Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Gibson ES-335 Memphis Electric Guitar is a modern rendition of a classic, capturing the essence of rock, blues, and jazz with finesse and style. Known for its semi-hollowbody design, this iconic instrument offers a warm, resonant sound that has captivated musicians since its debut in 1958. The ES-335's blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation delivers unmatched versatility, making it a top choice for guitarists across genres.

Equipped with a pair of Gibson's powerful humbucking pickups, the ES-335 Memphis offers a wide tonal range, from rich, mellow cleans to gritty, overdriven leads. The guitar's maple body, combined with a solid maple center block, ensures both sustain and reduced feedback, allowing for a seamless performance in any setting. The comfortable, rounded “C” neck profile provides smooth playability, enhancing the player's experience whether they're on stage or in the studio.

The Gibson ES-335 Memphis is not only a musical instrument but also a piece of history, embodying the spirit of countless legendary performances. For musicians seeking a guitar with depth, character, and a legacy of excellence, the ES-335 stands as a testament to Gibson’s dedication to quality.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody construction for enhanced resonance
  • Dual Gibson humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • Maple body with a solid maple center block to reduce feedback
  • Rounded “C” neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Heritage-inspired craftsmanship with modern enhancements
Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

2018 Gibson ES-335 Memphis Guitars

Video thumbnail for 2018 Gibson ES-335 Memphis Guitars by Andertons Music Co

2018 Gibson ES-335 Memphis Guitars

Andertons Music Co

Andertons Music Co

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis 2016 ES-335 | Review by Guitar Interactive Magazine

Gibson Memphis 2016 ES-335 | Review

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Guitar Interactive Magazine

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis ES-335 Dot Review - An Absolute Classic Guitar! by PMTVUK

Gibson Memphis ES-335 Dot Review - An Absolute Classic Guitar!

PMTVUK

PMTVUK

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

User experience

  • Owners report variations in neck profiles due to hand shaping, with no consistent '50s or '60s profile, making each guitar unique.

    Source
  • A 1998 Memphis Dot is praised for its flatter, wider neck and ideal weight at 8 lbs, 3 oz, offering versatility up to Les Paul-like tones.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Fretwear varies; one owner used their ES-335 heavily for 5 years before needing a fret dress, indicating durability over time.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • A 2022 Figured model features a "medium C" neck profile, noted for its comfort and similarity to the SG classic neck.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A 1982 ES-335 Pro dot neck had frets PLEK-ed after decades of use, improving playability and showcasing long-term fret resilience.

    Source
  • Ibanez AS103 models from 2007-2009 are noted for having fine tuners at the bridge, a feature removed in later models, offering a competitive alternative to Gibson.

    Source
  • Heritage guitars are frequently considered superior to Gibsons in craftsmanship among some players, despite aesthetic preferences for the Gibson brand.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Used Memphis models often cost more than new Nashville ones, possibly due to perceived quality and Custom Shop labeling.

    Source
  • New Gibson ES-335s reportedly sell out quickly, with current wait times up to 6 months, reflecting high demand and potential scarcity.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some owners associate Memphis-made guitars with higher quality due to lower volume production, potentially offering better craftsmanship.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Gibson ES-335s are sometimes chosen for their lighter weight, under 8 lbs, which can be a deciding factor for players prioritizing comfort.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 7 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
skylinerr

#1 Rhythm

as I have done lots of rhythm work on various record my black memphis es 335 is the go to and it has Lollartrons in the neck and bridge and clear nobs (yes I wanted a Chris Cornell sig)

Genres:

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Chapman uses Gibson ES-335 Memphis Electric Guitar

Rob Chapman

Singer, Guitarist

Dorje

...
Verified via YouTube

"This is an interesting type of top because part of me wants to say it's a flaming maple but then you get these ripples coming through it as well that look a whole different world of nice" - Rob at 11:00.

See how Danielle Haim uses Gibson ES-335 Memphis Electric Guitar

Danielle Haim

Singer, Guitarist

HAIM

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture from Haim's 2014 performance at Coachella we can see Danielle playing a Gibson Memphis ES-335.

See how Frank Sidoris uses Gibson ES-335 Memphis Electric Guitar

Frank Sidoris

Guitarist

The Cab

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo you can see Frank Sidoris using ES-335 black.

See how Kellindo Parker uses Gibson ES-335 Memphis Electric Guitar

Kellindo Parker

Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

That White Gibson ES-335 "limited edition" can clearly be seen in that photo Parker posted on instagram capturing "Ladies in waiting".

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 ES-335 Memphis Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

More Gibson Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides