History And Build Of The Gibson Es 335 Guitar
The Gibson Es 335 Guitar is a staple amongst rock a blues musicians. The instrument influenced both music and instrument design with long history in popular music.
The ES (Electric Spanish) is a hybrid between acoustic and electric guitars. The instrument design uses a wooden block within the length of the body to limit feedback, while the side “wings” are left hallow to reverberate a warm acoustic sound through top-cut f-holes. A slim neck allow comfortable handling and easy access to the upper frets.
Traditional construction materials have been a maple body and center block, with a mahogany or maple neck. Most models have come with a rosewood fretboard, but some variations have replaced this with ebony, and inlays unique from the block shaped mother perloid material. Standard pickups include two Humbuckers of opposite polarity to produce a “warm” and “fat” tone.
When it was released in 1958, the ES introduced to the guitar market a hybrid previously unseen. The model was revolutionary at a time when electric guitars were still in their infancy, and acoustic occupied a different genre. Electrics at the time offered greater sustain and less feedback compared to amplified acoustics. However, they lacked the warm sounds produced by hallow bodies. The ES acted as a compromise between the two.
When it was originally released by Gibson in 1958, the original sticker price was two to three hundred dollars, helping to launch it’s popularity. Since then the guitar has become an icon amongst popular guitar players. The sound produced by the instrument has helped shape artists and groups such as the Black Crows, the Foo Fighters, Rush, Blink 182. Soon after the guitar’s inception, B. B. King made the ES-335 is instrument of choice, adopting the name “Lucille” for his personal guitar. In 1980, Gibson introduced the B. King Lucille signature model, based on the original design but with modified wiring and no f-holes.
The Gibson Es 335 Guitar has left an indelible mark on popular music. With a revolutionary design and unique sound, the model has withstood the test of time to become an American classic.
The ES-335 Guitar has become a standard amongst rock and blues musicians as well as a must-have collectors item for guitar lovers all over the glove. Andy Green takes us on the ultimate Gibson Guitar journey now on http://www.gibsones335.net
