What type of pickups are found in the Gibson ES-335 Sixties Cherry?

The guitar is equipped with two calibrated T-Type humbucking pickups. These are designed to provide a versatile tone suitable for everything from rock to jazz.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The Gibson ES-335 Sixties Cherry is typically priced at approximately £2,799. Price may vary slightly based on specific retailer offers.

Does the ES-335 have a solid or hollow body?

It is a semi-hollow body guitar. It features a solid center block to reduce feedback while maintaining hollow wings for resonance.

What bridge system does this guitar use?

It features an aluminium ABR-1 bridge. This is paired with a stop bar tailpiece to ensure stable tuning and accurate intonation.

Is the wiring in the ES-335 Sixties Cherry factory-automated?

No, the guitar features a hand-wired control assembly. This traditional approach is intended to ensure the highest quality signal and peak performance.

Who is a notable artist known for using the ES-335?

Sting is a famous artist associated with the use of the Gibson ES-335. The model has been used by numerous legendary figures in rock and blues history.

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

The ES-335 has a larger, standard body size compared to the ES-339. The ES-339 is designed for players who prefer a more compact, solid-body feel while keeping semi-hollow characteristics.

What is the significance of the 'Sixties Cherry' finish?

The Sixties Cherry finish is a historic Gibson colour that evokes the aesthetic of 1960s era instruments. It is a bright, transparent red that showcases the wood grain.

What genre of music is the ES-335 best suited for?

Due to its versatility, it is suitable for rock and roll, blues, jazz, and modern pop. Its design manages feedback well, making it capable of handling higher gain stages.

What tailpiece is used on this model?

The guitar uses a stop bar tailpiece. This works in conjunction with the ABR-1 bridge to provide excellent string tension and stability.

Are there more affordable alternatives to the Gibson ES-335?

Yes, Epiphone offers models like the 1962 ES-335 Reissue or the Shinichi Ubukata ES-355. These provide a similar aesthetic and semi-hollow design at a lower price point.

Does this model come with any specific hardware features for tuning?

Yes, the combination of the ABR-1 bridge and the stop bar tailpiece is specifically intended to provide beautifully precise and stable tuning. This configuration is a hallmark of classic Gibson designs.

Gear article

Gibson ES-335 Sixties Cherry

The Gibson ES-335 Sixties Cherry is a semi-hollow body electric guitar that combines a classic heritage design with modern performance features. Noted for its versatility and distinctive resonance, it features calibrated T-Type humbucking pickups and a hand-wired control assembly.

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History and Background

The Gibson ES-335 represents a significant landmark in guitar design, originally introduced as the world's first commercial semi-hollow body electric guitar. By merging a solid wood center block with hollow wings, Gibson created an instrument that offered the sustain of a solid body while retaining the warm resonance of a hollow body. The 'Sixties Cherry' finish is a direct homage to the vibrant aesthetic that became iconic during the 1960s, a period that defined the sound of rock and roll and blues.

Design and Construction

Constructed with a meticulous attention to detail, the ES-335 features a semi-hollow layout designed to mitigate feedback at high volumes. Key hardware components include an aluminium ABR-1 bridge paired with a stop bar tailpiece, ensuring stable tuning and precise intonation. The internal electronics are hand-wired, reflecting Gibson's commitment to traditional craftsmanship while meeting the demands of contemporary stages.

Electronics and Sound Character

The sonic profile of the ES-335 Sixties Cherry is driven by two calibrated T-Type humbucking pickups. These pickups are designed to deliver a versatile range of tones, from rich, woody jazz textures to the aggressive bite required for rock and roll. The hand-wired control assembly allows for nuanced tone shaping, ensuring the instrument maintains clarity and peak performance across various genres.

Target Player and Usage

This instrument is particularly suited for professional musicians and serious enthusiasts who require a versatile guitar capable of handling multiple genres. Its elegant design and historic 'Sixties Cherry' aesthetic make it a preferred choice for stage performances where visual impact is as important as sonic quality. Notable artists associated with the ES-335 lineage include Sting, highlighting the instrument's appeal to world-class performers.

Comparative Context

Within the Gibson hierarchy, the ES-335 sits alongside variations such as the ES-339 Figured, which offers a smaller body size, and the ES-345, which typically includes more ornate appointments. Compared to alternatives like the Gretsch Nashville or the Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue, the Gibson ES-335 Sixties Cherry is positioned as a high-end, heritage-standard instrument, offering a specific blend of American craftsmanship and historical accuracy.

Artists who play it

Sting
Vocals

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Frequently asked questions

What type of pickups are found in the Gibson ES-335 Sixties Cherry?: The guitar is equipped with two calibrated T-Type humbucking pickups. These are designed to provide a versatile tone suitable for everything from rock to jazz.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The Gibson ES-335 Sixties Cherry is typically priced at approximately £2,799. Price may vary slightly based on specific retailer offers.
Does the ES-335 have a solid or hollow body?: It is a semi-hollow body guitar. It features a solid center block to reduce feedback while maintaining hollow wings for resonance.
What bridge system does this guitar use?: It features an aluminium ABR-1 bridge. This is paired with a stop bar tailpiece to ensure stable tuning and accurate intonation.
Is the wiring in the ES-335 Sixties Cherry factory-automated?: No, the guitar features a hand-wired control assembly. This traditional approach is intended to ensure the highest quality signal and peak performance.
Who is a notable artist known for using the ES-335?: Sting is a famous artist associated with the use of the Gibson ES-335. The model has been used by numerous legendary figures in rock and blues history.
How does the ES-335 differ from the ES-339?: The ES-335 has a larger, standard body size compared to the ES-339. The ES-339 is designed for players who prefer a more compact, solid-body feel while keeping semi-hollow characteristics.
What is the significance of the 'Sixties Cherry' finish?: The Sixties Cherry finish is a historic Gibson colour that evokes the aesthetic of 1960s era instruments. It is a bright, transparent red that showcases the wood grain.
What genre of music is the ES-335 best suited for?: Due to its versatility, it is suitable for rock and roll, blues, jazz, and modern pop. Its design manages feedback well, making it capable of handling higher gain stages.
What tailpiece is used on this model?: The guitar uses a stop bar tailpiece. This works in conjunction with the ABR-1 bridge to provide excellent string tension and stability.
Are there more affordable alternatives to the Gibson ES-335?: Yes, Epiphone offers models like the 1962 ES-335 Reissue or the Shinichi Ubukata ES-355. These provide a similar aesthetic and semi-hollow design at a lower price point.
Does this model come with any specific hardware features for tuning?: Yes, the combination of the ABR-1 bridge and the stop bar tailpiece is specifically intended to provide beautifully precise and stable tuning. This configuration is a hallmark of classic Gibson designs.