Gibson ES-335 50s Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar - Vintage Natural

When the ES-335 debuted in 1958, it introduced a new kind of electric guitar—one that combined the resonance of a hollowbody with the control and sustain of a solidbody. That balance would go on to define the sound of countless recordings, establishing the ES-335 as one of Gibson’s most influential designs. The Gibson ES-335 50s returns to that original blueprint, capturing the look, feel and voice of those earliest “dot neck” models. Its three-ply maple/poplar/maple body and solid maple center block deliver the signature blend of air and sustain, while a Rounded C mahogany neck provides a full, substantial feel in the hand. A bound rosewood fingerboard with traditional acrylic dot inlays reflects the unmistakable look of the first ES-335s, and Alnico 3 Custombuckers deliver the warmth and harmonic richness of early Patent Applied For humbuckers. Finished in gloss nitrocellulose lacquer and detailed with period-correct appointments, it’s a 335 built to reflect where it all began.

3-Ply Maple/Poplar Body With Solid Maple Center Block

The ES-335 50s features a three-ply maple/poplar/maple body paired with a solid maple center block, delivering the signature blend of resonance and control that defined the model from the start. The hollow wings add air and openness to the tone, while the center block enhances sustain and helps control feedback at higher volumes. This semi-hollow construction creates a broad, dynamic response that remains clear and focused, whether played clean or pushed into overdrive.

Alnico 3 Custombuckers With Vintage PAF Response

Equipped with a calibrated set of Alnico 3 Custombucker pickups, the ES-335 50s delivers the warmth, softness and harmonic complexity associated with early Patent Applied For humbuckers. The attack is rounded and musical, with natural compression that enhances sustain without sacrificing clarity. Handwired controls with 500k potentiometers and Orange Drop capacitors provide a smooth, responsive taper, allowing precise tone shaping while preserving the guitar’s organic voice.

Rounded C Mahogany Neck for Full, Anchored Feel

True to its late-’50s origins, the Rounded C mahogany neck offers a fuller, more substantial feel that sits securely in the hand. This profile encourages a confident grip and supports both rhythm playing and expressive lead work. The bound rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth, controlled surface, while the 12" radius and medium-jumbo frets offer a comfortable balance between chord work and fluid bends.

Period-Correct Hardware and Classic Gibson Appointments

Every detail of the ES-335 50s reflects its vintage origins, from the ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and lightweight aluminum stopbar tailpiece to Vintage Deluxe tuners with keystone buttons. Gold Top Hat knobs with dial pointers and a five-ply long pickguard complete the look, while the gloss nitrocellulose finish and single-ply cream binding reinforce its period-correct aesthetic with understated elegance.

A True Expression of the Original ES-335 Design

The Gibson ES-335 50s captures the design that set the standard for semi-hollow electric guitars, delivering the warmth, balance and feel that made the original an enduring reference point. Its fuller neck, responsive semi-hollow body and PAF-style pickups come together with an immediate, familiar feel the moment you plug in. For players seeking the original ES-335 experience, the ES-335 50s delivers the tone, feel and character that defined the model from the start.