The Gibson ES-335: A Short History
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
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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.
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.
The ES-335 has been my main guitar since 1969....and 11,000+ gigs later!
wow. 11k is amazing.
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.”
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. 😁
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!
A Gretch, a Gibson ES335, and a Les Paul are all you need - unless you are Jimi Hendrix, then, you need a strat.
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.
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!
Thanks to five watt world for being the Smithsonian of guitar history.
The disappointment I felt when I clicked on the first history of the Telecaster and discovered it stopped in 1972 was overturned when Mr. Williams uploaded a separate video on the history of the Thinline Tele.
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.
The 355 with Bigsby has to be the most beautiful guitar ever made. And it actually plays very well to boot.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 ---------
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.
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 UA-cam 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'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 UA-cam 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.
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
These videos are the best content on all of UA-cam.
Thanks Jake
I've owned a lot of guitars, but nothing compares to my ES-335 figured top in antique walnut for me.
Great video.
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.
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'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.
What a thorough, professional and well laid out video.
Thanks, made my morning!
Thanks Tom! Thanks for watching.
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 also have to believe that Les Paul's "Log" was part of the inspiration for the ES-335.
I can't quite convey how much I truly love your videos.
tom law Thanks Tom. Thanks for watching.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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".
@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.
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 can’t believe how different the world is... 500 units was a massive success the world was much smaller then
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.
I just got a Gibson ES-355 59 reissue last week! Ebony finish, aged as well. Nicknamed her Calypso. Pure beauty!
What a great history of a beloved line of guitars. I truly love the versatility and playability of my ES-339. Great to know it’s full lineage. Thank you, Keith!
Thank YOU Dennis.
Its cool you have a 339. A little over 5 years ago i stroll into the local GC and see a used Peavey Vypyr 15 for $49.00.
I look for a guitar to demo it with. Little Epi 339 in black sparkle looks cool....Played great and SCREAMED! A little blingy for me but loved this guitar. Bought the amp. AS73 already here so I was set for a semi.
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
These videos are awesome, thanks Keith!
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.
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.
Thanks Keith, great job on all the short history vids.
Thanks Clarence
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.
Fascinating documentary, as always, Keith. But each time I listen to one of those narratives of the countless changes - sometimes great, sometimes horrible - that major manufacturers go through over the years, I understand why custom-built handmade instruments are a far superior choice. Sure, they cost more. But you get precisely what you want and need: not what some marketing bozo dictated.
Same goes with the software, thats why people like arch linux
@@MB-rc8ie LOL! This has nothing to do with the subject matter at hand, but I actually laughed at this. xD
That's why I don't buy Fenders anymore. I can build 'em better.
Keith, I don’t know exactly where it fits into the logistics of the timeline, but also worth mentioning in the double-cut lineage of ES-335 shaped guitars is the late-1960s introduction of the ES-150 DC, essentially a full body depth, fully hollow 16-inch archtop like a fat, block-inlay ES-330, but with humbuckers and a master volume on the lower cutaway horn. I have a nearly immaculate ‘69 in walnut brown. The other option being blonde. The hardware is chrome, black witch hat knobs, trapeze tailpiece, plastic tulip tuners, Tune-o-matic bridge with nylon saddles to help tame feedback, and that impossibly narrow nut. If you see a picture of a walnut 335, it looks the same from the front, but no center block, and about 3-1/2 inches thick. An absolutely killer guitar with fantastic snarling pickups that really roar. I think it was produced less than 10 years, and neither jazzers, bluesers, or rockers embraced it. But today at about $3,000 for a late ‘60s laminate hollow-body, it’s a really great and somewhat affordable entry into the lofty realm of vintage Gibson archtops.
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..
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 love your videos. I've started making sure to comment because I know it helps
Thanks Brayden!
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.
It was sometime around 1985, that I was watching a t.v show and noticed Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys playing a Gibson ES 335. Complete with a Bigsby tremolo and natural finish. I was in awe. This was the most beautiful electric guitar I had ever seen and it was at that point, I knew I would have to own one but I wouldn't even come close until many years later.
-Carl Wilson: December 21, 1946 - February 6, 1998
February 6, 1998 would deliver yet another devastating blow to the band when Carl Wilson, another one of the Wilson brothers and founders of the group would lose his battle with cancer. Carl was the glue that held the band together. Often assuming the role of leader of the group when Brian was unable to. Carl had an excellent voice. It has often been said that he had the voice of an angel and was a very talented guitarist as well. It has been reported that late in Carl's career that he would have to sit during the bands concerts but would stand long enough to sing God Only Knows.
Fast forward several years and I was now grown and ready to purchase my own ES 335. Through countless hours of research, I opted for the less expensive Epiphone ES 335 in a natural finish. It was through my research that I learned of the many different artists from several genres that had a ES 335 in their arsenal. I also learned of the guitars versatility. This guitar sounds good whether you are playing country, rock, rhythm and blues, rhythm or lead and it's just a real joy to play. I visited a local guitar store to take one on a test run and it did not disappoint. The store did not, however, have one in a natural finish. So after confirming all the great things I had read about a ES 335, I preordered the guitar in September of 2019 and had to wait patiently for Gibson Epiphone to hand craft my own ES 335 pro limited edition. Regularly scheduled to ship out February 14, 2020. Much to my surprise, my guitar would ship out earlier than scheduled and I received my ES 335 on February 5, 2020. One day before the anniversary of Carl Wilsons death. As with any semi hollow body or hollow body guitar, I always allow my new guitars to acclimate 24hrs. In doing so, this put me striking my first chord on my new ES 335, on February 6, 2020. Exactly 22 years, to the day, since Carl Wilson's death.
I have since replaced the stock pickguard to the short Gibson style pickguard. Added a U.S. made Bigsby B7 and a black rhythm treble washer under the toggle switch. I now have my dream ES 335 and couldn't be more happier.
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.
FWW: “How many guitars do you need”?
Me: I already have enough...
FWW: “The Gibson ES-335: A Short History”
Me: I want an ES-335.
Thank you for yet another great video. I’m not a fan of Gibson, but for some reason I’m drawn to archtops and these type of double cutaways.
I’ll be in the lookout for one of these iconic guitars.
It’ll be nice if you make a video on the history of Gretsch Guitars.
Gretsch is on the list. :)
Thanks for watching.
Hello, my name is Hiram and I’m a GAS addict (lol). Yes, after many months of web surfing, online forums, reviews on YT, and watching this FWW video; my desire to indulge in my GAS grew exponentially, yes I’m that type of addict... my desire to put my paws on a 335 increased after watching your video even more. In spite of the COVID-19 pandemic and having one guitar too many, I decided to pay a visit to my local guitar shop in search for my coveted ES-335 style axe. Sadly my pockets aren’t that deep for a Gibson ES-335. I did some research, I read some reviews, and played the actual axe at the store, I had the opportunity and experienced first hand the sound, the tone and the level of craftsmanship of an Eastman T-386 (a 335 alternative) and needless to say, I pulled the trigger after trading some of my dust collecting gear to pay the difference. Probably one of these days I’ll find a viable excuse to spend that kind of money for a brand name in a headstock, but only time will tell... in the meantime l’ll get back to practice time and enjoy the thrill of this 335 like axe. Love the quality of your videos, keep up the good work! Stay safe and God bless you, Keith.
you're killing me. i want one so bad.
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 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.
Keith Williams: How many guitars do you need?
Comments: Telecaster, Stratocaster, Les Paul, ES-335
Me: What about the SG?
À SG is Lespaul with à different clothing.
@@daviddawson1718 He might have been referring to the fact that the Les Paul was replaced by the SG, which at the time was still called a Les Paul until about 1963. The traditional Les Paul was later returned to the catalog and the replacement was renamed to SG.
@@daviddawson1718 - You're right - that it's very much a different guitar; he's right - that it was originally called a Les Paul. I've seen them for sale in the 1970s with the original papers in the guitar case and they were called Les Pauls on the printed invoices. The only thing that matters is that they're great guitars. Pete Townsend convinced Angus to play one.
If you've never played an ES335 or any decent semi-hollow body, especially in front of a nicely cranked amp, do yourself a favour! It has an amazing responsiveness to amp interaction, much more so than any solidbody. Can't wait to get my '72 ES340. Plays like no other of my guitars.
What about a 360/12 ?
Interesting. I own two Telecasters, two Les Paul’s. And have recently built two Stratocaster “parts casters”
Currently I am in the market for a Jazzmaster and a 335 type of guitar.
It’s interesting, as over the years as despite wanting a 335 semi-hollow guitar for many years I never did manage to add one to the collection at any point...
Awesome history - thanks so much. I'd love to hear what Five Watt World has to say about the new Fender Tone Master solid state amps some day. And if you're ever really bored and want to discuss one of my personal favorite Gibson guitars a video on the ES-137 Custom would be watched by me (and maybe only me, unfortunately).
I spent about an hour playing the new Tonemaster Deluxe when I was at Rick Beato's last week. I was pretty amazed to honest. And at 23lbs, it's 90% of the real Deluxe, and if I was carrying the amp in on a snowy November gig, I'd be ok with that.
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.
If I’m honest.. the reason I really lust after a 335 is due to being bought a Epiphone Sheraton as a gift and now loving this style and due to Rhett Shull and Dave Grohl I love these guitars!!
I think the ES-335 is the most complete, most versatile Gibson guitar.
Showing the price comparison from then and now gives me chest pain. I guess that's why have and love my Epiphone Dot 335!
PEACE 💀👽🎸🎶🎵
You're not alone! Play on!
So Marvin Berry and the Starlighters had to actually go into the future to get the guitar he loaned to Marty McFly to play in 1955. Thus him playing the futuristic guitar was able to influence Marvin to call Chuck, that's Heavy.
Or, the mere fact that Martin came FROM the future caused a temporal discrepancy that changed some small details in history, e.g. changing the 335's release date to 1954. The same phenomenon made his reality's technology evolve FASTER, so they had flying cars in 2015 -- while we had mass shootings and terrorism.
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’!
Great video! I got my '89 ES-335 back in '91, after scoping out every good music store in San Antonio, TX. It was the only ES-335 that I found available at the time, and I think it may have been a custom order or some such, since it's a dot fretboard, vintage white color, with cream binding and gold hardware. I've seen this color scheme on LP Customs, but never on another ES-335. It has served me faithfully for years and is a cherished friend. It can do anything except the single coil, strat-y clean sound, and feels great with light or heavy strings, and sounds wonderful through Fender, Vox, or nearly any style amp (although some of the best tone I ever got was through a Matchless, too bad it wasn't mine). Anyway, I've always wondered about it's origin in the two years between its manufacture and coming to me, so if anyone has any info on what the heck Gibson was doing in '89 with 335s, I'd love to hear it!
Another excellent and well researched video. I am guessing that a history of the SG or perhaps the Jazzmaster is next? In any event, I look forward to your next video.
I would LOVE to see the history of the Jazzmaster. It was the "baldheaded stepchild" of electric guitars for so long until "alternative rock" went mainstream in the early '90s.
A semi solid guitar design was not uniquely Ted McCarty’s idea. Les Paul came up with it originally with his log
That’s what I was thinking
Definitely!
I’ve never played a better 335-type than the 1987 (with a 1988 serial number!) Korean-built, white with gold hardware Epiphone Sheraton II my lovely wife gave me in ‘87. I’ve done a lot of looking, and it’s the only one I’ve seen in person that has a headstock that’s reads “Epiphone by Gibson” on it, but still has the “vine” inlay in genuine abalone shell (otherwise known as “Mother Of Pearl”). The frets are done in the same stuff, with Epi’s triangle shape in the centers, And what a guitar! It plays great, it sounds amazing, and it’s the first GOOD electric I ever had, after a succession of crappy ones my father purchased for me. He knew NOTHING about guitars. But his heart was in the right place. Anyway, in another writer’s entry, mention was made of how heavy one guitar was vs. an Epi. I own a Gretsch Country Gentleman, which, last I looked, were selling in the USA for between $3500 and $3750. Back in ‘87, this Sheraton II cost a whopping $800 US Dollars! You can still get them for about that here, but now they’re Chinese-made, and nowhere near as good as the Korean ones. Given the age of mine, it’s absolutely STELLAR!
What an excellent history lesson! Done very professionally - thank you!
9:45 never knew BB King was into that kind of fashion.
I have loved Les Paul's, Strat's, and Tele's my whole life. Although I know a bit about those guitars I knew absolutely nothing about the 335. On January 1, 2020 after watching this superb video I now know a bit about these beauties. Thanks for a well done video. I just subscribed to your channel. Now since you are responsible for this video, can I count on you to explain to my wife why I will now be needing yet another guitar?
Dear Mr.Paco, Own your GAS brother. I have to wrestle with my own. :)
Keith
I started playing again after 15 years and bought a Sheraton. Before this I had a Les Paul Studio and then an SG but neither one was really 'me.' I really like this style of guitar and play it all the time, which is the important thing. Hope to progress enough to justify the Gibson at some point. Your short histories are great, I've learned a lot. Thanks!
This is a terrific, comprehensive history of the ES. The title is slightly deceptive as it covers the other ES models (330, 355, etc) but does a great job of connecting the instrument to the people that played it. Thanks much for making this doc.
You're welcome Mike. I thought I had to touch on the other models for context. I actually cut the stuff on the Epi semi-hollows. They'll get their own video in time.
Keith
@@fivewattworld Well, you did a great job. Narrating that much history in the given time frame is not easy. btw, thanks for mentioning the book that was written about the ES. We can do further study now.
Interesting how the case in 58 is 400$ in todays dollars. So really my 335 at 3k with case is effectively about the same price as the original.
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
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!
Background music for this item: 2112 Oveerture.
I have an Epiphone ES-335 Pro -- amazing quality for the price.
I bought one brand new from eBay with a cracked neck $200 shipped. Fixed it with Tight Bond II glue and clamps. Good as new. Plays great.
I've wanted an ES-335 since the early 1970's and finally got to full fill my wish this year. Bought a 2019 figured in sunset burst, it plays fantastic and the sound of the MHS humbuckers is the best I've ever heard. So clear and clean, note articulation and sustain sound fantastic through my new Fender Princeton Reverb 12" Jensen speaker. Life is good.
In 1967 I was thirteen years old and was ready to buy a ‘real’ guitar rather than the cheap Japanese POS I started with or the Hagstrom I had at the time. I bought a brand new sunburst 1967 ES335TD because a friend of mine had bought one and I liked it. There were three ES335’s on the wall of the music store, one with a dark sunburst, one with a light sunburst and one right in the middle - I took the ‘middle’ one. It was my only guitar until about 1974 when I bought a Stratocaster (which I was sorely disappointed with but that’s a story for another time). I loved that ES335TD and played it constantly so much so that by the time I bought the Stratocaster, the 335 needed a refret! At this time, I still have that ES335TD and it still sounds and plays great.
Excellent story, thanks for sharing man!
Keith
You described the finish of the two you did not buy. What was the 335 you did buy? How many colors were considered "stock" that year? I am noticing more than a handful of different "custom" colors offered online for the 67. Sorry about all the questions , I do not expect you to do research for me by any means I thought you just might remember off the top of your head. It just peaked my curiosity to find out which you chose. It seems the cherry was the most popular and pelham blue was stock and I have read about a few tobaccos online. I am often reprimanded for asking dumb questions online, OK with me some actually are. Sorry I'm starting to ramble, just wanted to find out what you bought. Great story in any case and happy you still own it. Good wishes to ya.
"An electric guitar requires an amplifier before it can really be considered to be an instrument for playing music."
It seems like the Stratocaster is #1, but there are plenty o’days that I prefer the 335 for all styles.