Gibson 335-S – A New Solidbody 335

Gibson reintroduces the 335-S, retaining the distinctive shape of the famous 335 guitar but in a smaller, thinner and solidbody package.

You are not alone in asking what’s the point of a solidbody 335? This same question was asked 32 years ago when the first versions of the 335-S were released.

Back in the early ’80s, Gibson designed the 335-S models to combine the familiar “Mickey Mouse eared” shape with the playability and sustain of Gibson Solidbodies.

Gibson launched three short lived versions of the 335-S – there was a Deluxe, Custom and Standard model. The Deluxe model was produced for only three years, while the Custom and Standard lasted for a mere 1 year. So why is Gibson bringing it back?

Ironically, since the original 335-S versions were short lived, only a limited number were manufactured, making the guitars “rare”. It gradually caught the attention of guitar players and collectors, increasing the demand for this rare Gibson hybrid. Today, Gibson decided that there is now enough demand to produce a new line of Gibson 335-S.

Gibson 335-S Deluxe
1980 Gibson 335-S Deluxe

The new 335-S is most likely based on the original 335-S Standard. It has a solid maple body and a glued in maple neck. The neck has a rounded profile that measures .818″ at the first fret and .963″ at the 12th and it has 22 medium-jumbo frets on its Granadillo fingerboard. The 335-S is designed to look simple so decorations are kept at minimal. Gibson equipped the 335-S with a hotter Burstbucker 2 on the bridge and a Burstbucker 1 on the neck. These pickups are modern takes on the original PAF humbucking, and are designed for versatility.

Gibson might have missed the mark on making the 335-S a successful “hybrid” guitar, but the 335-S is a solidbody with its own unique sound, in a familiar shape. I would market it as that, and probably change the model name into something cooler, but that’s just me.

I’ve seen some second hand vintage Gibson 335-S Delux selling online for around $1200. The new Gibson 335-S has a MSRP of $2,149.

For the complete specifications and other details, you can visit Gibson.

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3 thoughts on “Gibson 335-S – A New Solidbody 335”

  1. 335-S Custom Firebrand
    Anonymous

    Don’t be puzzled. I bought mine new in 1981. It came with Dirty Fingers pickups. I stupidly replaced them with Duncan customs without even trying it out first. Dumb move because the Dirty Fingers are so well suited for the 335-S. Awesome guitar. I sold it once but bought it back and would never sell it again. The custom was not made of maple. It was made completely of mahogany. The neck and headstock are 3 ply so it has never warped. If one comes available get it!

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