The ultimate definition of the word "guitar"
Written: Jul 26 '00 (Updated Jul 26 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Classic design, elegant in its simplicity, very versatile and playable
Cons: Vintage models are rare
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| sparkospunky's Full Review: Gibson Es335 Solid Body Electric Guitar |
The Gibson ES-335 is a classically designed instrument in every sense of the word. I was fortunate enough to own one of these guitars many years ago when I was a college student. Suffice it to say that if I had the guitar today, it would be very valuable, because vintage ES-335s are very scarce and highly-sought after guitars.
The ES-335 is an thinline, double-cutaway, semi-hollowbody electric archtop guitar. The Gibson Guitar Company introduced the line in 1958, and manufactured the guitar until 1982, with just a few minor changes during that time. The line was discontinued then and replaced with the ES-335 DOT model, which is basically the same instrument with a few minor changes.
The specifications for the ES-335 are as follows:
All are 16" wide, 1 5/8" deep, with 24 3/4" scale. All have a maple block down middle of body. From December 1972 through August 1975, the maple block extends from tailpiece to endpin only.
2 humbucking pickups, 2 tone and 2 volume knobs, 1 switch, tune-o-matic bridge, stop tailpiece, Bigsby vibrato optional (most models fitted with Bigsby have "Custom Made" plate covering original tailpiece holes; some without holes or plate), laminated beveled-edge pickguard extends below bridge, single-bound top and back, neck-body joint at 19th fret, single-bound rosewood fingerboard (early with unbound fingerboard), dot inlay, crown peghead inlay, sunburst or natural finish. (Specs taken from Gruhn's Guide To Vintage Guitars--if you don't have it, e-mail me and I'll tell you how to get it)
Aesthetically, the ES-335 is one of the most beautiful instruments that you will ever see. The symmetrical double cutaway and its clean, simple design lend it a presence that guitar players love. It's a very well-balanced, light instrument that can be played with ease at live performances and not be burdensome like some guitars.
This guitar can be used for almost any musical application. The tone controls and pickup switch can be adjusted to give you the twang needed for country and rockabilly music, the bassy, somewhat mellow sound of jazz, and the full, rich brilliance required for rock n' roll.
The action is incredible. The neck is thin, and because the cutaways are at the 19th fret, the action in that area is easily attainable.
Just because this instrument is beautiful doesn't mean it won't bite--it will! Like any quality Gibson electric guitar, the guitar soloist can get the sustain sound that he needs from the ES-335. I've seen many guitarists play this instrument and get all the sounds that I've referred to. It's truly a versatile instrument, and when it gets down to it, if you love the "Gibson growl", you've got to love this guitar.
Recommended:
Yes
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