gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitar

gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitar

 

Alright, let’s take a deep dive into the Gibson ES-335 Figured Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar. This isn’t just any guitar; it’s a piece of music history that’s been shaped and refined over decades. We’ll explore its design, construction, sound, and the kind of experience it offers to players.

The Basics: A Blend of Solid and Hollow

The gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitar is known as a “semi-hollowbody” guitar. This means it’s not completely solid like a Les Paul, nor is it fully hollow like an archtop. Instead, it has a solid center block running through the middle of the body, with hollow wings on either side. Think of it like a sandwich: a solid piece in the middle with hollow spaces on the sides.

This design is important because it gives the guitar a unique sound. The solid center block helps reduce feedback, which is that annoying squealing sound you sometimes get when playing electric guitars at high volumes. This makes it more manageable for live performances and recording. The hollow wings, on the other hand, contribute to a warm, resonant tone that’s different from a solid-body guitar’s sharp attack.

 

The Body: Figured Maple and More

The body of the gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitar is typically made of maple, a type of wood known for its bright, clear tone. The “figured” part of the name refers to the visual patterns in the wood grain. These patterns, like flame or quilt, are created by the way the wood grew and are highly prized for their beauty. Each figured top is unique, making each guitar a little bit special.

The back and sides of the guitar are also usually made of maple, though sometimes other woods like poplar or mahogany are used. The center block is typically made of maple as well, contributing to the guitar’s stability and sustain (how long a note rings out).

The body is finished with a gloss lacquer, which not only protects the wood but also adds to the guitar’s visual appeal. The finish can range from classic sunbursts to more modern colors, allowing players to choose a look that suits their style.

 

The Neck: Playability and Comfort

The neck of the gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitar is usually made of mahogany, a wood known for its warm tone and stability. The neck is attached to the body using a set-neck construction, which means it’s glued in rather than bolted on. This construction method is known for improving sustain and resonance.

The fingerboard, the part of the neck where the frets are located, is typically made of rosewood or ebony. Rosewood is a dense wood that adds warmth to the tone, while ebony is even denser and provides a brighter, snappier sound. The fingerboard is inlaid with pearloid dots or blocks, which serve as markers to help players navigate the fretboard.

The neck profile, or the shape of the back of the neck, can vary. Some gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitars have a slim taper profile, which is thin and comfortable for players with smaller hands. Others have a rounded C profile, which is a bit thicker and provides a more substantial feel. The choice of neck profile is largely a matter of personal preference.

 

The Hardware: Tuning and Stability

The hardware on the gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitar includes the tuners, bridge, and tailpiece. The tuners are responsible for keeping the guitar in tune. They are typically made by Grover or Kluson, companies known for producing high-quality tuning machines.

The bridge is the part of the guitar that holds the strings at the body end. The gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitar usually features a Tune-o-matic bridge, which allows for precise intonation adjustments. Intonation is the accuracy of the pitch of each note across the fretboard.

The tailpiece, located behind the bridge, holds the strings in place. The gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitar often features a stop bar tailpiece, which is a simple and effective design that helps transfer string vibrations to the body. Some models may have a vibrato tailpiece, like a Bigsby, which allows players to create vibrato effects by bending the strings.

 

The Electronics: Pickups and Controls

The gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitar is typically equipped with two humbucker pickups. Humbuckers are designed to reduce hum and noise, making them ideal for high-gain playing. They also produce a warm, full tone that’s characteristic of the ES-335.

The pickups are controlled by a three-way toggle switch, which allows players to select the neck pickup, the bridge pickup, or both pickups together. There are also individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, giving players a wide range of tonal options.

The controls are usually mounted on the body of the guitar, making them easily accessible during performance. The wiring and components used in the electronics can vary, with some models featuring hand-wired circuits and high-quality capacitors for improved tone.

 

The Sound: Versatility and Character

The gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitar is known for its versatility. It can handle a wide range of musical styles, from blues and jazz to rock and even some heavier genres. The semi-hollowbody design gives it a unique tonal character that’s different from both solid-body and hollow-body guitars.

The warm, resonant tone of the gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitar is often described as “airy” or “open.” It has a natural sustain and a rich harmonic content that makes it ideal for chord work and melodic lines. The humbucker pickups provide a full, powerful sound that can be shaped with the tone controls.

When played clean, the gibson es-335 figured semi-hollowbody electric guitar produces a warm, clear tone that’s perfect for jazz and blues. When driven with overdrive or distortion, it can produce a thick, creamy tone that’s ideal for rock and roll. The semi-hollowbody design helps prevent excessive feedback, even at high volumes.

 

The Playing Experience: Comfort and Inspiration

Playing an ES-335 is a unique experience. The semi-hollowbody design makes it lighter than a solid-body guitar, which can be more comfortable for long playing sessions. The neck profile and fingerboard radius are designed to provide a comfortable playing surface.

The guitar’s balance and ergonomics are also carefully considered. The body shape and weight distribution are designed to make the guitar feel natural and comfortable to hold. The controls are placed within easy reach, allowing players to make adjustments without interrupting their playing.

The ES-335 is often described as an “inspiring” guitar. Its unique tone and feel can encourage players to explore new musical ideas and develop their own style. The guitar’s versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of musical genres, allowing players to express themselves in a variety of ways.

 

The Legacy: A Guitar for the Ages

The Gibson ES-335 has a rich history that spans decades. It was first introduced in 1958 and has been used by countless legendary musicians, from B.B. King and Eric Clapton to Larry Carlton and John Scofield. Its timeless design and versatile sound have made it a favorite among players of all styles.

The ES-335 has undergone various changes and refinements over the years, but its core design and sound have remained consistent. It’s a testament to the guitar’s enduring appeal that it continues to be one of the most popular and respected electric guitars in the world.

 

In Summary: A Versatile and Timeless Instrument

The Gibson ES-335 Figured Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar is a unique and versatile instrument that offers a blend of solid-body and hollow-body characteristics. Its semi-hollowbody design, figured maple construction, humbucker pickups, and comfortable neck profile contribute to its distinctive sound and playing experience.

Whether you’re a blues player, a jazz aficionado, or a rock and roll enthusiast, the ES-335 has something to offer. Its versatility and timeless design make it a guitar that can inspire and accompany you on your musical journey. It’s an instrument that’s been shaped by decades of musical history and continues to be a favorite among players around the world.

The ES-335 isn’t just a guitar; it’s a piece of art, a tool for expression, and a gateway to musical exploration. Its unique blend of tone, feel, and versatility makes it a truly special instrument that’s worthy of consideration by any serious guitarist.