Like the Les Paul, the ES-335 stands as one of Gibson's all-time most iconic models. The ES-335 is a semi-hollowbody guitar which means that it has a solid block of wood running through its center with hollow wings on either side. This construction style maintains the open tone of a hollowbody while helping to reduce feedback. The ES-335 was introduced in 1958 and has remained in production in various forms ever since. The official model designation of the ES-335 is ES-335TD, with the TD standing for thinline, double pickups. In the early '60s, the ES-335 was produced with either a stopbar tailpiece, a Bigsby tremolo tailpiece, or a vibrola tailpiece. Those with the stopbar tailpiece are the most desirable to collectors.

Years of Production: 1958 - present

Unique to this Year: Switch made from dot to block inlays mid-year. Pickups also change from original PAFs to Patent number humbuckers. Those with PAFs are more desirable. 

Body Style: Hollowbody, double cutaway

Wood Composition: Maple body, Rosewood fingerboard

Design Elements: Two humbucker pickups, F-holes, Tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece (tremolo optional), block inlays

Finish Specification: Cherry was introduced for the ES-335 in 1959. 

Notable Players: Larry Carlton, Dave Grohl, Eric Clapton