What a beaut! This stunning 335 has the more desirable block inlays giving it a super premium look. The satin finish models were released in limited numbers, making this a rare opportunity to acquire a guitar that very seldom comes to market.
This beautiful instrument is in excellent overall condition with only very light signs of use, most noticeably on the scratch plate where there are some light pick marks and the butt of the body, which shows some small marks on the binding from a stand.
There are no breaks, cracks or repairs and it is 100% original as from the factory.
There is a small line running from one of the f-holes, as shown in the photos. This is just a mark in the finish as it came from the factory, and not a scratch or crack.
The frets are in good overall condition; they show some wear but have plenty of life left in them.
The guitar comes in its original brown Gibson hard case. In the case are included the bound certificate of authenticity, owners manual and warranty card.
The Gibson ES-335 is a key part of Gibson’s illustrious catalogue. The Limited Run Memphis 2018 ES-335 in Satin Walnut is a 70s-inspired instrument, with its understated yet classy aesthetics that will wear beautifully over time. With the remarkable build quality you’d come to expect from Gibson, this instrument boasts an incredible sound with an elegant look to match.
The ES-335 is renowned for its versatility, but has generally appealed mostly to jazz and blues players. However, with its updated hardware and uncovered Burstbucker pickups, we think this 2018 ES-335 will be seen in the hands of far more modern players as it is a way more versatile guitar, not just a one trick pony.
Body Construction:
The 2018 Memphis ES-335 has a semi-hollow body, which delivers a bright and open acoustic-esque sound with plenty of volume. The response you get from this guitar is very inspiring, where you can feel every note or chord surge through your body. Despite being a semi-hollow design, the body is quite thin compared to some other Gibson models, offering a comfortable playing experience. This also means that feedback is reduced, making it usable with overdrive or distortion.
With Maple and Poplar tonewoods, as well as a Maple centreblock within the body, this guitar provides a lot of top-end sizzle. This gives brilliant definition to picked chord progressions or searing solos, really making sure that you can cut through almost any mix!
Neck:
The neck has a familiar rounded C neck profile, which feels substantial in the hands without being too chunky. Rolled binding also offers a smoother feel and a sleek transition between the side of the neck and the fretboard, a great feature that you will find only on high-calibre instruments like this.
The quarter-sawn Mahogany neck is adorned with a Rosewood fingerboard, giving you a silky smooth feel around the neck. This championed combination of woods brings out the warmth of this guitar, merging well with the bright body woods. This means that this guitar sounds incredibly full-bodied, great for both live use and studio sessions.
Hardware and Electronics:
The 2018 ES-335 has a modern ABR-1 bridge, with a locking die-cast zinc tailpiece that makes string changes effortless. Titanium saddles offer better sustain, intonation and longevity, making this the perfect workhorse guitar that’ll never let you down. Also offering improved tuning stability, these special saddles along with the Grover Rotomatic tuners will keep your strings in check.
Dual Burstbucker humbucking pickups deliver plenty of output, with a strong and punchy mid-range as well as a tight bass response. With distortion they can sound fairly raunchy and bold, meaning the ES-335 is not just a one-trick pony. You can use this for jazz, blues, rock, indie or even metal – it’s that versatile!
Gibson Specification:
Body
Body: 3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple, maple centerblock
Top: 3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
Binding: Single-ply Cream
Neck
Neck: Quarter Sawn Mahogany
Neck Width: 1.687″
Neck Profile: Rounded “C”, Rolled Binding
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Fingerboard Binding: Single-ply Cream
Fingerboard Radius: 12″
Inlays: Pearloid Small Block
Scale Length: 24.75″
Number of Frets: 22
Fret Size: Medium Jumbo
Nut: Bone
Hardware
Bridge: ABR-1 Bridge with Titatnium Saddles
Tuners: Grover 102 Rotomatics
Hardware Material: Satin Nickel
Tailpiece: Die-cast Zinc Stopbar
Knobs: Black Witch Hats with Silver Inserts
Pickguard: Black
Electronics
Neck Pickup: Burstbucker 1 (Uncovered)
Bridge Pickup: Burstbucker 2 (Uncovered)
Controls: MTC – 2 x volume, 2 x tone, 3-way toggle pickup switch, hand-wired with ceramic capacitors
