The Only Guitar You Need l Gibson ES 335

The Gibson ES 335 is one of, if not the greatest mass produced guitar designs in history IMO. Its versatility makes it one guitar to rule them all, and this is the story of my ES 335.
Gear Used In This Video:
Gibson ES 335 (affiliate link)
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Victory "The Sheriff" 22 Amp Head
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Two Notes Torpedo Captor X (affiliate link)
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5 Watt World's ES 335 Video
• The Gibson ES-335: A S...
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[@boomjack7906]

I just watched this while cradling my own 335 and saying "Yes. Yep. Mmhmm." to everything you said.

[@angelbreath6539]

Lmao 😂

[@georged4578]

Lucky guy

[@walterworrall]

Same!🤗

[@MusaferJerome]

You too huh…? ( it’s not just me).

[@loomer3473]

“I have enough guitar already” said no guitarist ever.

[@grimmseti]

No, there are a few out there who have said "What do I need more than one guitar for?"

[@auntjenifer7774]

@@grimmseti yeah ? But not us, right !?

[@angelbreath6539]

@@auntjenifer7774 certainly not us arf arf

[@kodymcbanks1]

No. We say it all the time. Just change our minds a lot.

[@flintdavis2]

@@grimmseti We all say that, but!

[@jay105000]

The story of you and your dad looking for the guitar together spoke to me, you are a lucky man to have your dad supporting you and being with you In such an adventure.

[@BoulevardRecording]

Same. I have one guitar I own that my dad bought for me. A 63 Jazzmaster. I’ll never ever sell it.

[@teodelnorte]

Very lucky

[@SergiOrtiz]

You are so lucky to have found your passion in music after two failed colleges, also the way you talk about your family, sounds like they sre very caring people. Thanks for the content rhett !

[@sidhree]

I have the very same guitar, EXACT same. I went downtown and tried all Epiphone Sheraton available, in 3 different shops. In the last store, the 335 was hanging on that corner I never dared come close. I went there and stared at it for a really long time, taking it in. Then I turned to the only guy around me, and said "this is a beauty, but it's so beyond my budget that I don't even dare touch it". The guy was none other than the store owner, who said "well, go on, have a go. that's the only way to find out how a real guitar should sound like". I picked it up and played it for about half an hour, unplugged. It was that good. Then the same guy came to me, smiled and suggested financing, gently, not pushy at all. I had never financed anything in my life, but was convinced the guitar needed to be mine. After all the paperwork was done, he had the grace to tell me that I was the first one to play the guitar, that was hung earlier that morning. I'll never part with "Gibbie".

[@gibranaditama2256]

Wew

[@Kevlarel84]

That was a beautiful love story. :D

[@nica2411]

And that's how you make a guitar sale! Haha

[@auntjenifer7774]

That's the best guitar sale ever !

[@charlie-obrien]

That's a lot of "kismet", man.

[@fivewattworld]

Thanks for the mention Rhett. Being of a more “average” height the ES-339 and CS-336 have always appealed to me.

[@boscoserranovelasco3302]

Hi Keith!! You should make more videos on the back stories of records, like the one you did on the Beano album. Loved that video!!

[@paulneeds]

339’s a great guitar, more compact but still with some more ‘woody’ tone in the note attack than a solid. I love mine - still want a 335/345/355 though! Maybe a 330 with P90s, but that would be as well as a semisolid.

[@stephanematis]

While picking up my Butterscotch Tele Ukele at my LGS, I spotted the current Epi 339 in Pelham Blue. It took considerable effort not to suffer GAS immediately. Pretty, lithe, balanced and well made. I expressly forbade myself the chance to plug it in.

[@paulneeds]

stephane matis well done. I’ve tried the Epi - sorry to say the neck is not a nice shape to my hands - the main reason that I’ve often dislike Epi versions of the Gibson originals.. but the Casino is WELL worth a play if you like the full hollow body and P90s. Early on, the only significant difference between the Casino and the 330 was headstock shape and maybe hardware - tailpiece, knobs, etc. I’d love another!

[@andersf324]

My old band mate from the 80s that is now a master luthier is building me a bespoke CS-336 style guitar from scratch. However, with 3 PUs. Two P90s and a strat single coil in the middle. Also will utilize a Duesenburg tremolo. Very excited about this build!

[@RobCabreraCh]

That story of having your dad gifting you a 335 is literally my biggest fantasy. I dream that my dad will gift me a Les Paul someday, although he has already given me so much

[@kenkovar2647]

Wow.. I just gifted my daughter a Les Paul...I hope we can go on a musical journey together!

[@harounel-poussah6936]

Les Pauls are really outdated, you can get much better. My dad would had been pleased to use my guitars as firewood

[@thadcox5298]

@@harounel-poussah6936 unless you play metal or prog, choosing a guitar is really not about what has the newest and greatest stuff. its about what inspires you

[@harounel-poussah6936]

@@thadcox5298 : jazz people, especially fusion dudes, are probably the #1 clients for custom guitars... You'll surely be more inspired by getting 4-6 top notch custom guitars fully hand made to YOUR needs by luthiers than getting a single good Strat or LP or PRS from their custom-shops... In terms of songwriting (if you're a singer), a good acoustic guitar worths a full mega-studio's backline of e-guitars You will for surely find better inspiration from other arts, or from listening to totally different musics than what you're used to play, rather than being inspired by your instrument... Instrument wise, the most inspiring tool a guitarist can get is probably coupling the Axon Mk.II with a Roland GK-2a/GK-3 then accessing audio-sequencers, synths and sample players interaction... Even an old Atari (with a tiny hard drive) and totally outdated sound banks of the likes of Sound Canvas SC-88 Pro or Korg NX5R : you just end with more than a thousand instruments available... Actually, I even regret having sold my old Atari with its SCSI interface... The old MID-only Cubase used to boot within 2 seconds, moreover you weren't getting distracted by computer's multi-tasking while it was very simple to use... I was dumb when I sold the Atari and old expander to help funding my 1st DAW in 1997 : this stuff was way more inspiring in the end.

[@e7thstar]

@@harounel-poussah6936 sir, you are blinded by brand. Les Paul's while noisy are not outdated. Roland makes great synths, pedals, and edrums. The player is really what makes the instrument. Sure the les paul can by noisy, especially if it's loaded with 57+s, but that's when you learn to control the feedback with your hand. Weezer's rivers Cuomo was great and including feedback into his early albums. All instruments have their own charm and sound. I prefer ibanez but yet here i am thinking of a 4k 335

[@Hunters_Laptop]

I have a "Mr 335" I bought before my Mother got sick. Put it away for several years while I took care of her. After viewing this video I pulled it out and it was like seeing an old friend again. It is going to get a good makeover and I will start playing again. Thanks, man.

[@tchiksguitars]

I built an ES 335 out of boredom during the lockdown, and had my 4 year old daughter witness the whole thing, it also has a certain sentimental value to me now and I hope someday she will hold the guitar like you're holding yours now, and have memories of me and her hanging out in the workshop :) in case she forgets, I filmed everything and put it on KZbin .. I initially almost picked the project randomly and to ear you talk about it with so much love makes me think I made a good choice. Thanks for that !

[@pierrem260]

Saw your videos a couple days ago! Great looking guitar!

[@aidanoreilly7861]

Haha I’ve seen that video like 4 times! Great work!

[@coat.thik1]

Your daughter will be proud of you 👍

[@jjmatashi]

​@@coat.thik1 I'm proud of him too!

[@jjmatashi]

I saw the video. I was drooling over that guitar. Great work!

[@RileyTech]

2019 Rhett: I discovered I was using too much reverb 2020 Rhett: 5:43

[@Zuschauer9]

Haha i thought the same.

[@olafbrunke2533]

Sounds somewhat like the war on drugs. Love it

[@jaycheek254]

I don't use reverb. I'm the only guitar player that I know that does not enjoy reverb. I do like a great shimmering chorus from time to time but I'm out on the reverb.

[@auntjenifer7774]

@@jaycheek254 that is like, your opinion man !😂 I for one can't enjoy electric guitar without reverb, in fact I usually turn it all the way up !

[@MrDMF567]

335s are just incredibly aesthetic too. Great looking instruments, the kind where you see it and think “I wanna pick that up and play it”, etc. Gorgeous. And lots of killer sounds. Cream-era Clapton with his 335 is burned into my psyche. Love it

[@muznick]

Just bought my first guitar - a 335 - because it looks so damn good.

[@85isaboat53]

Exactly

[@MarkLysaght]

I accept that Clapton did a lot for the image of the 335 just by using it at one of Cream's farewell concerts ( my own 335 is cherry red). But he didn't use a 335 much with the band, mainly Les Pauls and an SG with a single pickup Firebird featured live towards the end of the band in 1968. He MAY have used the 335 on the studio tracks on "Goodbye Cream", but otherwise I don't think there's a 335 on any of the live recordings except that Albert Hall farewell gig in 1968.

[@Alienkiwi730]

The ES shape was my favourite when I was a kid. Learning guitar, it was the only electric guitar I wanted. In 2007 when I was fourteen, my dad took me to a guitarshop and on the wall was a Yamaha SA500, essentially just Yamaha's version of the 335. I still have it to this day, along with a few Fenders.

[@e.w.3989]

When you were at the Yamaha store, did you also look at the keyboards, snowmobiles and Jet skis too?

[@RyanMcQuen]

The Yamahas are amazing.

[@clugokillscluco]

Yeah, but does it Dje...nevermind. I'll see myself out.

[@llamont2336]

Haha!

[@ak47dragunov]

Just for what it's worth....it very likely does

[@fivewattworld]

Excellent

[@socalsp3]

Of course it does

[@taariqahad]

Idk if it'd handle drop G....

[@curtevans838]

You've totally explained the 335 mojo. I love all guitars but when I get the 335 out everything just clicks. The notes bloom in the right spots, the attack is always where it needs to be, and it just looks amazing! Thank you sir!

[@mattmuzic1]

The story you have about this guitar and your dad inspires me. Knowing what your son is into, and having such a thoughtful idea to fulfill a dream of his is a great act of love.

[@GarmanHerigstad]

I never liked the body shape, but when I heard Larry Byrom play all those great solos on Steppenwolf live, I loved the sound. Byron’s playing on Steppenwolf Live is my favorite live rock guitar. Many years later I was visiting my cousin in Tokyo and he had a burst 335. So I picked it up and played it and it fits so well on my body that I just fell in love with it.

[@RC32Smiths01]

A guitar that can do it all must be really worthy of it's being reviewed by someone like you! So awesome to always see these kinds of videos, would love more stories on your gear.

[@brndmginc]

My mother bought me a 1966 ES335 in 1985 used as a graduation gift. It was VERY used and had lacquer crackle everywhere. It was a Sunburst just like yours and it was spectacular! The sound and feel was so good that I would never part with it. Unfortunately in 1998 I was living with a roommate and he had a party when I was out of town and I lost all my guitars and other gear. I was and I am still heartsick over this and I have never found that perfect guitar to this day. I check everywhere and I play any 335 I can to find that unicorn but I never have. Thanks for sharing Rhett, this was great content. Gregg

[@Doc_Holaday]

Thank you for sharing your story! As a music teacher I've seen so many "problem" kids find music and in doing so, find themselves. I'm glad that guitar found you.

[@jfarrell21]

Johnny Marr playing the intro into "What Difference Does it Make?" sold me on the 335. Just a great, unforgettable sound.

[@Neshkan]

Rhett shull: "This guitar does it all" Kerry King crosses his arms and looks mean while he shakes his head.

[@MrAndyLake]

Neshkan Paul Gilbert isn’t Kerry King but I think he has demonstrated what this guitar-model can do with high gain.

[@Neshkan]

@@MrAndyLake just making a joke man. Nothing serious.

[@HarryGuit]

No guitar does it all. Some guitars may do everything you need.

[@fullclipaudio]

Kerry King, a 335 and a Bigsby. Make it pay-per-view.

[@SteelyGlow]

@@fullclipaudio Bigsby cannot outperform Kahler or Floyd Rose

[@tonygairomusic911]

Dude, this is such a great video. Absolutely beautiful. I always enjoy your videos, but this one was special. I am a career sax player, never had another job. I'm diligently shedding to add guitar to my arsenal and have learned a lot from you. But this video, and your story, in particular really moved me. You will cherish that guitar and your Dad forever. My Dad passed suddenly and tragically almost 5 years ago the day after I'd visited and brought a brand new, solid silver tenor I'd finally been able to afford and played it for him. He cried as I played and told me what a great musician I was. Those were the last words he ever spoke to me. Every time I play that horn - which until this confounded pandemic was all the time as I make my living gigging - I hear him in it. He's usually cursing at me to "play the damn melody, boy!" But it's OK. It's probably pretty good advice. You're a good man, Rhett. Thank you for this and all your well-thought-through videos. And for your music...

[@mralgebro]

The tones on that first clip are insanely good. You’ve convinced me this guitar is amazing for sure. The bigness of it always scared me away but I like what you said about how it’s more comfortable because of that.

[@rabolinger]

Great video Rhett and I love the history behind yours! A guitar can only be a guitar until there's an emotional link, then it becomes something very special between the artist and the instrument!

[@darenanderson4961]

I’ve got a 58’ Historic Reissue that I like a lot. Mine doesn’t have an amazing story like Rhett’s. The only regret I have was that I bought it online and couldn’t try it out in person before buying. I had tried another Historic Reissue (not sure of the model) in person. It was incredible-one of the best guitars I’ve ever played. I decided I was going to buy it, until they told me the price was $6k. That price seemed insane to me. But since that time I’ve purchased other expensive guitars ($3k range) that didn’t turn out to be anywhere near as good as that 335. If I ever find another guitar like that again (no doubts in my mind at all that it is the best I’ve ever played), I’m buying it-even if I have to sell off a lot of other gear to afford it.

[@FranZmegac]

335 is straight God tier, there’s no doubt about it... Although, twang of nice Tele and pure delicate sound of the Strat make the top 3 electrics imo, cheers :)

[@hophophoptelegraph]

I own a tele and a 335. I kind of feel...done. Though I do want a 330

[@VIDS2013]

I prefer Tele, Les Paul, and Gretsch Jet.

[@capeck1993]

@@VIDS2013 My dream guitars are the 335, Les Paul, EOB Stratocaster, SG, Tele, Jaguar, Mustang, Jagstang, Casino, Duo Sonic, Rickenbacker 360 and Duo Jet.

[@dr150]

Wife is the 335. Mistress is the Strat/Tele. I know, bad analogy! LOL!.

[@robgerety]

Great story. When I was 15 my Dad took me to the music stores in New York City to find my first acoustic guitar. I have very warm memories of that time with him. I was thrilled when I brought home an Epiphone D that I own to this day. I realize now it was not a high end guitar, not even close. But, to me, it was absolutely gorgeous. It is the guitar I learned to play with. I am just retired and getting back into playing again. I have some musical goals that I've never achieved, (lots of them actually🙂), and its now or never. I have a nice acoustic and a nice tele, but I have been considering getting a 335ish guitar as well. This video has me just about convinced to pull the trigger. Thanks.

[@michaeldean4704]

My first "exposure" to guitar was as a kid in the mid 60's. The model that caught my eye was the 335. I've always wanted one. But Gibson is well out of my budget. So around 2000 I bought an Epiphone Riviera. Nice guitar, with good tone. But I'm a small guy and found the body size to be a bit uncomfortable. Then a couple years ago I got an Epi ES-339. My life is now complete.

[@f1n3ss3r4]

Hey, how tall are you if you don’t mind me asking? I want a 335 based guitar but I’m not that tall so I’m not sure if it will fit me

[@michaeldean4704]

@@f1n3ss3r4 I'm 5' 6". For a smaller person I would suggest the Epi 339. It's a smaller body, 14-1/4" wide vs 15-7/8" wide for the 335. The 339 body is also shorter, at 16-1/4" vs 19-1/4" for the 335. That makes the scale length seem a bit shorter as well. Though, like the 335, it's a full 24-3/4". Someone once told me the Ibanez AS series bodies were smaller than the ES-335. But according to the Ibanez website, they're 15-3/4" wide x 19-1/4" long. So pretty much the same. I don't know about any other "small body" ES style guitars, other than the Gibson 339, (But it's $3,000 to $3,500. Where as the Epi is around $550.) and the Epi Casino Coupe (If you want a full hollow-body and P-90 pickups.) And even if you wanted to upgrade the pickups and pots, you're still well under the cost of the Gibson. And hey... The Beatles played Epiphones.

[@zorkwhouse8125]

Totally agree. I had an Epiphone Dot back in the early 2000's and though I don't have it anymore, it's definitely one of my favs of those that I've had.

[@MelodyMaker]

When observing Mr. Shull hovering around helping out wherever he could during the studio setup, I was thinking - how lucky was Rhett to have a supportive father. One memorable road trip to Chattanooga.

[@voyager7]

Love the heartfelt story of your history with this beautiful instrument.

[@edbogus]

Thanks for the wonderful visit with the 335! So nice to hear the family connection, you’re very lucky (as I am) to have a father who bought you your favorite axe when you were young (my Dad bought me a Rickenbacker 4001 bass). I’ve gotta shout out to Larry Carlton (Mr. 335) as you know, duh me...but you Rhet, are a breath of fresh air for us old guys...We enjoy your videos. Keep’em coming and don’t stop rocking 😎👍

[@alfredschau8922]

My uncle got his 335 when he was 19 i think, in the early 90s. And he has never found another guitar that works better for him, or gigged any other guitar since. Still uses it.

[@6ixstringsonfire12]

I have a Heritage 535 artisan aged and I loved that guitar!

[@santiagogutierrez1594]

I loooove Heritage. I dont own one but i have had the chance to work on one. Rly beautiful and good sounding guitars

[@6ixstringsonfire12]

Santiago Gutierrez truly great guitars

[@charlie-obrien]

I took my Epiphone ES-335 and gave it as much "Heritage" mojo as I could. Seymour's '59 PAF's and 50's wiring. I even changed a lot of hardware. It sounds great, but I'm still saving away for one from Kalamzoo.

[@tomblack9401]

Your dad did the right thing by taking you to lots of different music stores and letting you find just the 335 that spoke to you. My own experience with 335s (and 335-style guitars) is that they can be hit or miss until you find just the one that resonates with you. When you find it, you'll never put it down.

[@BobEstremera]

Beautiful story Rhett. Good for you and your dad. That's pretty special, all the way around.

[@jaxon5905]

I’ve been saving up for a 335 for 2 years. However I’ll be saving for longer than that because of college expenses, and other stuff like that. I don’t even really want a custom, I just want an off the wall cherry red 335. That’s my dream guitar, without a doubt. They’re flawless.

[@thetessema1]

Good luck, brother.

[@todufrene]

There are budget-friendly alternatives. I just got an HB 35Plus. It's a Harley Benton 335 type guitar from Thomman Music - under $400 dollars with a hard case and shipping from half-way around the world. It's an excellent guitar. I love it. You can find a lot of reviews for it on KZbin.

[@allstopblue5717]

Hey Todd...The man says it’s his dream guitar he’s saving up for. And you really recommend a $400 Harley Benton?

[@tuckernelson5417]

Look into ES-333. Love mine and the only major difference is there's a control plate on the back.

[@jaxon5905]

Todd Dufrene I’ve played a Harley Benton, I wasn’t really impressed. I’m glad you like yours though! Everyone has different taste in guitars, and that’s ok. If it’s something you love and it inspires you to play daily, that’s all that matters

[@acharyavivek51]

I too love the es-335. Looks so gorgeous.

[@davidefrison9230]

You're right, my cousin has a 335 and it's so versatile. You can go from rock, to funk, to jazz without compromises and having humbuckers means you can really go heavy on distortion. Also not only it does sound extremely good, but it's really comfortable to play as well

[@nugget_on_yt3417]

playing a 335 style guitar for over 10 years now. never gets old! still love it.

[@RLeem7b5]

The most versatile award definitely has to go to the HSS Strat for me

[@theoldschoolgamer6199]

Definitely, although a 335 with coil-split can get pretty versatile

Agreed

[@calt2161]

I'm an HSH with coil split, but HSS is a close second. The 335 feedbacks too much and is too muddy to do most metal tones.

[@bradjonesband1818]

1 million percent

[@expurple]

It surely depends on what you play, but to me HSS feels like "a strange strat", which is like muted or I don't know. Like, I still feel the same attack response, specific to the strat tremolo I believe, but the humbucker wont let it come through, it evens out the dynamics and the highs. Had an HSS as my first guitar for 6 years, then bought an SSS and it was like "yep, that's what it's all about"

[@chrishaines6686]

I really enjoyed your story! You have a beautiful guitar. I too have a strong bias for the 335. I showed interest in learning at 10 years old and my parents funded an ES 125 single pickup. It was more than sufficient and kept me going until I was 13. By then The Beatles had been out for a year and I was hooked. Bar chords and a band soon followed and I needed something easier to play than the 125 so I traded it in for 64 335 (240.00 with trade in - God bless my parents because that wasn't cheap). I loved it then and it's still my main (only) guitar. The neck has always felt at home and its so comfortable I never strayed. With a good amp and some basic effect pedals you can create whatever you want. Yes, the emotional connection and the fact that I'm satisfied does keep me from trying other styles. I love the sound of a Tele and Strat but I'm fine with the 335. Someday I'll pass it on to my son who plays.

[@Ladran_Sancho]

Probably the best (material) gift he'll ever receive.

[@roccotanto]

I absolutely love that after the spoken intro story of the guitar, Rhett totally gets lost in the ambient sauce and does something TOTALLY unexpected from a 335. Bravo!

[@ronbynum7304]

My first “real” guitar was a brand spanking new 1972 ES 335 with a trapeze setup. Since then I’ve purchased too many epic high end guitars to mention, but that guitar is still my very favorite and superb for any genre of music. Thanks for this feature.

[@dreamscuba]

Great video. I don’t own a 335, but I love the tones from it. I have a Gretsch DuoJet with TV Jones Filtertrons and I love it. I agree about the warmth and presence of a semi-hollow guitar. I think the dual volume and dual tone pots on the 335 add to it’s versatility. P90s rock too.

[@triledink]

My parents bought me a fender stratocaster for my 18th birthday, later when i bought other guitars for myself almost all of them have been strat/super strats.

[@1959LP4U]

triledink - That's too bad!

[@auntjenifer7774]

Gotta get another new flavor of guitars ! Tele, Les Paul special double cut p90's are awesome ! Semi hollow bodies are great too !

[@Southernguitar74]

Awesome story and guitar! I have made the trek from ATL to Nashville a million times, it seems. From a fellow Atl native (Douglasville, better known as DougVegas) to another, I enjoyed the hell out of this video. I love the 335, and agree it is one of the best guitars of all time, along with a couple of Gretsch models. You rock man.

[@andreasfetzer7559]

Absolutely right! I got my Es335 in 1980 and i still think, this is the best of my guitars. Best Design for shure. Access to high notes on no other models . It is still my Nr.1 Guitar.

[@francispower1418]

"I'm six foot three"!!! Now I understand why Rhett's 335 looks like miniature scale when he lifts it about! Such a lovely story about how Rhett and his 335 found each other. Nobody forgets the day they found that first guitar that spoke back to them. Its like something warm happens in your hands that goes directly to your soul and your brain, and that can't really be explained. When you find it keep it. Plenty of people regret having later parted with their first one. Not in this case. That guitar is defined for the grand children!

[@VIDS2013]

I'm 6', and the 335 still feels too big. Wonder what the height threshold is?

[@bentonchiez]

Idk but I’m 5’ 4”

[@siavashmassoudi]

I have an Epiphone ES-335 pro and it’s one of the best guitars I own!

[@valdochez25]

Same! It just has a sound that stands out

[@ethannavarro943]

I have that exact guitar!! It’s so good

[@davidg8888]

I have a ltd edition Epiphone 355 and I wouldn't swap it for anything - not even a Gibson.

[@allstopblue5717]

I have a limited edition DOT deluxe. From 2008. Excellent guitar. Though I’ve replaced the nut, wiring harness, and pickups over the years.

[@BeatsAndGuitars]

How does the epiphone compare to the Gibson?

[@richardrowe1907]

I got my 335 directly from the factory in Memphis. It’s A along story. My brother in law was a fraternity brother with a now an attorney at Gibson. In 2011-2012 Gibson managed to get guitars from just about everyone who every played a Gibson. The traveling collection came to Memphis and my brother in law thought I might like to see the display and take a private tour of te Memphis factory while we were taking a little vacation at the casinos in Tunica. (That’s important). This whole setup was for my birthday and on my birthday I w as surprised with the Memphis factory tour et Al. It was amazing. I stepped into a showroom filled with Gibson guitars that had been played by The Greats. Every Beatle was represented. Even had a snare drum from Ringo. Jimmy Page loaned a gold top les Paul which he had signed with what looked to be a nail scratch. BB kings lucile etc etc. I was completely overwhelmed I thought. Then….. I was told I could grab a pick and play any and those iconic instruments. I was as close to heaven as you can get while breathing. These were played guitars. And many came straight off the stage- my first indulgence was a 335 from the collection of some guy named Eric Clapton. Then on to as many as I could play with my mind definitely absorbing the moment. As I said, amazing. The guitar that I see when I think about it is the 335. We were both born in 1958 and my dream has been to own one. They are crazy expensive and way out of my budget. Back to the casino. My wife didn’t tell me she had hit a jackpot and after the excitement of everything at the factory on my birthday, an employee looking guy asked me if I was ready to get my custom shop 335 started. My wife,my beautiful wife had gotten me the guitar of my dreams and now the good folks in the custom shop were going to fix me up. Every detail of my guitar was built

[@phillippurdy5893]

Long live the 335 ! Saved all my Summer earnings one year back in high school and bought one. It sounds so good and is worth a lot more today.

[@39MercFlathead]

When our house was on fire my brother came running down the stairs with his son in one arm and his D28 in the other. Nuff said.

[@markwhitehead6965]

Agree with every point you made in this video. For me it is the ergonomic fit being so right for me (I'm 1.85m - 6foot 1inch in American) that seals the deal. If a guitar feels awkward to play, I just can't keep on with it no matter how good the spec or the sound. For me it needs to hang right more than sit on my lap right as I usually stand up to play. And it took me a while to get around to using an ES-355. My first guitar was an SG, which turned out to be the worst for me ergonomically. Next I went to a Les Paul - better - but as you say too small. I still resisted the 335 shape because to look at, I was convinced it was going to give me the same problems as the SG. So once I finally did get my (first) ES-355 and it didn't give me the SG problems, after the first hour it was pure perfection. I use a 355 95% of the time now. Mine is actually an ES-355 Custom - I just love the ebony fingerboard, gold bling, Bigsby and all black body with white binding.

[@oddmanout7983]

Rhett, thanks for doing this video, I really enjoyed it. I bought my ES335 brand new when I was a kid - still have it 55 years later. I get it when you say that you'll likely hand it down in the family because that's how I feel about my 335 too. I've had guitars before and after the 335 that I've sold but would never sell my 335 - luckily I'm not in a position where I would be forced to sell it. The one thing about my 60's vintage 335 is that when I attempt to play it while sitting, it exhibits the opposite of neck dive (butt dive??) because that lower bout is so big and heavy. My work-around is to stand up with the guitar! Keep up the great videos!

[@edcintron9221]

Hey Rhett! Great video. Like you I've always dreamt of having a Gibson ES-335. I once owned a nice Texas Strat, an Epiphone Sheraton and a Jimmy Page Signature Les Paul. The music bug came back and I got a Gibson CS-336 and it is simply amazing! This one is definitely going to be a family heirloom. The semi-hollow body's versatility is understated!

[@brianbogle5050]

I've always wanted a 335. I got permission from my wonderful wife to go get one and drove from Georgia to the Memphis plant and could not, for the life of me, find one I wanted to own. Recently I bought an "In The Image of Gibson" Epiphone and then did a bunch of upgrades to it. It's pretty wonderful. If the right "real" 335 comes along, I'll snap it up. I just love having one to play. Thanks for the video. So informative!

[@charlie-obrien]

Sounds like your wife and that Epiphone are keepers. I will never let go of mine...the Epi, that is! Lol

[@msgflava]

Kid Charlemagne solo on a 335 is always going to sound better than any other guitar.

[@djkolcun]

Huge semi-hollow body fan since childhood. My first electric was a Harmony Rocket, and I’ve just loved the sound and the body style ever since. Today, I have a 335, a 339, and a ‘92 347, as well as a LP (a Franken-Paul I put together using a Gibson high-performance body I picked up from stratosphereparts), a Strat and a Tele. With the exception of the LP, all of them are stock. And of all of them, the 339 is my go-to guitar. Love semi-hollow bodies! Thanks for the vid!

[@JTroskaTV]

Semi Hollows are my favorite body type. They’re just so much fun both plugged and unplugged. When cranked up, they react to the sound and feel alive in a way solid bodies can’t. Sometimes they feel like theyre going to get away from you but never really do.

[@coreysullivan5025]

The A/B comparison between the 335 and the LP was interesting. They sounded mighty close to one another. The 335 had just a tad clearer high end than the LP with the bridge pickup selected. With the neck pickups, the differences were negligible (at least, through the monitor speakers on my pc). It's likely you can feel the difference when you play them, more than a listener can hear the differences.

[@mdspman000]

Definitely agree that the player notices the differences far more than the listener in almost every case. Once you roughly divide guitar tones into roughly about 5 categories (strat like, tele twang, humbucker (les paul, 335), jangly (rickenbacker), hollowbody jazz box) the variations within each category are not all that noticeable for live listeners. Studio recordings are different because you can sit there with headphones and really pick out the more subtle differences. Within these 5 categories the really good players can pretty much take any of the guitars and, given the right amp/pedals can play almost anything so well that you never think about which guitar they are using because 99% of their sound comes from their abilities. I agree that the way a guitar feels to a player makes a difference and there are some sizes/shapes/variations that just feel better or have some feature that is helpful (some combination of pickup options/whammy bars, scalloped frets, etc...) so there is room for many of the variations to be useful. Rhett is a really good player and he would sound great playing the cheapest Squier. He might be more inspired using his ES335, but we all would still like what he plays.

[@VIDS2013]

At high volume, the differences become much more apparent. The 335 will resonate much more.

[@marth_6126]

The LP has more of that treble shrill to me. Just like when I've seen LP vs SG videos, IDK what it is, but the LP just has that extra bite in the high end to me.

[@rifflix]

Amazing and courageous of you to share your struggles through high school. I love how you found your calling in music.I love the ES335 as well. Thanks for this great video

[@guitarman4899]

I played my 67 Gibson es335 today. I bought it new when I was 16. I have had a whole professional career with it. Bravo my friend!

[@Teachering]

What a marvelous gift. Having a mom and dad is real important, especially if they are nice.

[@leightranter4758]

I went shopping for a 335 . Came home with a duesenberg gran majesto and I love it to bits

[@sunlounger29]

Leigh Tranter I totally understand! Love my Caribou!

[@VIDS2013]

I first saw a Duesenberg at a guitar show several years ago. It was beautiful, but just didn't feel as organic as my favorite Gibsons and Fenders. Also kind of had a middle-aged dentist kind of vibe. Almost got it, but don't regret passing on it.

[@sunlounger29]

VIDS2013 Haha... and I always thought that this was Gibson‘s main target group?! ;-)

[@VIDS2013]

@@sunlounger29 Not that there's anything wrong with that! 😁

[@pg123ab]

Thank you for the always honest and throughly description of the instrument. I love the 335, I honestly like the sound of the P90s better. My dream custom guitar would be a 335 with P90s and a Bigsby. My main axe now is a 70s 330 which I really love.

[@joelharding1586]

Check out a Sire H7V. It's a Larry Carleton signature 335 clone with P-90's but no Bigsby. You could always add one. Plus they sell for around $800, not $4500.

[@bluesriderDF]

Wow, this was a great video! I especially appreciated the story of how you got your 335. It is absolutely one of my favorite guitars.

[@BrianLeverett]

Thank you for sharing your story, your music, and this beautiful guitar with us!

[@steveliberty]

I've always been a solid body guy. SG's, Les Paul's, Tele's. I was in San Diego a few years ago and went to a great store (don't remember the name) and played a Fano RB6 - OMG, what a guitar. I understand completely why you love the Novo's so much - Dennis is a genius. But, when I vacationed in Nashville last Christmas, I stopped into Carter Music (killer store) and played a brand new Nashville made ES-335. I fell in love. Nice rounded neck profile (I hate flatbacks), great sound, and gorgeous (as we all know, the better looking a guitar is, the better it sounds :)). But I wasn't ready to buy. A month or so later, my local Guitar Center in NJ had a 2010 ES-335 1963 RI that absolutely blew me away. I managed to negotiate a great deal on it, and it is now part of my modest collection. I just love it, and I agree - a great 335 can do anything from Jazz to Blues to Classic Rock to (ugh) Metal. They are amazing instruments. Nice video BTW :)

[@robertschuler6825]

40 years ago I turned down a 335 for the greater tonal versatility of the 345 and never regretted it.

[@charlie-obrien]

Really nice video. Especially for those of us with love for the 335 in our hearts. I also liked the story of your guitar and how your Dad was so cognizant of what was meaningful to you, that he knew what the perfect talisman would be to help you begin your life's journey. My daughter is about your age and we share a similar story.

[@sammyj.d6101]

I LOVE my 335. It's a '97, natural finish, basically all flame, Grover tuners, Classic '57s. My dad got it for his 40th and one Christmas gave it to me! Super versatile and easy to play plus there's just this different level of responsiveness I feel when playing it. I think it's definitely to do with the great big chunk of maple. Any other 335/345/355 players feel this too?

[@alejandrohualdez5550]

After playing around on a Strat, Tele and Les Paul, plugging in my 335 is like coming home. Plus, I'm 6'4", so it doesn't look like a banjo on me!!! The best guitar Gibson ever made.

[@joshwhitty7024]

Late 50s- early 60s 335s arent called "burst killers" for nothing. I never played a burst. However, I did have the opportunity to play an old 335 (I believe it was a 1960, but I'm not entirely sure), and just... wow... I have never forgotten about that guitar, and I'm more of a SG/ Les Paul guy. Speaking as an SG lover, the 335 was probably the best sounding, playing, and looking guitar I've ever played

[@CameronForrester]

I love the info and resource that this channel is. Even though the style of music and tone isn’t my go-to, I love watching the videos. Wish I could find such a rich resource for alternative/grunge guitar!

[@peternorris5119]

Love your videos. Very informative and useful. I especially like the 'vintage vibe' you seem to gravitate to . . . Fender tweeds, Les Paul's, SG's, P90's and the like. Your tone, technique, and taste are also first rate. You're a great player and a great communicator. Thanks. Keep it up. Not that I needed help with it, but your video renewed my love affair with my '95 Red 335. I agree . . . What a guitar.

[@Ledzepfan88]

ps Les paul came up with "the log" by having a hollow body epiphone cut in half and inserting a block of pine in the center.. gibson dismissed this idea, then they "came up with this design"(revisiting the original dismissed idea, Les Paul is King.. god bless him for his innovations. just giving credit where credit is due.

[@guntherhaetinger9101]

Rhett you need to explain the facial hair situation you had on college.

[@RhettShull]

it was a regrettable look, for sure.

[@jennifer6833]

Rhett what about a video of your entire guitar collection?

[@TheChadPad]

Nobody needs to explain the facial hair situation they had in college

[@CharlezMalasana]

I love this man but he looks like a muppet

[@EshockT]

That's when he went by his Christian name, Jebediah.

[@jjdillon2007]

I also have a Memphis made 335, in natural, 2005, and I love it. Another great semi-hollow thatI own, is a 1992 Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion III. It's like a down-sized ES-135, but with a bound fingerboard.

[@tonycordell9205]

There is an old adage musicians repeat over and over that is..."you never choose a guitar, the guitar chooses you"...your story just proves that adage is true.

[@guitarman6600]

Great story about your Dad, Rhett! As a Dad 3 times, I realize how important making memories with your kids is. And BTW, the next guitar on my list is a 335.

[@dr150]

I'm 6'4" tall and own just about every major high end version of a popular model guitar. And indeed my 335 (which looks like yours btw) is comfort supreme!!! The sound is full and extremely versatile! Though I'm hard rock guy, I steer towards blues with my 335. Marriage made in heaven. The LP I own looks like a mandolin on my tall body, plus it's awkward . I never bonded with it. The Strat is another that has great comfort. But my baby go-to guitar is also the 335. Do you know the story of Ted Nugent who was gifted a Fender to try out at his house. He plugged it into his amp and after experimenting with it he instantly hated it literally took it off and threw it across the room at his sliding door window breaking the glass. Dude is crazy but he made a definitive statement that the 335 is ONLY one. LOL!....btw, I graduated HS Valedictorian and was admitted to several elite colleges and all my Dad did for me is put me to work in his warehouse moving boxes that beautiful summer! "You'll take it and you'll like it!" And still college sucked. Boring! Mechanical/non-creative. I wish i could have swayed to music school at that age! YOLO and NOT to always listen to ambitious parents (learning this lesson 20 years later of MY life!)....Your Dad is a fucking Rock Star, btw....bust out the waterworks on that heartfelt story! Whew!

[@christiantacchetti1568]

I’m a beginner guitarist. I’ve played piano my entire life and have been picking up guitar very quickly. I’m looking to buy my first electric guitar. I love playing mostly indie alternative/rock like Mac demarco kinda music. I have no clue what guitars I should consider really. I have a lot of money saved and was wondering if you’d recommend a telecaster or Gibson. I think the ES-335 is beautiful, but I feel like I see many indie artists playing fenders. Thanks for any advice you can provide

[@jeffreyhughes9162]

The story about your dad is great. I got my 335 in 2007, and for about 8 years it was the only electric guitar I owned. I sold two LPs, a Casino, and 100 bucks to get it. There is a magic to the way the guitar resonates in the room aside from the amplified signal. That extra timbre is gravy.

[@hyperbrightstudios]

I've just got a Gibson es 339 in blueberry burst. It's absolutely amazing tonally and incredibly versatile. I've also found the tuning stability to be amazing. I also kinda like the smaller body size for me personally (I'm a little shorter than you, and the Les Paul Body size has always felt comfortable) it's really comfortable. I've been so pleased with it and have found myself picking it up before anything else on a number of occasions.

[@knockoutguitarist087]

Personally my 335 is amazing it’s cherry red I just purchased it about two months ago but before that Les pauls teles a strat here and there but my original love was my Betty Jean (Black epiphone dot studio) I bought in 2003 or something like that.... but it’s still my favorite guitar the buckers in it came stock as they sound exactly like my classic 57s in my Les standard clear tone perfect feedback when needed I live my semi hollows!

[@eskilseter]

There's no more versatile guitar than the humble Telecaster, in my opinion.

[@Buccarado]

telecaster kinda sounds boring though, man.

[@krispatel1]

@@Buccarado it's more likely your playing than the telecaster

[@pierofocaccia]

Maybe not for Jazz

[@Moskal91]

i hate the tele thou. its so bulky it looks bad and it doesent sound special

[@atleegillette8013]

I just built a tele from local lumber and it sounds better than any guitar ive ever owned. There has to be magic between the body and the neck for it to be good. I do like bolt on necks better though because you can use them like to push vibrato if youre in a pintch.

[@4thAvenueGuitars]

This video reminded me how much I wanted an ES-335, I've just finished building my take on one for this years GGBO. I'm already in love with it.

[@mandodude148]

I’m a lifelong Tele fan. But, I also have a love for the 335, and I own one as well. Sometimes I’m really torn as to which one to play on the gig. They’re both such great guitars. Thanks for the video!

[@Garythefireman66]

Just the story of your dad driving you up to Nashville to pick out a guitar would have been enough.

[@mikaschwarzer1977]

I also trusted my guts and bought a Plaintop 1991 gibson les paul standard in vintage sunburst where many of my friends and family just asked: Why this one? there are so many more beautiful examples like this guitar.... Am playing it for over a year now and I'm never gonna give it away... Until the end.

[@EshockT]

Good wood era.

[@mikaschwarzer1977]

kangham aye it really is, that thing screams....

[@DavidvdGulik]

I can agree on every point you made. Epiphone Dot was my first "real" guitar. Played it for 7 years in a cover band where I used it for wildly differing styles of music, never needed a different guitar. And as you said it's supremely comfortable to play, even though it might not look like it because of its size

[@huhwhatdidshesay]

An inspirational story for all of the young people out there. Never give up. Keep looking for your dream. Once you find something that youre passionate about, stick with it. Youre day will come. Thank you for taking the time to put this video together.

[@ArturBrzozowski444]

Recently I've spent some time in music store playing different Strats. You know, I want to be funky and play like Tomo Fujita Fenders were suprisingly not in my taste. They seemed harsh and blunt Silversky blew me away but it's price could sink me down with all my belongings After this whole exploration I grabbed some PRS SE Hollow body with two humbuckers It really felt like home to me Guess deep inside I'm still "Gibson" kinda guy Now I'm looking for perfect pickups to go along with my es175 styled hollow body :v

[@larsdahl6594]

Your "very hard not cringe" is another man's "I'll never be that good". (I'm not revealing his identity but his name rhymes with 'cars'). Keep up the good work. 🤘

[@andrejz8954]

yeah, I don't get it at all...y was it considered bad? it was quite cool imo

[@drearydeary563]

Right hahah.

[@BrentonAlegre]

Great video. Thanks for telling us a bit more of your story. Keep up the good work (even if you can't currently play....hope you heal quickly)!!!

[@Matthaios1]

Hi Rhett, great video. My wife recently bought me a Glen Burton 355 style guitar, that quickly became my favorite out of m collection. Love listening to the cool tones in your playing.

[@hussledupgamejam]

11:52 bout time someone played this riff

[@yogimarkmac]

And on this lick I could tell without looking which guitar was the LP, which for me at least had the better tone.

[@Jim-dn6pp]

My story is amazingly similar to yours. My parents bought me my ES335 when I turned 12 in 1960. It is a 1959 Sunburst. I still own and play that guitar and it plays as well if not better than when it was new even with so many miles on it. Everything is original including the hard shell wooden case. Like you I will probably pass it down to keep it in the family. I agree that the 335 is the most versatile of my guitars, Strat, Les Paul, SG, Epiphone E175. I feel like it's part of me.

[@richmorpurgo5554]

Jim a 59? That’s is the grail!

[@Jim-dn6pp]

@@richmorpurgo5554 For me it's just my guitar but other guitarists who know guitars certainly treat it like the grail...they are afraid to touch it when I ask if want to play it. It's as if they experienced something spiritual.

[@richmorpurgo5554]

I am considering a newer one.

[@Jim-dn6pp]

@@richmorpurgo5554 I probably don't have to tell you this, but make sure you play it before you buy it... every guitar has its own personality.

[@richmorpurgo5554]

@@Jim-dn6pp I bought the one from the pawn shop. I am in love. been playing for nearly 50 years and have fallen in love.

[@howardnelthrope2694]

@02:54 "Struggled in school, barely passed out of high school. Failed out of one college only to go to another college and fail out". Now that is an honest man admitting where he did not succeed. Kudos.

[@woodskid4ever]

Beautiful story and guitar, but I LOVE your riffs! Out of the box! Your time and effort toward mastery is appreciated and enjoyed. Headed to GC tomorrow to play a few. Thank you brother! Mark in Oregon