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Description

Blending classic design with modern flair, the Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 is more than just a guitar—it's a tribute to the rich musical legacy of My Morning Jacket's frontman. Crafted for the discerning guitarist, this semi-hollowbody electric guitar offers a harmonious blend of vintage warmth and contemporary playability. The SlimTaper mahogany neck provides a comfortable grip, while the Plek’d frets ensure smooth, effortless playing across the Indian rosewood fingerboard.

Equipped with a pair of calibrated T-Type humbucking pickups, the ES-335 delivers a versatile tonal palette—from sweet, chiming cleans to aggressive, gritty overdrives. Each pickup is meticulously hand-wired with Orange Drop capacitors, allowing you to shape your sound with precision. The Graph Tech nut and Kluson Waffleback tuners ensure rock-solid tuning stability, even during the most intense performances.

The body is constructed from a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple combination, providing a resonant and balanced sound. The classic nitrocellulose lacquer finish not only enhances the guitar’s natural tone but also gives it the look and feel of a cherished vintage instrument. Whether you're crafting soulful ballads or raucous rock anthems, the Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 is your perfect companion onstage and in the studio.

Key Features:

  • Signature model of My Morning Jacket’s Jim James
  • 3-ply maple/poplar/maple body construction
  • Mahogany set neck with '60s SlimTaper profile
  • Rosewood fingerboard with acrylic dot inlays
  • Plek’d frets for enhanced playability
  • ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge and Kluson Waffleback machine heads
  • 1.695-inch GraphTech nut, 24.75-inch scale length
  • Neck and bridge-position calibrated T-Type humbucking pickups
  • 2 Volume, 2 Tone controls, 3-way pickup selector
  • Handwired with Orange Drop capacitors
  • Nickel hardware; custom owl decal on the headstock

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Jim James Signature ES-335
Finish 70s Walnut
Year 2021 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Artist Jim James
Body Material Mahogany
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-335
Model Sub-Family Gibson ES-335TD Dot
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Artist Collection

FAQs

What makes the Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 unique compared to other ES-335 models?

The Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 features a 70s Walnut finish, a mahogany SlimTaper neck, and two Calibrated T-Type humbuckers, offering a distinct blend of vintage aesthetics and modern playability tailored to Jim James' style.

Is the Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the semi-hollowbody design of the Jim James Signature ES-335 provides excellent resonance and sustain, making it well-suited for live performances across various genres.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 affect playability?

The SlimTaper mahogany neck offers a comfortable grip and fast playability, ideal for players who prefer a thinner neck profile for smooth transitions and ease of playing.

What type of music genres is the Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 best suited for?

The versatile tone of the Calibrated T-Type humbuckers makes this guitar suitable for rock, blues, jazz, and alternative music, offering rich, warm tones with excellent clarity.

Can the Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 handle high-gain settings?

Yes, the Calibrated T-Type humbuckers are designed to handle high-gain settings well, providing clear and articulate sound without excessive feedback, even at high volumes.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Owl Guitar Is Here! | 2021 Gibson Jim James My Morning Jacket Signature ES-335 70s Walnut Review

Video thumbnail for The Owl Guitar Is Here! | 2021 Gibson Jim James My Morning Jacket Signature ES-335 70s Walnut Review by The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Owl Guitar Is Here! | 2021 Gibson Jim James My Morning Jacket Signature ES-335 70s Walnut Review

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Jim James ES-335 by Gibson TV

Jim James ES-335

Gibson TV

Gibson TV

Video thumbnail for Jim James ES-335 in Walnut by Gibson TV

Jim James ES-335 in Walnut

Gibson TV

Gibson TV

Video thumbnail for Introducing: The Gibson Custom Jim James ES-335 (QUICK DEMO) by Alto Music

Introducing: The Gibson Custom Jim James ES-335 (QUICK DEMO)

Alto Music

Alto Music

Video thumbnail for Gibson Jim James ES-335 Tone Test - Sherwood Music by Sherwood Music

Gibson Jim James ES-335 Tone Test - Sherwood Music

Sherwood Music

Sherwood Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning walnut finish highlights the wood's natural beauty

  • Massive tone range exceeding expectations

  • Clear and balanced pickups enhance sound quality

  • Fantastic playability for both novices and seasoned players

  • Comes with a beautiful and high-quality case

CONS

  • Walnut finish may appear darker than some expect

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • Some owners note a neck dive due to heavy tuners affecting balance.

    Source
  • Several owners admire the walnut finish, noting the visible wood grain as a standout feature compared to typical glossy finishes.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Fingerboards may arrive dried out; oiling restores color and playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Pickups are described as clearer PAFs with more treble, contrasting with muddier MHS humbuckers.

    Source
  • Compared to Les Paul Traditional Pro, the pickups are similar but more powerful than the 57 classic.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Jim James 335 is only $200 more than a standard 335, offering unique pickups and tuners, plus a distinct finish.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners find pickups versatile, handling a range from slight grit to fuzz well.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • It's noted that Jim James used a Strat more recently, possibly due to ease of movement and back issues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some suggest that a walnut 335 can be sourced second-hand for $1.8k–$2.6k, allowing for budget-friendly customization to match signature specs.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Recommendations include upgrading the nut and pickups for a personalized setup, suggesting savings by customizing a standard model rather than purchasing the signature version.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Gibson Jim James ES-335 review | Guitar World

guitarworld.com

The Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 brings a nostalgic flair with its lightweight design and versatile T-Type humbuckers, appealing to both stage performers and studio musicians alike. While its unique walnut finish and owl motifs add character, the limited color options and higher price point compared to the Original series may deter some buyers. However, the guitar’s exceptional playability and sound quality make it a standout choice for those seeking a modern take on a classic model.

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Artist usage

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See how Jim James uses Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335

Jim James

Singer, Guitarist

My Morning Jacket

...
Verified via Gibson

In December 2021, Jim James got his signature model from Gibson, based on 70s ES-335. James used the prototype of the signature model according to 2021 Premier Guitar rig rundown.

James' new signature model is the result of a collaboration that took place over about five years. The guitarist explains that his goal was to create a guitar that didn't have fancy appointments—to make something that seemed "almost invisible," as if it were a part of the Gibson line for decades. To accomplish this, James chose to outfit his signature model with a '70s walnut finish, calibrated T-Type humbuckers, and Kluson Waffleback tuners. "I hope people who like me or like my music like the guitar," he shares. "I like the thought of somebody just seeing it in a guitar store and going, 'Whoa, that's really beautiful.' I wanted it to feel like a classic instrument that doesn't have a bunch of weird things on it. I think we've created a classic feeling instrument that plays really well. I've been playing it on these tour dates and I really love it." One difference that players will find unique about the Jim James ES-335 is its slim neck profile. "I wanted it to have a thin neck, because I've got pretty bad carpal tunnel," he reveals. "During shows, my hands would go completely numb. They would turn into hamburger, and by the end of a tough song, I didn't know if I was going to make it through the next song."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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