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Average Price: $3,179

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$500

$1201+

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Description

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and exceptional sound of the Gibson ES-335 Traditional 2018 in Antique Ebony. This semi-hollow body guitar not only channels the iconic style and tone of its predecessors but does so with contemporary flair. Equipped with MHS humbuckers and a hand-wired assembly featuring Orange Drop capacitors, it delivers a sound that's as timeless as its appearance. The vintage-style finish brings an air of classic elegance, making it not just an instrument, but a piece of history in your hands.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollow body design for a rich, resonant tone
  • Equipped with MHS humbuckers for powerful, versatile sound
  • ABR-1 bridge outfitted with titanium saddles for enhanced sustain
  • Hand-wired assembly with Orange Drop capacitors ensures premium sound quality
  • Vintage-style finish for an heirloom appearance

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Memphis ES-335 Traditional
Finish Antique Faded Cherry, Antique Sunset Burst, Dark Vintage Natural, Vintage Ebony
Year 2017 - 2018
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, Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-335
Model Sub-Family Gibson ES-335 Traditional
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Memphis

FAQs

What kind of tone can I expect from the Gibson ES-335 Traditional 2018 Antique Ebony?

The Gibson ES-335 Traditional 2018 features MHS humbuckers that deliver a warm, rich tone with excellent clarity and sustain. It's versatile for genres like blues, jazz, and rock, offering a balanced sound suitable for both clean and overdriven settings.

Is the Gibson ES-335 Traditional 2018 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the semi-hollow body design and quality construction make the Gibson ES-335 Traditional 2018 ideal for live performances, providing a resonant and dynamic sound that cuts through the mix.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-335 Traditional 2018?

The neck of the Gibson ES-335 Traditional 2018 has a C rounded profile, offering a comfortable grip that suits a variety of playing styles, from rhythm to lead.

Does the Gibson ES-335 Traditional 2018 come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson ES-335 Traditional 2018 comes with a hardshell case, ensuring your guitar is protected during transport and storage.

How does the semi-hollow body of the Gibson ES-335 affect its sound?

The semi-hollow body of the Gibson ES-335 provides a unique blend of solid body sustain and hollow body resonance, resulting in a warm, vibrant tone with reduced feedback compared to fully hollow guitars.

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2018 Gibson ES 335 Traditional.

Video thumbnail for 2018 Gibson ES 335 Traditional. by leftyjcw

2018 Gibson ES 335 Traditional.

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Reviews

PROS

  • Neck plays effortlessly and feels comfortable

  • Versatile sound, from silky smooth to powerful bite

  • MHS pickups and 61-63 appointments enhance aesthetics and sound

  • Beautiful, glossy finish available in black and cherry red

  • Lightweight yet resonant compared to other models

  • High-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail

  • No fret buzz, perfect intonation and action

  • Traditional style that has endured through the years

  • Smells great thanks to the lacquer finish

CONS

  • Excess buffing compound in the finish requires cleaning

  • Neck might be too thin for those preferring a clubbier feel

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-335 Traditional 2018.

Comparisons

  • Several players find the ES-335 significantly bulkier than a Strat, affecting playability and comfort, especially for those used to smaller instruments.

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  • The ES-335 is compared favorably against Squier and Fender Starcasters, with owners asserting the 335's superior quality and tone despite the shared semi-hollow body design.

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  • In trades, the ES-335 is often valued higher than a Fender Player Series Stratocaster, making such deals potentially advantageous for those acquiring the Gibson.

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  • Block inlays are often associated with Norlin-era Gibsons, while dots are reminiscent of the original 50s models, influencing aesthetic preferences.

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Use cases and applications

  • The ES-335 is highlighted as versatile, capable of producing tones for jazz, blues, and even approximating a Strat sound in the middle position.

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  • The nitrocellulose finish on the ES-335 is appreciated for its aging properties, offering a visual and tonal appeal over time not found in poly-finished guitars.

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  • The ES-335's versatility is highlighted, with one owner describing it as delivering the "Larry Carlton sound," ideal for jazz and blues contexts.

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Value and pricing

  • Owners note that the 2018 Traditional Antique Ebony model typically sells for over $3,000, suggesting strong resale value and investment potential.

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  • A 2018 Memphis Traditional Vintage Ebony ES-335 model can be found for around $2,500 to $3,300 on platforms like Reverb, indicating its strong market demand.

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  • A used Fender Player Series Stratocaster is typically valued around $400 to $600, affecting trade evaluations with higher-priced models like the ES-335.

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User experience

  • One owner tested 50 different ES-335s before finding the perfect one, emphasizing the model's variability in tone and playability.

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  • Transitioning from a Fender Stratocaster to an ES-335 can feel significant due to the different scale length and neck profile, impacting playability and comfort for some players.

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  • Owners who prefer understated designs often choose dot inlays for their simplicity and classic look on the ebony finish.

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Build quality

  • Split parallelograms offer a unique aesthetic not commonly seen on other 335 models, adding elegance without excessive flashiness.

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Features and functionality

  • Bigsby vibratos are noted for potential tuning instability, with some owners preferring to avoid them despite their visual appeal.

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