gibson es-335 figured top semi-hollowbody electric guitar

gibson es-335 figured top semi-hollowbody electric guitar

The Gibson ES-335 Figured Top semi-hollowbody electric guitar occupies a unique space within the realm of musical instruments. It is not simply a guitar; it is a meticulously crafted entity, a confluence of design, materials, and sonic potential that has captivated musicians across genres and generations. This description endeavors to provide a comprehensive and neutral examination of this instrument, focusing on its construction, features, and sonic characteristics.

Construction and Design:

At its core, the Gibson ES-335 Figured Top semi-hollowbody electric guitar is a hybrid design that blends the warmth and resonance of a hollowbody with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solidbody. This design is central to the guitar’s versatility.

The body is constructed with a solid maple center block, running lengthwise from the neck joint to the tailpiece. This center block significantly reduces unwanted feedback, a common issue with fully hollow guitars, especially at higher volumes. Flanking this center block are two hollow “wings,” crafted from laminated maple, which contribute to the guitar’s airy, resonant tone.

The “Figured Top” designation refers to the visually striking maple top, which exhibits a distinctive flame or quilt pattern. This figuring is a natural characteristic of certain maple varieties, created by the wood’s growth patterns. The selection of figured maple for the top is primarily aesthetic, adding a visual elegance to the instrument. While it may not directly impact the guitar’s sonic properties, the quality and visual appeal of the figured top are often indicative of the overall craftsmanship and attention to detail.

The set neck, typically made of mahogany, is joined to the body at the 19th fret, allowing for comfortable access to the higher frets. The neck profile, which can vary slightly depending on the specific model year, generally falls within a comfortable “C” or “rounded C” shape, providing a balance of playability and substance. The fingerboard, often made of rosewood or, in more recent models, alternatives like Richlite or ebony, features 22 frets and a 12-inch radius. This radius provides a comfortable playing surface for both chord work and soloing.

The scale length, the distance between the nut and the bridge, is typically 24.75 inches, a standard Gibson scale length that contributes to the guitar’s warm, full tone. The nut, traditionally made of bone or nylon, and more recently, often made of Graph Tech TUSQ, serves as the initial point of string vibration and plays a role in string stability and tuning.

 

Hardware and Electronics:

The Gibson ES-335 Figured Top semi-hollowbody electric guitar is typically equipped with a tune-o-matic bridge and a stop bar tailpiece. This combination provides excellent intonation and sustain. The bridge is adjustable, allowing for precise intonation adjustments, ensuring accurate pitch across the fretboard. The stop bar tailpiece, a solid piece of metal, anchors the strings and contributes to the guitar’s overall resonance.

The electronics of the Gibson ES-335 Figured Top semi-hollowbody electric guitar are a key element in its tonal versatility. It typically features two humbucking pickups, controlled by a three-way toggle switch, two volume controls, and two tone controls. The humbuckers, known for their warm, full tone and noise-canceling properties, are a defining characteristic of the Gibson sound. The specific type of humbuckers can vary depending on the model year and specific model, but common examples include the ’57 Classic, Burstbucker, and MHS (Memphis Historic Spec) pickups.

The three-way toggle switch allows for selection of the neck pickup, the bridge pickup, or a combination of both. The volume controls allow for individual adjustment of each pickup’s output, while the tone controls allow for shaping the high-frequency content of each pickup. This combination of controls provides a wide range of tonal possibilities, allowing the player to dial in a variety of sounds, from warm and mellow to bright and aggressive.

 

Sonic Characteristics:

The Gibson ES-335 Figured Top semi-hollowbody electric guitar’s semi-hollowbody construction and humbucking pickups contribute to its unique sonic character. The combination of the hollow wings and the solid center block results in a tone that is both warm and resonant, with a clear and articulate midrange. The humbuckers provide a full, rich tone with excellent sustain, making the guitar suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

The neck pickup tends to produce a warm, mellow tone, ideal for jazz, blues, and rhythm playing. The bridge pickup, on the other hand, provides a brighter, more aggressive tone, suitable for rock, blues, and lead playing. The combination of both pickups results in a balanced tone with a clear midrange and a full low end.

The Gibson ES-335 Figured Top semi-hollowbody electric guitar’s versatility is a key aspect of its appeal. It can produce a wide range of tones, from clean and articulate to overdriven and distorted. This versatility has made it a favorite among musicians in a variety of genres, including jazz, blues, rock, and pop.

 

Playability and Ergonomics:

The Gibson ES-335 Figured Top semi-hollowbody electric guitar is known for its comfortable playability. The semi-hollowbody design, while larger than a solidbody, is relatively lightweight and comfortable to play for extended periods. The set neck and comfortable neck profile contribute to a smooth and effortless playing experience.

The 12-inch fingerboard radius provides a comfortable playing surface for both chord work and soloing. The 22 frets allow for a wide range of notes, and the cutaway design provides easy access to the higher frets.

The guitar’s balance is also a factor in its playability. The semi-hollowbody design distributes the weight of the guitar evenly, preventing neck dive, a common issue with some solidbody guitars.

 

Historical Significance and Cultural Impact:

The Gibson ES-335 Figured Top semi-hollowbody electric guitar has a rich history and a significant cultural impact. Introduced in 1958, it was one of the first commercially successful semi-hollowbody electric guitars. Its innovative design and versatile tone quickly made it a favorite among professional musicians.

The Gibson ES-335 Figured Top semi-hollowbody electric guitar has been used by a wide range of influential musicians, including B.B. King, Eric Clapton, Larry Carlton, and Chuck Berry. Its use across genres has solidified its status as a versatile and iconic instrument.

The guitar has also been featured in numerous recordings and performances, contributing to its cultural significance. Its distinctive tone and visual appeal have made it a staple in the world of popular music.

 

Variations and Customization:

Over the years, Gibson has produced a variety of ES-335 variations, including the ES-335TD (Thinline Double), the ES-345, and the ES-355. These variations often feature different hardware, electronics, and cosmetic appointments.

The Gibson ES-335 Figured Top semi-hollowbody electric guitar, for example, features a stereo output and a Varitone switch, which provides a range of tonal options.13 The ES-355, the top-of-the-line model, features a more ornate design with gold hardware and block inlays.

In addition to these variations, the ES-335 is also a popular platform for customization. Many players modify their guitars with different pickups, hardware, and electronics to achieve their desired tone and playing experience.

 

Conclusion:

The Gibson ES-335 Figured Top semi-hollowbody electric guitar is a meticulously crafted instrument that embodies a unique blend of design, materials, and sonic potential. Its semi-hollowbody construction, humbucking pickups, and versatile electronics contribute to its wide range of tonal possibilities, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles. Its comfortable playability and ergonomic design make it a pleasure to play, while its historical significance and cultural impact solidify its status as an iconic instrument.

The “Figured Top” element, while primarily aesthetic, adds a layer of visual elegance, reflecting the attention to detail and craftsmanship inherent in the instrument. This guitar is a testament to the enduring appeal of a well-designed and thoughtfully constructed instrument, a tool that continues to inspire musicians and shape the sound of popular music. The Gibson ES-335 Figured Top semi-hollowbody electric guitar remains a benchmark for semi-hollowbody electric guitars, a testament to its innovative design and enduring musical relevance.