[SOLVED!] Classic vs. Contemporary: Gibson ES-390 Vs. 335

Among electric guitars that have hit the market, not many manage to leave an impression as lasting as the iconic Gibson ES-390 and 335. At a glance, both Gibson guitars resemble each other in many regards but a few differences exist in terms of design, sound, etc. Unable to decide which guitar is superior once it comes to Gibson ES-390 vs. 335 and need some help? Then look no further because you can find exactly what you want in our article. 

Background Of The Guitars

In case you don’t know, ES-390 and 335 belong to the long-running ES (Electric Spanish) guitar line of Gibson. Introduced to the market in 1958, ES-335 was a groundbreaking guitar that merged the best qualities of solid-body and hollow-body guitars. As the first commercially available, mass-produced semi-hollow electric guitar, it set the foundation for many of the following models. Meanwhile, taking inspiration from ES-335, ES-390 was marketed as a more compact and versatile successor to ES-335 upon release. 

Gibson ES-390 Vs. 335: Analysis

	Gibson ES-390	Gibson ES 335
Body Material	Maple/Poplar/Maple Laminate	Maple/Poplar/Maple 3-Ply
Neck Material	Mahogany	Mahogany
Neck Shape	Small 60s Shape	Rounded “C”
Fingerboard	Rosewood	Rosewood
Inlays	Mid ’60s Block Inlays	Dot
Scale Length	24 3/4″	24 3/4″
Nut Width	1 11/16″	1.695″
Pickups	Mini Humbuckers/P90	Neck Pickup: Calibrated T-type Rhythm HumbuckerBridge Pickup: Calibrated T-type Treble Humbucker
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Switch	2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Selector Switch
Hardware	Chrome	Nickel
Tuners	Kluson	Vintage Deluxe with Keystone Buttons
Bridge	ABR	ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Trapeze Tailpiece	Aluminum Stopbar
Case	Black Hardshell Case	Gibson Brown Hardshell Case

Design 

ES-390 packs a slightly smaller and lighter body compared to ES-335. Its thin and slim construction makes the guitar easy to handle for extended playing sessions. ES-390’s small size and lightweight frame contribute to fantastic playability, especially for those who desire compact instruments. Needless to say, it’s popular among guitarists who have a small build. 

ES-335, on the other hand, has a large body that contributes to its rich resonance and classic look. Owing to its huge frame, ES-335  offers a different playing experience that may appeal to those who prefer a traditional feel and feel comfortable around big instruments. 

Performance

ES-390 has a higher likelihood of feedback and produces a darker tone but it also offers an airy and warm sound. That lets it capture classic jazz tones perfectly and it excels at generating the classic howl often associated with Hollowbody guitars equipped with P90 pickups. Moreover, ES-390 possesses a dual humbucking pickup which guarantees a powerful, noise-free signal. The two mini-humbuckers as well as individual volume and tone controls provide various tonal options, from warm and vibrant tones at the neck to aggressive lead sounds at the bridge. 

About ES-335, it is known for its versatile tonal range and the classic ’57 Classic humbuckers which contribute to its signature warm and balanced sound. Its large body produces a well-rounded sound with a robust low end, articulate midrange and smooth highs. The neck pickup produces smooth and velvety tones, ideal for playing jazz and blues. Last but not least, the bridge pickup adds a punchy and articulate character that excels in rock and blues-rock genres.  

Conclusion

Ultimately, the choice between the Gibson ES-390 and ES-335 comes down to personal preferences, playing style, and the sonic qualities desired. ES-390 offers a lightweight and comfortable design with a darker tone, while ES-335 provides a larger, versatile platform with a classic sound revered by musicians across genres. Both guitars exemplify Gibson’s craftsmanship and legacy, offering exceptional instruments for players to explore and express their musicality.

A Guide To  Gibson

Gibson, an iconic name in the world of music and craftsmanship, has been at the forefront of guitar manufacturing for over a century.

Founded in 1894 by Orville Gibson, the company has left an indelible mark on the music industry, earning a reputation for producing some of the most legendary and revered guitars in history. With a commitment to quality, innovation, and tradition, Gibson continues to inspire musicians and enthusiasts alike with their exceptional instruments, offering a diverse range of models to suit every playing style. From the timeless Les Paul and SG to the classic ES series and modern-day innovations, Gibson remains a symbol of excellence and passion for musicians worldwide.