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Average Price: $3,810

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$500

$1201+

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Description

Experience the perfect fusion of classic Gibson tones with the Gibson CS-336, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that combines the best of both worlds—the Les Paul's singing sustain and the ES-335's airy warmth. Designed for musicians who demand versatility and nuance, the CS-336 features a compact, comfortable body, making it ideal for both stage and studio settings. Crafted with a carved mahogany back and sides and a stunning figured maple top, this guitar not only sounds incredible but looks the part too.

The CS-336 is equipped with '57 Classic humbucking pickups, celebrated for their vintage-voiced flexibility. Whether you're exploring the tonal depths of smooth jazz or unleashing raw rock power, these pickups deliver exceptional sound quality. The semi-hollowbody design adds harmonic richness while reducing unwanted feedback, thanks to its solid center block.

With a fast-feeling mahogany neck and a rosewood fretboard, the CS-336 offers a playing experience that's both familiar and inspiring. Gibson's commitment to quality is evident in every detail, from the meticulously Plek Pro setup ensuring perfect intonation to the traditional Gibson 4-knob Volume and Tone configuration allowing precise tonal control. The CS-336 isn’t just a guitar; it's a statement of craftsmanship and musical excellence.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for enhanced harmonic richness
  • '57 Classic humbucking pickups offer vintage-voiced flexibility
  • Mahogany body with a stunning figured maple top
  • Fast-feeling mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard
  • Traditional Gibson 4-knob Volume and Tone setup
  • Compact, scaled-down version of the classic ES-335 design
  • Plek Pro setup for optimal intonation and feel

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Custom Shop CS-336 Figured Top
Finish Faded Cherry, Natural, Tangerine Burst, Vintage Sunburst
Year 2002 - 2017
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Orange, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson CS-336
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Custom Shop

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Gibson CS-336?

The Gibson CS-336 features a one-piece hollowed mahogany back and rim with a carved top, providing a warm, resonant tone characteristic of semi-hollowbody guitars.

What pickups are installed in the Gibson CS-336, and what tones can they produce?

The Gibson CS-336 is equipped with '57 Classic BurstBucker humbuckers, known for delivering a rich, vintage tone suitable for blues, jazz, and rock genres.

Is the Gibson CS-336 suitable for live performances and gigging?

Yes, the Gibson CS-336's semi-hollowbody design and high-quality pickups make it an excellent choice for live performances, offering both versatility and a distinctive sound that can cut through a mix.

How does the Gibson CS-336 differ from the ES-335?

The Gibson CS-336 is smaller and lighter than the ES-335, with a solid mahogany back and sides for enhanced sustain and resonance, while maintaining the classic semi-hollowbody tone.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson CS-336?

The Gibson CS-336 features a comfortable, set-neck construction with a one-piece mahogany neck, providing smooth playability and easy access to higher frets.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom CS-336 Figured Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom CS-336 Figured Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom CS-336 Figured Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom CS-336 Figured Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom CS-336 Figured Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson CS-336 from 2010 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson CS-336 from 2010 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for zZounds.com: Gibson CS336 Custom Shop Figured Top Electric Guitar by zZounds

zZounds.com: Gibson CS336 Custom Shop Figured Top Electric Guitar

zZounds

zZounds

Video thumbnail for Gibson CS-336 Review by Asheville Guitar and Mike Barnes

Gibson CS-336 Review

Asheville Guitar and Mike Barnes

Asheville Guitar and Mike Barnes

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 2010 Gibson Custom Shop CS-336 & Fender Blues Deluxe in Blonde by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 2010 Gibson Custom Shop CS-336 & Fender Blues Deluxe in Blonde

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tonal variety with carved back and sides

  • Lightweight design enhances playability and comfort

  • Neck offers a slim taper for fast playing

  • Perfectly worn-in feel from long-term use

  • Versatility for multiple music genres and gig types

  • Unique sounds that rival even high-end models

  • Comfortable fit within the Gibson family of guitars

CONS

  • Slim neck may not suit all players' preferences

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson CS-336.

Build quality

  • The CS-336's body is crafted from a single piece of carved mahogany, contributing to a distinctive tone and resonance compared to laminated alternatives like the ES-335 and ES-339.

    Source
  • Original knobs can be reused without the need to remelt glue, simplifying maintenance and preserving original aesthetics.

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Features and functionality

  • The guitar features '57 Classic Humbuckers, known for their warm, rich tones that can also deliver bright, crisp sounds, catering to various musical styles.

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Comparisons

  • The CS-336 offers a more compact size and different tonal character compared to the ES-335, as its construction mirrors a chambered Les Paul with a full-sized guitar feel.

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  • Unlike the ES-339's three-piece laminate body, the CS-336 is noted for its superior tone and resonance due to its single-piece mahogany construction.

    Source
  • The CS-336, with its chambered mahogany body and maple top, provides a tonal experience closer to a chambered Les Paul than a traditional ES-335.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners appreciate the CS-336's tonal versatility, noting it can produce throaty yet clean sounds, making it suitable for rock music like the Grateful Dead's early styles.

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  • A long-term owner reports that the guitar, weighing approximately 7 lbs, is comfortable to play standing for extended periods.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend OX4 Alnico 4 pickups with medium wind for enhanced tonal definition and mid-range beef, praised for their harmonic content.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The "locking method" of string installation is favored by users for its efficiency, requiring no extra wrappings and ensuring stability.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
jimmyhaggard

This is #1

I am supposed elaborate and wax eloquently, but there is no reason to. This guitar my #1. That's all I need to say.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jacob Tilley uses Gibson CS-336

Jacob Tilley

Guitarist

Young the Giant

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:22, you can see Jacob using a Gibson CS-336. Jacob has said that he used to use this frequently but has not used it recently (November of 2015) due to a broken case (Reverb.com)

See how Zac Brown uses Gibson CS-336

Zac Brown

Singer, Guitarist

Zac Brown Band

...
Verified via Chicago Music Exchange
Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 2016

This instrument belongs to Zac Brown of Zac Brown Band and is now available to you through a partnership with Chicago Music Exchange

See how Ryan Lerman uses Gibson CS-336

Ryan Lerman

Guitarist, Bassist

Scary Pockets

...
Verified via Flickr

In the picture attached, Ryan Lerman is playing a Gibson CS-336 (differentiated from the ES-336 by the headstock). Ryan also has his gear listed on his YouTube channel's bio and confirms he plays a Gibson 336 (didn't specify CS there, though).

See how Scott Sharrard uses Gibson CS-336

Scott Sharrard

Singer, Guitarist

The Gregg Allman Band

...
Verified via YouTube

In his Rig Rundown with Premier Guitar, Scott Sharrard shows off his Gibson CS-336, which he purchased new in 2001 and has used as his main guitar ever since.

See how Naveen Thomas Joseph uses Gibson CS-336

Naveen Thomas Joseph

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

My main guitars for the shoot with #theraghudixitproject @gibsoncustom #musician #music #guitar #guitarist #rocknroll #rock #folk #gibsonindia #naveenthomasmusic #naveenthomas #gibsonlespaul #gibsoncs336

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 CS-336, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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