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.
Years of Production: 1958 - present
Unique to this Year: By 1965, the Trapeze tailpiece is standard though tremolo is still an option. Some were produced with stopbar which are the most sought-after examples.
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
Years of Production: 1958 - present
Unique to this Year: By 1965, the Trapeze tailpiece is standard though tremolo is still an option. Some were produced with stopbar which are the most sought-after examples.
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