Gibson ES

The Gibson ES series of semi-acoustic guitars (hollow body electric guitars) are manufactured by the Gibson Guitar Corporation.

The letters ES stand for Electric Spanish, to distinguish them from Hawaiian-style lap steel guitars which are played flat on the lap. Many of the original numbers referred to the price, in dollars, of the model. Suffixes in the names indicate additional appointments, for example "T" means "thinline" (a thinner profile than most) while "D" means "double pickup". Many of the models come with f-holes, though some, such as B.B. King's signature Lucille (guitar), Lucille series, are made without f-holes. Some models are full-bodied models, while single- and double-Cutaway (guitar), cutaways are also available. Two different styles of Cutaway (guitar), cutaways are used, both named by Gibson after Italian cities. ''Florentine'' models had a sharper, more pointed end on the cutaway, while more rounded and contoured cutaways were called ''Venetian'' style.

Numerous signature models of the ES series exist, as well as some later hybrid models such as the "ES-Les Paul" that combines features of a Gibson Les Paul with those of the ES series.

ES Series guitars were built at Gibson's Memphis, Tennessee factory from 2000 until 2019. After Gibson's change of ownership in 2019, the Memphis factory was closed and production was moved back to Nashville, Tennessee.

Models

ES models

* Gibson ES-5, ES-5    (1949–1955)   Three-pickup, full depth hollowbody.  / (1955–1962) Gibson ES-5, ES-5 Switchmaster
* Gibson ES-100, ES-100   (1938–1941)   Entry-level archtop hollow-body model.  (Renamed to ES-125)
* Gibson ES-120, ES-120T (1962–1971)   Most basic student model, thinline
* Gibson ES-125, ES-125   (1941–1970)   Successor of ES-100.  /  (1956–1960) ES-125T (thinline).
* Gibson ES-135, ES-130   (1954–1956)   (Renamed to ES-135)
* Gibson ES-135, ES-135   (1956–1958)   Thick-body version of ES-125TDC.  /  (1991–2002)
* Gibson ES-137, ES-137   (2002–2013)   Upscaled ES-135 with Gibson Les Paul, Les Paul sound.
* Gibson ES-139, ES-139   (2013 only)   Semi-hollow dealer exclusive, sized between a Gibson Les Paul, Les Paul and Gibson ES-135, ES-135. No f-holes. Marketed as a lighter alternative to the Les Paul.
* Gibson ES-140, ES-140   (1950–1957)   3/4 size, short scale ES-175.  /  (1956–1968) ES-140T (thinline).
* Gibson ES-150, ES-150   (1936–1956)   Gibson's first electric guitar, based on Gibson L-50, L-50.  /  (1937-?) EST–150 (tenor) and EPG–150 (plectrum) were shipped.  /  (1969–1974) ES-150DC resembling thick ES-335.
* Gibson ES-165, ES-165   (1991–2013)   Single pickup ES-175 based on Herb Ellis's.
* Gibson ES-175, ES-175   (1949–) Full depth, florentine cutaway, maple top, 24 3/4" scale.  /  (1953-) ES-175D (dual pickup).  /  (1976–1979) ES-175T (thinline hollow-body)

* Gibson ES-225, ES-225T (1955–1959)   Variation on ES-125T (thinline, florentine cutaway), with trapeze bridge.
* Gibson ES-250, ES-250   (1938–1940)   Rare, fancier version of ES-150. Replaced by ES-300.
* Gibson ES-260, ES-260   (1982–1983)   Resembling ES-125T/ES-225T (thinline, florentine cutaway), but semi-hollow with center block, stop tailpiece, and humbuckers instead of P90 pickups.
* Gibson ES-175#ES-295, ES-295   (1952–1959)   ES-175 resembling Gibson Les Paul#Goldtop, Les Paul Goldtop with trapeze bridge.
* Gibson ES-300, ES-300   (1940–1952)   Successor of ES-250, with a slant-mounted long pickup. Short PU in 1941. Reintroduced with P-90 in 1946, added second P-90 in 1949. Replaced by ES-350.
* Gibson ES-320, ES-320TD (1971–1974)   Similar to ES-330TD but with tune-o-matic and metal control plate.
* Gibson ES-325, ES-325   (1972–1979)   Similar to ES-330TD but with mini-humbuckers, single f-hole, and a half-moon shaped plastic control plate
* Gibson ES-330, ES-330TD (1958–)     Double rounded cutaway, thinline hollow-body
* Gibson ES-333, ES-333   (–2003) Stripped-down version of ES-335
* Gibson ES-335, ES-335   (1958–)     World's first thinline archtop semi-acoustic (semi-hollow-body with center-block) / (2013–) ES-335 Bass
* Gibson CS-336, ES-336   (1996–2001)   Replaced by CS-336.
* Gibson ES-339, ES-339   (2007–)     Size of CS-336 with construction of ES-335.
* Gibson ES-340, ES-340TD (1968–1973)   ES-335 with a master volume/mixer and phase switch
* Gibson ES-345, ES-345   (1958–1981)   ES-335 construction, but with parallelogram inlays, Varitone, and stereo outputs.
* Gibson ES-335#Other, ES-347   (1978–) Alternate ES-345 with a coil-tap switch instead of Varitone
* Gibson ES-350T, ES-350   (1947–1956)   Rounded cutaway ES-300.  /  (1955–1981)   Gibson ES-350T, ES-350T as a plainer Gibson Byrdland, Byrdland.
* Gibson ES-355, ES-355   (1958–1982)   Upscaled ES-345 (ebony fretboard, extra binding, etc.) with Gibson Vibrola, vibrato unit, optional Varitone and stereo outputs.
* Gibson ES-359, ES-359   (2008–)     Upscaled ES-339 (ebony fretboard, extra binding, gold hardware, block inlays).
* Gibson ES-369, ES-369   (late 1970s–) ES-335 with Dirty Finger humbuckers, coil tap switch, and snakehead headstock.
* Gibson ES-390, ES-390   (2013–)     Similar in size to the ES-339, but with the fully hollow construction of ES-330. Equipped with mini humbuckers (2013 model year) or dog-ear P90s (2014–present).
* Gibson ES-775, ES-775   (1990–1993)   ES-175 with higher quality components
* Gibson ES Artist, ES Artist   (1979
An advertisement in 1979 for Artist series: "''RD Artist Active''" released around 1977, and two new models added in 1979, "''ES Artist Active''" and "''Les Paul Artist Active''".–) Upscale model of ES-335 without f-holes, with active circuit by Moog Music, Moog.

ES signature models

:;ES-333 signature
* Gibson ES-333#Tom DeLonge Signature, Tom DeLonge Signature ES-333 (2003–) Equipped with a single high-output Gibson Dirty Fingers bridge humbucker.
:;ES-335 signature
* Gibson ES-335#Dave Grohl Signature, DG-335 (2007–?) Dave Grohl model based on Gibson Trini Lopez, Trini Lopez.
* Gibson Trini Lopez, Trini Lopez (1964–1971) Trini Lopez two versions: one based on ES-335, other similar to Kessel model with diamond-shaped sound holes and a single-side headstock.
*Chris Cornell (2013–) First edition released in 2013 with a limited edition run of 250 released in 2019 - green Olive Drab finish with Jason Lollar Gretsch Filtertron style Lollartron pickups, Bigsby vibrato, and Cornell's signature inlaid on the headstock
:;ES-355 derivative signature
* Gibson Lucille, Lucille (1980–1985) B.B. King model based on ES-355TD-SV without sound hole, f-holes.
:;ES-330/ES-336 derivative signature
*Johnny A. (2004–) ES-336 sized fully-hollow thinline body with sharp double cutaways that resemble the Barney Kessel model with three variants (all models have '57 Classic humbuckers and 25.5" scale unless otherwise noted):
**Signature with Bigsby vibrato
**Standard with Bigsby vibrato, which has less cosmetic appointments compared to the Signature, nickel instead of gold hardware, and a rosewood fretboard instead of ebony
**Spruce Top, with a spruce top instead of maple and a stopbar tailpiece instead of a Bigsby vibrato, rosewood fretboard, and Alnico III CustomBuckers instead of '57 Classics

Derived models

* Gibson 335-S, 335-S (1980–1983) Loosely related solidbody guitar similar in shape and controls to Gibson ES-335, ES-335 with two Dirty Fingers pickups.
* Gibson CS-336, CS-336 (2001–?) Custom Shop's first "tonally carved" guitar.
* Gibson CS-336, CS-356 (2001–?) Upscaled Gibson CS-336, CS-336 with goldplate parts, ''etc''.
Vegas
(2006) Offset semi-hollow with similar aesthetics to the Trini Lopez - non-reverse Firebird six-in-line headstock, diamond f-holes, and split-diamond inlays. Two variants:

Standard
- Plain maple top, ebony fingerboard, '57 Classic humbuckers, four finishes: Ebony, Natural, Sunburst, Wine Red.

High Roller
- AAA Flame maple top, gold hardware, block inlays, Burstbucker Pro humbuckers, four finishes: Desert Sunset, Felt Green, Neon, Roulette Red.

* Gibson Les Paul#Custom Shop models, Les Paul Bantam/Florentine (1995/1996–) Custom Shop models with thinline semi-hollow-body with center-block. (Note: "''Gibson USA Florentine''" released in 2009 is a solid-body model)
* ES-Les Paul (2014-2016) Mash up of Gibson Les Paul, Les Paul and Gibson ES-335, ES-335
* Gibson Les Paul Signature, Les Paul Signature (–)
**Midtown (2011–2016) Smaller chambered body with f-holes that came in five variants:
***Standard with dot inlays and BurstBucker humbuckers, as well as optional Bigsby vibrato
***Standard P-90 with trapezoid inlays and P-90 pickups
***Custom with humbuckers, block inlays and split diamond headstock inlay, like an ES-355
***Kalamazoo, with appointments referencing the Byrdland
***Signature Bass

* Gibson EB–2, EB–2 bass (1958–1972)
* Gibson EB-6, EB-6 6-string bass/baritone guitar (1959–1961: hollow-body similar to Gibson EB–2, EB–2,Danelectro #3412, #4423 & UB–2 image
/ref> 1962–1965: ''Gibson SG, SG-shaped'' solid-body similar to Gibson EB-3, EB-3/Gibson EB-0, EB-0: )

Related models

Origin models

:Note: in the 1920s, L-4 and L-5 were once electrified by Lloyd Loar, but halted by his end of contract in 1924.
*Gibson L-4, L-4  (1911–) The bass model of ES-175 and its derivatives.
*Gibson L-5, L-5  (1922–) The bass model of ES-5, Byrdland, ES-350T, possibly ES-225, and these derivatives.
**Gibson Byrdland, Byrdland (1955–) Thinline, short-scale Gibson L-5, L-5 CES, named after Billy Byrd and Hank Garland.
**Gibson Super 400, Super 400 CES ([1934]/1950s–)
*Gibson L-50, L-50 (1934–) The base model of the first Electro Spanish model, Gibson ES-150, ES-150.: 
*Les_Paul#Guitar_builder, The Log (1940) A forerunner of the later center-block semi-hollow models, Gibson ES-335, ES-335/345/355.

Related derivative models

* Gibson EDS–1275, EDS–1275 Double 12 (1958–) Doubleneck, hollow-body (1958–1962) or ''Gibson SG, SG-shaped'' solid-body (1962-) guitar with 12 and 6 string guitar necks.
Other doubleneck models include:
**''EMS–1235 Double Mandolin'' (mandolin or short neck guitar & normal guitar, hollow-body (1958–1962) or solid-body (1962-))
**''EBSF–1250 Double Bass'' (4 string bass & guitar, built-in fuzz (electric guitar), fuzz effect)
**''EBS–1250 Double Bass'' (6 string bass & guitar) — comparing the 1962/1963 & 1964 EBSF–1250 (4 string bass + guitar + fuzz (electric guitar), fuzztone), 1964 EBS–1250 (4 string bass + guitar), and Elvis' 1965 EBS–1250 (6 string bass + guitar)
**''EDS–1250'' (6 string bass & 4 string bass)
* Gibson Barney Kessel, Barney Kessel (1961–1974) Barney Kessel model. 3" deep, double florentine cutaway hollow-body (Two versions, Regular and Custom).
* Johnny Smith#Gibson Johnny Smith, Johnny Smith  (1961–) Later renamed as ''Gibson LeGrande''.

Solid Formed
(2015) - new style archtop using 1/2 the wood by bending it instead of traditional carving. 17" full hollowbody with a venetian cutaway and floating Johnny Smith style humbucker.
*Gibson Blueshawk, Blueshawk (1996–2006)
** Gibson Little Lucille, Little Lucille (1996–2006) another Lucille (guitar), Lucille endorsed by B.B. King.

Related signature models

* Gibson Tal Farlow, Tal Farlow (1962–1971) Tal Farlow model.
* Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion, Howard Roberts Fusion (1980–) Howard Roberts model.
* Gibson Chet Atkins Country Gentleman, Chet Atkins Country Gentleman (1987–2000s) Gibson version of the Gretsch Chet Atkins signature model 6120, with Gibson 492R and 490T humbucking pickups instead of Gretsch Filtertrons.
* Gibson Chet Atkins Tennessean, Chet Atkins Tennessean (1990–2000s) Mid-priced Gibson Chet Atkins signature model designed by Gibson.

Gallery

This section provides the photographs of the above mentioned models, to easily identify and grasp each one at a glance.

ES models (with signatures and derivations)

File:1956 Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster - Carl Perkins' - Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, OH (2018-08-31 by Claude Humbert).jpg, Gibson ES-5, ES-5
File:Gibson ES-120T.jpg, Gibson ES-120T, ES-120T
File:Gibson ES-125.jpg, Gibson ES-125, ES-125
File:Gibson ES135.jpg, Gibson ES-135, ES-135
File:Gibson ES-137 guitar.jpg, Gibson ES-137, ES-137
File:Gibson ES-140.jpg, Gibson ES-140, ES-140
File:Gibson ES-150.png, Gibson ES-150, ES-150
File:Gibson ES-165 Herb Ellis (1996).jpg, Gibson ES-165, ES-165
File:Herb Ellis 1953 Gibson ES-175.jpg, ES-175
File:Gibson ES-175 jl.png, Gibson ES-175, ES-175
File:GibsonEs250pair.gif, Gibson ES-250, ES-250
File:Gibson ES-295, Sun Studio.jpg, Gibson ES-295, ES-295
File:Gibson ES-325 - Kings of Leon 4.jpg, Gibson ES-325, ES-325
File:Gibson ES-330TD.jpg, Gibson ES-330, ES-330TD
File:Gibson ES-333.jpg, Gibson ES-333, ES-333
File:Gibson DeLonge signature.jpg, Gibson ES-333#Tom DeLonge Signature, Tom DeLonge ES-333
File:Gibson ES-335 sunburst.jpg, Gibson ES-335, ES-335
File:Chris Cornell Soundgarden (253661679) (cropped).jpeg, Chris Cornell ES-335
File:FoosDublin210819-2 (48620472807) (cropped).jpg, Dave Grohl DG-335
File:Gibson Trini Ropez, played by Rusty Anderson.jpg, Trini Lopez
File:Gibson 335 S Deluxe.jpg, Gibson 335-S, 335-S Deluxe
File:Gibson CS-336.jpg, Gibson CS-336, CS-336
File:Gibson Johnny A.jpg, Johnny A., Johnny A
File:Nova2013 Stereophonics Kelly Jones 0002.jpg, Gibson ES-339, ES-339
File:Gibson ES-345 lefty.jpg, Gibson ES-345, ES-345
File:Gibson ES-350T .png, Gibson ES-350T, ES-350
File:Jimmy Dawkins.jpg, Gibson ES-355, ES-355
File:Gibson Lucille .jpg, Lucille (guitar), Gibson Lucille

Related models

File:Gibson TG-50 Archtop Tenor (1955) & Gibson L-7 Archtop Guitar (1947) - 2012 Northwest Handmade Musical Instrument Exhibit.jpg, Gibson L-50, L-50 tenor version (TG-50) with L-7
File:Gibson Electro Spanish-150, Prototype Batch (1936), Museum of Making Music.jpg, (based on L-50)
File:Gibson L-4 CES (vert).jpg, Gibson L-4, L-4
File:Gibson L-5 (1928), Maybelle Carter, CMHF clip1.jpg, Gibson L-5, L-5
File:Gibson Byrdland.jpg, Gibson Byrdland, Byrdland
File:Gibson Super 400 CES.jpg, Gibson Super 400

File:Earlyal1.JPG, Tal Farlow
File:Fun Lovin Criminals -Sala Bikini, Barcelona, Spain-11May2010.jpg, Chet Atkins Country Gentleman
File:Gibson Johnny Smith.jpg, Johnny Smith#Gibson Johnny Smith, Johnny Smith
File:Gibson Barney Kessel Custom prototype, made for Tal Farlow, owned by Jon Hines (1960), Museum of Making Music.jpg, Barney Kessel
File:StillsStephen1983.jpg, Double-12
File:Guitarist with Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion, Blues Jam at S-ta Clara Bierhaus, 2009-02-13.jpg, Howard Roberts Fusion

File:2015 Gibson Memphis ES Les Paul Lemon Burst Double Cream VOS.jpg, ES-Les Paul
File:GibsonMemphisBlackBeauty.jpg, ES-Les Paul Black Beauty
File:Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Custom Florentine (vertical).jpg, Les Paul Florentine
File:Epiphone Les Paul Signature (clip).jpg, Les Paul Signature
File:Gibson Little Lucille (vertical).jpg, Gibson Little Lucille, Little Lucille
File:Gibson Blueshawk (vertical).jpg, Gibson Blueshawk, Blueshawk

File:Epiphone Jack Casady Bass.png, Gibson Les Paul bass, Les Paul Signature Bass
File:1964 Gibson EB-2.JPG, Gibson EB-2

Tree chart

References

;Bibliography
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;Citations

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Gibson Es Series
Gibson electric guitars, ES Series