For decades, the Gibson ES-335 has been the gold standard of semi-hollow body guitars, beloved by jazz cats, blues legends, and rock icons alike. Following the massive success of splitting their Les Paul Standard line into era-specific models, Gibson has officially announced they are bringing that same philosophy to the “Electric Spanish” flagship.
The new Gibson ES-335 50s and 60s Collection allows players to choose between two distinct golden eras of guitar design, offering specific neck profiles, pickup voicings, and aesthetic appointments that defined those decades.
The 50s ES-335: Vintage Soul and Chunky Necks
The 50s model is a love letter to the birth of the semi-hollow. It is designed for the player who wants a “handful” of guitar.
-
The Feel: It features the coveted Rounded C mahogany neck, providing a substantial grip that many vintage enthusiasts swear by for comfort and sustain.
-
The Look: Classic Dot inlays adorn the rosewood fingerboard, paired with Vintage Deluxe tuners and Gold Top Hat knobs.
-
The Sound: Under the hood, the 50s model is powered by Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups. These are unpotted and wound to deliver the airy, touch-sensitive clarity of original PAFs. Hand-wired electronics with Orange Drop® capacitors ensure your tone remains consistent even as you roll back the volume.
The 60s ES-335: Sleek Style and Fast Playing
As the 1960s progressed, Gibson designs became sleeker and more “modern.” The ES-335 60s captures the vibe of the British Invasion and the transition into hard rock.
-
The Feel: The standout feature here is the SlimTaper™ neck profile. It’s thinner and faster than its 50s counterpart, making it ideal for players who move quickly across the fretboard.
-
The Look: The aesthetics shift to Small Block acrylic inlays, Grover® Rotomatic® “Milk Bottle” tuners, and Black Top Hat knobs with silver reflectors.
-
The Sound: This model utilizes calibrated T-Type humbuckers (Alnico 5). These offer a slightly different midrange character and a “cut” that mirrors the T-Top pickups found in late-60s Gibson models.
Shared DNA: Quality That Remains Constant
While the feel and electronics differ, both models share the premium construction that made the ES-335 famous. Both feature a 3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple body with a solid maple centerblock to fight feedback while providing the sustain of a solid body.
Both versions are priced at $3499/£3099 each.
The new Gibson ES-335 50s and 60s Collection features six distinct finishes, split evenly between the two era-inspired models:
ES-335 50s Colours
-
Ebony: A classic, solid black finish that was historically rare and highly sought after on original 50s models.
-
Vintage Tobacco Burst: A dark, moody sunburst with deep brown edges tapering into a golden center.
-
Vintage Natural: A transparent finish that showcases the grain of the three-ply maple/poplar/maple body.
ES-335 60s Colours
-
Sixties Cherry: The quintessential ES-335 look, famously associated with the British Invasion and 60s rock icons.
-
Vintage Burst: A slightly brighter, more vibrant sunburst than the 50s Tobacco version, reflecting the shift in 60s aesthetics.
-
Dark Walnut: A rich, earthy brown finish that became a staple of the ES-335 line in the late 1960s.
All models are finished in Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer, which is designed to age naturally and allow the wood to resonate freely over time.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
Q: What is the main difference between the ES-335 50s and 60s?
A: The primary differences are the neck profile (Rounded C on the 50s vs. SlimTaper on the 60s), the inlays (Dots vs. Blocks), and the pickups (Custombuckers vs. T-Types).
Q: Which neck is better for small hands?
A: The ES-335 60s with the SlimTaper neck is generally preferred by players with smaller hands or those who prefer a faster, thinner feel.
Q: Are these guitars “True Historic” reissues?
A: No, these are part of the Core Collection. They offer vintage-inspired specs and high-end components (like Orange Drop caps and Nitro finishes) at a more accessible price point than the Custom Shop Murphy Lab models.
Q: What finishes are available for the 60s model?
A: The 60s model is available in Vintage Burst, Sixties Cherry, and a stunning Dark Walnut.
The Verdict
Who is the ES-335 50s for?
The purist. If you want the “original” recipe—a big neck, classic dot look, and the most vintage-accurate Alnico 3 pickups Gibson offers in a standard production model—this is your guitar.
Who is the ES-335 60s for?
The performer. If you find vintage necks too bulky and want a guitar that feels fast and looks “dressed up” with block inlays and Grover tuners, the 60s model is a workhorse built for the modern stage.
MSRP – $3499/£3099
Final Score: 8.2/10
Pros:
-
Authentic era-specific specifications.
-
High-end electronics (Orange Drop caps, calibrated pickups).
-
The inclusion of a Gibson hardshell case.
-
Stunning Nitrocellulose finishes.
Cons:
-
Nitro finishes require extra care regarding temperature and stands.
-
The price point remains a significant investment for hobbyists.
#Gibson #ES-335
This article may contain affiliate links to Andertons, DeathCloud,Donner, Fender, Gear4Music, Guitar Center, Positive Grid, Stew Mac, Sweetwater, and Thomann that help finance the running costs of GuitarBomb. We will receive a small commission if you buy something through these links. Don’t worry; you pay the same price, and it costs you no extra to use these affiliate links for your purchases.
