The Gibson ES-335: A Short History
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This is the five watt world "Short History" of the Gibson ES-335 family of guitars. As always with a subject this vast, to fit it into a video that runs less than 30 mins (OK, just barely, :) I've had to exclude many, many details and grab on to the points that speak to me. So it might be more accurate to call this "My Short History of the 335". Please add the items you think I missed, or those you believe are wrong from your own research, in the comments.
I need to thank the guys at Premier Guitar magazine, Jason Shadrick and company, for the permission to use the clip of John Bollinger’s Rig Rundown with Larry Carlton.
I’d also like to thank Jon Roncolato at Carter Vintage Guitars in Nashville for sharing the pics of their current batch of sweet vintage semi-solid guitars.
As always, I am indebted to my friends and fellow gear nerds Perry McMannis and Dave Onorato for saving me with yet another massive script.
Thanks for watching, until next time, thanks for being a part of the five watt world.
Keith
***Five watt world participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commissions by linking to Amazon. In simpler language, this means that whenever you buy something from Amazon from a link on here, I receive a small percentage of its price.
When you said ‘the reason everyone wanted a 335’ I went ‘yep, Marty McFly in Back to the Future’ and you said ‘Eric Clapton’ and that made more sense.
😆
Or did it?
For me it was Alvin Lee.
I have one just because of back to the future :)
McFly had a 345. 😁
I bought my '67 335 new when I was 17. The payments were $9.00 a month. My father cosigned the loan and he passed away 3 months later. The credit insurance paid it off and I played the guitar throughout my 20 years in music. I still have her and I call her "Gypsy". What an incredible instrument! Many thanks for the history!
Hi Jerry,
I can see you're as faithful to "Gypsy" as I've been faithful to "Mr. Gibson" since 1975. Great to read a story like yours that I can easily relate to.
Regards.
Mike M
Jerry, Great story and it really tugs at the heart strings man. Thanks for sharing that.
Keith
Take care of it
Great job , thanks !
Great story.I love my 335 too. My favorite. Too bad about your dad.
I was lucky enough, that in 2018, my uncle called me to ask me if I would give his guitar a new home. He has arthritis, in his hands and fingers, and cannot play it anymore. He told me that he had given it to an 18 year old kid, at his church, a year ago, but that he brought it back to him saying "I'm gonna get a real guitar." All I can say is "Thank God for ignorance!" I told my uncle I'd be more than happy to give his guitar a new home and that it would never be neglected. That's how I got my 1964 Gibson ES335TDC with a Maestro Vibrola Tremolo and I still absolutely love it. It's cherry and has it's dings but sings like a bird. I have no idea what it's worth but it's priceless to me. Thanks for letting me share.
Photo please?!?!
Man... Love this story..Your uncle has a heart of gold dude..to give his guitar to a kid wanting to learn..I mean thats not JUST a guitar....anyway .I'm glad for YOU that kid had NO idea of the quality of that guitar .I hope he finds himself whatever he "THINKS" is a real guitar..Good for you to have that instrument..
"I'm gonna get a real guitar" Probably just buys a dual humbucking 300$ ibanez and a line 6 spider IV. I'm still rolling from that line.
I literally have anxiety reading this 😂
@@michaellefort6128 Sure, he'll post it in the comments below to appease you.
Your channel is like the PBS of guitar history. Factual, well told, and your voice is mesmerizing.
Keith’s way of speaking really efficaciously helps me chill out. The high-quality research makes it so I never become “angry keyboard warrior.”
This series is incredibly satisfying to watch. I don’t even play guitar.
Never too late to start
Agreed. I still would have found this interesting in my pre-guitar days. I've only been playing for about a year and a half, and I still suck, so I'm actually still half in that camp. ;P I just love music, and things to geek out about.
Keep the the awesome work Keith! This is my favorite content on your channel.
You should get yourself one. Even if you don't play it all the time, if you need it at least you know you've got it.
I didn't play guitar, either, the first time I watched one of Keith's 'Short History' vids...
I do now, though 😎👍
@@ilovemonkays You Got That Right !
I'm a 58 year old beginner & I bought a 335 style guitar as my first electric guitar for 3 reasons - They can function as an acoustic guitar late at night when everyone else is asleep, they look the way a guitar should, the way guitars have looked for as long as I remember seeing guitars anyway & finally because, looking at the incredible variety of styles they are used in, they must rate as one of the most versatile guitars on the planet.
Good enough reasons for me, anyway.
I love your reason of it functioning as an acoustic guitar late at night. How is it working for you now 2 years later?
@@jadipeperzak4034 It's still my favourite guitar & although the banjo get's the most love these days, the 335 is still my "go to" guitar after 9:00pm. And to be honest, I've only plugged it in a few times, even though it gets played nearly every day... So it's worked out great!
I just got a Gibson ES-355 59 reissue last week! Ebony finish, aged as well. Nicknamed her Calypso. Pure beauty!
I own a telecaster and an epipphone Sheraton II which is basically a 335. Those are the only electric guitars I’ll ever need, along with my jazz bass. I’m a simple man with simple taste I guess, but I can do everything I’m into with those.
The ES-335 has been my main guitar since 1969....and 11,000+ gigs later!
I bought mine because of Alex Lifeson, the variety of tones he had between 74 and 81, through 8 records was astounding.
I bought my 335 while in the Navy in the 70's. Still own it.
The 355 with Bigsby has to be the most beautiful guitar ever made. And it actually plays very well to boot.
When in 1978 I saw John McLaughlin playing live in São Paulo/Brazil with a Walnut 345 (which I didn't even know and thought was a 335!), I decided that one day I would have one of those beautiful Gibsons! I played professionally for many years, until before I was 30 I had to stop, with a lot of pain caused by tendonitis and fibromyalgia. But I continued to cherish the dream of having a 335, and when I turned 50 I received from my wife the greatest gift of my life, my 1997 Sunburst Dot 335!
BB’s tone on “Live at the Regal” is god like. He was truly at the top of his game and human musical history.
Matt Fields Stevie Ray once said he was playing with BB and he was killing it ! The people where going crazy and he turned his guitar to BB like top that , and BB played one vibrato note that crushed him and the audience too their cores !!! Stevie said it shook him to his bones .
Gilbert Spader where did you read this story? I googled it and can’t find it.
Thaddeus Fields I saw him in England with Double Trouble and after the show he was holding court with Rick Derringer. I was in the Air Force and played guitar and was talking with the roadies and said they Stevie would love to meet an American serving overseas. He told that story . Also Nico Mcbain was Derringers drummer and when the tour was over Nico was going to hangout with Iron Maiden because their drummer was sick .
Robben Ford. Rockpalast 2007. ES-335. Dumble. The tone is tone of the gods. Amazing.
I almost want to say that the 335 is a underrated gem, but when you look around, it's everywhere. I've always loved the look of it, and the sound is unmistakable.
In my mind it is as much a staple guitar as a Strat or Les Paul. A little less prevalent but the same level of importance.
Hey and don't forget one thing about the 335 Keith ;
The Gibson ES335 is a beautiful instrument to behold ;
It is an absolute Work of Art.
Thanks for the fascinating Short History of the 335.
Love your channel.
My grandfather gave me his 67 (we think it's a 67) 335 TDC. He traded a Gretsch Country Gentleman for it in 1967 in Silver Springs, Maryland. It may not be the most "sought after" 335 but I find the 335 to be the greatest electric guitar model ever made. I always feel so connected to that guitar, especially for the music I like to play; I can switch between Rush and Steely Dan and fumble through their songs all on the same guitar. It's fantastic! Keith, thanks so much for your videos. They are always so informative and fun to watch.
From Victor Litz or Chuck Levins?
@@cedricwager181 Chuck Levins!
The 335 is one of the most beautiful and elegant guitar designs ever.
I agree. I can neither afford one, nor justify the purchase though. I just got a Firefly instead. ;) I know, not the same. I mean it's, what, 6-7% of the cost of a Gibson? Just having some fun.
God I know.....Everything about them is superb. They actually send chills down my spine when I think about them or see a picture of someone playing one. I want one so bad.
I agree wholeheartedly! I fell in love with the 335 in 1960, and to this day it is still my favorite! I've owned many guitars through the years and the 335 is still my go to axe!
Keith, I must admit that after viewing the "The Gibson ES-335: A Short History", multiple times, I was bitten by the Gibson ES-335 bug and bought a Gibson Exclusives ES-335 Dot in Gloss Olive Drab. It was purchased directly from Gibson and delivered in ABSOLUTELY PERFECT condition with zero blemishes. Playing it is a totally new experience when compared to a Gibson Les Paul Standard or any American Fender Stratocasters. I must say that It is one of the easiest playing and most beautiful guitars having ever passed through my hands. It is now my daily "go to" guitar to play. I cannot thank you enough for the hard work you put into producing these videos. You are one amazing dude!
Thanks to five watt world for being the Smithsonian of guitar history.
Hello again Keith;
Your research and posting is as usual spot on.
At 12:26 in your video I can attest about the period 63-64 where there was a transition from PAF's. My '64 ES-335 TDC has a PAF humbucker on the bridge position and a Patent Number humbucker on the neck position. This was revealed to me during an appraisal in the early 1980's where the appraiser and I had a disagreement as to the manufacturing / shipping date of my 335. In 1978 I wrote Gibson when they were still in Kalamazoo Michigan where I received a postcard saying that my 335 was manufactured in 1961, the appraiser said: "it's a '64 and Gibson doesn't know what they're talking about because their shipping records are a mess". Bless his heart and may he RIP, Stanley Jay of Mandolin Brothers Staten Island NY knew his stuff.
My 335 also has a factory installed Bigsby with pearl inlays set where the stop tailpiece studs are and the ground wire is intact to the stud closest to the electronics harness. See any online photo posting of Justin Haywood of the Moody Blues with his '63 ES-335 TDC, it looks exactly the same.
I acquired my 335 in Brooklyn NY 1975 privately from a family member of an A & R representative for Buddah Records who had to approve the sale that it was his guitar. $275 was the price settled on and I had to also take the original hard shell case and Danelectro amp as part of the deal. Before finalizing the deal I took my 335 to Alex Ax in Greenwich Village to be checked out for its condition (neck / electronics / intonation) for a $10 fee. I knew back then my 335 was something special when the guitar tech offered me $500 on the spot for it that he knew I was there to have it checked out before purchasing it. Back in 1975 few people, except for professional musicians, knew the value or playability of collectable vintage guitars of all makers. Gibson, Fender and D'Angelico just to name a few. At the time I certainly didn't know.
The most recent appraisal was performed by NY String Service, right in front of me as all prior appraisals were done. The most intrusive step in the appraisal was using a flashlight and a dental mirror to look at the electronic components. The appraiser said: "This guitar is exactly as it was when it left the Gibson factory.
Last month I was in Los Angeles to see a boyhood friend facing the medical challenge of his life. As fate would have while accompanying my friend to a medical appointment when parking in Beverly Hills as I opened the door Joe Walsh was within 10 feet of me with his wife. I saw him disappear walking around the corner.
Following my friends appointment going down the elevator it stopped on a lower floor. There right in front of me was Joe and his wife again. Leaving my friend and his wife in the elevator I instinctively hopped off the elevator opened my tablet that has the appraisal photo of my 335 as its wallpaper where I said: "Hi Joe meet Mr. Gibson who's always been a far better guitar than I've ever been a guitar player". I kept it short and respectful with Joe and his wife explaining quickly why I was in Los Angeles pointing out my friend and his wife in the elevator doors just about closing.
Joe commented when seeing the photo about how great the necks are with 335's of that era. Again to be brief and respectful I ended the conversation by saying to Joe: "God bless you for everything you've done for me with your career". Putting his arm my shoulder Joe said: "God bless your friend too". Joe gave me a warm and genuine feeling I will never forget.
Mr. Gibson has always been wonderful to me since 1975 and has also been on occasions like with Joe Walsh a way to connect with other musicians no matter their level of ability or musical tastes.
Keep up the great work with your CZcams postings Keith as you keep all of us musical gear geeks connected in our mutual love for music and gear of all types.
Warm regards,
Mike M
Great story Mike! What we're all here for. Love it.
Keith
I'm not a Guitarist, rather a Keyboard player that doubles on Bass. I have become a great fan of your channel and would recommend it to the many Guitar players that I know and work with. Your content is accurate and well researched with no hype or BS. Your delivery is honest, and straightforward yet friendly, entertaining and very eloquent.
I remember Alex Lifeson playing his white 355 on the Hemisphere's tour in 1978. I couldn't believe they would play La Villa Strangiato live. Furthermore, I was amazed the 355 didn't catch fire or crumble to dust at the end. Gibson must build a good guitar.
Easily the best historical channel for guitar manufacturing education. thank you
It may be a five watt world, but your channel is 100 watts of enjoyment with a 4 by 12 cabinet of knowledge. Thanks from a new subscriber.
Thanks! Welcome to five watt world Chris!
Thank you so much! My first 335 was a 67. In 1979 I became a Gibson artist and Rendall Wall had Gibson build me a marvelous Gibson Artist Doc Stone prototype. I still have my original 67 335 and performed with it last week. After 55+ years it's still my very much favorite. Thank you for this documentary. I had to hold back tears!
"Alright guys now listen, this is a blues riff in B, watch me for the changes and try to keep up, okay."
Got to wonder how many 335's Marty McFly sold for Gibson.
Funny thing is, every time I've been to a blues jam, everything seems to be in E and A. Don't think I've ever had anyone call for B.
I'm more impressed by how he managed to get hold of one in 1955!
@@FuzzWoof he did have a time machine...
It has always fascinated me that nobody questions the key... In the real world, I've seen people thrown out of bands for less!
@@viennapalace B is a pretty traditional key for blues. If someone said "blues riff in A," then yeah, the saxophone player would probably ask if we can transpose up a step.
I’m 19 and nothing compares to my 1995 custom shop ES-355. Absolutely beautiful guitar and it really shines on stage. Plays, looks, and feels amazing. There’s no part of me that will ever get rid of my ES
Had to come back and watch this again because I finally have the appreciation for this instrument that it deserves.
Back when I was about 10 I watched Back To The Future and saw Marty Mcfly rockin' Johnny B. Good on a cherry red Gibson!
I told myself then one day I'd have a guitar like that. It took several decades but I finally have a cherry red lefty Epiphone Dot, and then also acquired a tobacco burst Sheraton ii. Love the 335 body style guitars!
If the Gibson ES-335 debuted in 1958, how come Marty Mcfly rocks out on one in 1955?
@@riproar11
Norm Harris tell the story of how when supplying guitars for the movie that guitar got "the shot". Check You tube videos @ Normans Rare Guitars for the full story.
I love Epiphone. I have a Casino and a Lucille. Blessed and grateful.
This was awesome. I just bought my first 335 and it was a revelation. It was the guitar that I've been chasing my whole life. I will always have at least 1 in my collection from now on.
Dear Keith, thank you for mentioning Steve Khan. His contributions to the Steely Dan catalogue (e.g. his rhythm work on "Aja" and his great solos on "Gaucho") are often overlooked! His recent work in the latin jazz genre is also worth checking out.
Steve actually commented here. I was star struck.
Ted was Brilliant, he also put in his advice on the Gibson Johnny Smith along with others, after he left Gibson he had become President at Biggs .. 335, at this point with advices with electric Guitars it's getting into ( Rocket Science 🚀)... Thanks Again, excellent information as usual... JD
I think it's interesting how you added "2019 dollars" to the prices to kinda put things in perspective. :-)
Yeah, me too. It made me realize, for a good guitar, we pay about the same as we ever did.
In '64, there was a Chevy dealership nearby. I walked by once when I was 7. I saw a Corvette Sting Ray there with a sticker just over $5500. I couldn't believe it. Actually had to ask my dad why a car could be so expensive ;)
Crazy that a case was almost £400 in today’s money, def not that expensive now!
@@Livelaughlimpbizkit really? Go buy a Cedar Creek custom.
kerranz oh I’m sure there are I just mean standard off the rack cases
I've been playing over 50 years. In the mid 70's a friend lent me his 355 for a high-school gig I had. I've wanted one ever since and a few years ago - dream came true. I'm the proud owner of a 2018 Figured Natural Memphis-made 335. It is a gift from God.
I never gave a ES 335 a second look growing up during the hair metal days. While I was in college British Alternative music started filtering into the US. I began noticing that the 335 was favored by Noel Gallagher. That was what changed my mind about importance of such a versatile instrument
Didn't he use an Epiphone Casino?
@@cloughie1981 he did in the early days of Oasis, along with riviera . I believe the Union Jack guitar he used at Maine Road was a riviera.
@@allenreeves1999 I thought the Union Flag one was also a Casino lol - regardless, all lovely guitars. I have always loved Epiphones (I imagine from inheriting my old mans' love of the Beatles and watching John Lennon play one) and currently own an excellent Epiphone Les Paul - however it's a dream of mine to own a cherry red Gibson 335. I hope you enjoy yours :) edit - thanks for your insight man, happy playing!!
@@cloughie1981 I had a Epiphone ES 335 briefly. It just didn’t float my boat. I have a dirty lemon Epiphone Les Paul that I changed the knobs out for amber speed knobs, and the pickups for some SD zebra pearly gates, but I’ve been having issues with my Mojotone wiring harness. Beautiful guitar non the less. I also have a SG special with p-90s that sounds amazing
@@allenreeves1999 Yea I just got my Les Paul last month and plan on changing out the pickups soon. Glad you're enjoying that SG man
Yesterday I traded a Squier CV 70s Thinline Tele for an Epiphone ES-335 Pro. Not only did I get the better end of the deal (FINALLY!), I am completely blown away by this instrument. I am primarily a bass player but , for whatever reason, the ES-335 captured my imagination a few years ago.
While it's not a Gibson, it is, in my opinion, a wonderful option that is amazingly crafted and sounds exquisite. I do not see myself ever trading or selling it. I love it!
Thanks for all of your outstanding videos!
A Gretch, a Gibson ES335, and a Les Paul are all you need - unless you are Jimi Hendrix, then, you need a strat.
My 335 cherry red of course, was a long time in the finding. I always wanted one for all the reason stated in the video but could never pull the trigger on one because it was not the right feel for one reason or another. I knew I really wanted one but none of the ones I had tried in many many guitar stores spoke to me. Then in 2000 I walked into Jim's Music in So Cal just as a new shipment of Gibsons had beed delivered. Jim was hanging way up high a beautiful just out of the box, untouched by commoners a translucent cherry red 335 dot. I had just got a new credit card that day with a $3000 limit. Before he could rest it in the hook I asked "May I play that 335?" I remembered his response to my request was less then enthusiastic but he complied. As I sat and played I knew within 5 bars that I had found her! This is the one! I stoped play so quickly it must have been a shock to jim as I said "I'll take it!" He took my new never used credit car and unbelievingly ran the charge. Then his face changed to that of amazement and said "Wow that went though without a hick-up.. you didn't even let me get it put up in the shop!" I thing he was wanting to at least have a go with it. My 335 is the most love guitar in my quiver!
Fantastic! I'd love to hear it! Can you do a quick vid?
I purchased a Gibson Sunburst ES-335 dot neck in 1978 from an owner of a guitar store in Milwaukee, WI who I met while working at a European Health Spa. I told him my guitar I
used in college was in need of replacement. He said I will bring one in for you next week. I remember the manager hollering to the guy as he left the Spa
"bring something in nice for Doug, don't bring in a piece of crap". He brought a Gibson ES-335 that was about 10-15 years old but in excellent shape. I paid him $250.00. In the late 90's I sold it to a guy in Hawaii for $21,000.00. Happy ending - but I miss it.
I wanted a 334 or 335 because of John McLaughlin playing a 334 in the late 70's. (Scalloped fretboard). I eventually got a 2010 custom shop
59 dot inlay 335 with bigsby. I've never played a vintage 335 but my one looks, plays and sounds amazing.
I have a Heritage H-535, which is the 335 made at the old Gibson factory in Kalamazoo. Mine is faded cherry as well. It is the most beautiful guitar I have ever owned and I will not ever part with it. Mine is styled after the '58 Gibson with a shallow neck angle. It sounds amazing. It is the guitar I would grab first in a fire and I just might go running back in to save it. I am sure you know what I am saying. Thanks for doing such a great job on this.
The beloved 335 has always been one of my favorites for 40 years, designed by a guy who didn’t play the guitar but listened to players who did.
I’ve had a cherry red 1983 dot reissue 335 for about 7 years. I’m just now getting the guts to make it my own. It’s been very intimidating. I’ve been afraid of messing it up or breaking it! I love it and am now playing it all the time. Exquisite.
I've owned a lot of guitars, but nothing compares to my ES-335 figured top in antique walnut for me.
Great video.
These videos are the best content on all of CZcams.
Thanks Jake
This is a wonderful video. I'd visited the Memphis Gibson plant twice before they moved to Nashville. They were great tours. I still have a 1964 ES-335 that my mom bough for me when I was 15. It's a wonderful guitar.
I just bought a 2017 Gibson Es-335 Memphis only three hours ago. I must’ve watched at least 10 videos to help me in the process of buying one. Your video was the most informative, and I thank you.The color of mine is a faded natural, with Grover tuners, and block inlays.
What a great video. I found your channel a couple months ago and have been watching the recommended videos as they come up. I've been an Alex Lifeson fan since my high school years. In 1982 I was in the Army living in Alabama and I shopped at a music store in Anniston. I walked in one day and they had a beautiful 1975, Natural ES 335 that I fell in love with. Someone had traded it in on a Les Paul. I've had it since then and it still plays beautifully. The model is ES 335 TD, with a trapeze tailpiece and a coil tap switch. It has gold colored hardware hot humbuckers and black hat control knobs. It's traveled with me from AL to AZ to HI to ID and has weathered all of the journey. The tone from the pickups is unreal and I could overdrive them for metal or turn them back for smooth ballads. The hardshell case with red cushioning has stayed intact and the wood still smells fresh. I learned early to care for the wood and fretboard and it plays extremely smooth. Hopefully I'll be able to pass it down to a young prodigy when I'm to old to play.
Thanks again for the great video.
David
Thanks for sharing the story David.
I also have to believe that Les Paul's "Log" was part of the inspiration for the ES-335.
I'm building my own version of the ES-335! From a kit, sure, but so much fun! I'm doing a cherry red Clapton Cream clone... but its a dot fret board. I did make my own orange label for inside the f-hole, and found the Krishna stamp online. I'll be attempting a pearl inlay on a slab of ebony for the headstock. I got Grover tuning machines, and a bone nut. Upgraded the switch to a Switchcraft, with the correct cream tip. The resistances on the humbuckers interest me at 7.5k for the neck and 15.5 at the bridge, so I'll try them before spending extra on them. The pots are within spec, and resistance is linear. I'll be keeping those. The kit also didn't come with a pickguard, so I got a reproduction. I also got a two screw trussrod cover, with "custom" engraved. I also upgraded the bridge to a roller.
Very timely video! Thank you sir!
trwsandford please upload a video when your done ! I’m an amateur luthier myself and building the exact same guitar right now lol
I have an ES-335 build going right now on my CZcams channel. I hate to mention this on someone elses channel but if you interested just click the white Les Paul.
Dane Nichols glad you did mate subscribed !
@@TJjjjjjjjjjj thanks much my friend.
What kit are you using?
These are the most comprehensive guitar history videos I have seen yet. No details are left out. I had a Green Univox 335. It was stunning.
Lol! I've played my 335 forever and just as advertised in Feb. 58 my birthday. That's apropos.
Didn't know that! Thanj you Keith! Always learning on five watt..
What a thorough, professional and well laid out video.
Thanks, made my morning!
Thanks Tom! Thanks for watching.
I’ve always wondered if Les Pauls “Log” had any influence on the design of es-335. The solid center with hollow sides isn’t a long way from the construction of the 335.
Brilliant point. Wonder if even the staff at Gibson was conscious of the similarly at the time.
There's a doc about that. In short, it needed a body so it could be held by a human. Good question either way.
@@ayyjayess2304 I saw a old interview with Les Paul and he said the first time he took it to a show it was just the 4x4 for a body. He said everyone thought it was so strange that they didn’t even pay attention to the music and just wanted to look at the way it was built. He said he decided he wasn’t going to take it out again until it looked more like a regular guitar 😆
I purchased a used 1970 ES 340 Walnut in 87. Yes it has a volute and not a 69 buy a long shot. played it like wild until one of my good friends let me play their 58 natural ES335 Dot. Wow I cannot afford something like this, however I did put a reissue 335 Vintage wiring harness in the 340 and a set of 57 Classics, now we have proper switching and the tone volumes actually do something. My go to guitar on stage for more than 20 years now. Thank you Greg for letting me hold your 58 335!
Thank you Keith for this. So well done!
I started shopping for a 335 in 2003 but wound up with with a CS-356. It is in antique natural and my #1 and only Gibson. The first person to play it (besides me) was my father. He insisted I pick up and instrument in 1967 and I never thought I could ever thank him enough. Before he passed, he played mine and cried tears of joy.
Regards ---------
Keith, another great video. As a recent proud owner of a Memphis Studio 335, it was refreshing to hear the history of the 335 as only you can do so well. Also, I would love to hear "The voice of the five-watt world" on a podcase such as Spotify. I find myself downloading your video and playing them in my car while I do an hour commute each way. And for me, I rather listen to things about music than the latest politic. Your videos seem to be the right length and dose to keep the drive moving. Thank you for what you do. You and Mr. Beato, as well as Reth Shull, keep me on the world. I call it 15 minutes of Theory, vlogging, and Five-watt world.
I've heard it told that Eddie Van Halen used a 335 pick-up in his frankenstrat...we all know how that worked out...great vid as always!!!
Great video! My son Cole,who is a second year graduate student in Jazz Guitar Performance at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, has my 1999 ES 335 I bought from Gruhn’s many years ago. Love those guitars!
I can't quite convey how much I truly love your videos.
tom law Thanks Tom. Thanks for watching.
Absolutely love this series of videos!! The 335 is a guitar that I didn’t really consider adding to my collection starting out, but has grown on me. Great video!!
Les Paul approached Gibson with "The Log" in the early fifties, so Ted McCarty was aware of it. In no way did he invent the concept of the semi-hollowbody guitar. Les Paul did, even though he was pitching his solidbody concept at the time.
That's exactly what I was thinking 👍
Yeah, that's what I was thinking.... I feel it's too important of a well documented fact for Keith to have left out!
kris russell yip
Les Paul made the famous 'Log' from a scrap piece of pine 4X4, proving that he was a tone wood fanatic...well, maybe not.
ES-335 is not an acoustic in any way. It's an electric guitar that looks kinda acoustic, and does a good job of fighting feedback, so a lot of the more jazzy folks grabbed it up. Of course, the guitar can rock out in every way, so it found a home there as well. Sadly, they are a major hassle to work on, as I can attest. But, boy, do they look good!
The first electric prototypes were Spanish style - and obviously hollow body - guitars that had bad feedback problems. Which prompted the development of the solid body electric.
Thanks for this video, I liked the ending. A Gibson ES-335 has been a dream guitar of mine for a long time, and last weekend I finally got one.
I bought my 1968 es 335 in Mill Bay near Victoria B.C. in 1980 for $500CDN.
Carlton burst with a Bigsby, those T tops still sound amazing, put an old 1958 Gibson aluminum stop on it and
Dunlop 6000 wire.
Sold my 1964 Strat, almost sold the 335, then I came to my senses, it will stay 'till I die.
Five Watt World goes with a cold beer better than peanuts do.
What time zone are you in? 🤪
@@chipsterb4946 Good question. Europe, so it's evening, not breakfast time!
@@chipsterb4946 Does it matter?
Or the morning coffee
Amen!
Your “a Short History” series are some of the coolest guitar nerd videos around. Keep’em coming.
Peace
What an excellent history lesson! Done very professionally - thank you!
There’s something that is effortlessly charismatic about the ES. I’ve been looking to buy a humbucking guitar. On the weekend I went and tried a Yamaha Revstar Standard at a shop - it is an objectively good guitar. Build quality, playability and tones are all great, yet holding it just felt satisfactory and i couldn’t find anything to love about it.
On the way home I stopped in at a private seller who had a $200 Artist Guitars Cherry 58 ES-335. In almost every way it was a lesser guitar, yet it had me smiling from the moment I saw it. I can already feel that I will have this guitar for a very long time.
Another lesser known ES guitar is the ES-333 a striped down version with a access panel on back like a Les Paul for Electronics access. I have a Blonde one that’s amazing. They are very fairly priced now so 🤐!
An excellent option for tour gigs and get accessibility to control just in case.
Hi Keith! A friend just pointed me in the direction of this link and your historical piece on the '335' - in short, I'm honored just to have been mentioned. I have 3 '335's and the first one, I believe, is a '59. But, the one that I've been playing since just after "EYEWITNESS"('81) was recorded is a '335' from Gibson's "Heritage" Series - which is when, I believe that they finally remembered how they used to make guitars and pick-ups. At that time, I had a great relationship with Gibson and Pat Aldworth in Kalamazoo. But this honey sunburst guitar is the one that I have used on every recording of mine since then - the last one being "PATCHWORK"(2019). The shape of the neck was flatter, and better for my hands. Eventually, I bought another 335, I forget the year, but I only bought that last one because I was becoming afraid to take the '82 on the road with me. I would hasten to add that I also change the fret wire on all of my guitars to Dunlop #6140. For me, this is best feel for my left hand. It gets expensive, but for me, it's worth it. Again, I'm really honored to have been mentioned in your piece. All the best, Steve Khan - New York
Wow Steve! Thanks for taking the time to comment. You’ve always been what I think of as an “aspirational player”, someone I’ve aspired to learn from over the years.
The thing I always remembered was you saying in an interview that you had that Strat of yours set up w the same string spacing as your 335. That’s always stuck with me. It just made so much sense.
Thanks again and be well. Keith
@@fivewattworld Thanks so much Keith! It's just great to be a small part of this 335 tribute - you did a great job!!! :-)
@@fivewattworld Bill Connors taught me about that!!! At the time, the mid-'80s, DiMarzio was making a bridge for Strats with Gibson spacing, so on ALL of my Strats I switched out the bridges (I do have the original bridges) and, once I did that, going from a 335 to a Strat didn't feel so foreign to me. Now? I think that it's really hard to find those bridges!!! So, that's the true story of that!!! :-)
I love mine, lt'll never leave me. It's a tobacco sunburst with a coil tap. The coil tap makes it so versatile. Just love it.
I just got my first (and last!) ES 335 today. It's possibly the most beautiful thing I own. You & Rhett convinced me I had to try one.
My "Gibson", was an Epiphone Casino, bought in 1967. The interesting efature on that one was it's Cherry finish, that soon faded to a fresh cut watermelon color!
A Kalamazoo Epi! Built on the same line as the 335's of the era. I had to cut a whole section of the vid on those. They need their own video. :)
@@fivewattworld look forward to the USA Epi video!
*looking forward to the USA Epi video
I am pretty sure i read somewhere that Les Paul's go to guitar for gigs and studio was an Epiphone. He said they were built better than Gibson, and had a warmer tone.
Alex Lifeson and of course BB are the reasons I want to try a 335... I must go practice now and stop dreaming of these now
Excellent video sir, very well done. It brings back a lot of memories. You see I was born and raised in Kalamazoo and my mother worked at Gibson from 1960 until 1984 when they closed the Kalamazoo plant. She was one of the last to leave. They offered her a job in Nashville but she wasn't interested in moving south. As an employee they could purchase a "first" guitar once a year for 40% off list price. That is how I got my 68 cherry red ES 335. I also have a 57 ES 125 3/4 guitar that was my fathers. It is a blast to play. Employees could buy seconds any time they wanted when available. That's how I got my Dove. A friend took a straight pin and put a tiny dot on the back. Then it was "missed" and sent on to finishing. Well after finishing the tiny dot was noticed so it was considered a second. She got it for me for 400 dollars with the original hard shell case. She also got me a 1968 Epiphone Wilshire. Cherry red. I had an accident about 3 years later and cracked the neck.
She brought it up to third floor, customizing. They told her not to be in a hurry but when they had time they would fix it. 6 months later I got it back with a new neck, replaced the pickups with P-90's. Put a Les Paul stop piece and ABR-1 bridge and 6 Grover tuning machines. A true one of a kind Eppy.
I got to spend quite a bit of time now and then down there on Parsons. I got to play some fantastic guitars. One I remember was one Ted Nugent ordered. I got to play it before he did. Oh I forgot to say, my mom was a fingerboard inspector. Her and Rem Wall. I live in Texas but was up visiting and stopped by 225 Parsons for a couple pictures.
Great story for me since I’m considering an ES series guitar as the first real electric in my collection. Well researched and nicely edited with all the right photos - well done!
I can’t believe how different the world is... 500 units was a massive success the world was much smaller then
Your guitar and equipment videos are some of the most well researched and best videos on the subject I have ever seen. I do not play well, but I find your narrative to be both thought provoking and engaging on the subject. Thank you for all you do for the community.
Really enjoying the A Short History series. Thanks!
you missed the 335 showcase 1988 WHITE WITH CREAM BINDING
i acquired two and gave a new unplayed one to my son bruce II IN 1998
FOR HIS 30THY BIRTHDAY
I TOLD HIM THAT HE WAS AN ADULT AND NEEDED AN ADULT GUITAR
I KEPT A NO PICKGUARD VERSION THAT A DEALER HAD CHANGED FROM BLACK HARDWARE TO GOLD..VERY FULL NECK STOCK EMG'S LOVED IT FOREVER..THEN DIAGNOSED WITH DIABETES
I SOLD IT AND MY ES ARTIST RED TRANSLUCENT AND REDE LUCILLE ALSO IN RED TRANSLUCENT FINISH....EARLY IN MY LIFE I OWNED A STOCK 330 T SUNBURST...IMAGINE IF I HAD KEPT ALL OF THEM..THANKS FOR ALL YOUR GREAT WORK
3 Reasons I play an ES-type guitar: 1 The sound 2 Noel Gallagher 3 Back To The Future
Bueller Haha...Your third reason is why I learned how to play “Johnny B. Goode”.
Totally agree with all three reasons, even if the appearance of the ES in Back To The Future was a mistake by the film crew. The scene where Marty McFly played this guitar was back in 1955, as we all know from the movie, but the ES has not been invented at that time. ;-)
Holger Vorberg It was another 3 years or so before the 335 came out if I’m not mistaken. A few years ago, despite having a severe case of Parkinson’s Disease, Michael J. Fox appeared on stage with a well-known band (ironically, I forget their name) and played “Johnny B. Goode” with them.
I don’t know much about the disease, but apparently, the tremors can be controlled if your muscles are engaged. He played flawlessly as far as I could tell and it was a really cool thing to see. There’s a video of it on CZcams here somewhere.
I play full size ES guitars because at 6'-6" I make normal sized guitars look tiny, and they just sound awesome as a cool side benefit.
Yeah #3!! 🎸
I got rid of my 335 because Keith said to downsize.
Hahahahaha! Nice
Ha! Hey don't lay that at my door. Everyone needs to decide "how much is enough?" for themselves brother Wombley. :)
Richards... ? Who listens to that guy?
No you didn't, you're just saying that!!
hahaha now THIS is how you troll properly!
I fell in love with a 1986 dot reissue today that I can’t yet afford. This video is fantastic. Thank you for doing it.
I have a 1988 DOT reissue I bought about 20 years ago in Ebony. One of my favourite guitars amongst a number I own. Wouldn't part with it. One of the most "powerful" guitars I own. Besides it works perfectly for Ten Years After, Alvin Lee, to play "Going Home".
Thank you!!! I was one of the guys who requested this video. If it had to come down to just one the 335 is MY GUITAR. I love where the neck meets the body and its size. It just fits me. But you left out my favorite signature 335 - The Luther Dickinson model. Sunburst with black dog ear P-90's and a Bigsby. INCREDIBLE. The day I bought that guitar I became an instant 335 convert. So of course I had to buy a natural finish 335 with humbuckers. Now they're all I play.
elvin bishop was an under appreciated artist.
Absolutely! He's truly unique and has been a favourite of mine since I was a kid.
I think he still plays. I saw him way back with his 345 and a red hot tube burnin' Fender Dual Showman on a good night that made a believer out of me.
@@robcale8165 Yes, he's still touring, I saw him last summer, excellent show! He's getting a little slower, played sitting down quite a bit, but still humorous and totally engaged.
We can learn from each other.
Elvin is still a-rockin! Not a "was", is an "is"! (Jeez, I feel soo old..,!)
Fantastic history. Great to see Ritchie Blackmore with his 335. I heard that his former wife retained it when they divorced. It was sold at auction several years ago for £5,000. A bargain!
Deep Purple in Rock (1969) was recorded with it. Remains my favourite Purple album. Possibly his best studio solo ... from Child in time, was played on it. As a kid I couldn’t believe that a guitar could sound like that or be played like that.
Yes, two of those pics were from the auction coverage. That was one of the many things that I learned on the project.
Child in Time is forever my best Ritchie´s sound.. the very first song we tried to copy .. plugged into a valve radio, in 1972 :)) 12yrs old suckers.. Now, Super Trouper solo was just out of this world .. to this day it is - the number is stupidly overflanged, but it has the edge of the best what DP ever did.. Paicey 😍
@6:30 Legend has it that Marvin Berry, Chuck's cousin got the ES-355T, *3 years early* and played it at the 1955 "Enchantment Under the Sea" dance.
This was a great video, always loved the tones of the 335. Back in 2009 I was setting up the backline on a Chris Isaak gig. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw his white es345 sitting in the guitar boat on the stage right side, it was a thing to behold!! Absolute unicorn of a guitar. Stays with me to this day.
After Les Paul invented 'The Log', he attached the sides of an archtop to make it look and be held like a guitar. At the time, Gibson was not interested. Interesting how the ES-335 body style is uncannily close to this early electric.
Brings me back to the days when I lusted for a 335. Larry Carlton's playing on Royal Scam and his solo album just blew me away. I had to have a 335. Unfortunately, this was back in the days before the interweb, so my choices were very limited. My local guitar store (where I had bought all of my previous instruments) didn't have any used 335's at the time. But they did have a 345. There was a lot I didn't love about that guitar: the walnut finish, the stereo wiring, that weird six position switch, the trapeze tailpiece, the lack of a full interior solid block. But it played like a dream, and I loved those humbuckers. I bought it anyway. I wound up liking, but not loving it. I had a stop tailpiece installed, but that didn't make it indispensable to me. I wound up selling it probably a year or two later.
I always think of Alvin Lee at Woodstock doing I'm going home, what a great tone! I don't think he ever used another guitar.
A video on the Epiphone Casino type semi's would be great.
I've got an Epiphone Casino and personally, I prefer it to the 335. I'm no great guitarist so don't take this as a real judgment. I just prefer the tone the Epi puts out to my cousins 335.
And maybe the Sheraton as well even though that is a full hollow body.
I have a Casino, a 335, and a 345. I do play them all, but I find myself playing the 345 most. The Casino mostly hangs on the wall as a tribute to John Lennon.
These videos are awesome, thanks Keith!
I purchased a walnut 335 at Manny’s in NYC August, 1979 that I still use today. I got this guitar because of two of my guitar heroes, Chuck Berry and Dave Edmunds. Keep on Rockin’!
Thanks for the shout out. Love this series.
I've lost track of the number of times I've used "There aren't many gigs where a Deluxe won't cut." from you Guthrie Trapp interview. :). Love that man.
How come Justin Hayward was overlooked? Before he was invited to join the Moody Blues, he was playing a 335 which he had to sell to pay a bill. With the remaining cash, he purchased a Telecaster which is heard on his first 2 Moody Blues outings, *Days of Future Passed* and *In Search of the Lost Chord* , before he snagged a replacement 335 in Cherry with a Bigsby. It debuted during *On the Threshold of a Dream* , and he continues to play it today. Most of that info was from a column which he and John Lodge were interviewed for in the Guitar Player magazine September 1995 issue.
I was thinking the same thing. Justin Hayward amazing player. On the Threshold of a Dream and Seventh Sojourn I would completely wear out.
Justin Hayward almost always gets overlooked in videos of the 335. Maybe it's because he's not so much a "flashy" player, but simply - and superbly - plays to the song.
@@THEScottCampbell He has just a smidge of grit to his tone. Not enough to make it "dirty", per se. But enough to make it interesting, while still keeping musical. If you know what I mean.
One of my most favorite guitars I’ve ever owned is a 60s Hagstrom Viking with a Bigsby style tremolo. I loved the 6 on a side tuners, light weight and the “feel”. There’s something very intimate about that body shape. I sold it and later tried to replace the guitar with a ‘56 Gibson 225 but it just wasn’t the same. I was hoping you’d cover the Epiphone Dot, a great budget version of the 335. Otherwise, great video as always Keith.
Got a Grote copy 335 and I love it. Never being able to afford a Gibson.....Ibanez was largely what I ended up with (but a LOT of Conrad's were in there).
My Grote 335 took over when I got it. Great Guitar. I think I got lucky.
Poor man, but Luther was more than a hobby.
Any great neighborhood players begged me to sell or trade my customized guitars.
I never budged. So I'm not really a slouch.
Love your work.
Thanks Keith, great job on all the short history vids.
Thanks Clarence
I'm just starting out learning how to play guitar and I'm doing it on a Firefly FF338 and I don't see a need for any other guitar. It's great and I'm really enjoying myself getting around it.