Gibson ES-335 Bigsby

5.0 (21)

1 Review

Find out who is using Gibson ES-335 Bigsby

1 community setup

57 wishlisted

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Page last updated Dec 23, 2025

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Description

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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

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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

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Vibramate adapters can leave non-removable marks where felt pads rest, potentially affecting guitar value.
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Owners with extensive guitar collections value having just one Bigsby-equipped guitar for variety, noting it's more of a specialty item than a staple.
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Build quality

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Some dislike the clumsy look of Vibramates due to the extension covering tailpiece holes, preferring custom plaques for a cleaner appearance.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 21 Ratings

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antonious_healious

148

almost 11 years ago

Twang, growl, smooth.

Man this guitar is just great. I'll never sell it. But mines a sunburt 333, not listen here.

jimmarchi1

41029

11 years ago almost 11 years ago

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.