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Description
The Gibson ES-335 Bigsby is a harmonious blend of vintage allure and modern craftsmanship, capturing the essence of the iconic 1963 model. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar not only embodies Gibson's historical legacy with its unpotted MHS humbuckers, but also offers an expansive tonal palette, making it a versatile companion for any musician. The dual humbuckers deliver everything from smooth jazz and country twang to gritty blues and rock, ensuring that every note resonates with clarity and warmth.
Crafted with a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple construction, the ES-335 Bigsby boasts a semi-hollow design that enhances harmonic richness and sustain. Its neck is hide-glued for enhanced tonal qualities, paired with a rosewood fingerboard featuring classic block inlays. The Bigsby B-7 tailpiece adds a touch of vintage flair while providing smooth vibrato effects, making it ideal for both subtle expression and dynamic performances.
Designed for authenticity, the guitar features period-correct appointments such as a historic truss rod and window center block, ensuring that it remains true to its legendary predecessor. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a rock enthusiast, the Gibson ES-335 Bigsby invites you to explore a world of sonic possibilities, all while relishing in its timeless elegance and superior playability.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody design with 3-ply maple/poplar/maple top, back, and sides
- Unpotted MHS humbuckers (Alnico III neck, Alnico II bridge) for versatile tones
- Historic truss rod and window center block for vintage authenticity
- Hide-glued mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard and block inlays
- Bigsby B-7 tailpiece for classic vibrato effects
- Individual tone, volume, and Varitone controls for precise sound shaping
- Double-ring tulip button Kluson tuners for stable tuning and classic look
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-335 Bigsby.
Setup and maintenance
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Installing a String Butler V1, which is aluminum, can improve tuning stability by keeping strings straight over the nut.
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Using lube in the nut slots can prevent string binding and improve tuning stability without additional modifications.
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Switching to a Bricks Biggsfix tension bar and sanding saddle and nut slots improves tuning stability and playability on Bigsby-equipped ES-335s.
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Mods and upgrades
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Gotoh SGV510Z 1:21 tuners or Kluson Revolution E-Mount 1:20 tuners are recommended for better tuning precision and ease of string changes.
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A Vibramate String Spoiler can simplify string changes on a Bigsby-equipped guitar.
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Replacing the stock spring with a Reverend Soft Touch spring in the Bigsby can enhance playability.
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The Towner bar with a Bigsby B6 offers no-drill installation, adjustable string break angle, and grounding through the bar without extra metal plates.
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The Duesenberg Les Trem can be installed on stock tailpiece posts as a simpler alternative to a Bigsby, enhancing versatility without complex modifications.
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Features and functionality
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Bigsby-equipped guitars may experience increased string tension and a slightly brighter tone due to the longer string length.
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Installing a Bigsby the classical way, without Vibramate, may offer better tuning stability and aesthetics according to some owners.
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Using string gauges of 10-46 is recommended for optimal performance with a Bigsby, as lighter strings like 9s may not maintain tuning stability.
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User experience
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 21 Ratings
Twang, growl, smooth.
Man this guitar is just great. I'll never sell it. But mines a sunburt 333, not listen here.
41029
I see you posted the 333 too, you should delete this review since you don't have an actual 335 (the 333 has a few non-cosmetic differences) and when you say 335 with bigsby the implication is a factory bigsby, not one you added.
Artist usage
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Paul McCartney in the recording studio, playing a right-handed Gibson ES-335 with Bigsby, upside down.
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Noel uses this guitar on most of the majority of his career. He first used it when he was in Oasis and this guitar was featured in the Stand By Me music video for Oasis. He also uses this guitar on the live performances of D'You Know What I Mean? as well as Champagne Supernova in 2008-2009
In the picture above, Jamie Cook can be seen playing a Gibson ES-335 with Bigsby.
This is one of the most well-known guitars Jamie used as he's been using ES-335's since 2006. The version with Bigsby has been used since the Humbug era.
Eddie is playing this guitar in man of the hour.
This photo of Gustavo Cerati, of Soda Stereo, performing live shows his Gibson ES-335 hollow body electric guitar with Bigsby tremolo system.
Andy Summers talks this Gibson ES-335 in this interview with Guitar International. He says, "My 'third' electric guitar, if you will, would be the 335, outside of getting into classical or acoustic guitars. It depends on the music."
Duane Allman owned a red Gibson ES-335 Electric Guitar with a Bigsby Vibrato, as referenced by Groundguitar. This is further supported by a video titled "Simon Campbell playing Duane Allman's ES-335."
He used an ES335 with a Bigsby throughout his concert in Amsterdam in November 2017. Possibly a vintage one.
In a live performance on KEXP, Trentemøller's band uses a Gibson ES-335 Electric Guitar with Bigsby Vibrato.
As far back as 2011 Marcus could occasionally be seen playing a Gibson ES-335 Semi-Acoustic guitar, as at the Bonnaroo music festival:
Niall is seen with this guitar during the entire video. He also uses it in May 29th, 2017 on Today Show (which you can se here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RE3FI6e2R8).
In this interview, Don Felder says of his Gibson 335, "I would like to see the red Gibson 335 that was stolen from me in Florida in 1965. That would be a great Christmas gift and make me very happy!"
Album Usage
The Gibson ES-335 Bigsby has been featured on the following albums:
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 Bigsby, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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Community setups
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