MY FAVORITE GUITARS #1 1963 Gibson ES335

[@MichaelWilson-ri9pn]

I've owned almost every guitar imaginable but the ES-335 has always kind of been out of my price range. But being older in life and realizing we only live once, I just purchased one. I think it's the best decision I've ever made.

[@porkbelly0713]

good for you. My brother had a '64 or '65 ES345 Stereo, wish I had bought it from him. But man that guitar was so heavy. I understand now why B B King had to sit down to play at the end of his career

[@walterworrall]

Good on u! It is a wonderful guitar to play.

[@budgetguitarist]

This is a GREAT idea for a series. For a lot of us budget players, we live vicariously through pros like Pete.

[@joesatchton212]

Absolutely right man. Awesome series idea - not just the guitars but also the stories behind them. Fascinating and worthy of drool indeed. :)

[@EnigmaOnStrings]

Yeah that’s pathetic.

[@GonzGunner]

Pete, thanks for this video! I've always loved 335's, but when I began watching the video, it brought back a lot of memories. I fondly remember John Nelson from when I began to play guitar in 1976, at the age of thirteen. I took lessons at the old Arcadia Music Mart. John was the guitar salesman, and he sold me my first good acoustic (to my Mom, actually), a Yamaha FG160 (which I wish I still had) and he would let me and my fellow "jaw dropping" friends play all the Les Pauls and Strats. A lot of times, John would show me riffs, he was a master at picking up a song just after hearing it. I was astounded by his ability, which he casually described as "I never had a lesson in my life, I listened to a lot of records". About a year later, after taking lessons one afternoon, he called me over, and said; "Joe, I'm quitting this place". Kind of downhearted, I asked him why. He replied; "I got a great gig, man, with this guy Eddie Money! And with that, after we shook hands, and with him advising me to learn everything I could about the guitar, he was out of there! I didn't see him again until about 25 years later, when I walked into Vintage Gear, after visiting Guitar Center Hollywood. As I was gazing around, all of a sudden, a voice behind me said; "Is that you, Joe?" I turned around, and all I could say was; "JOHN, JOHN! GOOD GOD MAN, ITS BEEN SO LONG! Yes, it's me, John! He flashed a big smile and shook my hand, and he asked me if I was still playing, to which I responded; "Damn right I am!" He replied; "Joe, I remember when you would come to Arcadia Music Mart for guitar lessons with John Schneider, and you hauled that big acoustic case with you while you rode your bike! That was dedication!" We talked about the years in between, and even asked how my Mom was doing. It was an Earth shattering moment for me, but it really warmed my heart to see him again! He's a great guy, and I hope he is doing all right. From the short time I knew him, all those years ago, I learned a lot, and I am thankful to him for that.

[@snuffy166]

cool story dude i enjoyed reading it

[@GonzGunner]

@@snuffy166 Thank you so much! Memories I will treasure as long as I live!

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

This and your Strat make a mean team!

[@knowbody3751]

She (335) is so happy to have found such a loving home. Sounds fantastic. Can't wait to have one myself.

[@peterlukach310]

I think that's the same exact model Andy Scott used with The Sweet. Those things have some of the best rock tones imo.

[@budgetguitarist]

I remember The Sweet! They were cool.

[@Andrew_M_Ward]

Watching Pete geek out on this guitar is awesome...

[@MikeM-wp3zb]

I acquired "Mr. Gibson" privately in 1975, so named because he has always been a far better guitar than I've ever been a guitar player. I enjoy playing a few times a week this 1964 ES335 TDC with a factory installed Bigsby the stop tailpiece studs covered by two pearloid discs. A Tunamatic bridge with white nylon saddles and a bridge PAF, neck Pat Numbered originally sealed Humbuckers. Exactly as it left the Gibson factory in Kalamazoo Michigan I've been told through the years by several appraisers since its serial number was recorded on the shipping ledger 56 years ago. I am humbled every time I see a posting like this praising the 335 demonstrated in capable hands along with the hundreds of comments of 335 or similar manufacturer model owners, how did I get so lucky. But, there are dozens of other Brands, Models and periods of manufacture for so many other great guitars that have their own characteristics, tone, MOJO and beautiful craftsmanship from all over the world. So, play on !

[@anthonycraig1458]

I completely agree with everything you said! Nearly 20 years ago I got my own '63 335 and guess what? It had a repaired headstock break, cherry red, replaced tuners, stop tail conversion from a bigsby and it sounds awesome. Yes it's a player grade instrument but it's got plenty of mojo and just works brilliantly and gets used regularly. It cost about the same as a new one back then too, a seriously good deal!

[@timwhite5562]

After a Strat, ES335s are my favorites. The tone of the bridge pickup into an overdrive amp sounds so big.

[@aaaargl]

Thats what i like about vintage guitars: It's about the stories it can tell. Things like broken headstocks, whacky wirings etc all ad to the coolness of these instruments.

[@PeteThorn]

Totally!

[@jeffkellogg76]

I went to high school in the 70s with a couple of brothers , Rod & Randy who each got a red ES 335 and a Fender Super Twin Reverb amp to start a band . They played Born to be Wild in the 1974 talent show and won hands down , actually all hands were up and clapping. They still have their rigs and Randy played in numerous local cover bands throughout the years. And yes, those guitars resonate and sing like no other , unless you throw Ted Nugent’s Gibson Byrdland powered by the same Fender Twin Reverb amps in the mix. I love the never ending sustain you can get with a semi-hollow body guitar and a Fender amp on ELEVEN

[@dancher7640]

Great video Pete! My player grade 335 is a 1976 Ibanez 2630 Artist. I bought it from a non-player who purchased a lot from an estate sale in Red Deer. It has tone for DAYS and plays like butter.

[@chrisact9601]

I think the wood in those older guitars made more of a difference to their tone partly because the pickups were more microphonic than the new stuff. So they were more susceptible to the mechanical sound from the body of the guitar. That 335 really is an amazing sounding rock machine.

[@abrackas1]

Speaking of Eddie Money, Jimmy Lyon’s playing was ace on those earlier albums! Great tone and fit the songs perfectly.

[@rockindavebyron3960]

That Gibson ES 335 is sweet!!! I like the sound you get when playing with both pickups( switch in the middle), & I agree, the wood Does make a difference!!! Plus, that year is special to me because I was born in November 1963!!! Great video, stay safe my friend, Rock On & God Bless!!!

[@bluefen]

Great vid..I have an '80 335 with Dirty Finger pups and med C neck...plays super tasty heavy blues..big airy chords like a piano and sustained leads...my live go-to over my Lps....all the best.

[@BCTGuitarPlayer]

I own 25 very nice guitars. My favorite of 5 LP's is a 20 years old Gibson/Epiphone LP Custom with a Gibson 57 PAF in the neck and Gibson 59 PAF in the bridge. It’s my favorite guitar for several reasons. To me, what matters is that any given guitar works for you...not it’s alterations. Once in a while, you just get lucky with something special. It makes you play better and nothing else can touch it’s tone.

[@j.schaefer5622]

Hi Pete, thanks for showing us this nice ES. It sounds killer. And youre right about the wood. A great guitar with a bad or mediocre pickup sounds good. A bad guitar with a good pickup sounds bad. To avoid further neck breakage or even replacement, please look if the neck in the case is supported. A good Case from SKB or Gibson will cost you less than your next repair….

[@randyevans6378]

Pete: That guitar tech's name is Noric Rensen. I worked with him at Action Drum and Guitar in Granada Hills in the early 80's as an amp tech.

[@williamweiss3620]

Should take it to Sweetwater Sound in Ft. Wayne Indiana. You would be amazed at the work that they're luthiers can do. I took you in my 1967 Rickenbacker 12 string and I was just totally blown away because of the beautiful work that they do. Love you all! Bill

[@MichaelDBauer]

Always loved the 335's sound. On my budget, I was able to buy a used Epiphone Dot Studio, so I got close - sort of.

[@Stashmanfpv]

Yup, you’re now in the Club. I just got one too... 🔥🔥🔥 ✌🏼

[@stephendawg1]

Dots are great guitars too! Loved playing my son’s.

[@Dang...]

Thanks for posting this. ES-335's (and ES-333's) are amazingly versatile instruments. Jazz, Blues, Funk, Country, and balls-to-the walls Rock: these guitars give music such a rich organic tone. Depth. But remember: Pete could make any guitar sound amazing.

[@newpinglegend9304]

This video is a real fun go-through of an instrument with history.

[@rikh78]

this one has always been my favourite, every time it pops up i'm like "wow that 335 sounds soooo good"

[@johnherbold5451]

I love my '64 ES335!! Speaking of Hollywood, I remember Lloyd at Voltage Guitars on Sunset and Gardner Street. I bought a few axes from him!!

[@louderthangod]

The wood on semi-hollow and hollow body guitars matters so much. When I bought my 137 I tried 20-ish semi-hollows that day and all were different acoustically and plugged in even with new setups and the same pickups.

[@craiger2399]

Wow that guitar sounds fantastic. Helps that the player seems to know what he's doing...

[@divebomb99]

Pete Thorn. The one dude on earth everyone wants to buy a beer for. Because he's just so fuckin' cool!

[@lesterpaul9657]

A James Gang fan can' t be wrong. I also love The ES series, The 330, 335, 345, 355. One of them and a Telecaster is all you need. When I started making music in the 70's there was no vintage hype. If you couldn' t afford new equipment you had to buy second hand stuff. So I bought a 63 Tele and an early 60's AC30 for together 700 deutsch marks. That was around 230 $. Today, I don' t know.

[@cristianconstantinescu7264]

I own a 335 red dot and it is the BEAUTY and the BEAST!!! GREAT VIDEO. I LOVE MY 335

[@mrpentium]

was an SG man, but now 335 all the way. From the look, to the tone to the playability... BEST GUITAR

[@DavidLee07]

I was going to write that an older Heritage H-535 can be a good way to get a vintage 335 tone from the factory they were originally built in. Then I looked at prices on Reverb and they're not so affordable anymore... Glad I got my 1990 model when I did (used, and as a player's guitar as someone had put a Bigsby on it, which I removed and had the holes filled in).

[@johnhancock3812]

about 25 years ago i saw a band in the twin cities ,MN i think the band was called big guitars from tennessee he played a 335 on a fender super reverb amp/ his playing style was rockin blues with a touch of jazz it was great was never able to find them online,but the sound was killer

[@jnivanyi]

This guitar really does sound sick though.. you're right about it being really bitey, and it's got great percussive dynamics, something I usually struggle to find in hollow bodies. It's a killer 335!

[@timpayne8238]

Nice example of a more affordable vintage Gibson. I own an early 80s Mastumoto Epiphone Sheraton which I fitted out with a Gibson 490T and a Seymour Duncan Jazz Model in the neck. - It sounds killer and I know I'll still be playing it when I'm old!

[@CraigHlavka]

awwwe 335's back! I'm stoked about it. But, seriously. :)

[@yestoES355]

I remember finding and instantly subscribing to your channel with the ES-335

[@MrJamescord]

Went to a Cheap Trick concert to hear the old Sunburst Les Pauls he would use, best tone of the night was a Black Es335 - by far!

[@blayneb7290]

Yea OMG that bridge sounds AMAZING! An incredible find Pete.

[@bishlap]

your ES has a beautiful finish.... shows up real well on video.

[@andyracksthecams]

Thank you. I am just working out Groomed Noodler and now have a new vision when I hear it. I only have my Tokai 335 copy which I don't play too much apart from Chet Atkins type alternate tuning thumb pick challenges. Your song and guitar have given me a challenge.

[@kasperfauerby7389]

Hey man, how's that going? I've been eying that track as well... but, despite being what I would call an "intermediate to advanced" player - that stuff is HARD ;) I once worked hard on another track of his "Homage" and got it *almost* to performance level, but not quite there. Pete is a monster player, so much to learn from his tracks. Anyway, good luck!!

[@CamiloVelandia]

Beautiful axe man. Goes to show, even rebuilt, modded guitars can still be a killer buy

[@zzpotato1]

Nice! I have a 68 that I feel the same way about. It has a narrow nut but a pretty round fat profile. Rings like a bell- as they say.

[@josephbonaventura1236]

Hey Pete along time that used to be my guitar and wow it has a strange history but I am glad you like it!!!!!!!!

[@PeteThorn]

I would love to know the history! Can you tell me more?

[@drzecelectric4302]

Wood is absolutely part of it.

[@budgetguitarist]

I'm sure the Anti-Wood people will be deeply offended. But I agree 100% - absolutely wood matters. I've always suspected that the reason people think wood doesn't matter is that they don't want to pay more than $200 for a guitar.

[@javiceres]

Well, it's made out of it plus some metal parts so ...

[@rocknrollresignation93]

budgetguitarist.com it does matter but not as much as people want to believe it does

[@budgetguitarist]

@@rocknrollresignation93 I'd agree with that. Pickups matter more.

[@NoContextOasis]

I've heard concrete and salt guitars, they all sound the same. The sound is 99% Amp and Pick ups

[@bluzzjazz]

Yes, she's a beauty, warts and all! I have a Heritage H-555 and it's indeed a tone monster.

[@TheFleckening]

Groomed Noodler never sounds right until I hear it played with the 335. Would be awesome to hear an updated recording of that song with your old Marshall now!

[@FrankenstratGuitar]

Oh Pete!!! I’d love a 335!! Beautiful guitar you have there!!!

[@bmwf1joel]

I have 2011 and 2018 ES 335! Love them!

[@JenniferPricci]

Tapping this vid = Instant satisfaction. I love your main squeeze, but your ‘63 335 is straight fire! 🔥

[@woodruffgraphics]

Any plans for any more of these? I liked this one.

[@ProphetNikoz]

It's so easy and so good to hear you talk about your stuff. Thank you!

[@drzecelectric4302]

Grovers, stronger headstock, pafs. I’m in!!

[@budgetguitarist]

For sure. Some people even say that repaired headstock Gibsons sound better than stock.

[@jiriboranek1379]

335,LP ,Strat,Tele ,Suhr.....Pete Thorn -This is The Best Great Tone!!!

[@MrArnoldarnold]

I can feel AC/DC, Black Crowes, Clapton, a touch of Van Halen, Telecasterish vibes. That’s hard for any guitar to do but it just throws vibes. 😎

[@Andrew_M_Ward]

The recorded guitar tone on the groomed noodler is among my favorites of all time

[@paulioannou9675]

Tone monster...Yeah! I could listen to it all day.

[@davidhoxit4274]

I really love your examples, I hope to own a quality electric guitar one day! And I hope to help beginning guitarists forge their way as well...thanks Pete

[@drewbarries]

People need to stop arguing over if wood makes a difference in tone. Even if you factor in the idea that the PUPs are capturing only the string vibrations, the build of the guitar affects the string vibrations and imparts unique qualities to the attack, resonance and decay of the strings, you’d have to be pretty stubborn to argue those things don’t get through in the sound.

[@likeitornotbut5900]

As I patiently wait for my Sunday with Pete live stream to start!

[@MrGuitarist9891]

Awesome series! keep these videos coming!

[@Rich915]

Tell it like it is Pete...Great Vid! Bought my '85 Dot Neck 26 yrs ago. Recently, put a set of Thro-Bak SLE-101's in & what a difference, even when compared to the orig Shaw pups. Someone once told me...'never sell a 335' :-)

[@sniperv]

I’ve loved this ES-335’s tone when I saw your old Komet demo videos back early KZbin days. Made me want to buy a 335! Actually meant to ask you about it when I meet you at NAMM Suhr Factory party a few years ago. Was great time!

[@andrewanderson3746]

Really fascinating about the graphite in front of the nut. Whoever worked on that must've been a smart guy!

[@adrianp.barbieri7514]

I have the sunburst version and concur! love your playing , England any time soon? promise a warm welcome.

[@MarkPritchardGuitar]

Great idea for a series Pete, this guitar is killer, it sounds so sweet and through your Marshall you can’t really beat it!

[@computermediaonline]

It very much reminds me of my 1968 ES-330 (my favorite guitar). The differences are this: P90 single coils, true hollow body. Sounds fab thru either my '65 blackface Fender Princeton or '68 silverface Fender Twin. Because of the very resonant body of the 330, I can sustain most notes (endlessly) using controlled feedback by facing towards the amp.

[@glassslide]

AWESOME idea for a video series, that was really fun. Totally agree about the wood and especially wood that has had the chance to fully dry out, like say in a 57 yr old guitar, I think the sound resonates louder and fuller.

[@bailey.matthewr]

I love that guitar. I hope to own one someday. I bought a 335 kit guitar and I built it and it's great, but to own a real one would be a dream.

[@philipthomas8440]

Awe...the 335 is back!! Awesome!!!

[@TavaresProject]

What this guitar seems to have a overtones to the notes. That's what I've noticed in the past in your demos. A true gem!!!!

[@brownsfan7753]

Love this favorite guitar series stuff!!!

[@Grant_Ferstat]

Looking forward to this Pete. As I've commented many times, that guitar always sounds extra special.

[@1111undici1111]

Great choice!! Gibson ES335 and variants (ES355 etc.) rule!

[@craiger2399]

Hard to tell from the pic, but looks like the Vintage Shop space is the one Mesa Boogie is in now. That little block is one of my favorite in the city: Mesa Boogie, Sam Ash, Guitar Center (with the nice vintage room) all right next to each other.

[@PeteThorn]

No actually Mesa has always been there- Vintage Gear was kitty corner

[@ThunderFalcon333]

Some Gibsons are just magical 🧙‍♂️

[@allanharris970]

Wow on my budget studio speakers that guitar sounds so sweet. To me it really doesn't sound like a single or a humbucker. It just sounds so pure and sweet. It's not a fat single coil sound nor is it a thin bucker sound. It's just the sweet spot in the middle to me. Wow, it rocks for sure. But I honestly feel it's can cover more than just rock. Very interesting. You really got lucky on this one. And it's with the right player too. Great guitar for a great player Pete. Thanks for taking the time to go through all of the specs and the history. Cool segment.

[@tomgnau]

Ah, the 335 is back! Awesome!

[@naivesteve5722]

The best wine from old bottles indeed...that 335 sounds mint.

[@enricodedios3702]

I have ES335 and its my #1 guitar and strat for 2nd.

[@multilinkacs]

Great sound aren’t they! I have 1962 ( also with 1968 Grovers) I cannot bear to sell it.

[@brianroberts6778]

Every since I saw Clapton play on in Cream I have always wanted one! Great Vid!!

[@jatin7361]

More excellent content from the master! Probably close to 100% consensus on which one to do first too, I'll bet. I'll be waiting for the next one.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

What a great instrument. Yes, you have prettier guitars and newer guitars but this one just sings! I look forward to the next in the series.

[@bbbro34]

Cool. Love it. Great sound, great story behind it.

[@malcolmadams2105]

Low ohm pickups for that guitar. Nice best repair I’ve ever seen on a neck. I love player grade.

[@Mexxx65]

The Ukulele bit of your Gibby ES335 story put a smile on my face Pete! :) not many smiles goin wound in this world of cov right now

[@jghillstudio1857]

Great video Pete look forward to the next one...Rock on brotha!

[@Skypie61]

Love the Studio and this video series concept. So needed. Also love the James Gang intro, so much fun to play live as its got the funk/rock vibe, that get's most audiences tapping their toes, drinks glass and even head nods...lol🎸🎶🎵🎼

[@harvey1954]

Ever notice how you can rarely find a used 335 for sale. If you do it's an arm and a leg price. I have two, but I got them years after I started collecting guitars. 335s are pretty much keepers. Once you got one it ain't going anywhere outside of the hiding place in your house.

[@brettvincient]

Awesome stuff Pete! Thanks for sharing! Cannot WAIT for the Tele vid ;)

[@weed2man]

She is gorgeous! Im jealous such punch she sits right in that midrange eq hump where us guitar nerds live!!

[@imannonymous7707]

Thatd be my fav too... love the 335...and that ones sweet

[@JIMJAMSC]

I accumulated 50+ guitars since the 70s which range from inexpensive China knockoffs, Norlin Gibson 13 pounders to CS reliced that cost more than my 1st couple cars. My guitar of choice for just carefree noodling? A mid 70s Japan Cortez black LP copy. I replaced the Pups with SD antiquities which cost 2x the cost the guitars sell for. IMO a much overlooked era of quality guitars.

[@GMHG777]

This series should be fun Pete, and by the way, happy belated Bday wishes man, hope you had a great one brother !!!

[@PeteThorn]

Thanks so much!

[@landguitar]

What an interesting and cool story, just since you've had it! Too bad we don't know it's "back" story too! I love 335's, and this one clearly has the good wood and pups! Thanks for showing this one off! Player grade is the way to go, so you can REALLY enjoy 'em!

[@OneMomentFromForever]

Great idea for a series, look forward to seeing your vintage Strat and your Gill Yaron

[@michaelflaherty1358]

Love the ES335, great guitar.

[@jefflibby4784]

My brother and I would go to voltage in the late 80s. They didn't have a huge amount of guitars but had really great one's. I almost pulled the trigger on George Harrison's Rosewood Telecaster.