The ES-335 with Classic ’50s-Era Character
Players often have distinct preferences when it comes to their instruments. Some gravitate toward particular models, while others develop strong attachments to specific production eras due to differences in finishes, pickup designs, subtle component changes (such as pickguards, inlays, and plastics), and evolving neck profiles. Instruments like the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s and Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s have been embraced by musicians for exactly these reasons, giving players the ability to choose the feel and features that suit them best. Now fans of the Gibson ES-335 can enjoy the same level of choice with the arrival of the Gibson ES-335 50s and Gibson 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/maple and paired with a solid maple centerblock that enhances sustain while significantly reducing feedback. Single-ply cream binding along the top and back adds a clean, vintage-inspired touch.
True to the earliest ES-335 instruments, 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 original “dot neck” ES-335 guitars. Vintage Deluxe tuners with keystone buttons work in tandem with the Graph Tech nut to provide excellent tuning stability, while the headstock is adorned with a mother-of-pearl Gibson logo and crown inlay.
At the opposite end of the strings, an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and aluminum Stop Bar tailpiece contribute to impressive sustain while allowing precise adjustment of action and individual intonation.
A pair of Custombucker pickups with Alnico 3 magnets powers the ES-335 50s, delivering the sought-after tone associated with the earliest Patent Applied For humbucker pickups of the late 1950s. Each pickup is connected to its own hand-wired 500k volume and tone control. Together with the three-way toggle switch, they provide 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 complete the vintage-inspired aesthetic. Featuring a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, the ES-335 50s includes a Gibson hardshell case. For players who appreciate 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.
ES-335 50s Semi Hollowbody Guitar Features
- Recreates the core design and character of the original 1958 ES‑335
- Semi‑hollow thinline body with three‑ply maple/poplar/maple and maple centerblock
- Improved sustain and feedback resistance without losing classic ES‑335 resonance
- Mahogany neck with full Rounded C profile for an authentic ’50s playing feel
- Bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and dot inlays
- Custombucker pickups with Alnico 3 magnets for late‑’50s PAF‑style tone
- Hand‑wired 500k volume and tone controls with three‑way toggle switching
- ABR‑1 Tune‑O‑Matic bridge and aluminum Stop Bar tailpiece for sustain and precision
- Vintage Deluxe tuners with Graph Tech nut for stable, reliable tuning
- Nitrocellulose lacquer finish with period‑correct hardware and Gibson hardshell case
