The Gibson ES-335

Released by Gibson in 1958, the ES-335 was the first thinline semi-hollow body electric guitar. The Gibson ES-335 is an archtop guitar equipped with two hollow chambers separated by a solid maple wood block running down its center, and twin humbuckers. The maple block provides the ES-335 with a hybrid solid/hollow body perfect for jazz and blues musicians.

Gibson ES-335

According to Ted McCarty, president of Gibson at the time:

I came up with the idea of putting a solid block of maple in an acoustic model to get some of the same tone as a regular solid body, plus the instrument’s hollow wings would vibrate and we’d get a combination of an electric solid body and a hollow body guitar.

The result was a middle ground which reduced the feedback of a hollow-body at high volumes while maintaining warmer tones than a solid body. This hybrid design has sustained the ES-335’s popularity throughout the years.

The Gibson ES-335 was designed as a compromise between the warm, dark sound of a hollow body and the practicality of a solid body guitar such as the Gibson Les Paul, which wasn’t as prone to feedback as a hollow-body.

The Venetian cutaways and the neck joint at the 19th fret provide easy access to the higher frets.

Popularized by artists such as John Scofield, Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton, Chuck Berry, and John Mayer, Gibson’s ES-335 has become a classic in the jazz, blues, and rock scene and has a plethora of variations.

The ES-335 is not a cheap guitar, scoring anywhere from $1,350 to $30,000 depending on the year, finish, and specs.

Gibson ES-335 – Specifications

Woods

Body

Semi-hollow body

Maple (plywood) with a solid maple block down the center

Double cutaway

Neck

Set neck

Scale length – 24 3/4″ (629 mm)

Fretboard

Rosewood

22 frets

Pearl dot inlays

Hardware

Bridge

Tune-o-Matic bridge

Pickups

Two humbuckers – PAF humbuckers, ’57 Classic humbuckers, “Dirty Fingers” humbuckers, Burstbucker humbuckers

Tailpiece

Stop tailpiece or Bigsby Vibrato

History of the Gibson ES-335

Gibson started producing the ES-335 in 1958 and is still in production today.

The full name of the model was Gibson ES-335 TD. TD stands for “Thinline, Double Pickups”, but this part of the name was usually left out because all ES-335 models came as a thinline with double pickups.

Here’s a list of acronyms used in relation to the ES-335:

  • TD – Thinline with double pickups
  • TDC – Thinline with double pickups in a cherry finish
  • TDN – Thinline with double pickups in a natural finish (1958-1960)
  • VOS – Vintage Original Specifications

Here’s a list of how many ES-335 models were shipped by Gibson the first 12 years of production:

  • 1958 – 317 guitars
  • 1959 – 592 guitars
  • 1960 – 514 guitars
  • 1961 – 886 guitars
  • 1962 – 876 guitars
  • 1963 – 1,156 guitars
  • 1964 – 1,241 guitars
  • 1965 – 1,750 guitars
  • 1966 – 2,524 guitars
  • 1967 – 5,718 guitars
  • 1968 – 3,760 guitars
  • 1969 – 2,197 guitars

 

The 1950s

Price Range: $20,000 – $26,000

The first Gibson ES-335 models came at a price of $267.50.

These models had either a Tune-o-Matic bridge with a stopbar or a Bigsby tremolo. The ones with a stopbar are more valued nowadays.

Some versions had bound, other unbound fingerboards.

The standard finish of a Gibson ES-335 was sunburst. In 1959, a cherry finish was introduced.

 

Gibson ES-335

 

The 1960s

Price Range: $2,200 – $23,000

The neck of ES-335s produced between 1960 and 1962 was thinner, which makes these models less valued.

In 1961, a shorter pickguard was introduced on the ES-335 models.

In 1962, the dot fretboard inlays switched to block inlays.

Also in 1962, the pickups changed from PAFs to patent number humbuckers, which makes them less valued.

In 1964, a trapeze tailpiece was the standard, with an optional tremolo. Models with a stopbar were still produced and are valued higher.

In 1969, the neck size of the ES-335 increased slightly.

Also in 1969, a walnut version of the ES-335 became available.

 

Gibson ES-335 Walnut

 

The 1970s

Price Range: $1,800 – $10,000

The ES-335 models produced between 1972 and 1975 had a center block that only extended partway through the body.

In 1977, all ES-335s came with a coil tap switch, which enables switching between the full output or a lower output of an element.

Between 1979 and 1981, Gibson produced a Gibson ES-335 Pro model with an Antique Sunburst or Cherry Red finish and chrome-plated hardware. These were equipped with two high-output Dirty Finger humbuckers and were designed for rock players. The Gibson ES-335 had a shorter scale length compared to the regular versions. Expect to pay between $1,600 and $2,000 for a Gibson ES-335 Pro on the vintage market.

 

Gibson ES-335 Pro

 

The 1980s – Gibson ES-335 Dot

Price Range: $1,700 – $3,500

Starting in 1981, the ES-335 was renamed to ES-335 Dot, as a reference to the dot inlays of the early models produced between 1958 and 1962.

The ES-335 models of the ’80s were based on the specifications of the 1960 model.

ES-335 models of the early 80s had Tim Shaw pickups, who was hired by Gibson to recreate the PAF humbuckers of the 50s and early 60s. Models with Tim Shaw pickups are valued higher.

 

Gibson ES-335 Dot

 

The 1990s – Gibson ES-335 Reissue

Price Range: $1,700 – $3,200

In 1991, the name ES-335 dot changed to ES-335 Reissue.

Between 1986 and 1994, Gibson produced a Gibson ES-335 Studio model. It looks like a regular ES-335, but without the f-holes.

 

Gibson ES-335 Studio

 

The 2000s

Price Range: $1,400 – $3,900

In the mid-2000s, Gibson started using a thinner finish for its ES-335 models.

In 2002 and 2004, Gibson produced an ES-335 Larry Carlton signature model, which was based on Larry Carlton’s 1969 Gibson ES-335 (see further).

In 2009, Gibson released a limited edition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ’59 model, called the Gibson ES-335 Dot VOS (VOS = Vintage Original Specification). These models had a fatter neck, dot inlays, and ’57 classic humbuckers. VOS models are valued higher compared to the normal models of this period.

From 2013 onwards these reissues had Kluson Deluxe machine heads, a period-correct tubeless Historic truss rod, and the new Custom Bucker PAF reproductions.

In 2013, Gibson produced a stripped-down version of the Gibson ES-335 Studio, with only two controls.

 

Gibson ES-335 VOS

 

Gibson ES-335 Signature Models

Gibson ES-335 LC (Larry Carlton)

Price Range: $2,800 – $3,500Production Years: 2002 / 2004

The ES-335LC or LC-335 is Larry Carlton’s signature guitar. It is based on Larry Carlton’s ’68 ES-335, the guitar that got him the moniker “Mr. 335”.

The tailpiece on these guitars is a bit further back compared to regular models and the bridge is in another position as well. This signature model has a “Mr 335” truss rod cover.

 

Gibson ES-335 Larry Carlton signature model

 

Gibson ES-335 Joe Bonamassa

Price Range: $3,300 – $5,000Production Years: 1964 – 1971

Gibson produced a limited ES-335 Joe Bonamassa signature model based on Bonamassa’s 1961 ES-335.

The guitar has a set of  ’57 Classic pickups, a VOS treatment, and a neck that is .050″ thinner than the 1959 round profile.

 

Gibson ES-335 Joe Bonamassa

 

 

Gibson Trini Lopez Standard and Trini Lopez Custom

Price Range: $3,300 – $20,800Production Years: 1964 – 1971

The Trini Lopez Standard and Custom guitars, named after the artist for which it was made (the man behind the hit song If I Had a Hammer), were produced from 1964 to 1971 with reissues released periodically since the instrument’s initial run.

The Trini Lopez Standard has the same body and profile as the original ES-335 but trades the violin-style f-holes for diamond-shaped soundholes, a slanted Fender-style headstock, split diamond inlays, a trapeze tailpiece, and a standard cherry red finish.

The Trini Lopez Custom has the same tailpiece, fingerboard, headstock, and electronics as the Trini Lopez Standard but has a thicker body with different shaped cutouts, a more decorative pickguard, and different positions for its selector switches. This version also comes with a standard cherry sunburst finish.

These guitars run between $3,300 and $5,800, but the 1960s Pelham Blue can fetch between $15,000 and $20,800.

 

Gibson ES-335 Trini Lopez

 

Gibson ES-335 Eric Clapton Crossroads

Price Range: $8,300 – $10,300Production Years: 2005 – today

The Gibson ES-335 Eric Clapton signature model is modeled on the guitar Clapton played during his time with the Yardbirds and Cream (which was sold for $847,500 in 2004).

This model includes a “Hare Krishna” sticker on the back of the head and belt wear on the back.

Only 249 guitars were made of this model, hence the high price.

 

Gibson ES-335 Eric Clapton Crossroads

 

Gibson ES-335 Rich Robinson

Price Range: $2,400 – $3,400Production Years: 2014 – today

In 2014, Gibson started producing an ES-335 signature model for Rich Robinson, the guitarist of the Black Crowes.

The guitar is modeled after his 1963 ES-335 that he lost in a flood. It features dual humbuckers, a Bigsby, and a wider than usual nut. Only 500 of these guitars were made.

 

Gibson ES-335 Rich Robinson

 

Gibson ES-335 Chris Cornell

Price Range: $2,600 – $5,500Production Years: 2013 – today

The Chris Cornell (Soundgarden) signature model has a 50s-style dot neck, two Jason Lollar pickups, and is available in black and olive green.

 

Gibson ES-335 Chris Cornell

 

Gibson ES-335 Warren Haynes

Price Range: $2,900 – $3,700Production Years: 2013 – today

The Warren Haynes (guitarist of the Allman Brothers Band) signature model is detailed after Warren Haynes’ 1961 ES-335.

 

Gibson ES-335 Warren Haynes

 

Gibson ES-335 Government Series

Price Range: $1,900 – $2,700Production Years: 2015

In 2011, the American government raided the Gibson Memphis facility and confiscated guitar bodies and necks because they were made of illegally obtained rosewood (allegedly).

After a lot of negotiations, Gibson received these bodies and necks back and used them to create a new series of guitars, the government series.

 

Gibson ES-335 Government Series

 

Gibson ES-335 Traditional Pro

Price Range: $1,900 – $2,700Production Years: 2012

The Gibson ES-335 Traditional Pro is a limited series that was only available through Guitar Center in 2012.

 

Gibson ES-335 Traditional Pro

 

Gibson ES-335 Variations

Gibson ES-335-12

Price Range: $2,100 – $3,300Production Years: 1965 – 1971

In 1965, Gibson launched the ES-335-12, a 12-string version of the ES-335. Production lasted until 1971, although they are sometimes reissued in limited batches.

The standard finish of the ES-335-12 was sunburst.

Notable player: Pat Martino

 

Gibson ES-335 12-string

 

Gibson ES-330

Price Range: $1,800 – $5,800Production Years: 1959 – 1971

The Gibson ES-330 looks like an ES-335 but is actually a thinline full hollow body guitar.

Instead of humbuckers, the ES-330 TD is equipped with two single-coil P-90 pickups.

Besides the double pickup version (ES-330 TD), there is also a single pickup version (ES-330 T). The single pickup is installed halfway between the neck and the bridge. The ES-330T has been discontinued in 1963.

Between 1998 and 2000, Gibson produced a reissue version of the ES-330.

Notable players: Grant Green, Emily Remler, BB King

 

Gibson ES-330

 

Gibson ES-333

Price Range: $1,100 – $1,500Production Years: 2003 – 2005

The Gibson ES-333 is similar to the ES-335, but has a few differences:

  • The ES-333 is equipped with a thin satin finish instead of the 335’s thicker gloss finish.
  • The headstock of the ES-333 has a silkscreen Gibson logo and has no further decorative inlay as opposed to the ES-335’s inlaid pearloid logo and crown headstock inlay.
  • The pickups for the ES-333 are Gibson type 490R and 498T versus the ES-335’s Gibson 57 Classic pickups.
  • The ES-333 moves away from the solid rear replacing it with an access cover for the electronics.

 

Gibson ES-333

 

Gibson ES-336

Price Range: $1,900 – $2,200Production Years: 1997 – 2000

For a short time, Gibson produced the ES-336, an ES-335 model with a smaller body and a different headstock.

This model is not to be confused with the Gibson CS-336 (see further).

 

Gibson ES-336

 

Gibson ES-339

Price Range: $900 – $2,500Production Years: 2007 – today

The ES-339 is a bit more aggressive than the ES-335. An amalgam of the ES-335 and ES-336, the ES-339 has a smaller body generating sounds similar to a Les Paul. This leads to the main difference between the two guitars: size and tone.

 

Gibson ES-339

 

Gibson ES-340

Price Range: $2,300 – $3,300Production Years: 1969 – 1974 /  1978

The ES-340 gets a little wild with the wiring when compared to the ES-335. Unlike the original, the 340 has individual volumes, a master tone, a pickup blend, and a switch wired to incorporate an off position. The change in wiring made the ES-340 more versatile.

It also has a maple neck as opposed to the ES-335’s mahogany neck.

 

Gibson ES-340

 

Gibson ES-345

Price Range: $2,000 – $20,800Production Years: 1959 – 1982 / 2002 – 2008

The Gibson ES-345 was produced between 1959 and 1982 as a more upscale version of the ES-335.

It added to the electronic pickup circuit of the guitar through various combinations of inductors and capacitors using a six-way tone control, or Varitone switch, located above the lead tone and volume controls. This variation alters its resonant frequency and adds to the overall sound.

The ES-345 also upped the ante with an optional stereophonic output jack, gold plated hardware, large split parallelogram fingerboard inlays, and a thicker three-ply edge binding than that of the original Gibson ES-335.

 

Gibson ES-345

 

ES-347

Price Range: $2,000 – $3,000Production Years: 1978 – 1991

The ES-347 shares the same construction as the ES-335 but with a solid ebony fingerboard, all-gold hardware, a TP-6 tailpiece, a brass nut, and a multi-bound headstock. It also has a three-piece maple neck like the ES-340 instead of the mahogany neck of the ES-335.

Those who prefer the ES-347 claim it has a punchier sound when compared to the ES-335. Because of the brass nut, the ES-347 sounds a little brighter and has more sustain compared to an ES-335.

 

Gibson ES-347

 

Gibson EB-2 and EB-2D

Price Range: $1,600 – $5,200Production Years: 1958 – 1972

Introduced in 1958, the EB-2 is the bass version of the ES-335.

The guitar has the same body as the ES-335 but with a 30.5″ neck and hardware borrowed from the Gibson EB-0.

A baritone switch was added in 1959 to filter the neck humbucker output and to give the instrument a more guitar-like sound.

After being discontinued in 1961, the EB-2’s popularity renewed its production in 1964, and a two-pickup version known as the EB-2D was added in 1966. The line was again discontinued in 1972.

 

Gibson EB-2

 

Gibson CS-336

Price Range: $1,800 – $2,500Production Years: 2002 – today

The Gibson CS-336 (CS stands for Custom Shop)  is a smaller variation of the ES-335, sized similarly to a Les Paul. The CS-336 was introduced in 2001 as Gibson’s first tonally carved guitar.

The sound of the CS Series falls between the 335 and the Les Paul. The back and sides of the CS Series are built using a single piece of carved mahogany.

The CS-356 is constructed in the same manner but as a more upscale variation with gold-finished hardware.

The CS-339 is a laminated version of the CS-336.

 

Gibson CS-336

 

Gibson ES-335 Clones

Seeing as the Gibson ES-335 has become a staple of jazz, blues, and rock guitarists, it was bound to have a variety of clones or lower-priced alternatives to the classic ES-335.

 

Epiphone Dot

Price Range: $230 – $420Production Years: 1997 – today

Built with a laminated maple and mahogany neck, the Epiphone Dot is named after its dot fingerboard inlays that were also featured on Gibson ES-335s from the 1950s. Simply looking at both guitars, there are a lot of similarities in the design. The Epiphone Dot has comparable violin-style f-holes, almost identical horns, and similar switch locations.

However, the Epiphone is a little bulkier than the ES-335. With a thicker neck and body, the Epiphone Dot has a deeper sound. It comes equipped with twin humbuckers and 3-way pickup selector to deliver a nice range from growling snarls to sweet, singing sustain. It also has two volume and two-tone controls allowing you to find the sound right for you.

The Epiphone Dot is made of a laminated maple body and top, a set maple neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and chrome hardware. This instrument can be had for anywhere between $300 and $500 depending on your preferences.

The Epiphone Dot is a nice alternative to the more expensive ES-335. It’s a beautiful sounding guitar. However, some experts believe the ES-335 produces a cleaner sound.

Epiphone Dots made in the 1990s were manufactured in Korea and are more sought-after compared to the newer models.

 

Epiphone ES-335 Dot

 

Ibanez JSM100 (John Scofield)

Price Range: $1,400 – $3,300Production Years: 2001 – today

There are three Ibanez John Schofield signature models, the JSM10, JSM20, and the JSM100.

The JSM10 has a set-in neck made of three-piece nyatoh and maple. The front, back, and sides are made of flamed maple. The fretboard is made of bound ebony with an acrylic and abalone block inlay. The JSM10 has twin humbucker Super 58 pickups and gold hardware.

The JSM20 is basically identical to the JSM10 save for the top, back, and sides being made of linden instead of flamed maple.

The JSM100 is a little thinner than the JSM10 and 20. Its front, back, and sides are made of figured anigre. It comes with a Gotoh 510BN bridge and a Gotoh GE101A tailpiece. Everything else is virtually the same as the other variations. This all translates to a clean sound suitable for just about any need.

 

Ibanez JSM100

 

 

Eastman T386

Price Range: $550 – $1,500Production Years: 2010 – today

The Eastman T386 is a beautiful guitar equipped with a maple neck, ebony fingerboard, maple laminate on the front, back, and sides as well as pearl headstock and pearl dot inlays. The guitar has Kent Armstrong pickups and a three-way switch. The Eastman T386 is a little smaller than the ES-335.

The Eastman T386 is a lower-priced option which many guitar players believe is a suitable alternative to the ES-335. However, some claim the pickups lead to a chunkier sound when played with the same settings as the Gibson 335. As always, the choice between one or the other is a matter of preference.

The Eastman T486 differs from the T386 is a few ways, but the main difference is the pickups. The T486 trades out the Kent Armstrong pickups for Seymour Duncan pickups. The guitar is a little more expensive than the T386.

 

Eastman T386

 

Heritage H-535

Price Range: $1,500 – $3,300Production Years: 1987 – today

While the Heritage H-575 is an excellent copy of the Gibson ES-175, the Heritage H-535 is a great clone of the Gibson ES-335.

Heritage Guitars was founded in 1985 by former Gibson employees in the original Gibson plant in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Since then they have been producing quality guitars in the higher price range.

The H-535 has a set mahogany neck and Seymour Duncan Seth Lover Humbuckers.

 

 

Heritage H-535

 

Hagström Viking

Price Range: $400 – $1,300Production Years: 1965 – 1979 / 2004- today

The Hagström Viking was produced between 1965 and 1979. It was discontinued four years before Hagström closed down their manufacturing plant in Sweden. The new owners of Hagström started manufacturing the guitar again in 2004 (in China).

The Hagström Viking has a ply maple body, a set neck made of Canadian hard maple,  and Hagstrom HJ-50 pickups with a three-way toggle switch. The body of the Viking is shaped with a more attacking feel, flaring lower down with its horns slightly pinched. Its overall design is a bit flashier with a luxurious tailpiece and bridge.

The Hagström, while a beautiful and well-designed guitar, doesn’t provide the same warmth and sweetness as an ES-335.

Notable players: Elvis Presley, Dweezil Zappa

 

Hagstrom Tremar Viking Deluxe

 

Yamaha SA2200

Price Range: $1,200 – $2,600Production Years: 1992 – today

The Yamaha SA2200 comes with a set, one-piece mahogany neck, a laminated maple top, back and sides, solid maple center block, an ebony fretboard, and twin alnico humbuckers with gold plated covers. The detailing is like the ES-347.

The headstock angle is flatter than a Gibson, and the fingerboard uses medium gauge frets, which extend over the single edge binding.

 

Yamaha SA2200

 

Other Gibson ES-335 Clones

There are enough clones on the market to write a book, so we won’t cover them all here.

However, a few other ES-335 clones include:

  • Epiphone Sheraton II  $350 – $700
  • Epiphone Riviera $360 – $5,300
  • Epiphone ES-339  $360 – $600
  • Ibanez Artcore AS93 $420 – $700
  • Ibanez Artstar AS153  $700 – $1,000
  • Ibanez Artist AS100  $900 – $1,300
  • Aria Pro II TA-60  $450 – $700
  • Greco SA-550  $750 – $1,400
  • Orville ES-335  $1,000 – $1,700

 

Do you play a Gibson ES-335 or one of its clones? Let us know in the comments below…

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56 thoughts on “The Gibson ES-335”

  1. jacky

    Je joue la Ibanez Artcore AS93 , black, très bonne sonorité pour un rapport qualité/prix imbattable chez Thomann ; elle fait des envieux , mais je n’ose pas annoncer son prix, alors je majore de 500 euros au moins …

  2. Pete Rozé

    I have a ’68ish ES-330 that was converted to a 335, maybe decades before I bought it. The P-90s were changed to Humbuckers and some kind of blocking was added inside. Well done, actually. How does one put a value on this? It’s not a 330 anymore but yet, it’s not a 335.

  3. Chris

    1968 ES-335 natural special factory order with a bigbsy installed in excellent condition fair asking price please?

  4. Jeff

    Great synopsis, no mention of the ES320td?

  5. David Lewis

    Just got an Artist 335. Artist is an Australian company. 299 AUD and it’s an outstanding instrument

  6. Jess Sandison

    I bought an ES-335 td last year. It was a one family owned from 1975. Just wondering what it might be worth. Perfect back and front cherry red.

  7. STEVE

    I OWN A 2015 ES349. THIS HAS GOLD HARDWARE AND SPLIT PARALLOGRAM MARKERS ON THE NECK. AM I RIGHT IN THINKING THAT THIS MODEL WAS ONLY PRODUCED FOR ONE YEAR?

  8. Terry Vickerstaff

    I have a beautiful 71 es335td in cherry with trapeze tailpiece. The bridge seems to have been moved slightly and the original screw holes have been covered with circular laminates that can hardly be seen. Could this be a Gibson mod?

  9. Dean

    have a 1960 – 1961 es335tdc (cherry) with bigsby on it
    estimated value?

  10. Rob Wilcox

    My ES-335 is a 1972 Walnut finish. The chrome pickup covers are embossed with the word “Gibson”. This is a beautiful instrument and I usually play it through my Fender 1965 Deluxe Reverb reissue amp.

  11. Peter falahee

    Hi I have a beautiful Greco 335 walnut made I the 70’s .. beautiful guitar … I used to play a gibson 339 also a beautiful guitar but the Greco is by far a way nicer guitar looks and sound wise 😝😝👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀

  12. Lane Arndt

    HI there, great website!! I have been playing my ’81 33s since 93 when I bought it for the unfathomable sum of $950!
    It was, according to the serial number, made on June 3rd of 1981 and the final 3 digits of the serial number, 016 put it in Kalamazoo, which I already knew.

    The thing is, this trapeze tailpiece’d, coil tappable, Bill Lawrence tarback pick up’d tobacco sunbursted beauty has SOOOOOoooo much mojo that I’m all but convinved it was someone’s final 335 build in Kalamazoo! I have over 25,000 hours into it and it’s patina and road and playing rashes really help the vibe but, and here’s my main question, Do you have any info on when in 81 Gibson started producing the dot re-issues in Nashville?

    IMHO they undid some of the most amazing features! The volute on this sucker has kept the neck long and strong through the 28, almost 29 years that I’ve been playing it! Why would they get rid of something so important to the structural integrity of the instrument just because the early designs lacked it. Makes no sense. anyhoo, rhetorical question!

    TL,DR: the last 3 digits of my 1981 335 are 016. does that tell me anything about who built it?! Made on June 3rd 1981, could it really be one of the last Kalamazoo 335s? sure plays like it was!

  13. Jim Raatz

    I had a ES 330 back in the 1960’s when I was living in Indiana. I took it up to the Gibson factory in Michigan for refurbishment. Unfortunately I sold it when I was in college at Purdue around 1971. As a broke college kid I remember it was $400. It was cherry in color and had a unique double pearl inlay neck with gold hardware. Ever heard of such a combination in a 330?

  14. David Wilson

    Hi Looking at purchasing a 1971 ES 330 LH. It has been converted to a right handed. Will this devalue it and if so how significantly.

  15. Toni

    Was there a ES-330 12-string model, and if so, what was the production period?
    Thanks!

    1. Dirk Laukens

      Hi Toni, there was an ES-335 12-string produced between 1965 and 1971, but I don’t think there was an ES-330 12-string…

  16. Sebastian

    I own a Framus BL 15, built in the early 70s. I think Volker Kriegel played an instrument like this before he got a “real” 335, but I’m not really sure which version he had. Any ideas?

  17. Hal

    I played and still have a ES 335 I bought new in late 1961 or early 1962 with a serial of 80418. It has the block neck and not the dot one. I cant seam to find any info on that serial number? Can you help?

  18. Nikko

    I have two ES335 1959 clones that I made myself. One has a laminated top and the other a carved top. Both appointed with the best electronics (Creamtone) and aged hardware all period correct. Used my own PAF reproduction wound humbuckers that were produced on a replica slug 101 style Gibson winder. Love the sound and the look. Both finished in cherry with flame maple tops and mahogany back and neck.

    Couldn’t afford a Gibson especially a vintage model. So made them myself. Was trained as a luthier and worked with a master builder for 15 years.

  19. Bill DL (Scotland)

    I have played but could never justify the cost of a Gibson ES-335, but amongst my 20 or so guitars I have a cherry red Epiphone ES-339 Pro, a violin sunburst Ibanez AS93FM, a natural flamed maple Washburn HB35, and a honeyburst Vintage VSA500. When I pick up any of them they make me play quite differently than on a solidbody. The first thing I did with all was to internally reinforce the upper horn and move the strap button there, replacing the buttons with strap locks. They balance and hang better over my beer gut that way than with the button on the neck joint. I like the jack socket on a plate fixed to the side (Epiphone, Washburn, Ibanez) rather than having a jack plug and cable hanging out the front like a genuine ES-335, so I reinforced the inner side of the Vintage and moved the socket to a side mounted plate. I prefer my toggle switch in the Les Paul location (Washburn), so I moved it to the upper horn on my other semi-acoustics. The plastic button Klusons as fitted to the Epiphone and Vintage bend or break with the slightest knock, so I replaced them with quaility metal tulip headed tuners. I actually prefer my Ibanez and Washburn to the Gibson ES-335s I’ve played (perhaps it’s reverse psychology because I consider Gibsons to be overpriced), but if I could specify my ideal semi-acoustic it would be with the build quality, pickups, Grover tuners, chunkier neck and switch/socket positions of the Washburn combined with the aesthetics, fingerboard/fretwork, tailpiece and rubber-skirted speed knobs of the Ibanez.

  20. Jim Moody

    All years mentioned except 1963 when all the changes mentioned as 62 – according to many other sources, were actually made. My 1963 may have actually been built in late 62 and has all those changes but carries ser. no. for 63. I bought it new in mid 1964, BTW.

  21. Frank Kordus

    I gave my son my ES-335 that has two toggle switches, one two position, one three position. It has a walnut finish.

    I have been unable to find any information on this model.

    Do you know what model and year this was?

    1. Dirk Laukens

      Hi Frank, does it have “ES-335 CRS” on the truss rod cover?

      1. Rod Wright

        Hi fellas
        Have got hold of sunburst 335 that I would like to know history and approx value Think it’s around 1964 but not sure Has Bigsby tremolo and inlaid bar m.o.p between frets and fitted with a plate saying ” custom made” on body Would like to give it’s Mfr no but heard it’s not wise to make this public What’s best way to proceed ? Contact Gibson themselves?

  22. Michel C

    I just order my first es 335 lefthy, if i am lucky i shoud haved by the end of the year. I m from Quebec and i paid 3999,00cdn+tx Gibson have too product one in order. What do you think about the price?

  23. Eddie Aguas

    I bought a used Ibanez AS73 a couple years ago for $40. It was super dirty and had no strings. Plugged it into an amp and knocked on the pickups which seemed to work. Took it home, detailed it, put strings on it and it plays great. It a cherry color and actually looks nice. The pickups sounded dark. I ended up modding the pickups by adding an alnico 5 magnet and it sounds pretty decent. Stays in tune pretty well too. I’m at the point of wanting to put a little money into it since I only paid $40 for it; better pickups & wiring harness because I really like the way it plays and would like for it to sound just as great. I also sanded the lacquer off the back off neck and it feels wonderful. Will probably sand off the rest of the body and give it more of a worn satin look. It’s too shiny for me…
    Any pickup suggestions ? I’m more of a classic rock, rock, pop/pop rock , blues, r&b, player. 👍🏼

  24. Ottoguitar

    Hello Dirk, thank you very much for all the work you do.
    May i add that Tokai has and still build ES335 copies. I own a ES110 and it‘s a great guitar. Price was 1500 Euro new in Germany.

  25. Bob Kerwin

    I have a 1997(?) ES335 Dot made in the custom shop in Nashville from what I can gather (second owner). Wonderful duitar. I have an Epiphone Dot Deluxe , 2008 I think, bought new at Guitar Center. Plays wonderfully, built wonderfully. Darker sound than a 335. I am considering pick ups, pots, etc. Have not decided on the brands. So many!

  26. Robert

    Bought mine in 2000. Have a Gretsch Nashville, G&L S-500, Fender Telecaster, all good guitars for different style of music but my cherry red Es-335 ( dot with 57 classic pu’s ) is my favorite one by far…Amazing guitar!

  27. Ed D.

    I play a 335 clone, an Ibanez AS73. In my opinion it is excellent except for the pickups which I have swapped fo Gibson 57 classics. I love it for jazz and blues especially.

  28. Philip Howells

    I’ve owned my ES335 PRO since 1979 – bought at Sam Ash in NYC. Loved it ever since. I’m sure some purists will comment negatively that it’s from the Norlin era. I’m no expert but I’m extremely happy with it.

  29. Jim

    I have had two ES-347s and both were great. Your description omitted the brass nut and “sustain sisters” brass connection between the stud tailpiece and bridge posts under the top. The brass added some weight, but also supposedly added sustain. Some people “dis” the Dirty Fingers pickups, but I liked them even though I never used the coil split feature. Still a bargain even at today’s inflated prices.

  30. Tony Burrell

    Still playing a couple after 56 years, even wore one out.

  31. Cam mullally

    My 77 with the tap switch is beyond classic…enormous part of my life. Had it almost 40 years. Stolen and recovered along with my 65 black face fender deluxe reverb. Long story. I wrote a song about it and played it for the old guy working at the original Gibson plant in Kalamazoo now run by heritage. Going there was my Disney world. That guitar is dripping in tone, plays like butter, and works great for all styles of music.

  32. Sam Rio

    I did have late a 60’s red epiphone casino trapeze tail MADE IN KALLY.
    That was my first love

  33. Sam Rio

    Played in band late 60’s early 70’s,
    Es 335 block w bigsby, removed big,
    I installed stop tail.
    That guitar was sooo good, my alternate was 60’s SG standard.

  34. Marcus

    I have a 30-year-old Gibson ES-335 Dot Reissue, built June 19,1990. Its condition is “Like New” and it is truly a stunner! Since it’s that in-between year of Kalamazoo and Nashville/Memphis, I’d really enjoy learning which plant it was produced in– Nashville or Memphis – (Last 3 digits are “314”), and would also appreciate knowing which pickups? (Pat. No. is stamped, 2737842)

  35. Herbert

    Since many years I am playing a 335-LC and I am very happy with this guitar. A very big difference in sounds of course depend on the strings you use. I am jumping between Daddario NYXL 1149 and Thomastik Jazz JS111 Flat wound, not able to decide, if I like more the warm sound of the JS111 or the clearer sound of the NYXL! Unfortunately it is a little difficult to change strings from song to song…

    1. Schumi

      Try the Thomastik bebop. I love the sound

  36. Andymac

    Had my es335 dot from new. Bought in 1995.Natural maple. Love it. Does everything!! Will never part with it. Therefore,not bothered what it’s worth.Means the world to me.

    1. Dave

      I had a ’77 335 wine finish with coil tap. Sold it for strat.. playing country music. Boy.. what a mistake. Same as my 77 Artisan LPaul. Jeesh. Now looking at Epi 335.. china… i was impressed.. but you have to pick through them. Epi better than Siri… Ibenez. I m going buy one… always missed that 335.

  37. Pat Tucci

    I have a 335 with P90s, that I got new from Guitar Center in 2013. It didn’t come with any documentation to speak of. What can you tell me about this guitar.

    1. Joe King

      It came from Guitar Center somewhere around 2013 Instead of humbuckers it was fitted with two P-90’s and it is a Gibson 335 . But since it is undocumented it is not authenticated . I’m not sure of the color.

  38. Geoff George

    I have just bought a Gibson ES 335 in cherry red and dot fingerboard inoriginal case. The serial number suggests it was made in 2003. As it hasn’t been played I’m loath to play it myself. What would be a ball park value of a guitar such as this?

    1. Dirk Laukens

      Hi Geoff, a cherry ES-335 from the 2000s goes for something between $2000 and $3000.

  39. Michael D

    I have an Oscar Schmidt OE30 Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar – Tobacco Sunburst which I’m diggin’ for the low price ($260 +/-), feels good, nice quality; I’m sure the pick-ups could use an upgrade. This was my first guitar and its held up well. People with more experience than I have played mine and were complimentary. Just a thought for those on a budget… : )

  40. Tom Long

    I have a 1970 ES335TDW to which I have added coil tap. TBH I don’t like the sound of the coil tap much and rarely use it but I love my 335. I wanted one for years and finally bought this in 1976. In 1965 I had an ES330TDN which looked great and was nice, but I had a lot of trouble with feedback from it. More recently I have also acquired a 1966 Epiphone Riviera 12 which is the best 12 string I ever played.

  41. Homer L Garrett

    Where was the 1995 model made?

  42. Torben

    Dave Grohl’s Signature DG-335 which is close to the Trini Lopez is missing here…

  43. Thomas

    Your gear rundown is always welcome, but where are your lessons these days? I would gladly pay a monthly premium for them.

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