The Gibson ES-335

A Brief History of the Gibson ES-335

Few guitars have struck a better balance between elegance, versatility, and innovation than the Gibson ES-335. Introduced in 1958, the ES-335 was the world’s first semi-hollowbody electric guitar, offering players the warmth and resonance of a hollowbody with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid-body.

From blues and jazz to rock and soul, the ES-335 has earned its place in the hands of legends and in the hearts of collectors alike. Its unique construction, rich tone, and visual sophistication make it one of Gibson’s most iconic models.

1961 Gibson ES-335

The Birth of the Semi-Hollowbody Era

In the 1950s, Gibson sought to bridge the gap between its popular hollowbody archtops and the solid-body Les Paul. Hollowbodies were warm and rich but prone to feedback at high volumes; solid-bodies were focused and punchy but lacked the open resonance jazz and blues players loved.

The solution? A new design: the semi-hollowbody. The original ES-335 featured a maple body with hollow “wings” and a solid maple center block running through the middle. This center block significantly reduced feedback while preserving much of the air and warmth of a hollow instrument.

The 335 debuted in 1958 and quickly gained popularity among working musicians and studio pros. Gibson later released variants such as the ES-345 and ES-355, but the ES-335 has always remained the foundational model in the series.

Key Features of the ES-335

While the ES-335 has seen many iterations over the decades, vintage models — particularly from the late ’50s and early ’60s — share several defining features:

  • Semi-Hollow Construction: Combines the warmth of hollowbody tone with the stability and feedback control of a solid body.

  • Dual Humbuckers: Most vintage ES-335s are equipped with early “Patent Applied For” (PAF) humbuckers, known for their articulate, dynamic sound.

  • Dot or Block Inlays: Early models featured dot inlays (1958–1962), while later ones moved to block inlays (from mid-1962 onward).

  • Stop Tailpiece or Trapeze Tailpiece: Most early 335s came with a stopbar tailpiece, though some had a trapeze-style setup — a detail that can affect tone and collectibility.

  • Slim Mahogany Neck (early '60s): The 1960–1964 models are especially prized for their comfortable, fast-playing necks.

Other desirable features include long pickguards, single-ring Kluson tuners, and original sunburst, cherry, or custom-color finishes.

1964 Gibson ES-335

 

The ES-335 in Music History

The ES-335 is a favorite among genre-defining players. B.B. King famously used a modified ES-335 he nicknamed "Lucille," while Chuck Berry and Eric Clapton wielded 335s for much of their early careers. Larry Carlton, Noel Gallagher, and Dave Grohl have each contributed to its legacy across jazz, Britpop, and modern rock.

Its tone — smooth but biting, woody but articulate — makes it one of the most versatile guitars ever made. Whether plugged into a smoky tube amp for jazz or cranked through a Marshall for classic rock, the ES-335 delivers.

Current Market Value of Vintage Gibson ES-335 Guitars

If you own a vintage ES-335, you may be sitting on a guitar with significant collector value — especially if it dates from Gibson’s golden era.

  • 1958–1964 ES-335s are the most sought-after, especially models with original PAF pickups, dot inlays, and stop tailpieces. These can easily fetch five figures, with especially clean examples exceeding $30,000–$60,000+, depending on condition and originality.

  • Custom-color finishes (like blonde, black, or rare sunbursts) add significant value, as do factory Bigsbys or unique ordering features.

  • Mid-to-late ’60s ES-335s are increasingly collectible, especially those with wide neck profiles and pre-Norlin construction.

Even player-grade examples — with wear, replaced parts, or neck repairs — remain valuable due to the ES-335’s timeless tone and strong market demand.

Why Sell Your Gibson ES-335 to Garrett Park Guitars?

At Garrett Park Guitars, we specialize in helping owners of vintage guitars like the ES-335 understand what they have — and get the value they deserve when it’s time to sell.

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Free, expert appraisals: Our team will evaluate your guitar based on serial number, original components, finish, and era-specific features.

  • Fair market offers: With 30+ years in the vintage guitar business, we offer competitive prices grounded in current collector demand.

  • A transparent, respectful process: Whether your ES-335 has been in the family for decades or recently rediscovered, we’ll treat it — and you — with care.

Your ES-335’s Next Chapter Starts Here

The Gibson ES-335 has shaped the sound of modern music for over six decades. If you're ready to sell or curious about your guitar’s value, Garrett Park Guitars is your trusted partner in the vintage guitar world.

Whether it’s a 1958 dot-neck with PAFs or a well-loved ’70s model with stage mojo, we’re here to help you tell its story — and find its next home.

Contact us today for a no-pressure evaluation and let your ES-335 begin its next chapter with someone who truly appreciates what it is.

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