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“This is an absolute dream guitar of mine …,” enthuses session and touring guitarist Mason Stoops on finding an all-original 1960 Gibson ES-335 hanging on a rack at Guitar Center Hollywood’s Platinum & Vintage Room.
In the video below, Stoops takes the vintage 335 to Sunset Sound to plug into an “incredible” 1964 Fender Vibroverb—and explores what makes early ES-335s so iconic in terms of response, resonance and studio tone.
A Semi-Hollow That Solved a Real Problem
Stoops frames the ES-335 as Gibson’s answer to the changing electric guitar world of the 1950s and ’60s—something that retained the look and vibe of a hollowbody, while addressing the new realities of producing increased volume and sustain and minimizing feedback.
“Inside the 335 is a center block, so what you really have is a solidbody guitar with these hollow wings on either side,” explains Stoops. “It’s a landmark concept and one of [Gibson president] Ted McCarty’s more genius ideas.”
For the full story, dive into The History of the Gibson ES-335.
A Sound That Changes How You Play
When Stoops talks about why you’d reach for a 335 instead of another classic guitar, he keeps coming back to response—how the guitar pushes back and speaks under your fingertips.
“It comes down to articulation,” he says. “There’s a way notes kind of bloom. The neck pickup has this warm hug of midrange. It’s kind of dark but still cuts. The bridge pickup has a layer of complexity that other humbucker guitars don’t have because of the 335’s semi-hollowbody construction. The ES-335 can jump out when you need it or kind of disappear in the mix when you need that, too.”
Find out How to Choose the Best Gibson ES-335 for your sound.
Discover Your Own Vintage Story
The world of vintage instruments is beautiful, vast and fascinating. If you’re chasing a semi-hollow with character, explore Guitar Center’s Used and Vintage inventory. And if you’re ever in Los Angeles, Guitar Center Hollywood’s Platinum & Vintage Room is a destination all its own.