1979 GIBSON ES ARTIST Sunburst, Moog Active Circuit, Made in Kalamazoo, perfect straight neck with Professional Refretted ready to play. Come in Gibson Case with brown sky stripped in the back as seen in the photo, but all the closures work fine. All Circuit work perfect. Neck Thickness (IN):1st- .78" 12th- .98" Neck Profile: medium "C" Weight: 4,30 Kg Nut Width:1-11/16" Double rounded cutaway semi-hollow bound body, arched maple top, raised layered black pickguard, maple back/sides, mahogany neck, 22-fret bound ebony fingerboard with pearl offset dot inlay, tune-o-matic bridge/tunable stop tailpiece, blackface peghead with pearl winged-f/logo inlay, 3-per-side tuners, gold hardware, 2 covered humbucker pickups, 2 volume/1 tone controls, 3-position switch, 3 mini switches + 1 added active/passive electronics, stereo output. Available in Cherry, Natural, Sunburst, or Walnut finishes, mfg. 1979-1986

Here’s the layout and function of each control:

Main Controls1. 3-Way Pickup Selector Toggle

Works like a normal Gibson selector:

• Up = Neck pickup
• Middle = Both pickups
• Down = Bridge pickup

2. Master Volume

Controls overall output level of the guitar.

Unlike a regular ES-335, the ES Artist has:

• one master volume
• no separate pickup volumes

3. Active Bass Control

This is an active EQ control, not a passive tone pot.

• Center detent = flat/neutral
• Turn clockwise = boosts bass
• Turn counter-clockwise = cuts bass

4. Active Treble Control

Another active EQ.

• Center detent = flat
• Clockwise = brighter/more highs
• Counter-clockwise = darker/reduced highs

The EQ section was designed by Moog and operates with powered circuitry.

The Three Mini Switches

These are the unique Moog active functions.

5. Bright Mode Switch

Usually the mini-toggle closest to the output jack.

When ON:

• boosts upper mids/highs
• adds sharp attack and clarity
• gives a more cutting lead tone

Think of it like a presence/treble enhancement.

6. Compression Switch

Activates the onboard compressor.

Effects:

• evens out dynamics
• increases sustain feel
• reduces volume spikes
• smooths picking attack

This gives a more controlled, polished sound.

7. Expansion (Expander) Switch

Activates the expander circuit.

Effects:

• increases dynamic response
• adds punch and perceived output
• can sound slightly aggressive or distorted
• emphasizes pick attack

Players often describe it as:

• a boost
• dynamic enhancer
• semi-overdrive effect

It was intended especially for lead playing.

Important Notes About the Moog Circuit

• The system runs from a 9V battery
• The guitar is always active unless modified
• Using multiple switches together produces very high output levels and can increase feedback/noise

Typical Switch Combination SoundsBrightCompressionExpansionResultOFFOFFOFFClean active humbucker toneONOFFOFFSharp bright lead toneOFFONOFFSmooth compressed sustainOFFOFFONPunchy dynamic boostONONONVery powerful, aggressive output