Gibson USA ES-335 50s Vintage Tobacco Burst Original

A "first generation" ES-335: the legacy of the 1950s in a modern version

Introduced in the late 1950s, the ES-335 marked a turning point by combining the comfort of a thin body, the resonance of a semi-hollow, and the stability of a more "solid" guitar thanks to its center block. This Gibson ES-335 50s precisely recaptures the fundamentals of this foundational period: ES-335 thinline format, understated cream binding, "dot" inlays on the fingerboard, and an overall spirit very close to the earliest models. The goal is clear: to rediscover the character of the very first ES-335s, both under the fingers and in the sound, without compromising the reliability of a modern instrument.

Who is this ES-335 50s made for? A characterful semi-hollow, from studio to stage

Thanks to its semi-hollow architecture and wide sonic palette, this ES-335 50s is aimed at intermediate to advanced guitarists who want an expressive and nuanced guitar, capable of accompanying both pick and fingerstyle playing. The Rounded C neck profile, which is fuller, will particularly appeal to those who like to "fill the hand" and enjoy a vintage, stable, and comfortable feel over time.

In terms of styles, it naturally excels in blues, jazz, soul, and classic rock, but remains very credible in modern pop when using the volume and tone controls. In a band context, it easily sits in the mix: round enough to support the harmony, precise enough to let the attack and nuances speak.

A vintage, lively, and controlled tone: wood, center block, and Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups

The core of the sound comes from the construction: a semi-hollow body in maple/poplar/maple (3-ply) combined with a solid maple center block. This combination provides a "woody" resonance and a sense of air around the notes, while enhancing sustain and significantly reducing feedback when pushing the amp. The result: wide and open chords, notes that hold with authority, and a very responsive dynamic to playing intensity.

The two Custombucker pickups with Alnico 3 magnets are designed to capture the spirit of late 1950s humbuckers: rich mids, smooth yet present highs, and excellent definition when rolling down the volume. The neck pickup delivers velvety and singing tones, perfect for jazz/blues phrases and rounded arpeggios. The bridge pickup offers more attack and bite while remaining thick, ideal for riffs, rock, and solos that need to cut through without becoming harsh.

The hand-wired electronics (2 volumes, 2 tones) with 500k potentiometers and Orange Drop capacitors promote a smooth and usable sweep: you can truly sculpt the sound, move from a snappy crunch to a softer clean, or balance the two pickups via the 3-position toggle switch. The ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and Stop Bar aluminum tailpiece enhance the immediate response feel while offering fine adjustment of action and intonation.

Recommended compatible accessories

This ES-335 50s comes with a hardshell case, perfectly suited for daily transport and protection.

Technical specifications

Category	Hollow body	Strings	Steel
Left handed	No	Nbr of strings	6

Style	semi-hollow body	Scale length	24.75" / 628.7 mm
Shape	ES-335	Bridge	ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
Wood	maple / poplar / maple	Tailpiece	Stop Bar
Finish	glossy nitrocellulose lacquer	Tuners	Vintage Deluxe with Keystone buttons
Binding	single-ply cream, top and back	Plastics	black
Profile	Rounded C	Knobs	Gold Top Hats with dial pointers
Joint	set neck	Pickup covers	nickel
Fingerboard	rosewood	Neck pickup	Custombucker, Alnico 3
Fingerboard binding	single-ply	Bridge pickup	Custombucker, Alnico 3
Inlays	dot	Controls	2 volumes, 2 tones
Frets	22, medium jumbo	Wiring	hand-wired with 500k potentiometers
Nut	Graph Tech	Capacitors	Orange Drop
Radius	12" / 304.8 mm	Switch	3-position toggle