What type of body construction does the Epiphone ES-335 Figured have?

It features a semi-hollowbody construction. This design incorporates a solid wooden centre block to help control feedback while providing the resonance of a hollow guitar.

What pickups are used in this model?

The guitar is equipped with a pair of Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers. These are designed to deliver high output with a focus on thickness and articulation.

What is the primary visual feature of the Blueberry Burst model?

The primary visual feature is the figured maple veneer. This creates a wood grain pattern that is highlighted by the blue-to-clear gradient of the Blueberry Burst finish.

How does the price of this model compare to Gibson versions?

This Epiphone model is positioned at a mid-range price point of approximately £505. This is significantly more affordable than Gibson-branded ES-335 models like the Sixties Cherry or Figured Blood Moon Burst.

Is this guitar suitable for high-gain music?

Yes, the semi-hollow design with a centre block allows it to handle higher gain levels better than a fully hollow guitar. The Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers are specifically voiced to remain articulate at higher outputs.

What kind of sustain can be expected from this guitar?

The manufacturer highlights 'endless sustain' as a key feature. This is achieved through the combination of the semi-hollow resonance and the high-output humbucking pickups.

How does the ES-335 Figured differ from the ES-339?

The ES-335 features the traditional, larger body size. The ES-339, such as the Gibson ES-339 Figured, has a scaled-down body size intended for players who find the 335 too bulky.

Does this guitar come in a left-handed version?

While this specific Blueberry Burst model is widely available in right-handed, Epiphone produces other variations like the 1962 ES-335 Reissue specifically for left-handed players.

What is the tonal character of the Alnico Classic PRO pickups?

They are described as delivering a 'thick, fat, and articulate' sound. They are designed to balance high output with the clarity needed for complex chords and riffs.

What musical genres suit the ES-335 Figured?

It is a highly versatile instrument suitable for jazz, blues, rock, and indie. Its ability to provide both clean resonance and driven grit makes it a staple in many genres.

How does it compare to a Gretsch Nashville Hollow Body?

The Gretsch Nashville is a fully hollow instrument often featuring a Bigsby vibrato, offering a different 'twangier' character. The ES-335 is semi-hollow, offering more sustain and feedback resistance.

Is the Expert Sleepers ES-5 related to this guitar?

No, the Expert Sleepers ES-5 and ES-9 are modular synthesiser interfaces. Despite the 'ES' prefix, they are electronic music tools and not related to the Epiphone ES guitar series.

Gear article

Epiphone ES-335 Figured Blueberry Burst

The Epiphone ES-335 Figured is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar designed to offer the aesthetics and resonance of the classic Gibson archtop at a more accessible price point. Featuring a distinctive Blueberry Burst finish over a figured maple veneer, it utilizes Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers to achieve a balance of output and clarity.

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Overview

The Epiphone ES-335 Figured is a modern iteration of the historic 'Electric Spanish' design first introduced in the late 1950s. This specific model is distinguished by its 'Figured' top, which displays a prominent wood grain pattern enhanced by the Blueberry Burst finish. It is constructed as a semi-hollowbody, meaning it contains a solid centre block of wood running through the middle of the body to reduce feedback while maintaining the resonant characteristics of a hollow instrument.

Electronics and Hardware

At the core of the guitar's sound are the Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers. These pickups are designed to provide a high level of output suitable for modern amplification while retaining an articulate, 'fat' tonal profile. The hardware configuration typically includes standard volume and tone controls for each pickup, allowing for a wide variety of blending options between the neck and bridge positions.

Sound and Performance

The combination of the semi-hollow design and Alnico pickups produces a sound characterised by sustained resonance. The manufacturer describes the tone as having a 'thick' and 'prominent' quality, particularly effective for sustaining solo lines and ringing chordal work. The clarity of the Alnico Classic PROs ensures that even with higher gain settings, the individual notes within a riff remain distinct.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Gibson Brands family, the Epiphone ES-335 Figured serves as an entry point compared to the premium Gibson ES-335 Figured models, such as the Blood Moon Burst. For players seeking a smaller body size, the Gibson ES-339 Figured offers a similar aesthetic in a more compact footprint. In contrast to fully hollow instruments like the Gretsch Nashville Hollow Body, the ES-335 Figured provides better feedback rejection at high volumes due to its centre block.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of body construction does the Epiphone ES-335 Figured have?: It features a semi-hollowbody construction. This design incorporates a solid wooden centre block to help control feedback while providing the resonance of a hollow guitar.
What pickups are used in this model?: The guitar is equipped with a pair of Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers. These are designed to deliver high output with a focus on thickness and articulation.
What is the primary visual feature of the Blueberry Burst model?: The primary visual feature is the figured maple veneer. This creates a wood grain pattern that is highlighted by the blue-to-clear gradient of the Blueberry Burst finish.
How does the price of this model compare to Gibson versions?: This Epiphone model is positioned at a mid-range price point of approximately £505. This is significantly more affordable than Gibson-branded ES-335 models like the Sixties Cherry or Figured Blood Moon Burst.
Is this guitar suitable for high-gain music?: Yes, the semi-hollow design with a centre block allows it to handle higher gain levels better than a fully hollow guitar. The Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers are specifically voiced to remain articulate at higher outputs.
What kind of sustain can be expected from this guitar?: The manufacturer highlights 'endless sustain' as a key feature. This is achieved through the combination of the semi-hollow resonance and the high-output humbucking pickups.
How does the ES-335 Figured differ from the ES-339?: The ES-335 features the traditional, larger body size. The ES-339, such as the Gibson ES-339 Figured, has a scaled-down body size intended for players who find the 335 too bulky.
Does this guitar come in a left-handed version?: While this specific Blueberry Burst model is widely available in right-handed, Epiphone produces other variations like the 1962 ES-335 Reissue specifically for left-handed players.
What is the tonal character of the Alnico Classic PRO pickups?: They are described as delivering a 'thick, fat, and articulate' sound. They are designed to balance high output with the clarity needed for complex chords and riffs.
What musical genres suit the ES-335 Figured?: It is a highly versatile instrument suitable for jazz, blues, rock, and indie. Its ability to provide both clean resonance and driven grit makes it a staple in many genres.
How does it compare to a Gretsch Nashville Hollow Body?: The Gretsch Nashville is a fully hollow instrument often featuring a Bigsby vibrato, offering a different 'twangier' character. The ES-335 is semi-hollow, offering more sustain and feedback resistance.
Is the Expert Sleepers ES-5 related to this guitar?: No, the Expert Sleepers ES-5 and ES-9 are modular synthesiser interfaces. Despite the 'ES' prefix, they are electronic music tools and not related to the Epiphone ES guitar series.