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Description

Step into the world of sonic excellence with the Gibson ES-335 Larry Carlton Signature, a masterful homage to the legendary session guitarist’s iconic tone and style. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is designed to deliver the perfect blend of warmth and clarity that defined Carlton's sound. Crafted with precision, the ES-335 combines vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship, offering musicians a versatile instrument that excels across genres, from jazz to rock and beyond.

The Gibson ES-335 Larry Carlton Signature boasts a pair of calibrated '57 Classic Humbuckers, providing rich, articulate tones that capture the essence of Carlton’s musical legacy. Its semi-hollow design ensures resonance and sustain, while the maple center block reduces feedback, making it ideal for both stage and studio use. The guitar’s comfortable neck profile and smooth fingerboard offer exceptional playability, inviting players to explore new creative horizons.

Whether you're a dedicated fan of Larry Carlton or simply seeking a high-quality semi-hollowbody electric guitar, this model combines historical significance with modern performance enhancements. The attention to detail in its construction and the distinctive tonal characteristics make it a standout choice for discerning musicians.

Key Features:

  • Signature semi-hollowbody design inspired by Larry Carlton
  • Calibrated '57 Classic Humbuckers for rich, articulate tones
  • Maple center block for enhanced sustain and reduced feedback
  • Comfortable neck profile for superior playability
  • High-quality craftsmanship with a blend of vintage and modern elements

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Larry Carlton Signature ES-335
Finish Carlton Burst
Year 2002 - 2015
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Artist Larry Carlton
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-335
Model Sub-Family Gibson ES-335TD Block
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Artist Collection, Gibson Custom Shop

FAQs

What makes the Gibson ES-335 Larry Carlton Signature unique compared to other ES-335 models?

The Gibson ES-335 Larry Carlton Signature features a distinctive Carlton Burst finish and is tailored to Larry Carlton's specifications, offering a unique tonal blend and playability that caters to his signature sound.

What type of pickups are used in the Gibson ES-335 Larry Carlton Signature?

This guitar is equipped with a pair of humbucking pickups, providing a warm, full-bodied tone ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres.

Is the Gibson ES-335 Larry Carlton Signature suitable for live performances?

Yes, the semi-hollow body design and double cutaway provide excellent resonance and upper fret access, making it well-suited for live performances across various music styles.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-335 Larry Carlton Signature?

The guitar features a comfortable set-neck construction with a rosewood fretboard, designed for smooth playability and ease of access across all 22 frets.

Does the Gibson ES-335 Larry Carlton Signature come with any special artist features?

Yes, this model includes unique design elements and specifications chosen by Larry Carlton, ensuring it captures his iconic tone and style.

Northwest Guitars

Northwest Guitars

Gibson ES335 Larry Carlton Signature

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES335 Larry Carlton Signature by Northwest Guitars

Gibson ES335 Larry Carlton Signature

Northwest Guitars

Northwest Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis Larry Carlton Signature ES-335(2015)〜週刊ギブソンVol.86 by digimartnet

Gibson Memphis Larry Carlton Signature ES-335(2015)〜週刊ギブソンVol.86

digimartnet

digimartnet

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis Larry Carlton Signature ES-335 2016 by Takahiko Nankou

Gibson Memphis Larry Carlton Signature ES-335 2016

Takahiko Nankou

Takahiko Nankou

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Comparisons

  • The split parallelogram inlays on the ES-335 are compared to the ES-345, with some users preferring the latter for authenticity.

    Source
  • ES-335s are sometimes seen as "jack of all trades" guitars, with some preferring the ES-345 for a brighter tone.

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Features and functionality

  • The dot inlays on the ES-335 are linked to the 50s models, known for their "mickey mouse" cutaways and long tail guards, making them more historically accurate.

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  • The Larry Carlton ES-335 lacks fret nibs, which was a deliberate design choice for this model.

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  • The tuners on the Larry Carlton signature model differ from typical Gibson models, as they are neither Kluson style nor Grover.

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User experience

  • A long-time owner found a 1993 Ebony 335 with a dot neck to be the best electric guitar in their 47-year playing history, capturing the Larry Carlton sound perfectly.

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  • Larger-bodied players often find the ES-335 more comfortable, as it balances better on their frame compared to a Les Paul.

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Setup and maintenance

  • There's mention of potential tuning instability with Bigsby vibratos, which some owners find cumbersome, leading to eventual removal.

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Use cases and applications

  • A professional guitarist and jazz professor considers the ES-345 superior for his needs, finding it perfect after trying several models.

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  • The ES-335 is favored by Nashville session players for its versatility, covering a wide sonic range suitable for various genres.

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Build quality

  • The serial numbers on this model are printed with black ink rather than being engraved or punched, unlike most other ES-335s.

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  • Block inlays on the Larry Carlton ES-335 are noted for their precise size and spacing, which distinguishes genuine models from fakes.

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  • The ES-335's thick poly finish has been noted to be brittle, with some users experiencing chipping around the edges.

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Value and pricing

  • A seller offered the guitar for $2000, but a suspicious price drop to $1000 suggested a possible scam scenario.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners often replace the stock T-Top pickups in newer ES-335s with alternatives like SD SH-1 '59s for a warmer sound.

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Critic Reviews

Gibson Larry Carlton ES-335 Guitar Review @TopGuitars.info

topguitars.info

The Gibson Larry Carlton ES-335 is a finely crafted instrument that captures the essence of versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles. With its custom neck profile and unique “Carlton Burst” finish, it showcases both aesthetics and playability. The ’57 Classic humbuckers deliver a rich, even tone that many musicians will appreciate. However, while the guitar shines in many aspects, some may find the price tag a bit steep for their budget. Overall, this signature model is a solid choice for serious players looking to invest in a piece of musical history.

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