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Average Price: $3,250
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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
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What type of music is the 1972 Gibson ES-335 best suited for?
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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.
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What are the core tonal characteristics of the 1972 Gibson ES-335?
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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.
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How does the neck profile of the 1972 Gibson ES-335 affect playability?
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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.
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Is the 1972 Gibson ES-335 suitable for beginners?
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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.
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What finishes are available for the 1972 Gibson ES-335?
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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.
Videos
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Reviews
PROS
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Versatile sound: rock, blues, swing, and country are all within reach
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Unique coil switch offers both humbucker fatness and single coil clarity
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Vintage pickups and neck provide unmatched playability and tone
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Exceptional value compared to late-60s models
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Mellow and bright tones capture classic ES-335 sound
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High-quality craftsmanship from the Norlin era
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Superb action and playability even after decades
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Strong potential for increasing value over time
CONS
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Some models from this era may have quality inconsistencies
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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
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The '72 Gibson ES-335TDW features '72-only Gibson-logo pickups, which contribute to its unique sound profile.
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The walnut finish on this model is noted for being subtle yet striking, a characteristic appreciated by many owners.
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The narrow 1 9/16" nut width, maintained until 1975, is controversial but suits players accustomed to such dimensions.
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Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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The ES-335TDW's unique tonal qualities are particularly suited for styles associated with B.B. King.
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Setup and maintenance
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The thin neck is comparable to a late '60s SG, providing a unique playing feel that some owners prefer.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners recommend wax potting the pickups to reduce feedback when played at high gain levels.
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User experience
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After cleaning up a used model, one owner found it super playable despite needing a fret job.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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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.
Genre Usage
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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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