One of Gibson's Most Important Guitars
Few electric guitars have had the impact of the Gibson ES-335. Introduced in 1958, the ES-335 bridged the gap between a fully hollow electric and a solid-body guitar, creating an instrument capable of warm jazz tones, biting blues leads, classic rock crunch, and virtually everything in between. From club stages to arena tours, the ES-335 has remained a staple of professional musicians for generations.
This 1974 Gibson ES-335 is a genuine Norlin-era example finished in the iconic Cherry Red finish. Built during a fascinating period in Gibson history, this guitar retains the classic semi-hollow design that made the model famous while showcasing the craftsmanship and character that vintage enthusiasts continue to appreciate today.
More than fifty years after leaving the factory, this ES-335 remains a highly playable instrument. It has been well cared for throughout its life and is currently set up with comfortable low action that makes it a joy to play. The electronics function properly, the guitar performs as intended, and it delivers the unmistakable voice that has made the ES-335 one of the most recorded electric guitars ever produced.
Pictures are of the actual guitar you will receive.
Body & Construction: The Legendary Semi-Hollow Design
At the heart of every ES-335 is Gibson's revolutionary semi-hollow construction. The laminated maple body combines the resonance and openness of a hollowbody with a solid maple center block running through the middle of the instrument. This design reduces feedback while preserving the warmth and airiness players expect from a hollow-bodied guitar.
Finished in classic Cherry Red, this guitar has developed the visual character only decades of honest use can create. The finish continues to present beautifully while showing signs of age and playwear consistent with a vintage instrument. Various cosmetic imperfections and finish flaws are present throughout the guitar, and we have photographed the most notable areas for complete transparency.
The result is a guitar that looks exactly like what many players hope to find in a vintage ES-335: original, well-loved, and full of character.
Neck & Playability: A Vintage Guitar Meant to Be Played
One of the most impressive aspects of this instrument is how well it plays today. The guitar is currently set up with low action and offers a comfortable playing experience up and down the neck.
The mahogany neck features Gibson's traditional set-neck construction and is paired with a rosewood fingerboard adorned with classic block inlays. Whether you're playing jazz chords, blues bends, or classic rock riffs, the guitar feels responsive and familiar in the hands.
Many vintage instruments spend more time in cases than on stages. This ES-335 feels ready for either.
Pickups & Electronics: The Sound That Defined Generations
The ES-335 earned its reputation largely because of its remarkable versatility. From smooth cleans to rich overdrive, few guitars cover as much sonic territory while maintaining such a distinctive identity.
This guitar appears to retain its original electronic components, which are functioning properly and performing as intended. The dual humbuckers provide the warmth, clarity, and dynamic response that have made the ES-335 a favorite among players ranging from jazz legends to blues icons and rock pioneers.
The controls operate as expected, allowing players to dial in everything from articulate neck pickup warmth to cutting bridge pickup bite.
Hardware & Condition Notes
This 1974 ES-335 remains largely original with one notable exception: the tuners have been replaced at some point during the guitar's lifetime.
The replacement tuners function properly and provide stable tuning performance. Beyond the tuner change, the guitar appears to retain its original character and vintage appeal.
Cosmetically, the instrument shows normal signs of age and use, including playwear and finish imperfections consistent with a guitar that has been enjoyed for more than five decades. Areas of notable wear have been documented in the photographs.
Product Features:
- Body: maple semi-hollow construction with solid center block
- Finish: Cherry Red
- Neck: Mahogany set neck
- Fingerboard: Rosewood with block inlays
- Scale Length: 24.75"
- Pickups: Dual Gibson humbuckers
- Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way selector switch
- Bridge: Tune-o-Matic bridge
- Tailpiece: Stop bar tailpiece
- Tuners: Replacement tuners (non-original)
- Hardware: Chrome
- Year: 1974
- Built: USA
- Condition: Used
- Electronics: Fully functional
- Playability: Professionally set up with comfortable low action
Condition Description
This is a used vintage electric guitar from our inventory. Pictures are of the actual instrument you will receive.
This guitar shows normal signs of use consistent with its age, including playwear, finish imperfections, light scratches, and other cosmetic wear accumulated over more than fifty years. We have photographed the most significant cosmetic areas for reference.
The tuners have been replaced and are not original to the instrument. The electronics function properly, and the guitar is currently set up with low action and plays exceptionally well.
Our licensed guitar technician has inspected, tested, and professionally set up this instrument to ensure it is playing and functioning properly.
Please review all photos carefully, as they are considered part of the description. Feel free to contact us with any questions prior to purchase.
Brand: Gibson
Model: ES-335
Finish: Cherry Red
Year: 1974
Condition: Used
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
