journey, the 335 is a guitar that deserves your attention. The guitar has been used by countless notable musicians, such as Chuck Berry, B.B. King, and Eric Clapton, among others. The 335’s unique sound has become synonymous with genres such as blues, jazz, and rock. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the history, features, and sound of the Gibson 335 guitar. We hope to provide you with a thorough understanding of the guitar’s design and construction, as well as its impact on the world of music.
History of the 335 Guitar
The history of the 335 guitar is an interesting one. Gibson introduced the guitar to the market in 1958, but it wasn’t initially very popular. In fact, the company almost discontinued production of the 335 in the 1970s due to low sales. However, the guitar’s popularity eventually grew, and it has become one of the most well-known and widely-used semi-hollow body guitars in the world. Today, it is still a favorite among jazz, blues, and rock guitarists alike.Despite the initial low sales, the 335 guitar has secured a place in the history of music as one of the most iconic guitars. Its hybrid design that marries a solid-body electric guitar and a traditional hollow body archtop guitar is a testament to the craftsmanship of the designers at Gibson. Over the years, the 335 has been played by some of the greatest guitarists of all time, including Larry Carlton, Eric Clapton, and B.B. King, among others.
The name of the 335 guitar comes from its original retail price of $335. At the time, this was quite expensive for a guitar. However, the 335’s unique hybrid design and superior craftsmanship justified its price in the eyes of many musicians. Today, vintage 335 guitars can sell for tens of thousands of dollars, making them some of the most sought-after guitars in the world. Despite the high cost, the 335 has remained popular over the years because of its versatility and distinctive sound. Whether you’re playing jazz, blues, or rock, the 335 is a guitar that can do it all.
Features of the 335 Guitar
One of the most recognizable features of the 335 guitar is its unique semi-hollow body. The body is made of laminated maple wood, which gives the guitar a distinctive tone and sustain. The semi-hollow design of the guitar allows for a balance between the warm, resonant tones of a hollow body guitar and the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid-body guitar. Additionally, the laminated wood construction of the 335 guitar further enhances its tonal properties by providing a consistent density throughout the body of the guitar.The laminated maple wood used in the construction of the semi-hollow body of the 335 guitar also contributes to its overall durability. Unlike some hollow body guitars, the 335 can handle a bit more wear and tear without sacrificing its unique sound. Overall, the combination of the semi-hollow body design and the laminated maple wood construction makes the 335 guitar a versatile instrument with a wide range of tonal possibilities.
In addition to its semi-hollow body, the 335 guitar features two humbucking pickups, which produce a warm and full sound. Compared to single coil pickups, humbuckers are generally considered to produce less noise and interference, and are thus favored by many guitarists. The pickups are placed near the bridge and neck of the guitar, allowing for a range of tonal variations. Depending on which pickup is selected and how it is adjusted, the 335 can produce a wide range of sounds, from warm and mellow to bright and punchy. The stopbar tailpiece and tune-o-matic bridge also play an important role in the overall sound of the guitar. These components, along with the pickups, help to ensure stable and precise tuning while also allowing for a range of tonal variations.
The Sound of the 335 Guitar
The sound of the 335 guitar is its most remarkable feature. Because of its semi-hollow body and laminated wood construction, the guitar has a warm, resonant tone that is well-suited to a variety of music styles. It sounds particularly good in jazz, blues, and rock music. While some might describe the guitar’s tone as “mellow” or “smooth,” it is important to keep in mind that this guitar can achieve a wide range of sounds and effects. The dual humbucking pickups are a key part of the guitar’s sound, and many guitarists appreciate the full and rich sound that they produce. Overall, the sound of the 335 guitar is one of its most appealing characteristics.
The combination of the semi-hollow body, laminated wood construction, and dual humbucking pickups gives the 335 guitar a tone that sets it apart from other guitars on the market. The sound can range from warm and mellow to bright and crunchy, depending on how the guitar is played. Many guitarists appreciate the versatility of the 335, and it has been used by musicians in a variety of genres over the years. Whether you’re playing a soulful ballad or a driving rock riff, the 335 guitar can deliver the goods. If you’re looking for a guitar that will give you a unique and memorable sound, the 335 is definitely worth considering.
Conclusion
In addition to its sound, the 335 guitar also has a distinctive look that adds to its appeal. The guitar’s semi-hollow design gives it a unique shape that sets it apart from solid-body electric guitars. The laminated maple wood body gives the guitar a classic look that is both elegant and understated. The dual cutaway design of the body is also a practical feature that makes it easier to play higher notes on the guitar’s neck. Overall, the 335 guitar is a beautiful instrument that combines form and function in a way that few other guitars can match.
The 335 guitar has been used by many iconic musicians throughout its history. Some of the most famous guitarists to play the 335 include B.B. King, Chuck Berry, Larry Carlton, and Eric Clapton. These musicians helped popularize the guitar and contributed to its reputation as a versatile and highly playable instrument. More recently, the 335 has been used by newer guitarists like John Mayer and Gary Clark Jr, who continue to push the boundaries of what this classic guitar can do. Regardless of the genre or style of music you’re playing, the 335 guitar is a tried-and-true instrument that can deliver the goods.
Hi there! I’m Casey Marshall, a guitar enthusiast and repair specialist. With years of experience playing and repairing guitars, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the instrument. Through this blog, I share tips and advice on guitar repair and maintenance, as well as insights into the world of guitar playing.
