Pricing and availability

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

The Gibson Memphis Historic Series '59 ES-335 Kalamazoo is a remarkable tribute to a legendary era in guitar craftsmanship. Revered for its vintage appeal and impressive tonal versatility, this semi-hollowbody electric guitar captures the essence of the original "dot neck" model with a historically accurate build. The MHS humbuckers are the heart of this guitar, delivering sweet, airy tones that can effortlessly shift from smooth jazz to gritty rock. Crafted with a 3-ply maple top and back, and supported by quartersawn Adirondack spruce bracing secured with hot hide glue, it produces a vibrant sound with exceptional sustain.

The guitar's traditional C-shaped neck is carved from sturdy mahogany, topped with a rosewood fingerboard, and enhanced with rolled binding for a comfortable playing experience. The "Mickey Mouse ears" body shape not only provides a nostalgic nod to its forebears but also contributes to its lively and dynamic sound profile. Each note resonates with clarity, making it a versatile choice for musicians across genres.

Handcrafted at the Gibson Memphis Custom Shop, this guitar exemplifies premium craftsmanship and carefully selected tonewoods, ensuring that it not only looks the part but also performs to the highest standards. Whether you're a jazz aficionado, a blues enthusiast, or a rock icon in the making, the Gibson Memphis Historic Series '59 ES-335 Kalamazoo is your gateway to timeless sound and style.

Key Features:

  • Re-creation of the iconic "dot neck" ES-335
  • Historically correct "Mickey Mouse ears" body shape
  • All-maple, semi-hollow construction for vibrant sound
  • MHS humbuckers for versatile tones
  • Traditional C-shaped mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Quartersawn Adirondack spruce bracing with hot hide glue
  • Historic truss rod for excellent adjustability
  • Multi-ply black ES-335 pickguard with 45-degree bevel

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Memphis Historic Series '59 ES-335 Kalamazoo
Year 2019
Made In United States
Categories Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Semi-Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
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
Series Gibson Memphis
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Gibson Memphis Historic Series '59 ES-335 best suited for?

The Gibson Memphis Historic Series '59 ES-335 is versatile and well-suited for genres like blues, jazz, rock, and classic rock due to its semi-hollow body design and warm, resonant tone.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson '59 ES-335 affect playability?

The Gibson '59 ES-335 features a rounded "C" neck profile, providing a comfortable grip that enhances playability, making it ideal for both rhythm and lead playing styles.

What type of pickups are used in the Gibson '59 ES-335, and what tones do they produce?

The Gibson '59 ES-335 is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, known for producing a warm, full-bodied tone with rich sustain, perfect for clean and overdriven sounds.

Is the Gibson '59 ES-335 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson '59 ES-335 is suitable for live performances, offering a balanced tone with reduced feedback due to its semi-hollow construction, making it a reliable choice for stage use.

Does the Gibson '59 ES-335 come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson '59 ES-335 typically comes with a hard-shell case, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis 2019 1959 ES-335 Kalamazoo • SN: A09912

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis 2019 1959 ES-335 Kalamazoo  •  SN: A09912 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis 2019 1959 ES-335 Kalamazoo • SN: A09912

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Memphis 2019 1959 ES-335 Kalamazoo  •  SN: A09905 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Memphis 2019 1959 ES-335 Kalamazoo • SN: A09905

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Memphis Historic Series '59 ES-335 Kalamazoo.

Build quality

  • Production of the ES-335 in Memphis ended in March 2019, making these guitars limited editions and potentially increasing their value.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners claim Gibson Memphis guitars are superior to Gibson USA models, particularly pre-bankruptcy.

    Source
  • Conflicting opinions exist about the superiority of Gibson Memphis versus Nashville, with some saying Nashville guitars are currently at their best.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • There's skepticism about the claim that the last 65 guitars from Memphis were of higher quality than earlier models.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Brand new ES-335 models now cost around $3,000, with older Gibson Memphis versions potentially increasing in value due to their limited production.

    Source

User experience

  • One user noted that preference for older guitars, 15-20 years old, can offer a settled feel and sound.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ariel Posen uses Gibson Memphis Historic Series '59 ES-335 Kalamazoo

Ariel Posen

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Vintage Natural VOS

In the behind-the-scenes video "The Making of Bannatyne" by Ariel Posen, he is seen playing a Gibson Memphis Historic Series '59 ES-335 Kalamazoo at the 1:26 mark. The distinctive dot fret markers identify it as this specific model.

Album Usage

The Gibson Memphis Historic Series '59 ES-335 Kalamazoo 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.

More Gibson Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides