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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
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What makes the Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 unique compared to other ES-335 models?
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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.
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Is the Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 suitable for live performances?
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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.
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How does the neck profile of the Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 affect playability?
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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.
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What type of music genres is the Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 best suited for?
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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.
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Can the Gibson Jim James Signature ES-335 handle high-gain settings?
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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.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
The Owl Guitar Is Here! | 2021 Gibson Jim James My Morning Jacket Signature ES-335 70s Walnut Review
Reviews
PROS
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Stunning walnut finish highlights the wood's natural beauty
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Massive tone range exceeding expectations
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Clear and balanced pickups enhance sound quality
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Fantastic playability for both novices and seasoned players
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Comes with a beautiful and high-quality case
CONS
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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
Setup and maintenance
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Fingerboards may arrive dried out; oiling restores color and playability.
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Comparisons
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Pickups are described as clearer PAFs with more treble, contrasting with muddier MHS humbuckers.
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Compared to Les Paul Traditional Pro, the pickups are similar but more powerful than the 57 classic.
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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.
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User experience
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Owners find pickups versatile, handling a range from slight grit to fuzz well.
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Use cases and applications
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It's noted that Jim James used a Strat more recently, possibly due to ease of movement and back issues.
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Value and pricing
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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.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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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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