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Description

Step into a world of timeless elegance and musical versatility with the Gibson ES-335 Custom Black Bigsby. This exquisite instrument marries classic design with modern appointments, creating a guitar that is as visually stunning as it is sonically impressive. The gold hardware, including a Bigsby vibrato, exudes a sense of luxury, while the diamond-shaped sound holes add a unique visual flair that sets this guitar apart from the rest. Crafted with a laminated maple top, back, and sides, and a solid center block, the ES-335 offers unmatched resonance and sustain, making it perfect for a wide range of genres from jazz to rock.

The o-piece mahogany neck provides a smooth playing experience, complemented by a bound rosewood fretboard with pearloid dot inlays that offer both comfort and style. At the heart of its sound, the '57 Classic humbuckers deliver a full, round tone capable of handling everything from warm, mellow jazz chords to the high-gain scream of metal riffs. Whether you're playing in a smoky jazz club or rocking out on a big stage, this guitar ensures that every note is heard with clarity and depth.

Key Features:

  • Laminated maple top, back, and sides with a solid center block
  • O-piece mahogany neck with bound rosewood fretboard
  • '57 Classic humbuckers for versatile tone
  • Gold hardware including a Bigsby vibrato and Grover tuners
  • Bound top and back with diamond-shaped sound holes
  • Pearloid dot inlays on the fretboard

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson ES-335 Custom Black Bigsby best suited for?

The Gibson ES-335 Custom Black Bigsby is highly versatile, making it suitable for genres like blues, jazz, rock, and even pop. Its semi-hollow body design and '57 Classic humbuckers provide a warm, rich tone with excellent sustain.

How does the Bigsby vibrato bridge affect the playability of the Gibson ES-335 Custom Black?

The Bigsby vibrato bridge on the Gibson ES-335 Custom Black allows for smooth pitch modulation, adding expressive vibrato effects to your playing. It's ideal for players who want to incorporate subtle pitch variations without altering the guitar's overall tuning stability.

What are the tonal characteristics of the '57 Classic humbuckers in the Gibson ES-335 Custom Black Bigsby?

The '57 Classic humbuckers deliver a vintage-inspired tone with a balanced output. They provide a warm, creamy sound with clear articulation and a touch of midrange bite, perfect for both clean and overdriven tones.

Is the Gibson ES-335 Custom Black Bigsby suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson ES-335 Custom Black Bigsby is well-suited for live performances due to its robust construction and versatile sound. The semi-hollow body design offers feedback resistance, while the Bigsby vibrato and Grover tuners ensure reliable tuning stability on stage.

Does the Gibson ES-335 Custom Black Bigsby have a comfortable neck profile for extended playing sessions?

The Gibson ES-335 Custom Black Bigsby features a one-piece mahogany neck with a bound rosewood fretboard, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience. Its medium neck profile is designed for ease of playability, making it suitable for extended sessions without causing fatigue.

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Use a Vibramate installation kit for adding a Bigsby B7 without drilling, maintaining the guitar's original condition.

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  • Applying lubricant to nut slots can prevent string binding and improve tuning stability.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Swap the stock Bigsby spring with a Reverend Soft Touch for improved playability.

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  • For improved tuning stability, consider Gotoh SGV510Z 1:21 or Kluson Revolution E-Mount 1:20 tuners.

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  • A bridge with brass saddles, such as a TonePros TPFA or Faber, can enhance tonal quality over the stock Epi bridge.

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Features and functionality

  • Bigsby-equipped guitars may exhibit slightly increased string tension and brightness due to longer strings.

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  • The split parallelogram inlays are associated with a more elegant appearance on an ebony finish, balancing sophistication without excessive flashiness.

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  • The "diamond" name may refer to the unique f-hole shape, which is distinct from the Trini Lopez model known for its specific tailpiece and Firebird headstock.

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Build quality

  • Some owners find the ebony finish on the ES-335 less visually detailed compared to other wood finishes, potentially lacking in grain detail.

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Comparisons

  • The split parallelogram inlays on the ES-335 are considered more unique to Gibson, with no other brands replicating this specific design for a 335 copy.

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User experience

  • Owners who prefer a historically accurate 50s aesthetic lean towards dot inlays, appreciating the "Mickey Mouse" cutaways and long tail guard specific to this era.

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  • Owners noted that the presence of stand rash on the back is a common issue, impacting the resale value but often accepted by buyers if the guitar is otherwise flawless.

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Value and pricing

  • The 2006 ES-335 Diamond with Bigsby and gold hardware sold for around $3.5k four years ago; recent similar models fetched up to $6k, depending on finish.

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Artist usage

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See how Trent Reznor uses Gibson ES-335 Custom Bigsby

Trent Reznor

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

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Verified via YouTube

At 4:23, you can see Trent playing this guitar

See how Jamie Cook uses Gibson ES-335 Custom Bigsby

Jamie Cook

Guitarist

Arctic Monkeys

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo from the beginning of the 2022 tour, Jamie Cook is seen playing a Gibson ES-335 Custom Black Bigsby.

See how Chad Taylor uses Gibson ES-335 Custom Bigsby

Chad Taylor

Guitarist

Live

...
Verified via Photo

Genre Usage

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Used With

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

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