My Experience With A Gibson ES 335 

I was fortunate enough to be able to buy my dad one just a few weeks ago . He has wanted one for around 30 years and he loves it . The look on his face when I gave it to him was worth every penny.

My 335 is such a part of my life. In 1976 my mom and dad, who have both passed, spent their vacation money to buy me a red ES-335TD. I still have it and play it to this day. I was inspired to buy it because of Chuck Berry, BB King and oddly enough, Alex Lifeson. I was brought up in the jazz method by a great teacher named Frank Vaccaro. I complained always about getting a better guitar (we were a blue collar family) and he would then opick up a beat up classical and play amazing flamenco or jazz on it. I said, I get it Frank. It's in my head, how to play better. After years of lessons I got my 335. It is part of my musical heritage. I think of my mom and dad's sacrifice in buying it. Love your channel Phil.

In August my band played a gig and an older gentleman guitar picker was there. He is a regular to our gigs and really likes our band and shared he still strummed some on his 1963 ES 335 . In August we played the outdoor gig and he and his family showed up to celebrate his 84th birthday. He also brought his guitar. Asked if I wanted to see it , Of Course I said and I also asked him if he would sit in on a tune. He replied “no, I want you , to play it for me.” I was so honored. What did I play? Johnny B Goode... Yup, I’ve now played a Birthyear guitar

Everytime I watch one of Phil's videos, I want a new guitar.

"smells like vanilla" damn you sold me there

Great video and I'm super happy you enjoy your Gibson. Although, Gibson does not use ANY prefab nuts on ANY guitar. Each nut is hand crafted. Some from scratch. I know because I work at Gibson and I am one of the few that handles all the ES models. I take great pride in ensuring everyone gets the great Gibson experience they deserve. Sorry about the fingerboard. In a mass production setting, due to time constraints we are not able to finish the fingerboard like I want to. I assure you we try to do the best we can with the time we have. Thank you for the video and great review! Enjoy!

My father who just passed away a few months ago, owned a 1959 Gibson ES 350T. This guitar is beautiful! I always loved that guitar, going back to when I was just a teenager in the 70's. I checked online to see its value and was astonished to find out it could be worth between 10k to 16k. That was the range I seen them going for. This one is in pristine condition. Of course the typical wear you would expect but nothing more. He took care of that guitar as if it was my brother. Anyway I really love that guitar it's one of a kind. At least to me it is. And to think my Uncle bought it for him because he needed a guitar to play in a band. As the story goes he got if off a bartender who was down on his luck. If I remember correctly he paid something like $200 or $300 bucks for it at the time. That was in the early 60's. Now it's increased exponentially in value. But sentimental value will always out weight monetary value on this one.

I've wanted a 335 since I was a kid but thought there's no way I could ever justify spending that kind of money on a guitar. Finally bought one in 2010 loved it so much I bought my second one 2 months later now I have 3....My favorite guitars by far

Congrats Phil! I got my Gibson ES-335 a few years back and still love it.

The clarity of the bridge pickup is perhaps the best I've ever heard.

I’ve watched this vid a couple of times, now. I just love hearing the great tones Phil gets out of this.

Congrats Phil, that's a beauty and it sounds superb in your hands...Sounds like it's been a long wait to finally find "the one"...Here's to many years of the kind of enjoyment and fulfillment that only a much-loved guitar can bring!

Coincidentally, my Epi 335 arrived 2 hrs ago in the same color. Love to see a comparison video. Thanks PM!

Your playing style demonstrated the tone really well! Love the Es-335.

Last year I got an Eastman T-486 (their version of a 335) and I would say my comments about my guitar absolutely mirror what you say about your 335. - Just a great guitar that's hard to put down. Makes me want to play differently. Fantastic/versatile tone. This style of guitar really is... fantastic. I even like the middle position with the treble tone rolled back. Congrats on your find!

“The strings going a little dead is part of the charm of the tone.” And with that I can finally justify my laziness! 😜

Wow, that is just an amazing fiddle. I would tell you to enjoy that one but I can tell you already are! Man that sounds nice! 🤠

I finally got one last year and absolutely love it. Looks, sounds, and plays beautifully.

I got a 2020 ES-335 a few weeks ago and I am mind blown! It sounds and feel like anything else i've tried, it can do all styles with no problems. It's been a dream on mine to get one and I couldn't be happier.

I have wanted at 335 for years. I love the fact that you demoed the Guitar clean and then dirty. So many times I hear a demo where the guitar is distorted throughout -you can’t learn anything about how the guitar really sounds. This guitar sounded great! Thank you Philip.

That sound is about as perfect as it gets from a neck pickup

The sunburst looks fantastic, great looking !!

My favorite type of guitar. Congrats!

Hey Phillip, I recently kitted out my Epiphone 335 Dot cherry, it was a guitar I had for a few years and I wanted to breathe some life back into it. Installed a graph tech nut, Gibson 490 R and 490 T pickups, upgraded pots wiring harness switch and topped off with Gibson Deluxe tuners and new volume and tone knobs. She plays like a dream and has amazing tone and clarity, the pickups really sparkle and they clean up really well. The guitar was great to play straight out the box but after a little investment it has become my go to guitar. All in all including the cost of the guitar I spent £780.00. I've compared it to my friends Gibson 335 and it definitely can hold it's own, the Gibson is of higher quality but for playability and tone there isn't much in it. Great post man, thanks for sharing your beautiful Gibson ES 335.

I love this guy's presentational style. Very engaging and clear, regardless of the subject.

I’m psyched for you! I got the limited edition 70s Walnut 335 in 2017 and feel the same way about it; incredible instrument and inspiring to play! Rock on brother!

THAT is exactly the Gibson I wanted so...I bought a red 335 Pro Epiphone instead. Times are tough and I think this was a good compromise until I go professional. Thanks for the video!

Seems like a great one. Glad to hear your hooked on it and putting in the time :) I did like the tones, and nice playing.

Congratulations Phil ! My bucket list guitar is an ES 345 split parallelagram inlays in Cherry .Soon ! 😎🎸👍

Love love love.. you will have a hard time not playing this one all the time! The guitar is a monster, that tone is perfect. Congratz!

Sounds amazing!! Love your playing sir

Congrats on the 335 and enjoy your new guitar! Great content, as always. I think that the only thing that would make your channel better is some kind of OX or Torpedo to get better sounds for the videos from your Friedman. Thanks a lot for all your videos. Had helped me a lot. Best from Barcelona.

I have a 2015 ES-335 after having owned 3 different ones between 2002 and 2015. Each of the prior ones had huge necks and wouldn't stay in tune. This particular model spoke to me when I played it, stays in tune and sounds great. thanks for your great videos!

Thank you for this. I’ve been wanting a 335 for a while. I’ve been looking around at Gibsons vs Epiphones. I played a Epi Sheraton and I really enjoyed it! Didn’t have the opportunity to play it against a Gibson (they didn’t have any in stock). Before I buy anything I think I’ll try to get my hands on both… but after the intro on this I’m really liking the idea of getting the Epi and having some cash left over for upgrades. Thanks!

Gorgeous congrats! I've always wanted one, but the stars haven't aligned. Yours sounds and looks amazing!

Best guitar tone I’ve ever heard in your videos...now I want one!!!

I too have wanted a Gibson 335 for a long time. I got one recently, and I'm so glad I did. It is the "335 Satin" variant, but I really love the neck and the tone is beyond's words. Thanks for the review.

Great looking and sounding 335 Phil! That's a beauty!

Hi Phillip! for many years, i've been pining after a cherry red 355 Lucille. finally after 30 years, i picked one up. its not only the most versatile instrument (especially for recording in stereo), but its the most comfortable and inspiring instrument i've ever played. For both you and I , this should be the guitar we use Flatwound strings for the most.. goes along well with its natural vibe.

Great job brother I just bought the same one and they’re magical…really love mine

I love slow blues and vintage rock on a 335 or 335-type guitar! Mine is a D'angelico premier DC, which is about what I could afford. But the Gibson just has that TONE we all love. Great video, PMc. What a beautiful guitar!

Congrats! Beautiful guitar! Sounds amazing,

Awesome revue. I bought a 2019. Mine has the titanium saddle, rolled neck edges. I had to sell mine original in mid-80s and could never find a replacement which played and sounded like the old one. Finally....this one did. They started in 2019, making them like the old ones. I'm in love with this new one. I concur with assessments. Good job. Listen up folks, he's speaking truths.

Every note you played was perfection. The tone is so unique and perfect..........Eargasmic :)

Phil you are absolutely right! It seems as this recent 335s are as of a Gibson quality which deserves the name. They are not out of the custom shop but they are very well crafted. They really look great, nothing to complain about it, and playability and tone are fantastic! I got mine 4 weeks ago and love it!

Just bought a 2020 in Ebony. Echo everything you mentioned except my fretboard was in great condition. Glad it was an easy fix for you. But Gibson has truly stepped up. They have been putting out quality guitars which come made with plenty of love and attention to detail. Enjoy and keep rocking!

I had never played a 335 until I bought a new 2018 figured. Love it- will never be my #1- but is just such a nice guitar. The pickups I have are the unpotted MHS, and the slight microphonics makes for some great lead tones!

Great tones on a very sweet Gibson ES335. Congrats on a wonderful new addition to your "stable". I totally get that "makes you play differently" thing...especially when it is in a good way! Nicely done review!

I purchased a new 2018 Memphis 335 and it is my favorite of all. I've wanted a 335 for 45 years. Finally got that one and it is my dream guitar. I love everything about it.

Love it probably one the best 335 I’ve ever heard. Enjoy since jc took over there Quality has came up 100 percent. I bought a 2019 Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s last year best guitar I’ve ever owned.

2020 was an amazing year for Gibson. I purchased the Les Paul Standard 50's model through Wildwood in a Dark Cherry Burst and the guitar is perfect. Everything I had hoped for and more.

Yes! Please do the Epi-Gibby ES335 comparison! In an attempt to recapture my Dad’s old Epiphone jazz box from the 40s, I purchased an Epiphone ES335 Pro two years ago. I immediately fell in love when I experienced controlled feedback for the first time. I felt like a real rock star 😆. The tone, for me, brings back that Chuck Berry/BB King/Roy Orbison vibe. And sweet memories of my Dad. Congrats. Yours is a beauty.

Congrats on your guitar man, it’s a big achievement and that one is dictionary definition perfect.

I have the same guitar but in the satin cherry. Absolutely love it. One of the best investments I’ve made and I own several guitars but this one is a keeper. Thanks for the video.

2:40 you gave me goosebumps because of how smooth that sounds. I need a Gibson Es:335 so bad. Everyday I have to talk myself out of selling everything so that I can afford one.

Congrats Phil!! 🎉🎉🎉

I got one this year too, I've always wanted one. Its just a great guitar in cherry that is.

Lovely playing and review ! Yes ES-355 or ES-355 on the radar for sure

I bought my Epi Dot 335 about 15 years ago. The serial number reveals that it was made in the Samick factory in So. Korea in 2001. Absolutely fantastic guitar....natural finish. Great feeling neck. Sound is great through my Mesa Boogie 22 Caliber. Cost, with hard shell case...$250. One of my best deals ever..... Thanks for all the work you do on your channel. I always look forward to your new content.

WOW That's a schweet guitar, Phil! Congrats! 'Sounds great, Man!

Thank you for making this video! I am a relatively new player and have been wanting an ES-335. I have my eye on the 2020 model in natural finish.

Great to hear you talk about the 2020 335, not many vids on it out there! I so lust for a 335! I hope to get one at some point, new or used. Thanks

Great video Phillip, as usual. I have the exact same guitar in same color. I bought it this year, a 2022 model. I love it so much.

Great stuff Phil! Thanks for the great review!

Gorgeous! Enjoy playing it! I love playing my Epiphone Sheraton but thats a beautiful guitar.

Randomly saw a 2020 Es-335 on Facebook near me and bought it on a whim. SO GLAD I DID! The neck feels so good and the pickups are phenomenal!

I found my 335 this year as well. Custom shop 2009 50th anniversary 1959 reissue 335 in vintage burst. It is the most amazing guitar I've ever played! I love it.

Back in January I had decided to finally get a 335 after years of wanting one, but I couldn't justify the expense of a Gibson so I was going to get an Epiphone. Well, while looking at the Epiphones I tried a Hagstrom Super Viking, which is essentially a 335 - hollow on the sides, solid down the middle, similar size, humbuckers, and I fell in love with it. The Super Viking has a 25.5" scale which is the Fender scale which suits me since my other guitars are Strats and Teles, but they also have the Viking which has the Gibson 24.75" scale. This type of guitar is a wonderful thing to own and play.

I 100% agree with your take on this magnificent instrument. My local GC just got in a whole bunch of Epi's and the 335 is one of them. I plugged one in and ran it through the paces. I could have easily walked out with it and been perfectly content with what I bought. But the Gibson is the "pie in the sky" for many just because of the price. If I had the means, I would definitely spend it on that 335 you got. Magic neck pick up sound.

You looks really happy with that guitar, good to hear, that Gibsons are still something to shoot for. I only have Epi Dot, but the guitar is sooo inspiring and fun to play. One day maybe Ill bust the bank and go for the real deal.

Great guitar. The lead player in my band in the late 60"s had one in a burgandy metal fleck finish. Fantastic sound.

Awesome guitar. Just bought the epiphone 335 Pro in the same color. I absolutely love it.

I'm in a funk, disco band. Every previous player used strats, for a good reason, but I decided to go for the 335, just to be different. It works remarkebly well, better than I expected.

Philip you play and talk authentic. Many thanks. Dom

Before I got my beautiful ES-335, I had an HSS Strat that was given to me that belonged to someone who passed away. It was my main workhorse for many years till the bridge pickup stopped working. My little brother and I took it to guitar center to get it fixed. While they were diagnosing the old strat, I was trying out a bunch of guitars till a Cherry Red Epiphone ES-335 caught my eye. For years, I wanted an ES-335 but I didn't have the cheddar to even buy one. I tried out that guitar and I instantly fell in love with it. Then my little brother did something totally unexpected, he got me that Cherry Red ES-335 along with a Multi-Effects Processor. In exchange, I gave him my old hss strat so he could give it to someone who needs a guitar. For a Semi Hollowbody that was on the rack for god knows how long, it played like a dream. The neck is perfect, no sharp fret ends, and it stays in tune. I'm very grateful for my little brother for getting me a guitar that I've always wanted.

Congrats on the new guitar. What a beauty. Would love to the see the EPi comparison. Also, non-335-related, would love to see you check out one of the new 2020 Epi Les Paul Customs.

Happy New Guitar Day. I just bought a Vintage VSA 500 in cherry this Monday. And I have wanted a semi hollow body for a while now. I completely get how it makes you want to play it differently. Maybe it's in my head but I finding the nature of my dirty tones very very pleasing. Happy playing to you. Beautiful guitar btw:)

I bought my 335 not much after you. Mine is also a 2020 that I bought soon after it arrived into the shop in Dec and I purchased it in January of 2021. It's my 'every day' guitar. I play it plugged in and unplugged. Absolutely love it.

I just received a late 2020 made Gibson 335 Figured cherry red guitar. First off it looks so beautiful and it brings a smile to your face when you look and play it. I found the craftmanship to be excellent and no flaws in construction or quality of parts as an issue. It looks beautiful and smells nice. The action was a little too low so I moved the screws up on the saddle a little just to get it low but not that low. The pickups on this guitar are the calibrated pickups. They are much brighter and open than some of the older ones I have played. To be honest even with reducing my treble knob on my Fender Twin to 5, the front pickup for what I was expecting was a little too bright when clean. I turned down the tone control to 8 and its now perfect. Now I am getting the beautiful tone of the Gibson that I expect. On the back pickup I have the tone knob down to 7 1/2. It sounds closer to my LP on the back pickup in the treble response. The 335 back pickup can sound a little icy picky my amp treble on 6 or higher. Just moving it down to 5 made a big difference with my Fender Twin. Moving the treble knob on the guitar down to 8 also helped get a different sound. With distortion, the brighter sound works in my favor. It sounds awesome. It has a very open sound with detail in the top end. To be honest if I was just playing clean jazz only, for my taste I think I would prefer the 1961 335 Reissue pickups which is not as bright. But I like the neck better on the 2020 335 which is not as thick. Right now I am just using my Fender Twin and have not used my Boogie or other amps yet. So granted with each amp you will get different results. I compared it to my 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom. The LP has a thicker tone with the front pickup and has a tighter sound. On the back pickup, the LP rocks more, while the 335 which also rocks but it has a little less punch. LP is clearly a better guitar for heavier rocking than the 335. The 335 has a pleasant open sound in comparrison. There is clearly enough of a difference between my LP and 335 and the different pickups helps justifying owning both. With just reducing the treble on my amp, all three toggle switch positions sound amazing. The case is nice but it feels so large compared to my Fender and LP cases. They include the tools you need, a thin black strap, and the inspection card. Turning pegs have a material that is non slip and tuning feels very secure. They also look great. All in all I think the the 335's from Gibson are really great.

Superb video as always, amazing guitar, wish I could afford one...

Love the lower growl of the bridge pickup. Makes it sound more vintage to me

looks and sounds amazing, comparison video would be great

Sweet guitar, thanks for the review. A Gibson 335 is on my list as well. I got a new Ibanez Artstar back in 1994 that I love. Every few years I take a another look at Gibsons, but as yet have not found one that hooked me. Maybe this is the year.

Loved the video! Everyone loves the ES-335!

I recently bought a Epiphone ES-339 and it’s also amazing. I like that it’s smaller than the 335 with push/pull vol knobs for split coil.

3 months ago I bought a used 2011 Epi Dot Deluxe it is awesome, absolutely love it

These always had some sort of mystic about them over the years. I have gone through many guitars including many various Les Pauls. My two favorite guitars as of now are my 2008 LP 68-RI Custom and my 2014 ES-335 Dot satin. If I had to choose between the two...I think my head would explode. The 335 is so versatile. it will do pretty much anything you ask of it, with a few pleasant surprises.

I agree with the comment about the rough fretboard. I picked up an ES-335 recently and that is the first and really the only thing I was not liking. I appreciate the steel wool suggestion and am going to give it a try.

Nice review, glad you found a keeper!

Great video! Im a Les Paul guy. Ive played a custom since 89. I had to buy a Strat just for the sake of having to have one in my possession. I bought a gorgeous Strat Plus in 90. Ive played it often but never really considered a Strat was for me. Fast forward to 2016. I got this itch for a 335. I searched GC for a new or used one even considered an Ibanez. I found a used Ibanez at a local GC I stopped by to play it and was less than impressed by its vibe. I called a friend at another local music store and told him I was looking for a 335 or equivalent. He told me he just got an Epiphone in yesterday that he thinks I may be interested in. I told him I would be there in an hour or so. He told me he was leaving for the day but he will let an associate know I was coming. I arrived and found it behind the counter already rung up with a special price given to me. I plugged it in was was blown away by the tone and feel of this fine instrument. Although it wasn’t perfect as it needed some fret work done, 30 minutes of a fret manicure had this feeling like an instrument worth 10 times what I paid. This guitar gives back something my Les Paul never has. When you crank up the amp the body provides vibrations of happiness only a hollow or semi hollow body can. It does inspire me to play differently and truth be told, I would rather play my Epiphone Dot over my gorgeous white 3 pickup Gibson Les Paul Custom. I paid $249 for a mint used Dot with a hard case.... what a find. I should note this Epi is a 2012 model and was not made in China. Although Ive not played many 335’s or epiphones, I know what I like and consider this one a gem.

I've always wanted one. Almost pulled the trigger in Nashville, but getting it back here to AZ would've been tough. Happy yours turned out well Phil.

Yeah, this is a guitar I'd really like to have. It would fit in well with my guitar collection. But, it is spendy and my wife would have a fit. But still...some day. That guitar you have has such a great sound. Beautiful.

Glad you are happy with what you just got. I have an Epi Dot which has been updated with a TV Jones Classic Filtertron in the bridge position. I prefer my Gretsch Country "Gentleman" Classic and my new Gretsch 5422 - 12 string. I know what it is to have your dream guitar(s). Enjoy !

Nice honest review. Thanks Phillip. Gorgeous Gibson. I've never played a Gibson 335 so I can't say anything about it. But since you brought up the epi es335, I must say I agree with you about how good they are. I have a Gibson LP & a US Fender Strat, both are great but for some reason my go to electric guitars seem to always be the epi es 335 or the epi es 339. After setting them up, they just do what I want them to do. Don't know how else to put it. Great guitars. Thanks for the tip about the center position and rolling back the tone on the bridge. I'll try it later. Gotta say, I'm an epi fan. I see them as kinda the working man's guitar. Being the blue collar guy that I am they just fit the bill. Maybe someday I'll move up to the Gibson 335, just not there yet. Enjoy that beauty for us & make some great music with her! By4now, Dave in the Adirondacks Dave in the Adirondacks

I just got my bucket list guitar, a cherry red Heritage H535. I love it!

Love it! A vintage 335 is my bucket list guitar.

I have a 2016 ES 345 Premiere. Love it. Looks great and plays even better!

For the last few months I've really been enjoying the Epiphone P93 Riviera. Same shape, with 3 P90's with beautiful Wine Red and gold hardware. Never owned a Bigsby tremelo before so restringing will be a curveball. Always loved ES models, and really glad this one became a favorite.

Great video! I know you speak for a lot of players who have wanted this guitar for a long time. And you are absolutely right - things just have to line up in the cosmos. Comparisons? The one you are holding with an early 60's Custom Shop would have direct bearing on me and I'm sure many others. They would not be at your local shop. Great riffs at the end, also. Many thanks!!

Speaking of staying in tune. My Squire Strat purchased last year is still in tune after several months ! ! ! I am impressed. Been playing for 60 yrs.