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Average Price: $3,250

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$500

$1201+

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Description

The 1972 Gibson ES-335 is a revered classic in the world of semi-hollowbody electric guitars, offering a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern playability. This iconic instrument is celebrated for its warm, resonant tones and versatile sound, making it a favorite among jazz, blues, and rock musicians. Crafted during a pivotal era for Gibson, the ES-335 showcases the brand's commitment to quality craftsmanship and innovative design.

What sets this guitar apart is its unique construction that combines the tonal benefits of a hollowbody with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid body. The 1972 model features a laminated maple body with a mahogany neck, ensuring a rich, balanced sound that's perfect for both stage and studio settings. The dual humbucker pickups deliver a full-bodied tone with exceptional clarity, catering to a wide range of musical genres.

Players will appreciate the comfortable playability of the ES-335, thanks to its slim neck profile and smooth rosewood fingerboard. The elegant trapeze tailpiece and vintage-style tuners add to its classic aesthetic, while providing reliable tuning stability. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a passionate collector, the 1972 Gibson ES-335 is a timeless instrument that embodies the essence of great guitar craftsmanship.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody electric guitar design
  • Laminated maple body with mahogany neck
  • Dual humbucker pickups for versatile sound
  • Rosewood fingerboard with slim neck profile
  • Vintage-style tuners and trapeze tailpiece

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-335TD
Finish Cherry, Ebony, Natural, Sunburst, Walnut, Wine Red
Year 1970 - 1981
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-335
Model Sub-Family Gibson ES-335TD Block
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Norlin Era
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the 1972 Gibson ES-335 best suited for?

The 1972 Gibson ES-335 is highly versatile, making it suitable for genres such as blues, jazz, rock, and soul. Its semi-hollow body design offers a warm tone with a balanced blend of resonance and sustain.

What are the core tonal characteristics of the 1972 Gibson ES-335?

The 1972 Gibson ES-335 is known for its warm, rich tones with a smooth sustain, thanks to its semi-hollow maple body and dual humbucker pickups. It delivers a balanced sound that excels in both clean and overdriven settings.

How does the neck profile of the 1972 Gibson ES-335 affect playability?

The 1972 Gibson ES-335 features a set mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability. Its medium C-shaped profile is ideal for both chordal and lead playing, catering to various playing styles.

Is the 1972 Gibson ES-335 suitable for beginners?

While the 1972 Gibson ES-335 is a professional-grade instrument, its comfortable neck and versatile sound make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are committed to learning and playing regularly.

What finishes are available for the 1972 Gibson ES-335?

The 1972 Gibson ES-335 is available in several finishes, including Cherry, Ebony, Natural, Sunburst, Walnut, and Wine Red, allowing players to choose a style that suits their personal aesthetic.

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1972 Gibson ES-335 and 1988 Marshal Model 1987S

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1972 Gibson ES-335 and 1988 Marshal Model 1987S by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1972 Gibson ES-335 and 1988 Marshal Model 1987S

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson ES-335 played by John Bohlinger by Carter Vintage Guitars

1972 Gibson ES-335 played by John Bohlinger

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson ES-335 TD - Walnut / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1972 Gibson ES-335 TD - Walnut / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson ES-335 TD - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1972 Gibson ES-335 TD - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson Cherry RED ES335TD by Lawman Guitars

1972 Gibson Cherry RED ES335TD

Lawman Guitars

Lawman Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson ES 335 TD - Walnut / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1972 Gibson ES 335 TD - Walnut / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1972 Gibson ES-335 TD - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1972 Gibson ES-335 TD - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

PROS

  • Versatile sound: rock, blues, swing, and country are all within reach

  • Unique coil switch offers both humbucker fatness and single coil clarity

  • Vintage pickups and neck provide unmatched playability and tone

  • Exceptional value compared to late-60s models

  • Mellow and bright tones capture classic ES-335 sound

  • High-quality craftsmanship from the Norlin era

  • Superb action and playability even after decades

  • Strong potential for increasing value over time

CONS

  • Some models from this era may have quality inconsistencies

  • Not suited for metal rock genres

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1972 Gibson ES-335.

Features and functionality

  • The '72 Gibson ES-335TDW features '72-only Gibson-logo pickups, which contribute to its unique sound profile.

    Source
  • The walnut finish on this model is noted for being subtle yet striking, a characteristic appreciated by many owners.

    Source
  • The narrow 1 9/16" nut width, maintained until 1975, is controversial but suits players accustomed to such dimensions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners of reissue models of this era note that originals possess a more resonant tone compared to newer guitars.

    Source
  • Compared to other ES-335s, the '72 model is noted for having an average weight and a very thin neck.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ES-335TDW's unique tonal qualities are particularly suited for styles associated with B.B. King.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The thin neck is comparable to a late '60s SG, providing a unique playing feel that some owners prefer.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend wax potting the pickups to reduce feedback when played at high gain levels.

    Source

User experience

  • After cleaning up a used model, one owner found it super playable despite needing a fret job.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A '72 model in decent condition typically sells for around $3,490, which is considered reasonable for its age.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Al McKay uses 1972 Gibson ES-335

Al McKay

Guitarist, Composer

Earth, Wind & Fire

...
Verified via Guitar-Muse.com

McKay is left handed and always favored vintage instruments. He’s used many guitars over the years, but his number #1 was a left-handed ’72 Gibson 335. Other guitars he used back in his tenure with Earth Wind & Fire included a Les Paul Custom, Fender Telecaster, Gibson L5, and a Gibson SG.

See how Anders Osborne uses 1972 Gibson ES-335

Anders Osborne

Guitarist

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar's rig rundown, Osborne uses 1972 Gibson ES-335 with Bigsby high roller bridge.It's strung with D'Addario EXL115 strings.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1972 Gibson ES-335, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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