The Gibson ES-335: A Short History
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
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This video was possible in part due to the excellent book below. This an Amazon link and we get a small "consideration" from Amazon to help support the channel when you use them to make a purchase. Thanks in advance.
Tony Bacon's excellent "The Gibson 335 Guitar Book"
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This is the five watt world "Short History" of the Gibson ES-335 family of guitars. As always with a subject this vast, to fit it into a video that runs less than 30 mins (OK, just barely, :) I've had to exclude many, many details and grab on to the points that speak to me. So it might be more accurate to call this "My Short History of the 335". Please add the items you think I missed, or those you believe are wrong from your own research, in the comments.
I need to thank the guys at Premier Guitar magazine, Jason Shadrick and company, for the permission to use the clip of John Bollinger’s Rig Rundown with Larry Carlton.
I’d also like to thank Jon Roncolato at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville for sharing the pics of their current batch of sweet vintage semi-solid guitars.
As always, I am indebted to my friends and fellow gear nerds Perry McMannis and Dave Onorato for saving me with yet another massive script.
Thanks for watching, until next time, thanks for being a part of the five watt world.
Keith
***Five watt world participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commissions by linking to Amazon. In simpler language, this means that whenever you buy something from Amazon from a link on here, I receive a small percentage of its price.
I bought my '67 335 new when I was 17. The payments were $9.00 a month. My father cosigned the loan and he passed away 3 months later. The credit insurance paid it off and I played the guitar throughout my 20 years in music. I still have her and I call her "Gypsy". What an incredible instrument! Many thanks for the history!
Hi Jerry,
I can see you're as faithful to "Gypsy" as I've been faithful to "Mr. Gibson" since 1975. Great to read a story like yours that I can easily relate to.
Regards.
Mike M
Jerry, Great story and it really tugs at the heart strings man. Thanks for sharing that.
Keith
Take care of it
Great job , thanks !
Great story.I love my 335 too. My favorite. Too bad about your dad.
I was lucky enough, that in 2018, my uncle called me to ask me if I would give his guitar a new home. He has arthritis, in his hands and fingers, and cannot play it anymore. He told me that he had given it to an 18 year old kid, at his church, a year ago, but that he brought it back to him saying "I'm gonna get a real guitar." All I can say is "Thank God for ignorance!" I told my uncle I'd be more than happy to give his guitar a new home and that it would never be neglected. That's how I got my 1964 Gibson ES335TDC with a Maestro Vibrola Tremolo and I still absolutely love it. It's cherry and has it's dings but sings like a bird. I have no idea what it's worth but it's priceless to me. Thanks for letting me share.
Photo please?!?!
Man... Love this story..Your uncle has a heart of gold dude..to give his guitar to a kid wanting to learn..I mean thats not JUST a guitar....anyway .I'm glad for YOU that kid had NO idea of the quality of that guitar .I hope he finds himself whatever he "THINKS" is a real guitar..Good for you to have that instrument..
"I'm gonna get a real guitar" Probably just buys a dual humbucking 300$ ibanez and a line 6 spider IV. I'm still rolling from that line.
I literally have anxiety reading this 😂
@@michaellefort6128 Sure, he'll post it in the comments below to appease you.
The ES-335 has been my main guitar since 1969....and 11,000+ gigs later!
wow. 11k is amazing.
Your channel is like the PBS of guitar history. Factual, well told, and your voice is mesmerizing.
Keith’s way of speaking really efficaciously helps me chill out. The high-quality research makes it so I never become “angry keyboard warrior.”
When you said ‘the reason everyone wanted a 335’ I went ‘yep, Marty McFly in Back to the Future’ and you said ‘Eric Clapton’ and that made more sense.
😆
Or did it?
For me it was Alvin Lee.
I have one just because of back to the future :)
McFly had a 345. 😁
When in 1978 I saw John McLaughlin playing live in São Paulo/Brazil with a Walnut 345 (which I didn't even know and thought was a 335!), I decided that one day I would have one of those beautiful Gibsons! I played professionally for many years, until before I was 30 I had to stop, with a lot of pain caused by tendonitis and fibromyalgia. But I continued to cherish the dream of having a 335, and when I turned 50 I received from my wife the greatest gift of my life, my 1997 Sunburst Dot 335!
I almost want to say that the 335 is a underrated gem, but when you look around, it's everywhere. I've always loved the look of it, and the sound is unmistakable.
In my mind it is as much a staple guitar as a Strat or Les Paul. A little less prevalent but the same level of importance.
I bought mine because of Alex Lifeson, the variety of tones he had between 74 and 81, through 8 records was astounding.
I bought my 335 while in the Navy in the 70's. Still own it.
A Gretch, a Gibson ES335, and a Les Paul are all you need - unless you are Jimi Hendrix, then, you need a strat.
Keith, I must admit that after viewing the "The Gibson ES-335: A Short History", multiple times, I was bitten by the Gibson ES-335 bug and bought a Gibson Exclusives ES-335 Dot in Gloss Olive Drab. It was purchased directly from Gibson and delivered in ABSOLUTELY PERFECT condition with zero blemishes. Playing it is a totally new experience when compared to a Gibson Les Paul Standard or any American Fender Stratocasters. I must say that It is one of the easiest playing and most beautiful guitars having ever passed through my hands. It is now my daily "go to" guitar to play. I cannot thank you enough for the hard work you put into producing these videos. You are one amazing dude!
I remember Alex Lifeson playing his white 355 on the Hemisphere's tour in 1978. I couldn't believe they would play La Villa Strangiato live. Furthermore, I was amazed the 355 didn't catch fire or crumble to dust at the end. Gibson must build a good guitar.
I never gave a ES 335 a second look growing up during the hair metal days. While I was in college British Alternative music started filtering into the US. I began noticing that the 335 was favored by Noel Gallagher. That was what changed my mind about importance of such a versatile instrument
Didn't he use an Epiphone Casino?
@@cloughie1981 he did in the early days of Oasis, along with riviera . I believe the Union Jack guitar he used at Maine Road was a riviera.
@@allenreeves1999 I thought the Union Flag one was also a Casino lol - regardless, all lovely guitars. I have always loved Epiphones (I imagine from inheriting my old mans' love of the Beatles and watching John Lennon play one) and currently own an excellent Epiphone Les Paul - however it's a dream of mine to own a cherry red Gibson 335. I hope you enjoy yours :) edit - thanks for your insight man, happy playing!!
@@cloughie1981 I had a Epiphone ES 335 briefly. It just didn’t float my boat. I have a dirty lemon Epiphone Les Paul that I changed the knobs out for amber speed knobs, and the pickups for some SD zebra pearly gates, but I’ve been having issues with my Mojotone wiring harness. Beautiful guitar non the less. I also have a SG special with p-90s that sounds amazing
@@allenreeves1999 Yea I just got my Les Paul last month and plan on changing out the pickups soon. Glad you're enjoying that SG man
Back when I was about 10 I watched Back To The Future and saw Marty Mcfly rockin' Johnny B. Good on a cherry red Gibson!
I told myself then one day I'd have a guitar like that. It took several decades but I finally have a cherry red lefty Epiphone Dot, and then also acquired a tobacco burst Sheraton ii. Love the 335 body style guitars!
If the Gibson ES-335 debuted in 1958, how come Marty Mcfly rocks out on one in 1955?
@@riproar11
Norm Harris tell the story of how when supplying guitars for the movie that guitar got "the shot". Check You tube videos @ Normans Rare Guitars for the full story.
I love Epiphone. I have a Casino and a Lucille. Blessed and grateful.
Hey and don't forget one thing about the 335 Keith ;
The Gibson ES335 is a beautiful instrument to behold ;
It is an absolute Work of Art.
Thanks for the fascinating Short History of the 335.
Love your channel.
Thank you Keith for this. So well done!
I started shopping for a 335 in 2003 but wound up with with a CS-356. It is in antique natural and my #1 and only Gibson. The first person to play it (besides me) was my father. He insisted I pick up and instrument in 1967 and I never thought I could ever thank him enough. Before he passed, he played mine and cried tears of joy.
Regards ---------
I'm building my own version of the ES-335! From a kit, sure, but so much fun! I'm doing a cherry red Clapton Cream clone... but its a dot fret board. I did make my own orange label for inside the f-hole, and found the Krishna stamp online. I'll be attempting a pearl inlay on a slab of ebony for the headstock. I got Grover tuning machines, and a bone nut. Upgraded the switch to a Switchcraft, with the correct cream tip. The resistances on the humbuckers interest me at 7.5k for the neck and 15.5 at the bridge, so I'll try them before spending extra on them. The pots are within spec, and resistance is linear. I'll be keeping those. The kit also didn't come with a pickguard, so I got a reproduction. I also got a two screw trussrod cover, with "custom" engraved. I also upgraded the bridge to a roller.
Very timely video! Thank you sir!
trwsandford please upload a video when your done ! I’m an amateur luthier myself and building the exact same guitar right now lol
I have an ES-335 build going right now on my RUclips channel. I hate to mention this on someone elses channel but if you interested just click the white Les Paul.
Dane Nichols glad you did mate subscribed !
@@TJJJJJJJJJJJ thanks much my friend.
What kit are you using?
Les Paul approached Gibson with "The Log" in the early fifties, so Ted McCarty was aware of it. In no way did he invent the concept of the semi-hollowbody guitar. Les Paul did, even though he was pitching his solidbody concept at the time.
That's exactly what I was thinking 👍
Yeah, that's what I was thinking.... I feel it's too important of a well documented fact for Keith to have left out!
kris russell yip
Les Paul made the famous 'Log' from a scrap piece of pine 4X4, proving that he was a tone wood fanatic...well, maybe not.
ES-335 is not an acoustic in any way. It's an electric guitar that looks kinda acoustic, and does a good job of fighting feedback, so a lot of the more jazzy folks grabbed it up. Of course, the guitar can rock out in every way, so it found a home there as well. Sadly, they are a major hassle to work on, as I can attest. But, boy, do they look good!
The first electric prototypes were Spanish style - and obviously hollow body - guitars that had bad feedback problems. Which prompted the development of the solid body electric.
Keith, another great video. As a recent proud owner of a Memphis Studio 335, it was refreshing to hear the history of the 335 as only you can do so well. Also, I would love to hear "The voice of the five-watt world" on a podcase such as Spotify. I find myself downloading your video and playing them in my car while I do an hour commute each way. And for me, I rather listen to things about music than the latest politic. Your videos seem to be the right length and dose to keep the drive moving. Thank you for what you do. You and Mr. Beato, as well as Reth Shull, keep me on the world. I call it 15 minutes of Theory, vlogging, and Five-watt world.
I've owned a lot of guitars, but nothing compares to my ES-335 figured top in antique walnut for me.
Great video.
What a great video. I found your channel a couple months ago and have been watching the recommended videos as they come up. I've been an Alex Lifeson fan since my high school years. In 1982 I was in the Army living in Alabama and I shopped at a music store in Anniston. I walked in one day and they had a beautiful 1975, Natural ES 335 that I fell in love with. Someone had traded it in on a Les Paul. I've had it since then and it still plays beautifully. The model is ES 335 TD, with a trapeze tailpiece and a coil tap switch. It has gold colored hardware hot humbuckers and black hat control knobs. It's traveled with me from AL to AZ to HI to ID and has weathered all of the journey. The tone from the pickups is unreal and I could overdrive them for metal or turn them back for smooth ballads. The hardshell case with red cushioning has stayed intact and the wood still smells fresh. I learned early to care for the wood and fretboard and it plays extremely smooth. Hopefully I'll be able to pass it down to a young prodigy when I'm to old to play.
Thanks again for the great video.
David
Thanks for sharing the story David.
I also have to believe that Les Paul's "Log" was part of the inspiration for the ES-335.
These are the most comprehensive guitar history videos I have seen yet. No details are left out. I had a Green Univox 335. It was stunning.
I got rid of my 335 because Keith said to downsize.
Hahahahaha! Nice
Ha! Hey don't lay that at my door. Everyone needs to decide "how much is enough?" for themselves brother Wombley. :)
Richards... ? Who listens to that guy?
No you didn't, you're just saying that!!
hahaha now THIS is how you troll properly!
I just got my first (and last!) ES 335 today. It's possibly the most beautiful thing I own. You & Rhett convinced me I had to try one.
Your guitar and equipment videos are some of the most well researched and best videos on the subject I have ever seen. I do not play well, but I find your narrative to be both thought provoking and engaging on the subject. Thank you for all you do for the community.
Another lesser known ES guitar is the ES-333 a striped down version with a access panel on back like a Les Paul for Electronics access. I have a Blonde one that’s amazing. They are very fairly priced now so 🤐!
An excellent option for tour gigs and get accessibility to control just in case.
What a thorough, professional and well laid out video.
Thanks, made my morning!
Thanks Tom! Thanks for watching.
Hi Keith! A friend just pointed me in the direction of this link and your historical piece on the '335' - in short, I'm honored just to have been mentioned. I have 3 '335's and the first one, I believe, is a '59. But, the one that I've been playing since just after "EYEWITNESS"('81) was recorded is a '335' from Gibson's "Heritage" Series - which is when, I believe that they finally remembered how they used to make guitars and pick-ups. At that time, I had a great relationship with Gibson and Pat Aldworth in Kalamazoo. But this honey sunburst guitar is the one that I have used on every recording of mine since then - the last one being "PATCHWORK"(2019). The shape of the neck was flatter, and better for my hands. Eventually, I bought another 335, I forget the year, but I only bought that last one because I was becoming afraid to take the '82 on the road with me. I would hasten to add that I also change the fret wire on all of my guitars to Dunlop #6140. For me, this is best feel for my left hand. It gets expensive, but for me, it's worth it. Again, I'm really honored to have been mentioned in your piece. All the best, Steve Khan - New York
Wow Steve! Thanks for taking the time to comment. You’ve always been what I think of as an “aspirational player”, someone I’ve aspired to learn from over the years.
The thing I always remembered was you saying in an interview that you had that Strat of yours set up w the same string spacing as your 335. That’s always stuck with me. It just made so much sense.
Thanks again and be well. Keith
@@fivewattworld Thanks so much Keith! It's just great to be a small part of this 335 tribute - you did a great job!!! :-)
@@fivewattworld Bill Connors taught me about that!!! At the time, the mid-'80s, DiMarzio was making a bridge for Strats with Gibson spacing, so on ALL of my Strats I switched out the bridges (I do have the original bridges) and, once I did that, going from a 335 to a Strat didn't feel so foreign to me. Now? I think that it's really hard to find those bridges!!! So, that's the true story of that!!! :-)
This was a great video, always loved the tones of the 335. Back in 2009 I was setting up the backline on a Chris Isaak gig. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw his white es345 sitting in the guitar boat on the stage right side, it was a thing to behold!! Absolute unicorn of a guitar. Stays with me to this day.
I’ve never played a better 335-type than the 1987 (with a 1988 serial number!) Korean-built, white with gold hardware Epiphone Sheraton II my lovely wife gave me in ‘87. I’ve done a lot of looking, and it’s the only one I’ve seen in person that has a headstock that’s reads “Epiphone by Gibson” on it, but still has the “vine” inlay in genuine abalone shell (otherwise known as “Mother Of Pearl”). The frets are done in the same stuff, with Epi’s triangle shape in the centers, And what a guitar! It plays great, it sounds amazing, and it’s the first GOOD electric I ever had, after a succession of crappy ones my father purchased for me. He knew NOTHING about guitars. But his heart was in the right place. Anyway, in another writer’s entry, mention was made of how heavy one guitar was vs. an Epi. I own a Gretsch Country Gentleman, which, last I looked, were selling in the USA for between $3500 and $3750. Back in ‘87, this Sheraton II cost a whopping $800 US Dollars! You can still get them for about that here, but now they’re Chinese-made, and nowhere near as good as the Korean ones. Given the age of mine, it’s absolutely STELLAR!
Alex Lifeson and of course BB are the reasons I want to try a 335... I must go practice now and stop dreaming of these now
Fascinating documentary, as always, Keith. But each time I listen to one of those narratives of the countless changes - sometimes great, sometimes horrible - that major manufacturers go through over the years, I understand why custom-built handmade instruments are a far superior choice. Sure, they cost more. But you get precisely what you want and need: not what some marketing bozo dictated.
Same goes with the software, thats why people like arch linux
@@MB-rc8ie LOL! This has nothing to do with the subject matter at hand, but I actually laughed at this. xD
That's why I don't buy Fenders anymore. I can build 'em better.
After Les Paul invented 'The Log', he attached the sides of an archtop to make it look and be held like a guitar. At the time, Gibson was not interested. Interesting how the ES-335 body style is uncannily close to this early electric.
What a great history of a beloved line of guitars. I truly love the versatility and playability of my ES-339. Great to know it’s full lineage. Thank you, Keith!
Thank YOU Dennis.
Its cool you have a 339. A little over 5 years ago i stroll into the local GC and see a used Peavey Vypyr 15 for $49.00.
I look for a guitar to demo it with. Little Epi 339 in black sparkle looks cool....Played great and SCREAMED! A little blingy for me but loved this guitar. Bought the amp. AS73 already here so I was set for a semi.
I fell in love with a 1986 dot reissue today that I can’t yet afford. This video is fantastic. Thank you for doing it.
I have a 1988 DOT reissue I bought about 20 years ago in Ebony. One of my favourite guitars amongst a number I own. Wouldn't part with it. One of the most "powerful" guitars I own. Besides it works perfectly for Ten Years After, Alvin Lee, to play "Going Home".
One of my most favorite guitars I’ve ever owned is a 60s Hagstrom Viking with a Bigsby style tremolo. I loved the 6 on a side tuners, light weight and the “feel”. There’s something very intimate about that body shape. I sold it and later tried to replace the guitar with a ‘56 Gibson 225 but it just wasn’t the same. I was hoping you’d cover the Epiphone Dot, a great budget version of the 335. Otherwise, great video as always Keith.
I just got a Gibson ES-355 59 reissue last week! Ebony finish, aged as well. Nicknamed her Calypso. Pure beauty!
Keith, I don’t know exactly where it fits into the logistics of the timeline, but also worth mentioning in the double-cut lineage of ES-335 shaped guitars is the late-1960s introduction of the ES-150 DC, essentially a full body depth, fully hollow 16-inch archtop like a fat, block-inlay ES-330, but with humbuckers and a master volume on the lower cutaway horn. I have a nearly immaculate ‘69 in walnut brown. The other option being blonde. The hardware is chrome, black witch hat knobs, trapeze tailpiece, plastic tulip tuners, Tune-o-matic bridge with nylon saddles to help tame feedback, and that impossibly narrow nut. If you see a picture of a walnut 335, it looks the same from the front, but no center block, and about 3-1/2 inches thick. An absolutely killer guitar with fantastic snarling pickups that really roar. I think it was produced less than 10 years, and neither jazzers, bluesers, or rockers embraced it. But today at about $3,000 for a late ‘60s laminate hollow-body, it’s a really great and somewhat affordable entry into the lofty realm of vintage Gibson archtops.
Awesome history - thanks so much. I'd love to hear what Five Watt World has to say about the new Fender Tone Master solid state amps some day. And if you're ever really bored and want to discuss one of my personal favorite Gibson guitars a video on the ES-137 Custom would be watched by me (and maybe only me, unfortunately).
I spent about an hour playing the new Tonemaster Deluxe when I was at Rick Beato's last week. I was pretty amazed to honest. And at 23lbs, it's 90% of the real Deluxe, and if I was carrying the amp in on a snowy November gig, I'd be ok with that.
So Marvin Berry and the Starlighters had to actually go into the future to get the guitar he loaned to Marty McFly to play in 1955. Thus him playing the futuristic guitar was able to influence Marvin to call Chuck, that's Heavy.
Or, the mere fact that Martin came FROM the future caused a temporal discrepancy that changed some small details in history, e.g. changing the 335's release date to 1954. The same phenomenon made his reality's technology evolve FASTER, so they had flying cars in 2015 -- while we had mass shootings and terrorism.
It was sometime around 1985, that I was watching a t.v show and noticed Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys playing a Gibson ES 335. Complete with a Bigsby tremolo and natural finish. I was in awe. This was the most beautiful electric guitar I had ever seen and it was at that point, I knew I would have to own one but I wouldn't even come close until many years later.
-Carl Wilson: December 21, 1946 - February 6, 1998
February 6, 1998 would deliver yet another devastating blow to the band when Carl Wilson, another one of the Wilson brothers and founders of the group would lose his battle with cancer. Carl was the glue that held the band together. Often assuming the role of leader of the group when Brian was unable to. Carl had an excellent voice. It has often been said that he had the voice of an angel and was a very talented guitarist as well. It has been reported that late in Carl's career that he would have to sit during the bands concerts but would stand long enough to sing God Only Knows.
Fast forward several years and I was now grown and ready to purchase my own ES 335. Through countless hours of research, I opted for the less expensive Epiphone ES 335 in a natural finish. It was through my research that I learned of the many different artists from several genres that had a ES 335 in their arsenal. I also learned of the guitars versatility. This guitar sounds good whether you are playing country, rock, rhythm and blues, rhythm or lead and it's just a real joy to play. I visited a local guitar store to take one on a test run and it did not disappoint. The store did not, however, have one in a natural finish. So after confirming all the great things I had read about a ES 335, I preordered the guitar in September of 2019 and had to wait patiently for Gibson Epiphone to hand craft my own ES 335 pro limited edition. Regularly scheduled to ship out February 14, 2020. Much to my surprise, my guitar would ship out earlier than scheduled and I received my ES 335 on February 5, 2020. One day before the anniversary of Carl Wilsons death. As with any semi hollow body or hollow body guitar, I always allow my new guitars to acclimate 24hrs. In doing so, this put me striking my first chord on my new ES 335, on February 6, 2020. Exactly 22 years, to the day, since Carl Wilson's death.
I have since replaced the stock pickguard to the short Gibson style pickguard. Added a U.S. made Bigsby B7 and a black rhythm treble washer under the toggle switch. I now have my dream ES 335 and couldn't be more happier.
I started playing again after 15 years and bought a Sheraton. Before this I had a Les Paul Studio and then an SG but neither one was really 'me.' I really like this style of guitar and play it all the time, which is the important thing. Hope to progress enough to justify the Gibson at some point. Your short histories are great, I've learned a lot. Thanks!
I have loved Les Paul's, Strat's, and Tele's my whole life. Although I know a bit about those guitars I knew absolutely nothing about the 335. On January 1, 2020 after watching this superb video I now know a bit about these beauties. Thanks for a well done video. I just subscribed to your channel. Now since you are responsible for this video, can I count on you to explain to my wife why I will now be needing yet another guitar?
Dear Mr.Paco, Own your GAS brother. I have to wrestle with my own. :)
Keith
Another excellent and well researched video. I am guessing that a history of the SG or perhaps the Jazzmaster is next? In any event, I look forward to your next video.
I would LOVE to see the history of the Jazzmaster. It was the "baldheaded stepchild" of electric guitars for so long until "alternative rock" went mainstream in the early '90s.
Interesting how the case in 58 is 400$ in todays dollars. So really my 335 at 3k with case is effectively about the same price as the original.
I had heard Clapton in an interview recently. He mentions the 335 along with two other guitars that for him, (to paraphrase), covers the range in expressing his music in guitars. Seeing your video here was a perfect exploration of the 335 along with the others. As a true layman and an avid listener your video here delineates with incredible precision all of the aspects of the guitar you are describing and adding great perspective on a guitar model that has clearly been influential for musicians for decades! Also enjoyed seeing the 390. Selling it would only be great to somebody who would be lucky enough to buy it but for you personally I can see that something does happens that encourages you to keep it. Excellent work Keith!
Thanks for your very thoughtful comment Dean.
Keith
Great video! I got my '89 ES-335 back in '91, after scoping out every good music store in San Antonio, TX. It was the only ES-335 that I found available at the time, and I think it may have been a custom order or some such, since it's a dot fretboard, vintage white color, with cream binding and gold hardware. I've seen this color scheme on LP Customs, but never on another ES-335. It has served me faithfully for years and is a cherished friend. It can do anything except the single coil, strat-y clean sound, and feels great with light or heavy strings, and sounds wonderful through Fender, Vox, or nearly any style amp (although some of the best tone I ever got was through a Matchless, too bad it wasn't mine). Anyway, I've always wondered about it's origin in the two years between its manufacture and coming to me, so if anyone has any info on what the heck Gibson was doing in '89 with 335s, I'd love to hear it!
Showing the price comparison from then and now gives me chest pain. I guess that's why have and love my Epiphone Dot 335!
PEACE 💀👽🎸🎶🎵
You're not alone! Play on!
you're killing me. i want one so bad.
I love mine, lt'll never leave me. It's a tobacco sunburst with a coil tap. The coil tap makes it so versatile. Just love it.
I purchased a walnut 335 at Manny’s in NYC August, 1979 that I still use today. I got this guitar because of two of my guitar heroes, Chuck Berry and Dave Edmunds. Keep on Rockin’!
I always think of Alvin Lee at Woodstock doing I'm going home, what a great tone! I don't think he ever used another guitar.
I've wanted an ES-335 since the early 1970's and finally got to full fill my wish this year. Bought a 2019 figured in sunset burst, it plays fantastic and the sound of the MHS humbuckers is the best I've ever heard. So clear and clean, note articulation and sustain sound fantastic through my new Fender Princeton Reverb 12" Jensen speaker. Life is good.
Great vid again! WIn the seventies there was also the ES325 with a big plastic control plate like the SGs of that time, and mini humbuckers. And more interesting: The ES320 with single coils and a tele style control panel.
Got my dad's 1960 Gibson ES330 with a Bigsby vibrato. I think he wanted the hollow body, but he always did want the humbucking pickups, so in the late 80, he put the pickups out of a Ibanez Les Paul copy of mine in there. After I inherited it, I found the P90s and put them back in. It could use a refretting, but it's fun to play, has a real thin, easy to play neck, takes distortion well. Like the narrator often points out, it's a very versatile guitar for playing lots of different kinds of music. Good thorough video.
I've always had a 335- style guitar on hand. One of my first guitars was a cherry red Epiphone Dot and someday I'd love to get the Gibson version of it.
Great story for me since I’m considering an ES series guitar as the first real electric in my collection. Well researched and nicely edited with all the right photos - well done!
This content coverage of Classic guitar history is just as romantic as the evolution of Gibson and Fender vintage to present. Absolutely A+' content; for RUclips or any other platform out there!
Thanks for the shout out. Love this series.
I've lost track of the number of times I've used "There aren't many gigs where a Deluxe won't cut." from you Guthrie Trapp interview. :). Love that man.
I truly appreciate you taking time to provide a definitive history of one of my favorite Guitars and My favorite Brand of all time. No one can beat Gibson for me. I am a Gibson Guy. I had a 1968 335. I bought it in the Early 70s when I was a young teenager. Had it until about 10 years ago when it was stolen from me. God will restore me. However, love the story. I learned a lot that is important to me. One of the most important things about Gibson Guitars from the 50s and 60s is that, they were all hand made with special love and amazing passion in the Original Factory in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In the early 70s, before Guitar Center Took Over, my friends and I use to spend hours at Don Weirs Music City in San Francisco sorting through guitars, looking at necks up through the light, listening to the sound, reviewing the en-lays, body, etc for the perfect guitar for each of us. Each Guitar had its own character. Each of us wanted a certain sound. When one found the one that they liked, they would do everything to keep that Guitar for life. The sound only gets better with age. These guitars welcomed you and embraced you like a new parent. Thank you for the history. It's as genuine as the Original Gibson line itself.
Glad you enjoyed it Willard.
you missed the 335 showcase 1988 WHITE WITH CREAM BINDING
i acquired two and gave a new unplayed one to my son bruce II IN 1998
FOR HIS 30THY BIRTHDAY
I TOLD HIM THAT HE WAS AN ADULT AND NEEDED AN ADULT GUITAR
I KEPT A NO PICKGUARD VERSION THAT A DEALER HAD CHANGED FROM BLACK HARDWARE TO GOLD..VERY FULL NECK STOCK EMG'S LOVED IT FOREVER..THEN DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES
I SOLD IT AND MY ES ARTIST RED TRANSLUCENT AND REDE LUCILLE ALSO IN RED TRANSLUCENT FINISH....EARLY IN MY LIFE I OWNED A STOCK 330 T SUNBURST...IMAGINE IF I HAD KEPT ALL OF THEM..THANKS FOR ALL YOUR GREAT WORK
I have an Epiphone ES-335 Pro -- amazing quality for the price.
I bought one brand new from eBay with a cracked neck $200 shipped. Fixed it with Tight Bond II glue and clamps. Good as new. Plays great.
Got a Grote copy 335 and I love it. Never being able to afford a Gibson.....Ibanez was largely what I ended up with (but a LOT of Conrad's were in there).
My Grote 335 took over when I got it. Great Guitar. I think I got lucky.
Poor man, but Luther was more than a hobby.
Any great neighborhood players begged me to sell or trade my customized guitars.
I never budged. So I'm not really a slouch.
Love your work.
Keith, As always Great Work. Please Keep on Keeping On!
ES 335 Classic! I owned four at one time. I just sold a Rusty Anderson ES 335. Now I am down to Two!
Thank you FWW I gave up drinking beer saved all my money and finally got my ES335 and I have to say this is one awesome instrument. Needless to say I played every day after work in the middle of the night. Every chance I get
Oh, by the way i’m still running dry, and feeling good 👍🏽
Rock ‘n’ roll brother thanks for the video. God bless.
Congrats Harold!
Cool video. All your histories are great. A lot of people talk about that guitar and they say the neck pickup this the bridge pickup ect. But the real beauty of the 335 is blending both pickups. That is what gives you that punchy sound you feel in your gut.
I played on a deep hollow body jazz version 335. Also played on a jazz thin hollow body Brazilian back, top and sides 335 version. Both were at a local store back in the day. Great video!
The guitars I need: Mastersound MS500, Danelectro 59M NOS, Alvarez AP66, Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass - humbucking with tremolo, single coil, acoustic, bass.
I love these Five Watt World videos; however, it just occurred to me that these videos add fuel to my gear addiction. Well played, sir!
I’m working on a video about that David. I promise.
Keith
I can’t wait. My budget is telling me to go the minimalist route, but I checked out your shop, and I’m afraid your stylish coffee mug will be joining my Fender and That Pedal Show mugs. I am currently obsessed with acquiring an electric 12 string. That’s a necessity, right?
David Good I had a Dano at one time. Love the sound but they take up a lot of sonic room.
I love all the old guitars too including the es335.
Thank you so much for another great video, great detail and honest natural narrative, you have the gift. And my 335 story is that I feel in love with it when I attended a Clapton Concert at the LA Forum for his tour “Nothing but the Blues” as he played “Some Day After a While” ooh that tone.. I’ll never forget that evening, next day I when to Guitar Center at Sunset Boulevard but I just could not afford it, instead I got a Fender Blues Deluxe and 40th anniversary Stratocaster with a gig-bag ($850 for all). After some years and a couple of tries I bought a CS336FT (not the one with the snake head headstock, I believe that one was the ES336_ ES for Electric Spanish and the one with the regular headstock the CS for Custom Shop), but still is different from the 335, on May of this year I finally bought me a ES335 Figured TDN 2019, for the Memphis Factory.
I’m very happy with my 335, and I have to recognize that I’m guilty of buying guitars and tube amps, and some effects not much of them if I can, I like it as straight as possible, not all the time. I’m always waiting for your next video. Thanks a lot!
Thanks man!
"An electric guitar requires an amplifier before it can really be considered to be an instrument for playing music."
I have SG, LP but my favourite is my ES-355. It's the Joe Bonamassa Ltd Ed Epiphone ES-355. This thing is so perfect for me in spec, playability, style and beauty. My dream is to one day have enough money to commission a Gibson Custom Shop recreation of that original guitar Gibson made for his Three Kings tour.
Everybody got all that? lol. Whew, my head's still spinning.
335s have a been a bit of a mystery to me, a friend owned a black late 70's TD (I think), had the TP6 bridge and the extra toggle switch on the treble side bout. I don't remember how much I liked it back then (early 80s), I wasnt much of a player, but I know he kicks himself for selling or trading it in. Always saying what a great guitar it was. Cool and very informative video, thank you for making it.
I have an '83 Yamaha Sa1200S The S stands for solid top (spruce). What incredible workmanship!!!
I bought a new 335 sunburst from Sweetwater about 4 years ago… love that guitar… 57 humbuckers, neck feels like a baseball bat… thing plays like an animal. Great tone
Love this video. Having not read the comments I may or may not be the first to mention Phil Keaggy as one who has made beautiful sounds with an ES 335 over the years.
You’re the first.
Keith, this was the best video yet! I bought my red ES-335 because of Chuck Berry and Eric Clapton!
I play bass in a Tom Petty tribute band, and one of our guitar players has an ES-135 which I call Big Red. He usually plays his black Les Paul Custom, but I'm always pestering him to play his ES-135. It's got that raunchy, ballsy sound that I love!
Campbell would dig that 135.
Thanks for all you do. I love these !
Now that was a video worth watching. Thank you!
I always wanted a 335. For me it was the sound and not so much any player, although I was amazed that Lifeson was able to get that much sound out of what I considered to be a very non-rock guitar as a younger me. At 54 I was able to buy a 335. I got one used and it was still very expensive but I caught one a little cheaper than the normal used expensive. It was well worth it and I love everything about it. None of my other guitars sound like the 335 so it fills a gap as well.
Great to see this again. Another ES-335 fan was EVH. I remember an interview in the early '80s where he said "I could fly on those". Also probably influenced by EC. Ha, use of one stage or studio was shot down apparently by DLR,,,"Get some shades or switch guitars..." a semi nod to Roy Orbison.
I bought mine 30 years ago 1968 cherry red so I could play without an amplifier, sold all my other guitars (Les Paul Custom, Strat, SG) but kept this one. Still love playing it like an acoustic. But sometimes I play with people so I plug in the "electric Spanish" guitar - never knew any of the history.Thanks. I will never sell it. Still learning of course.
ES 333 and the Vegas would have been smart to have spoken about , Nice video
I have 5 and an acoustic. A Kramer Beretta, an LP type, a '99 American Standard Strat, a jimi hendrix style strat- reverse headstock, and a Mexican tele
Did I not see the Les Paul log 10 years earlier the same Idea solid down the front and hollow wings I think Les gets ripped off by Ted all the way down the line
Ted McCarty: I came up with the idea
Les Paul's log created in 1940: riiiiiight.
McCarty also designed the Les Paul guitar.
@@DavidRavenMoonright.
My point is Ted DID NOT invent the semi hollow body guitar. He may have had some great ideas, this was not one of them.
Ted is real genius behind a Gibson!!!
Paul Bigsby had a hand in all that too. The axe he made for Merle Travis is a cross between a les paul and a Fender
An iconic guitar used by many of the greats. I loved the sound of Clapton's 335 in Cream and on his solo album From The Cradle and subsequent tour. His tone with the 335 may be my favorite guitar tone ever. Pure bliss if you ask me. Great video as always. I learn something new every time. I have looked at these guitars a few times but have never found one that felt just right. I need to check them out again.
I have a ‘63 re-issue from 2003 in cherry red, sounds and plays like an absolute dream
Steve Howe! Yes and Rush were both key inspirations in my musical youth and continue to inspire. You got Alex. Mr. Lifeson got the inspiration from Steve Howe, just as Geddy got the idea for the Rickenbacker into a Sunn amp from Chris Squire. Yes was one of their favorite bands, a key influence on especially A Farewell To Kings and Hemispheres. I dig your appreciation for these beautiful artifacts.
My favourite guitar ... within this family the keys were the round “Mickey Mouse ears” and generous archtop ... the perfect marriage of electric and archtop legacy of the traditional archtop acoustic. Favourite colour 4 me - port wine ... all class
The ES 355t @6:37 is the guitar I’ve dreamt of for years. I’m only a beginner but it’s what I always thought would be what I would be playing. I don’t know why either... it is a stunner for sure.
I watched this video earlier this morning no my TV, so I had to find it on my computer. I really have no desire to play an Electric guitar, though I have had a few over the years, including a gold Les Paul that just sort of fell into my hands. I didn't realize that Eric Clapton played a ES335 but that is cool, I just assumed that He played a Strat on almost everything he did, like so many. I marvel at the work of BB King, He got so much out of so few notes. So began my fascination with hollow body Electrics. I was pleased to hear that Larry Carlton plays one., how cool is that? I am a big Steely Dan fan, a mixture of Rock, Jazz and blues all rolled into one, I marvel at the complexity of everything they do. I would love to have one but There are some things I need to learn before I pick up such a beauty. so its my carrot at the end of the string. I like the idea of a Semi Hollow body because it can do so much, for now, it's me and my acoustic which I dearly love. Thanks for another great video.
My first electric guitar back in 81 still have it. ES 335
What about the Paul Jackson, Jr. model? The solid mahogany body has the all important belly cut. The compound radius Ed ebony fingerboard has parallelogram MOP inlays and the neck ends with a straight pulled headstock. The top is book matched flamed maple. Pickups are 57 Classics and the hardware is gold. The guitar just sings. Complex chords remain distinct and clear. Paul has since moved on to PRS. I met him at an Experience PRS event. He’s a wonderful man, and a true class act. I own several double cut away semi hollow guitars, including an über figured natural ES-335. I love them all, but that Paul Jackson, Jr. is a true standout.
I still think they look like Teddy Bear ears instead of mouse ears.
I've seen this video before but was inspired to watch it again after watching Rhetts video on his own 335.
My Knees Hurt Ditto!
Great history on the 335 and extremely well made video. Informative, simple and professional, kudos !!!!