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Pricing and availability
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Description
Experience a harmonious blend of vintage charm and modern craftsmanship with the Gibson Memphis ES-335 Custom Cherry Bigsby. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is an homage to the iconic 1963 ES-335, delivering the same legendary tone and aesthetic that has captivated musicians for decades. Its semi-hollow design provides an enriched harmonic resonance, while the unpotted MHS humbuckers offer a versatile tonal palette—from smooth jazz to gritty blues and everything in between.
Crafted with a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple body, and topped with Adirondack spruce bracing, the guitar ensures both durability and a classic tonal quality. The hide-glued mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard are not just nods to vintage construction techniques but contribute to a more authentic playing experience. Whether you're dialing in chiming country tones or powerful rock riffs, the Bigsby B-7 vibrato tailpiece allows for expressive pitch modulation, adding a unique vibrato effect to your sound.
The Gibson Memphis ES-335 Custom Cherry Bigsby isn't just about sound; it's about feel and heritage. With historically correct slim horns at the cutaway and a period-accurate "window" centerblock shape, this guitar is as much a collector's piece as it is a musician's tool. Its individual tone, volume, and Varitone controls give you the freedom to craft a sound that's uniquely yours.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody design for enhanced harmonic richness
- 3-ply maple/poplar/maple top, back, and sides
- Hide-glued mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard
- Unpotted MHS humbuckers (Alnico III neck, Alnico II bridge)
- Bigsby B-7 vibrato tailpiece for classic pitch modulation
- Period-correct "window" centerblock shape and neck profile
- Double-ring tulip button Kluson tuners
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Memphis ES-335 Bigsby.
Build quality
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Some owners noted minor cosmetic flaws like unevenly scraped binding and barely visible finish checking lines on new models.
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Custom Shop models utilize hide glue for neck setting, contrasting with Titebond used in standard models, impacting perceived tonal characteristics.
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Owners highlight that the Gibson 335 weighs less than most Les Pauls, ranging from 8-9 lbs with a Bigsby, offering a comfortable playing experience.
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Setup and maintenance
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Fretboards are often dry and lighter than expected; regular application of lemon oil can help achieve a darker, richer appearance.
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User experience
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Satin finishes can become glossy and sticky over time, particularly on the neck and armrest areas, affecting long-term playability.
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Owners appreciate the rounded fret shapes on Custom Shop models, which are gentler on fingers during slides, enhancing long-term playability.
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The pickup selector switch on the 335 is positioned inconveniently for quick changes, though some appreciate it being out of the strumming path.
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Comparisons
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Owners comparing finishes suggest gloss over satin for longevity, noting that satin finishes wear to a glossy sheen with frequent use.
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The '64 neck is rounder and chunkier compared to the slim-tapered '61 neck, offering a different feel that might suit players used to Les Paul Standard '50s necks.
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One user described the Gibson Murphy Lab finish as remarkably thin and vintage-like, enhancing visual appeal and possibly sonic character.
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The Gibson ES-335 features a three-ply maple-poplar-maple construction, which contrasts with the Epiphone's five-ply Asian maple, affecting resonance and feel.
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The Epiphone x Gibson Custom Shop 1959 355 collab includes Gibson Custom Shop pickups, making it a strong contender for those seeking quality at a lower price.
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Features and functionality
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The '64 reissue has nylon saddles and cellulose nitrate small block inlays, while the '61 features nickel-plated brass saddles and pearloid dot inlays.
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Mods and upgrades
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The Gibson demo shop offers modded 335s at discounted prices on specific days; refreshing the page quickly is crucial due to fast sell-outs.
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Use cases and applications
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ES-335s are praised for their controlled feedback, making them suitable for high-volume settings without unwanted noise.
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