Gibson ES-335 50s and 60s: Two Semi-Hollow Classics!
Two classic vintage-styled semi-hollow models now available
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Few models embody the semi-hollow body design quite like the ES-335. With the two models, Gibson ES-335 50s and ES-335 60s, the manufacturer pays tribute to the guitar’s two golden eras. Handcrafted in Nashville, with era-appropriate pickups and a timeless look: these ES-335s couldn’t be more exquisite.
Contents: Gibson ES-335
Gibson ES-335 50s & 60s: Where it all began
When Gibson introduced the ES-335 in 1958, the concept was revolutionary: a semi-hollow guitar with a solid maple center block. This meant it was significantly less prone to feedback than classic hollow bodies, while sounding much more open and resonant than a solid body.
The ES is the abbreviation of Electric Spanish, and was used for these semi-hollow models.
This very combination quickly made the ES-335 one of the most versatile guitars ever, at home in genres such as blues, jazz, rock, soul, indie, and alternative. In the early 1960s, Gibson gradually modified the ES-335. Narrower neck profiles were introduced, the dot inlays were replaced by small block inlays from 1962 onward, and visual details such as the pickguard were also changed.
Gibson ES-335 50s: Dot neck, fat neck, PAF vibes
The Gibson ES-335 50s is based on the first ES-335 models. Its centerpiece is the almost chunky mahogany rounded-C neck, which offers significantly more wood in the hand than modern slim profiles. It also features classic dot inlays on the bound rosewood fretboard, vintage deluxe tuners with keystone buttons, and the longer ’59 pickguard.
Everything here is geared towards a 1950s vibe.
Custombucker
The semi-hollow body features a three-ply maple/poplar/maple laminate with a solid maple center block. The manufacturer strives to closely emulate the early models not only visually, but also in sound. This is achieved with two high-quality Custombucker pickups featuring Alnico 3 magnets, designed to evoke the sound of early PAF humbuckers.
With its hand-wired electronics, ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, and aluminum stop-bar tuners, the Gibson ES-335 50s is clearly aimed primarily at ES-335 traditionalists.
The 335 50s model is available in Vintage Tobacco Burst, Vintage Natural, and Ebony finishes, each including a case, for $3555/£3169/€3599 at Thomann.
Gibson ES-335 60s: Faster neck, more attack
Compared to the Gibson ES-335 50s, the ES-335 60s takes a slightly different approach in some aspects.
The most noticeable difference is the SlimTaper neck, which is significantly slimmer than the 50s model. Additionally, it features small-block inlays instead of dot inlays. Combined with the shorter 60s pickguard and the Grover Rotomatic tuners in the “milk bottle” style, this makes it much more similar to later vintage 335s.
T-Type
The philosophy also differs when it comes to the pickups: Instead of Custombuckers, Gibson uses calibrated T-Type humbuckers with Alnico 5 magnets. These are intended to sound more like the early T-Top-style Gibson sounds, somewhat tighter, brighter, and with more punch than the softer 50s models.
Anyone looking for an ES-335 with a faster playing feel and a slightly more modern response will likely find what they’re looking for here. The available colors are Sixties Cherry, Vintage Burst, and Dark Walnut, priced at $3555/£3169/€3599 each, including a hardshell case at Thomann.
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