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Average Price: $3,050

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$1201+

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Description

Step back in time with the Gibson 1970 ES-335, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that has been a favorite among musicians for its iconic tone and versatile playability. Known for its unique blend of acoustic and electric characteristics, this guitar offers a warm and resonant sound that is both rich and dynamic. The center block design minimizes feedback, making it perfect for live performances and studio sessions alike.

Crafted with a maple body and a mahogany neck, the ES-335 delivers a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The rosewood fingerboard ensures your fingers glide effortlessly across the frets, allowing for intricate solos and complex chord progressions. Equipped with dual humbucking pickups, this instrument provides a wide tonal range, from crisp, clear highs to deep, growling lows, making it suitable for various genres, from jazz and blues to rock and beyond.

The Gibson 1970 ES-335 is not just an instrument; it's a piece of musical history. Its timeless design and exceptional build quality have made it a staple in the collections of countless legendary guitarists. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this guitar offers the perfect balance of classic style and contemporary performance.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design with maple top, back, and sides
  • Mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard
  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile tonal range
  • Iconic center block design to reduce feedback
  • Timeless aesthetic appeal and vintage craftsmanship

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 Gibson 1970 ES-335 best suited for?

The Gibson 1970 ES-335 is highly versatile, making it ideal for genres like blues, jazz, and rock. Its semi-hollow body design offers a warm, resonant tone that complements both clean and overdriven sounds.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson 1970 ES-335?

The Gibson 1970 ES-335 typically features a comfortable, rounded neck profile, providing a smooth playing experience suitable for various playing styles and techniques.

How does the Gibson 1970 ES-335 handle feedback?

Thanks to its semi-hollow body design, the Gibson 1970 ES-335 manages feedback better than fully hollow guitars, making it a great choice for live performances where volume and control are crucial.

What kind of pickups does the Gibson 1970 ES-335 have?

The Gibson 1970 ES-335 is equipped with dual humbucker pickups, which deliver a rich, full-bodied sound with excellent sustain and minimal noise, ideal for a wide range of musical styles.

Is the Gibson 1970 ES-335 suitable for beginners?

While the Gibson 1970 ES-335 is a high-quality instrument, its features and price point may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its tonal capabilities and craftsmanship.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1970 Gibson ES-335 Walnut | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1970 Gibson ES-335 Walnut | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1970 Gibson ES-335 Walnut | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1970 Gibson ES-335TDC | Valentines Day at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1970 Gibson ES-335TDC | Valentines Day at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: Early 1970's Gibson ES-335 Walnut | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: Early 1970's Gibson ES-335 Walnut | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1970 Gibson ES-335TDC Cherry | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1970 Gibson ES-335TDC Cherry | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1970 Gibson ES 335 TD Walnut / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1970 Gibson ES 335 TD Walnut / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Guitar Close Up - 1970 Gibson ES-335 Sunburst $4995 by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar Close Up - 1970 Gibson ES-335 Sunburst $4995

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1970 Gibson ES-335 and PRS Dallas 1x12 by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1970 Gibson ES-335 and PRS Dallas 1x12

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1970 Gibson ES-335 - Phil's Vintage Guitars by Phil's Vintage Guitars Original

1970 Gibson ES-335 - Phil's Vintage Guitars

Phil's Vintage Guitars Original

Phil's Vintage Guitars Original

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tonal versatility, from mellow to bright

  • Unique coil switch for humbucker and single-coil options

  • Classic vintage Gibson neck and pickups not found in new models

  • Strong value for price compared to late-60s models

  • Suitable for multiple genres: rock, blues, jazz, swing, and country

  • High playability; described as "plays like butter"

  • Collectible value with rising appreciation over time

  • Captures the essence and sound of 70's Gibson ES guitars

  • Well-preserved condition for a 50-year-old instrument

  • Highly satisfying for experienced players and collectors alike

CONS

  • Historical reputation for inconsistent quality during Norlin era

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 1970 ES-335.

Comparisons

  • The ES-335 offers more versatile tones and better fret access compared to the limited range of mini humbuckers in the Les Paul Deluxe.

    Source
  • A 70s Les Paul Deluxe is noted for its potentially heavy weight, which can be a concern for some players, whereas the ES-335 is more manageable.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The ES-335's semi-hollow design contributes to its resonant and versatile sound, appealing even to metal guitarists exploring different genres.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • While P90 pickups are suggested as an upgrade for the Les Paul Deluxe, they won't fit in the existing mini humbucker routes without modification.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ES-335 is favored by those interested in jazz, highlighting its suitability for genres requiring richer, resonant tones.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Pickup covers can interfere with functionality if wires touch them; using heat shrink tubing on exposed wires may resolve this issue.

    Source

User experience

  • A player accustomed to 8-string guitars with active pickups finds the ES-335 enticing despite their usual preference for more metal-oriented instruments.

    Source

Other

  • The walnut brown finish on the 1970 Gibson ES-335 attracts admiration, highlighting its aesthetic appeal in addition to its musical versatility.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jason Newsted uses Gibson 1970 ES-335

Jason Newsted

Bassist

Metallica

...
Verified via YouTube
Year: 1970

At 1:23 in the Reverb video titled "Jason Newsted Is Selling Some Incredible Gear From His Career," Jason Newsted is shown presenting a 1970 Gibson ES-335 Kalamazoo guitar from his personal collection.

See how Norman Blake uses Gibson 1970 ES-335

Norman Blake

Guitarist

Teenage Fanclub

...
Verified via Guitar.com | All Things Guitar

Blake says this in the article “Predominantly, I’ve played a 1970 335, which we picked up for a few hundred dollars in a shop in Cleveland, Ohio in 1991 or 1992,”

See how Stian Westerhus uses Gibson 1970 ES-335

Stian Westerhus

Guitarist

Ulver

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"I used my Gibson 1970 ES-335, except for an Ibanez baritone on one track. I modified it with two mini humbuckers."

See how Robert Burås uses Gibson 1970 ES-335

Robert Burås

Guitarist

Madrugada

...
Verified via Photo

In the user-uploaded photo, Robert Burås is seen with a Gibson 1970 ES-335 in Walnut finish. While the bridge suggests it could be a '68 model or a reissue, it's likely an authentic '68 given his status as a professional guitarist. This guitar was prominently used in his band, My Midnight Creeps.

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 Gibson 1970 ES-335, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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