The Gibson ES-335 Dot is one of the most iconic semi-hollow electric guitars in history, blending the warmth of an acoustic guitar with the punch and sustain of a solid-body electric. The 60s Cherry finish adds a vintage touch to this modern recreation, making it a favorite among professional musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. Let’s delve into its design, tone, and overall performance.
Design and Build Quality
The ES-335 is synonymous with timeless style, and the Dot 60s Cherry variant does not disappoint. Its vintage-inspired aesthetics, combined with impeccable craftsmanship, create a guitar that looks as stunning as it sounds.
- Body: The semi-hollow body features a maple/poplar/maple laminate construction with a solid maple center block, ensuring a balance of resonance and feedback resistance. The gloss nitrocellulose lacquer in 60s Cherry highlights the wood grain beautifully.
- Neck and Fingerboard: The mahogany neck features a rounded “C” profile that is comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing. The rosewood fingerboard, adorned with simple yet elegant pearloid dot inlays, complements the vintage aesthetic.
- Hardware: The guitar is equipped with nickel-plated hardware, including a sturdy ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop bar tailpiece for rock-solid tuning stability and sustain. The vintage-style Grover Rotomatic tuners are precise and smooth.
Electronics and Tone
The ES-335 Dot 60s Cherry is fitted with Gibson’s proprietary Calibrated T-Type humbuckers, which deliver a wide tonal palette, suitable for genres ranging from jazz and blues to rock and even modern indie.
- Neck Pickup: The neck pickup produces warm, full-bodied tones, perfect for clean jazzy chords or creamy blues solos.
- Bridge Pickup: The bridge pickup is bright and articulate, with enough bite for crunchy rock riffs or cutting leads.
- Versatility: The three-way selector switch, combined with individual volume and tone controls for each pickup, allows for precise tonal adjustments, making this guitar incredibly versatile.
Playability and Comfort
The ES-335 is known for its comfortable playing experience, and this model is no exception.
- Neck Profile: The rounded “C” neck profile feels natural in hand, catering to a variety of playing styles.
- Scale Length: With a 24.75-inch scale and medium jumbo frets, the guitar offers smooth bending and effortless playability across the fretboard.
- Weight: The semi-hollow design keeps the weight manageable, making it comfortable for extended playing sessions.
Sound and Performance
The ES-335 delivers a unique tonal combination that bridges the gap between solid-body and fully hollow guitars. Its semi-hollow construction offers a resonant, open sound while the center block reduces unwanted feedback.
- Clean Tones: The cleans are rich and warm, with a natural sustain that makes chords and single-note lines sing.
- Overdriven Tones: With overdrive or distortion, the guitar retains clarity and definition, making it ideal for rock and blues solos.
- Dynamic Range: The T-Type pickups excel in capturing the nuances of your playing, responding well to subtle changes in pick attack and volume control.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Classic design with premium craftsmanship.
- Versatile tonal range suitable for multiple genres.
- Comfortable neck profile for extended playability.
- Excellent balance between resonance and feedback control.
Cons:
- High price point (typical for Gibson guitars).
- The semi-hollow body can feel bulky for smaller players.
- Slight susceptibility to feedback at extremely high gain settings.
Conclusion
The Gibson ES-335 Dot 60s Cherry is a masterful recreation of a legendary guitar. Its blend of vintage aesthetics, high-quality construction, and exceptional tonal versatility make it a must-have for serious players and collectors. While it’s a significant investment, the ES-335 offers unparalleled performance, making it well worth the price for those seeking a professional-grade instrument.
Whether you’re a jazz purist, a blues enthusiast, or a rock guitarist looking to explore semi-hollow tones, the ES-335 Dot 60s Cherry is an instrument that will inspire you every time you pick it up.
Leave a Reply