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Average Price: $3,342
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Description
Step back into the late '80s with the Gibson 1989 ES-335 Studio, an iconic piece of music history that merges classic design with modern playability. As part of Gibson's illustrious ES series, this semi-hollowbody electric guitar offers a distinct blend of rich tonal qualities and solid construction. The 1989 ES-335 Studio is celebrated for its simplified aesthetics, emphasizing the essential elements that musicians crave while eliminating unnecessary embellishments.
Crafted for the discerning guitarist, this model features a solid maple center block, providing enhanced sustain and feedback resistance, making it a versatile choice for various musical genres. The guitar's semi-hollow body design and dual humbucking pickups deliver a warm, full-bodied sound that can seamlessly transition from smooth jazz to gritty blues or rock. The slim neck profile ensures comfortable playability, catering to both intricate lead work and robust rhythm playing.
Whether you're a collector or a gigging musician, the Gibson 1989 ES-335 Studio is a testament to enduring quality and timeless sound. Its pure, unadulterated tone and classic craftsmanship make it a prized addition to any guitarist's arsenal.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody design with a solid maple center block
- Dual humbucking pickups for versatile tonal options
- Slim neck profile for comfortable playability
- Known for its warm, full-bodied sound
- Simplified aesthetic focusing on essential features
- Part of the renowned Gibson ES series
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-335 Studio |
| Finish | Cherry, Ebony, White |
| Year | 1986 - 1991 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Semi-Hollow Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Red, White |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson ES-335 |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson ES-335 Studio |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson 1989 ES-335 Studio?
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The Gibson 1989 ES-335 Studio offers a warm, resonant tone with a balanced mix of sustain and clarity, thanks to its semi-hollowbody design and HH pickup configuration. This makes it suitable for a variety of genres, from blues to rock.
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How does the Gibson 1989 ES-335 Studio compare to the standard ES-335?
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The ES-335 Studio is a more stripped-down version, focusing on essential features with fewer cosmetic details, which may appeal to players seeking a straightforward, no-nonsense instrument without compromising on sound quality.
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Is the Gibson 1989 ES-335 Studio suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Gibson 1989 ES-335 Studio is well-suited for live performances, offering excellent projection and feedback resistance due to its semi-hollowbody design, making it a reliable choice for gigging musicians.
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What kind of music is the Gibson 1989 ES-335 Studio best suited for?
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The Gibson 1989 ES-335 Studio is versatile and excels in blues, jazz, rock, and pop music, providing a rich and dynamic sound that can adapt to various playing styles and genres.
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Does the Gibson 1989 ES-335 Studio have a comfortable neck profile for playing?
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The Gibson 1989 ES-335 Studio features a set-neck construction with a comfortable neck profile that facilitates smooth playability, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead playing across its 22 frets.
Videos
GregsGuitars
1989 Gibson ES-335 Studio, cherry, Part1
1989 Gibson ES-335 Studio, cherry, Part1
GregsGuitars
Reviews
PROS
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Super slim neck for fast, comfortable playability
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No F-holes reduce feedback while preserving the ability to produce powerful sound
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High-output Dirty Fingers pickups for intense, energetic tones
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Durable finish that ages gracefully over time
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Convenient back access panel for easy electronic maintenance
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Ebony fretboard adds clarity to the warm ES-335 sound
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Offers vintage ES-335 sound at a fraction of the cost
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Rare and unique design similar to the BB King Lucille model
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Simplified design with no neck binding, reducing refretting costs
CONS
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Limited color options; only available in black or red
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Dots instead of traditional "Gibson" inlays may not appeal to all
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Misconceptions about origin; often mistaken for non-U.S. made models
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 1989 ES-335 Studio.
Features and functionality
Build quality
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The guitar's aged cream binding and gold hardware enhance its visual appeal, though gold hardware is prone to aging issues.
Source
User experience
Other
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The guitar was reportedly bought by Francis Rossi after seeing Wendy Melvoin play a similar model, indicating its inspirational appeal.
Source
Mods and upgrades
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Owners retain original Dirty Fingers pickups, with some needing rewinding, indicating a preference for maintaining stock sound characteristics.
Source
Comparisons
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The ES-335 Studio is often compared to SG and Les Paul models, with users finding it more versatile across various music styles.
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Some recommend the 90s Guild Starfire for its US-made quality and affordability, often costing $1000 less than an ES-335.
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The Heritage h555 is praised as a worthy alternative, offering a similar sound and feel at a potentially lower cost.
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The Gibson Midtown is mentioned as a viable option, potentially offering better value than the ES-335 Studio.
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New Guild Starfire IV models are highlighted for their surprising quality and lower price point as a 335 equivalent.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
1040
Very Rare ES (Cherry Red)
I discovered this guitar while looking for my first classic Memphis ES-335. I wanted something unique and found this guitar to be very rare and hard to find. It is an ES-335 through and through, but does not have f-holes or binding on the neck. It looks similar to the BB King Lucille model. I did a search to see if could collect the black and white models, but they are VERY difficult to find.
41029
I've been looking for one of these at a good price. Underrated axe.
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