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Gibson ES-335 1959 Reissue Specifications Thread

D'Mule

Active member
Joined
Apr 5, 2003
Messages
4,621
As some of you know, I recently purchased my 2009 Memphis Gibson ES-335 '59 Dot Reissue. There has been plenty of speculation about how authentic the Memphis '59 Reissues are to the originals. I will refer you to TomGuitar's very fine vintage ES-335 site <http://www.es-335.net/index.html> to compare and draw your own conclusions

My guitar weighs 8 lbs 3 oz. It measures 16 and 1/16 inches across at the widest point (even though Gibson advertises a dimension of 16.5 inches) and is exactly 1 and 3/4 inches deep.

Pictures document the hardware and configuration. I assume the beige switchtip is a replacement and not original to the guitar. Nickel hardware and knobs are standard Gibson Custom shop fare, with wired ABR1 and lightweight tailpiece. Long 4-ply pickguard.

%2759%20335%20RI%20sm.jpg




Headstock has a holly veneer. Truss rod cover is in an appropriate higher position. Flower pot is also in a correct higher position, but note the shape is not authentic to the original. Nut width is 1 and 11/16 inches.

es335%20headstock%20front.jpg



Tuner design and positioning seems accurate. Double line Gibson Deluxe case markings. Note the Gibson Custom Shop decal is a Memphis guitar feature. No serial number impression anywhere on the headstock. Neck profile is thick with little taper (much like my '58 LP RI) and round with minimal shoulder.

es335%20headstock%20back.jpg



Neck angle, pup rings are as shown. Neck tenon is long and wide. Center block is solid with holes drilled to pass pup wires.

side.jpg

tenon.jpg

neck%20route2.jpg

bridge%20route2.jpg



This documents the 3-ply maple/x/maple top lamination, where x represents the mystery wood (perhaps poplar). This is not unlike the 1958 335, but different than the 4-ply lamination of vintage 1959 335s.

laminations.jpg



Orange label identifies the guitar as a reissue ES 335 with serial number that starts with A like the originals. At the bottom of the label (not seen) is its origin: Memphis, Tennesee.

Orange%20label.jpg


This is all I've got for you. Given all the debate regarding Memphis vs. Nashville '59 RI 335s, I would be happy for someone to post pics and data of their own Nashville '59 ES-335 for purposes of comparison and discussion. I would love to settle the question of how these two shops differ in their guitar construction (although the debate as to whether Memphis guitars can ever be as good can and will go on)! :salude
 

RnB

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Joined
Nov 9, 2004
Messages
831
and is exactly 1 and 3/4 inches deep.

Not that this pertinent to the 59 Hist RI's, but I'm curious as to what the depth is supposed to be on 335's? It guess...it varied? On my '85 Dot, it's right on the 1 5/8" mark.

A '59 is on the left. On the right is a '64...!
IMG_3093.jpg
 

D'Mule

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Apr 5, 2003
Messages
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My understanding is that these do vary, but the spec is 1 and 3/4 inches.
 

bluesjuke

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Feb 6, 2005
Messages
7,007
Here's the neck pocket of my '06 '59 Nashville Historic 335;

335Historictenon.jpg


DSC_0197.jpg



Sweet Blonde you've got there!

.
 
Last edited:

soulbrojcs

Les Paul Froum Member
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Apr 14, 2009
Messages
939
Don't have the specific info you're asking for, but couldn't resist showing off my 2000 59 Historic... I'm under the impression that this is a Nashville version, but I have to admit I'm not completely sure. if there's anything you would like me to measure or address regarding its specs, ask away and I'll do the best I can to answer.
MusicalEquipment006.jpg
MusicalEquipment013.jpg
PICT0842.jpg
Gibson59ES-33559LesPaul.jpg
 

J T

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Oct 20, 2005
Messages
10,502
SoulbrojcsJR is having a go at it! :3zone
 

D'Mule

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Apr 5, 2003
Messages
4,621
Don't have the specific info you're asking for, but couldn't resist showing off my 2000 59 Historic... I'm under the impression that this is a Nashville version, but I have to admit I'm not completely sure. if there's anything you would like me to measure or address regarding its specs, ask away and I'll do the best I can to answer.
MusicalEquipment006.jpg

It's so flamey!

Check the orange label--it should say Nashville at the bottom.

I'd be interested to know how wide and deep your guitars are in inches.
 

D'Mule

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Joined
Apr 5, 2003
Messages
4,621
DSC_0197.jpg



Sweet Blonde you've got there!

I LOVE Vintage Sunburst on the historic ES-335, even better than Antique Natural...but I already had an LP R8 in a nearly identical Faded Tobacco Sunburst, so I went for variety.

For comparison (I think mine is just a bit redder):

R8%20Plaintop.jpg
 

soulbrojcs

Les Paul Froum Member
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Apr 14, 2009
Messages
939
SoulbrojcsJR is having a go at it! :3zone
Yes, he's quite the little character... have to watch him CLOSELY around my guitars!!! he has his own, AND a drum set, but still wants mine... ;-)
 

bluesjuke

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Feb 6, 2005
Messages
7,007
Thanks, I'm very happy with it
My other is an Ebony and now I need the other two finishes- Collect 'em all!
 

bluesjuke

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Feb 6, 2005
Messages
7,007
Have to take a new pic for that but here it is by itself in the now "infamous" pic (see the current thread by me in this forum). It's an '03 and my most favorite in 47 years;


DSC_0029.jpg
 
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