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. Within the earliest period of ES-335 production, examples exist with both bound and unbound fingerboards, as well as with either stopbar or Bigsby tremolo tailpieces. Those with the stopbar tailpiece are more desirable to collectors. Also in this era, the ES-335 featured dot inlays which were switched to blocks in mid-1962.
Years of Production: 1958 - present
Unique to this Year: Shorter pickguard introduced. The neck profile from 1960 to 1962 is also thinner than before, which may hurt value.
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), dot inlays Finish Specification: Cherry was introduced for the ES-335 in 1959.
Notable Players: Larry Carlton, Dave Grohl, Eric Clapton
