What pickups are used in this model?

The guitar is equipped with USA-made Gibson Custombucker pickups, which are hand-wired to CTS potentiometers and Black Beauty capacitors.

Is this guitar a full hollowbody?

No, it is a semi-hollowbody guitar featuring a solid maple centre block to enhance sustain and reduce feedback.

What is the neck profile of the 1962 ES-335 Reissue?

It features a 1960s SlimTaper C profile, which is designed for a fast and comfortable playing experience compared to 1950s profiles.

What materials are used for the body?

The body is constructed from 5-ply layered maple and poplar, paired with a solid maple centre block.

Does this guitar come with a case?

Yes, it is supplied with a vintage-style hardshell case as standard.

Is this specific model for left-handed players?

Yes, this specific version is manufactured as a dedicated left-handed instrument.

Who collaborated on the design of this guitar?

The guitar was built by Epiphone in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop to ensure historical accuracy.

What kind of capacitors are used in the wiring?

The guitar uses premium Black Beauty capacitors, which are historically accurate and known for their tonal quality.

What is the fretboard material?

The instrument features a rosewood fretboard paired with a one-piece mahogany neck.

Is the neck a multi-piece construction?

No, the guitar features a genuine one-piece mahogany neck for improved stability and resonance.

Which musical genres is this guitar suited for?

The ES-335 design is highly versatile and is commonly used for rock, blues, jazz, and indie music.

Gear article

Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue Left Handed

The Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue is a premium left-handed semi-hollowbody electric guitar developed in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop. It features authentic vintage appointments, including USA-made Gibson Custombucker pickups and a solid maple centre block, designed to replicate the specifications of the early 1960s golden era.

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Overview

The Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue is a high-specification tribute to one of the most significant years in the history of the Thinlines. Produced as part of a collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop, this model represents a move towards 'Inspired by Gibson Custom' tier instruments, utilising high-end American electronics and historically accurate construction methods. Specifically configured for left-handed players, it brings professional-grade vintage performance to a market often underserved by premium reissues.

Construction and Design

The guitar's foundation is a 5-ply layered maple/poplar body. Like the original 1960s designs, it incorporates a solid maple centre block. This design choice is critical for providing the sustain of a solid-body guitar while maintaining the resonance of a hollow-body, effectively reducing unwanted feedback at high volumes. The neck is a genuine one-piece mahogany construction featuring a 1960s SlimTaper C profile, which is thinner and faster-playing than the thicker profiles of the 1950s. The neck is topped with a rosewood fretboard for traditional feel and tone.

Electronics and Hardware

The internal components are a primary feature of this reissue. It is equipped with two USA-made Gibson Custombucker humbuckers, which are widely regarded as Gibson's most accurate PAF (Patent Applied For) recreations. These pickups are hand-wired to high-quality CTS potentiometers and Black Beauty capacitors, ensuring a smooth taper and clear tonal response across all volume levels. The hardware and aesthetics are finished in a vintage-style Sixties Cherry gloss, complemented by historically accurate appointments.

Sound Character

The combination of the semi-hollow construction and Custombucker pickups results in a versatile tonal palette. The maple centre block provides a sharp attack and long sustain, while the hollow wings add air and woody resonance. The Custombuckers deliver a low-output, high-clarity signal that is highly responsive to playing dynamics. This makes the instrument suitable for a wide range of genres including jazz, blues, and classic rock, where tonal nuance is essential.

Comparisons

When compared to the standard Epiphone ES-335, this 1962 Reissue offers significant upgrades in electronics and wood selection, specifically the inclusion of Gibson USA pickups. Compared to the more expensive Gibson ES-335 Sixties Cherry, it provides a similar aesthetic and electronic profile at a more accessible price point. While smaller-bodied alternatives like the Gibson ES-339 offer a more compact feel, the 1962 Reissue maintains the full-sized body dimensions required for traditional ES-335 resonance.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in this model?: The guitar is equipped with USA-made Gibson Custombucker pickups, which are hand-wired to CTS potentiometers and Black Beauty capacitors.
Is this guitar a full hollowbody?: No, it is a semi-hollowbody guitar featuring a solid maple centre block to enhance sustain and reduce feedback.
What is the neck profile of the 1962 ES-335 Reissue?: It features a 1960s SlimTaper C profile, which is designed for a fast and comfortable playing experience compared to 1950s profiles.
What materials are used for the body?: The body is constructed from 5-ply layered maple and poplar, paired with a solid maple centre block.
Does this guitar come with a case?: Yes, it is supplied with a vintage-style hardshell case as standard.
Is this specific model for left-handed players?: Yes, this specific version is manufactured as a dedicated left-handed instrument.
Who collaborated on the design of this guitar?: The guitar was built by Epiphone in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop to ensure historical accuracy.
What kind of capacitors are used in the wiring?: The guitar uses premium Black Beauty capacitors, which are historically accurate and known for their tonal quality.
What is the fretboard material?: The instrument features a rosewood fretboard paired with a one-piece mahogany neck.
What finish is applied to this guitar?: It is finished in a vintage-style Sixties Cherry gloss finish.
Is the neck a multi-piece construction?: No, the guitar features a genuine one-piece mahogany neck for improved stability and resonance.
Which musical genres is this guitar suited for?: The ES-335 design is highly versatile and is commonly used for rock, blues, jazz, and indie music.