What is the primary benefit of the maple centre block in the ES-335?

The solid maple centre block provides the sustain and feedback resistance of a solidbody guitar. It allows the instrument to be played at higher volumes and with more distortion than a fully hollow guitar while maintaining airiness.

What kind of neck profile does this Gibson ES-335 feature?

This model features a 'Rounded C' mahogany neck profile. It is designed to feel familiar and comfortable for most players, offering a balanced grip that is neither too thin nor excessively thick.

What materials are used in the body construction?

The body is constructed using a three-ply laminate of maple, poplar, and maple. This specific combination is traditional for the ES-335, providing a mix of strength and resonant tonal qualities.

What is the significance of the nitrocellulose lacquer finish?

Nitrocellulose is a thin, breathable finish that allows the wood to vibrate more freely compared to thicker polyester finishes. Over time, it ages naturally, which many players believe improves the guitar's vintage aesthetic and tone.

What is the fretboard radius on this model?

The guitar features a 12-inch fretboard radius. This relatively flat radius is a hallmark of Gibson design, allowing for easier string bends and fluid movement across the 22 medium jumbo frets.

Is the Gibson ES-335 suitable for high-gain rock music?

Yes, thanks to its solid maple centre block, the ES-335 manages feedback significantly better than a full hollowbody. While it retains a woody character, it is frequently used in rock and blues-rock contexts.

How does the ES-335 compare to the ES-339?

The ES-335 has a larger body, resulting in a deeper, more resonant 'semi-hollow' sound. The ES-339 features a scaled-down body size that is closer to a Les Paul, making it lighter and more compact while retaining semi-hollow characteristics.

What bridge and tailpiece setup does this guitar use?

The ES-335 typically uses a Tune-O-Matic bridge paired with a Stop Bar tailpiece. This hardware configuration is designed for precise intonation and reliable tuning stability.

What genres is the Gibson ES-335 most commonly used for?

The ES-335 is exceptionally versatile and is a staple in jazz, blues, session pop, and classic rock. Its ability to produce both clean, warm tones and overdriven lead sounds makes it a favourite for diverse musical settings.

Does the Vintage Ebony finish affect the sound?

The colour itself does not affect the sound, but the gloss nitrocellulose lacquer used for the Vintage Ebony finish is known for being thin enough to allow the wood to resonate properly compared to synthetic finishes.

What is the scale length of a typical Gibson ES-335?

While not explicitly detailed in every listing, standard Gibson ES-335 models feature a 24.75-inch scale length. This contributes to a 'slinky' string feel that makes bends easier compared to longer scale lengths.

How does the ES-335 compare to a Gibson ES-345?

The ES-335 is the foundation of the line, while the ES-345 typically includes more ornate aesthetic appointments, such as split-parallelogram inlays and sometimes different electronics like the Varitone switch.

Gear article

Gibson ES-335 Vintage Ebony #200760269

The Gibson ES-335 Vintage Ebony is a professional-grade semi-hollowbody electric guitar that bridges the gap between the resonance of a hollowbody and the sustain of a solidbody. Built with a three-ply maple/poplar/maple body and a solid maple centre block, it provides a warm, open tone with enhanced feedback resistance.

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Overview and Design

The Gibson ES-335 Vintage Ebony (Serial #200760269) represents a modern iteration of one of the most influential guitar designs in history. Originally introduced in the late 1950s, the ES-335 established the standard for 'semi-hollow' instruments. The core of its design is a solid maple centre block, which anchors the bridge and pickups to reduce unwanted feedback and increase sustain, while the surrounding hollow wings provide the acoustic airiness associated with traditional archtops.

This specific model features a striking Vintage Ebony finish in gloss nitrocellulose lacquer. This traditional finish is preferred by enthusiasts as it allows the wood to breathe and age naturally over time, potentially enhancing the guitar's resonance as the finish settles.

Construction and Playability

The body construction utilises a three-ply laminate of maple, poplar, and maple. This combination is chosen for its structural integrity and tonal balance. The neck is crafted from mahogany, carved into a 'Rounded C' profile that offers a substantial yet comfortable grip, catering to a wide range of hand sizes and playing styles.

The fretboard is made of rosewood with a 12-inch radius, a Gibson standard that facilitates clean note bending without 'choking out'. It is equipped with 22 medium jumbo frets, designed to provide a smooth playing surface for both intricate lead work and stable chordal rhythm playing.

Tonal Character

The ES-335 is renowned for its versatility, often described as a 'do-it-all' instrument. The combination of the maple/poplar body and the solid maple centre block produces a warm, open tone with a clear fundamental note. Unlike fully hollow guitars, the ES-335 can handle higher gain settings and louder stage volumes due to its feedback-resistant internal architecture. This makes it suitable for genres ranging from jazz and blues to classic rock and indie.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Within the Gibson lineup, the ES-335 Vintage Ebony sits alongside variations like the Sixties Cherry or Figured models, such as the Blood Moon Burst. Players seeking a more compact body might consider the ES-339, which offers similar semi-hollow construction in a smaller footprint. For those interested in a different aesthetic or bridge configuration, the Gibson ES-345 Vintage Burst provides an alternative with upgraded appointments.

Outside of the core Gibson range, the Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue offers a similar design at a different price point, while the Gretsch Nashville Hollow Body provides a distinctively different 'FilterTron' sound and Bigsby vibrato system for players looking for more traditional country or rockabilly tones.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the maple centre block in the ES-335?: The solid maple centre block provides the sustain and feedback resistance of a solidbody guitar. It allows the instrument to be played at higher volumes and with more distortion than a fully hollow guitar while maintaining airiness.
What kind of neck profile does this Gibson ES-335 feature?: This model features a 'Rounded C' mahogany neck profile. It is designed to feel familiar and comfortable for most players, offering a balanced grip that is neither too thin nor excessively thick.
What materials are used in the body construction?: The body is constructed using a three-ply laminate of maple, poplar, and maple. This specific combination is traditional for the ES-335, providing a mix of strength and resonant tonal qualities.
What is the significance of the nitrocellulose lacquer finish?: Nitrocellulose is a thin, breathable finish that allows the wood to vibrate more freely compared to thicker polyester finishes. Over time, it ages naturally, which many players believe improves the guitar's vintage aesthetic and tone.
What is the fretboard radius on this model?: The guitar features a 12-inch fretboard radius. This relatively flat radius is a hallmark of Gibson design, allowing for easier string bends and fluid movement across the 22 medium jumbo frets.
Is the Gibson ES-335 suitable for high-gain rock music?: Yes, thanks to its solid maple centre block, the ES-335 manages feedback significantly better than a full hollowbody. While it retains a woody character, it is frequently used in rock and blues-rock contexts.
How does the ES-335 compare to the ES-339?: The ES-335 has a larger body, resulting in a deeper, more resonant 'semi-hollow' sound. The ES-339 features a scaled-down body size that is closer to a Les Paul, making it lighter and more compact while retaining semi-hollow characteristics.
What bridge and tailpiece setup does this guitar use?: The ES-335 typically uses a Tune-O-Matic bridge paired with a Stop Bar tailpiece. This hardware configuration is designed for precise intonation and reliable tuning stability.
What genres is the Gibson ES-335 most commonly used for?: The ES-335 is exceptionally versatile and is a staple in jazz, blues, session pop, and classic rock. Its ability to produce both clean, warm tones and overdriven lead sounds makes it a favourite for diverse musical settings.
Does the Vintage Ebony finish affect the sound?: The colour itself does not affect the sound, but the gloss nitrocellulose lacquer used for the Vintage Ebony finish is known for being thin enough to allow the wood to resonate properly compared to synthetic finishes.
What is the scale length of a typical Gibson ES-335?: While not explicitly detailed in every listing, standard Gibson ES-335 models feature a 24.75-inch scale length. This contributes to a 'slinky' string feel that makes bends easier compared to longer scale lengths.
How does the ES-335 compare to a Gibson ES-345?: The ES-335 is the foundation of the line, while the ES-345 typically includes more ornate aesthetic appointments, such as split-parallelogram inlays and sometimes different electronics like the Varitone switch.