NBD Gibson es335

[f64]

Pulled the trigger on this after I had a chance to run one through the paces. I’m 6’ so the 34” scale is more to my liking than any of the short scales out there.
Out of the box fit and quality are impeccable. Gibson’s Memphis shop definitely has a winner here. Little things like the old school construction of wrapping the fret ends with the binding you don’t see much any more.
Balance is even, either seated or with a strap. Neck is slightly wider and deeper than my 77 Jazz but not as big as my 72 P. Pups are not muddy at all but not as hot as the ones on the new OS Les Paul’s. Harmonics seem to ring forever so they definitely have the balance of the center blocking to cavity worked out well.
My only complaint, if it is one, is that they followed tradition and put the jack on the face. I’m going to let this sit and acclimate for a few days before I can get a good read on the tone. HB’s can change slightly with humidity differences. My first impression, out of the box, though is a much more modern tone than the originals and slightly more modern than the Warwick Star II’s.

 

[Baird6869]

Looks great!

I cancelled an order for a Midtown, but this is getting me thinking....

 

[TBird1958]

That's really a great looking bass, congratulations. I like the neck binding a lot!

 

[Marko 1]

Wow, that’s gorgeous.

 

[EagleMoon]

That's really nice. I've always liked that body style.

 

[Barkless Dog]

Nice bass and great pickups.

 

[loendmaestro]

Nice! I just got a Midtown & love it. Gibson is putting out some winners...

 

[gbazinet]

I always wanted an EB2. Now i want one of these! For the record I have a Gibson Les Paul special and whenever I play it sitting down I wish the input was on the front...

If you get a chance PM me. I'd love to know what this cost.

 

[Draculea]

Cool bass! I wasn't a fan of the ES 335s as a bass but rather as a guitar, however now that I saw yours I really dig it. Enjoy!

 

[purfektstranger]

Looks great. Love the finish. Congrats!

 

[Mr. Ray]

Nice Gibson. What is the weight?
How would you compare the differences to the Warwick Star Bass as far as playability and sound?

 

[Wagz]

Congrats! That is one beautiful bass.

 

[Batmensch]

Cost?

 

[warwick.hoy]

Holy!!!! That's an amazing instrument you got there. I don't follow Gibson too closely. Are these current models? Custom Shop? Is this an old bass?

 

[ram936]

I just took delivery on a cherry ES 335. It's gorgeous! I own a Midtown, a Les Paul and an Epiphone Casady, as well as a couple Warwicks and a couple of Jazz basses. I love 'em all, but my new ES blows them all away. It plays great, sounds wonderful, and is a joy to hold and behold. I may be done acquiring basses. Nah, probably not.

 

[f64]

Nice Gibson. What is the weight?
How would you compare the differences to the Warwick Star Bass as far as playability and sound?

The weight is 8lb 11 oz on my UPS scale. The body of the 335 being Maple it produces a brighter note than the Babinga Star II. Both have a very similar feel as the body and neck shape and pup placement are very close. The neck on the 335 is definitely lighter but the bell brass frets on the Star produce that unique ringing tone found only on Warwick’s.

Cost?

$ 2200. This seems to be the street price out there. I've only found 4 of these available in sunburst and only one in black. Gibson's definitely not flooding the market. The black "studio" version is priced $200 less.
Personally I think these are undervalued at the moment and Gibson is testing the water at this price point. Guild's reintroduction of this body style starts at a point over a grand higher.

Holy!!!! That's an amazing instrument you got there. I don't follow Gibson too closely. Are these current models? Custom Shop? Is this an old bass?

It's a current small number production produced in Memphis. It comes with a custom shop lifetime warranty, but no custom shop decal on the back of the headstock. Right now it seems the entire production available out there can be counted on one hand.
Gibson had one sunburst and one black studio version at winter NAMM buried at the back of the case and other than one interview seemingly avoided them.

 

[Bredian]

Interesting your pups are different from the display on Gibson's site, where they show a old style large ceramic at the neck and a mini humbucker at the bridge, although I prolly wouldn't miss them.

 

[Batmensch]

Interesting your pups are different from the display on Gibson's site, where they show a old style large ceramic at the neck and a mini humbucker at the bridge, although I prolly wouldn't miss them.

I believe that's another model recently released, called the Midtown, I think.

 

[f64]

I believe that's another model recently released, called the Midtown, I think.

Correct. The Midtown uses a hollowed out mahogany body and flat top. The 335 has a carved maple top and back.
Of interest is that the Midtown 6 string has already been discontinued. My guess is that the bass will follow suit and become somewhat rare in time.

 

[iamthebassman]

I absolutely LOVE my Midtown!!