Gibson ES 335
Introduced
in 1958, this guitar was designed to combine hollow
and solidbodied electrics in a single instrument.
The ES 335®
was unlike any hollowbodied guitar at that time.
It had f-holes like
a traditional hollowbody, but also had double
cutaways and a 'stop' tailpiece ( like on a Les
Paul ).
The guitar's real innovation,
however, was hidden from view. It had an interior
of solid maple that ran through the center of
the body to reduce feedback and provide the sustain
of a solidbodied electric guitar.
This guitar is liked by jazz,
blues, and rock players as well. The guitar's
double cutaways makes it easier for the guitarist
to reach the lower frets.
The ES 335®
is light and has a thin body, making it easier
to hold and handle. It has been one of Gibson's
best selling models ever. The ES 335's fancier
variations are the Gibson ES 345® and ES 355®.
Another special variation
of this guitar would be the "Lucille",
B.B. King's signature model, which has no
f-holes. All B.B. King's guitars are named
Lucille.
