Collection: Gibson ES-335

The Gibson ES-335 isn’t just another electric guitar — it’s the instrument that rewrote the rulebook. When it debuted in 1958, it was the first of its kind: a semi-hollow electric that combined the warm resonance of an archtop with the feedback-resistant sustain of a solid-body. The result was a guitar that could do it all — blues, jazz, rock, soul — and look stunning while doing it. At Chicago Music Exchange, we celebrate the ES-335 as one of the crown jewels of Gibson’s lineup, stocking everything from vintage golden-era examples to the latest USA and Custom Shop builds.

History & Origins of the ES-335

By the late 1950s, Gibson was on a hot streak. Under president Ted McCarty, the company was pushing boundaries — humbuckers had just arrived, the Flying V and Explorer were turning heads, and in 1958 Gibson unveiled something truly radical: the ES-335.

Traditional hollow-bodies sounded rich but squealed with feedback under high volume. Solid-bodies like the Les Paul solved the volume problem but lost the airy depth players loved. The ES-335 split the difference: a semi-hollow thinline body with a solid maple center block. The innovation gave musicians the best of both worlds, and the guitar world never looked back.

The early “dot neck” models of 1958–1961 became instant classics, with warm PAF humbuckers and a design that looked equal parts elegant and modern. By the mid-’60s, the ES-335 was already established as a go-to guitar for pros across genres, cementing its place in music history.

Defining Features & Design

The ES-335’s genius lies in its construction. The body is a laminated maple/poplar/maple sandwich, which adds durability while keeping weight manageable. Inside, the solid maple center block runs the length of the guitar, flanked by hollow wings that resonate with natural warmth. This design controls feedback while preserving the woody character that hollow-body players crave.

The double cutaway body offers easy access to upper frets, while the thinline depth makes the guitar comfortable against the body — a big step forward from bulky jazz boxes. The mahogany neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard delivers smooth playability, and the crown inlays give a touch of understated elegance.

Electronics are just as important: the original late-’50s PAF humbuckers became legendary for their clarity and sweetness, while modern 335s feature calibrated humbuckers that capture that same vintage sparkle with consistency. Combined, these features produce a tone that is balanced, dynamic, and endlessly adaptable — just as at home delivering a soulful clean passage as it is roaring through a cranked amp.

Famous Players & Cultural Impact

Few guitars have touched as many styles, songs, and stages as the ES-335. B.B. King made it his signature, eventually commissioning his own “Lucille” variation. Chuck Berry wielded a cherry red ES-335 as he duck-walked his way into rock history. Eric Clapton used his during the Cream years, helping define the sound of British blues-rock. Jazz fusion legend Larry Carlton became so tied to his ES-335 that he’s nicknamed “Mr. 335.”

The guitar’s reach doesn’t stop there: Dave Grohl, Noel Gallagher, and countless modern indie players have embraced the ES-335 for its versatility and presence. It’s equally at home in smoky clubs and arenas, on acoustic-leaning ballads or fuzz-drenched anthems. The ES-335 isn’t just a guitar — it’s a cultural symbol, worn smooth by decades of music history.

Variations & Models

The ES-335 may have started as a single model, but over the decades Gibson has spun it into an entire family. The original ES-335 Dot Neck remains the blueprint, but the ES-345 and ES-355 offered more upscale appointments, from Varitone switches to block inlays and gold hardware. For players who loved the concept but wanted a smaller body, Gibson introduced the ES-339 — a scaled-down cousin with the same semi-hollow DNA.

Today, Gibson’s lineup includes USA-made Figured ES-335s with flamed maple tops, Custom Shop Historic Reissues that painstakingly recreate 1958–1964 specs, and artist models that honor icons. Each variation offers a unique flavor: warmer rosewood tones, brighter maple bite, or simply aesthetic details that reflect different eras. Vintage examples remain highly collectible, with early dot-necks commanding particular reverence.

Why the ES-335 Matters Today

In an era of infinite guitar choices, the ES-335 remains a benchmark. It bridges the past and present: vintage-inspired but endlessly versatile for modern styles. Its semi-hollow voice makes it a favorite for singer-songwriters, while its sustain and punch hold their own in rock and alternative. For collectors, it’s a piece of history; for working musicians, it’s a tool that delivers night after night.

Few guitars are as universal — whether you’re playing smoky blues, hard-edged rock, or intricate jazz voicings, the ES-335 adapts with ease. That adaptability is why it has survived unchanged for more than six decades.

Buying Guide & CME Advantage

Choosing the right ES-335 means understanding what matters most to you. Do you want the resonance of a vintage dot neck or the consistency of a modern build? Do you prefer a slim ‘60s neck profile or a chunkier ‘50s carve? Are you looking for period-correct PAF tone or the reliability of modern humbuckers? These are questions our staff at CME live and breathe every day.

Vintage models from 1958–1964 are prized for their craftsmanship and tone, but Gibson’s Custom Shop Historic reissues capture that magic with uncanny detail. Modern USA ES-335s offer gig-ready reliability and excellent value, with variations in finish, wood choice, and hardware.

At Chicago Music Exchange, we don’t just stock ES-335s — we curate them. Our collection includes hand-selected new models, Custom Shop exclusives, and vintage guitars with documented provenance. Every guitar is inspected, set up, and cared for by our expert staff, so you can shop with confidence whether you’re browsing online or walking into our Chicago showroom.