Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue Aged Ebony

History and Background

The Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue represents a significant collaboration between Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop. By the early 1960s, the ES-335 had established itself as a revolutionary design, bridging the gap between traditional hollowbody resonance and the sustain of a solid-body instrument. This specific reissue focuses on the 1962 iteration, a year noted for the transition to smaller block fingerboard inlays and a slimmer neck profile compared to the 'dot' models of the late 1950s.

This model is part of a high-end series intended to offer professional-grade specifications, including Gibson USA hardware, at a price point accessible to a broader range of players than original vintage examples or Gibson-branded Custom Shop reissues.

Design and Construction

The guitar is constructed with a 5-ply maple/poplar laminate body, staying true to traditional ES-335 construction. A solid maple centre block runs through the middle of the body, which serves to anchor the bridge and pickups while significantly reducing the feedback issues typically associated with fully hollow instruments.

The neck features a 1960s SlimTaper C profile, designed for fast and comfortable playability. The Aged Ebony finish provides a vintage-inspired aesthetic, complemented by nickel hardware and period-correct appointments such as rounded 'Mickey Mouse' ear cutaways and small block fretboard inlays.

Electronics and Components

A defining feature of this reissue is the inclusion of premium electronics usually reserved for high-end Gibson models. It is equipped with two Gibson Custombucker humbucking pickups, which are designed to replicate the tone of original Patent Applied For (PAF) pickups.

The wiring harness utilizes high-quality components including CTS potentiometers and Mallory 'Black Beauty' capacitors. These components ensure a smooth taper on volume and tone controls, allowing for precise tonal shaping directly from the instrument.

Tone and Character

The combination of the semi-hollow construction and Custombucker pickups results in a versatile tonal palette. The guitar offers a rich, airy resonance from the hollow wings, while the maple centre block provides the snap and sustain required for high-gain applications. It is capable of producing warm, woody jazz tones, articulate blues crunch, and powerful rock leads, making it suitable for a wide variety of musical genres.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Epiphone and Gibson ecosystem, this model sits between the standard Epiphone Inspired by Gibson line and the full Gibson USA production models.

• Vs Gibson ES-335 Sixties Cherry: While the Gibson model carries the prestige and manufacturing of the Nashville factory, the Epiphone 1962 Reissue offers the same Custombucker pickups and similar hardware at a significantly lower price point.
• Vs Epiphone ES-339: The 335 features a larger body than the 339, resulting in more natural resonance and a more traditional appearance, whereas the 339 is smaller and more compact.
• Vs Gretsch Nashville: The Gretsch models typically offer a different tonal profile due to their Filter'Tron pickups and fully hollow construction (in some models), whereas the 335 is often considered more versatile for rock and high-gain contexts.