The ES-335 with classic 50s-era character
At Gibson, we know that players have distinct preferences when it comes to their instruments. Some gravitate toward certain models, and many have strong attachments to specific production periods due to differences in finishes, pickup designs, subtle component changes (such as pickguards, inlays, and plastics), and evolving neck profiles. Our Les Paul™ Standard 50s and 60s models have been embraced by musicians for exactly these reasons, offering the ability to choose the feel and features that suit them best. Now, ES-335™ fans can enjoy the same level of choice with the arrival of the ES-335 50s and ES-335 60s.
The ES-335 50s revives the foundational elements of the earliest ES-335 guitars introduced in 1958. Its semi-hollow, thinline body is constructed from three-ply maple, poplar, and maple, paired with a solid maple centerblock that enhances sustain and significantly curbs feedback. Single-ply cream binding along the top and back adds a clean, vintage inspired accent.
True to the original run of ES-335 models, the mahogany neck is carved to a substantial Rounded C profile that offers a full, comfortable feel. The bound rosewood fretboard features 22 medium jumbo frets and traditional acrylic dot inlays, echoing the look of the first "dot neck" ES-335 instruments. Vintage Deluxe tuners with keystone buttons, working alongside the Graph Tech® nut, provide impressive tuning stability.
The headstock is also dressed with a mother-of-pearl Gibson logo and crown inlay.
On the opposite end of the strings, an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and aluminum Stop Bar tailpiece contribute to the guitar's strong sustain while allowing precise adjustment of action and individual intonation settings.
A pair of Custombucker pickups with Alnico 3 magnets powers the ES-335 50s, delivering the sought-after sound associated with the earliest Patent Applied For humbucker™ pickups from the late 1950s. Each pickup is connected to its own hand-wired 500k volume and tone control, and together with the three-way toggle switch, they offer the wide-ranging tonal flexibility that has defined the ES-335 for decades.
A '59-style, five-ply long pickguard and gold Top Hat knobs with dial pointers round out the 50s-inspired aesthetic. Offered in Vintage Tobacco Burst, Vintage Natural, and Ebony gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finishes, the ES-335 50s comes with a Gibson hardshell case. For players who favor the fuller neck profile and visual styling of the earliest ES-335 models, this version captures the essence of the guitars that have remained beloved for more than 60 years.
- Specs -
Body
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Binding: Single-ply cream, top and back
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Body Material: Maple/poplar/maple
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Body finish: Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer
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Body shape: ES-335
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Body Style: Semi-hollow body
Neck
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Profile: Rounded C
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Fret: Medium jumbo
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Joint: Glued in, set neck
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Fingerboard material: Rosewood
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Nut Material: Graph Tech
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Inlays: Dot
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Fingerboard Radius: 12 in. | 304.8 mm
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Binding: Single-ply
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Scale Length: 24.75 in. | 628.7 mm
Electronics
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Neck pickup: Custombucker Alnico 3
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Bridge pickup: Custombucker Alnico 3
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Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, hand-wired with 500k potentiometers and Orange Drop capacitors
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Pickup selector: 3-way toggle
Hardware
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Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
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Finish: Nickel
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Plastics: Black
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Tuning machines: Vintage Deluxe with keystone button
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Control knobs: Gold Top Hats with Dial Pointers
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Pickup cover: Nickel
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Tailpiece: Stop Bar
Misc.
Weight: 7.90 lbs
