Gibson 1961 ES-335 Reissue 60s CH ULA

First Look: Gibson 1961 ES-335 Reissue 60s CH ULA

The Gibson 1961 ES-335 Reissue 60s CH ULA is a hollowbody electric guitar crafted to echo the era-defining models of the early 1960s. This particular iteration comes from the Murphy Lab line, evocative of vintage wear and character, and is finished in an ultra-light aged '60s Cherry with authentic lacquer cracks. Produced in the USA, this instrument offers a focused package for guitarists who demand period correctness and high-end workmanship. With a price tag of $5,555 and features explicitly tailored for vintage tone and feel, the ES-335 Reissue targets serious players and collectors alike.

Construction and Materials

Main construction is a three-ply laminated setup (maple, poplar, maple), which forms both the body and top. This lamination process preserves traditional semi-acoustic resonance while keeping the guitar free from feedback issues. Unlike most modern semi-hollow guitars, Gibson remains purist here: the ES-335 Reissue is a true hollowbody model, omitting the center block used in many contemporary designs.

The neck is genuine mahogany, set into the body for optimal transfer of vibrational energy. The fingerboard is made of rosewood, contributing further warmth and smoothness. Small block inlays signal the early-'60s aesthetic. The neck profile, an authentic 1961 "Skinny C" shape, is distinctly lean and slick, favoring fast runs and effortless chord transitions. Anyone who prefers a thin neck will find this design extremely comfortable, consistent with user feedback praising its distinctive profile.

Binding is executed in Royalite, a period-appropriate material, given a single-ply treatment for the fingerboard. The headstock sports a holly veneer, maintaining traditional Gibson details. Overall visual effect is classic, with every detail mapped to historical specification, from the double ring tulip tuners to the 5-ply pickguard.

Electronics: Custom-Tuned for Vintage Tone

The instrument carries two custom-wound humbuckers with AlNiCo III magnets, designed without potting. This decision aligns with pre-mid-1960s pickup building, letting the coils breathe and interact with the magnetic field for extra harmonic content and touch response. Both pickups are controlled by vintage-correct CTS pots (two volumes, two tones) and a three-way toggle switch. Coupled with paper-in-oil capacitors, these electronics deliver a sound palette ranging from airy cleans to visceral, singing sustain under overdrive.

The sonic character is widely admired: the bridge pickup gives a punchy top-end and viscous midrange for lead work, while the neck position produces a complex, blooming warmth that suits clean jazz or syrupy blues. The unpotted construction results in increased sensitivity to playing dynamics and amplifier settings. For anyone chasing classic tones, from early Clapton to modern Americana, this setup is both musical and flexible.

Hardware and Playability

• Bridge: Vintage-accurate ABR-1, offering precise intonation and direct string-to-body resonance.
• Tailpiece: Lightweight aluminum, aiding sustain and keeping weight manageable across the large body.
• Tuners: Double ring tulip style, nickel-plated for period-correct looks and feel.
• Frets: 22, medium-gauge, ideal for both chord and lead styles.
• Scale: 24.75 inches (628 mm) for slinky feel and classic Gibson string tension.

Out of the case, the ES-335 Reissue feels premium. The setup is precise and allows for low action without buzzing. String bends and vibrato are effortless thanks to the polished rosewood fretboard and even fretwork. Playability is further supported by the neck profile, players with smaller hands or those who value agility will find the '61 Skinny C notably advantageous. The guitar balances comfortably, aided by its hollow body shell and lightweight hardware.

Finish and Aesthetics

This ES-335 Reissue receives the Murphy Lab's ultra-light aged treatment, which replicates decades of gentle wear. Lacquer checking, subtle tarnishing on nickel hardware, and light finish dings make every guitar unique yet never gaudy. The '60s Cherry color is deeply reminiscent of both vintage and modern icons. Every detail, right down to the certificate and vintage-style case, underscores Gibson's pursuit of historical authenticity for the series.

Verdict: Is the ES-335 Reissue Worth the Investment?

The Gibson 1961 ES-335 Reissue 60s CH ULA stands out for unyielding build quality, authentic 1961 specifications, and world-class playability. The neck profile, in particular, is a major draw, offering superb comfort for players who prefer a slim grip. While the $5,555 price positions this firmly in the premium bracket, the construction, sonics, and finishing reflect an attention to detail rarely matched at any price point. For guitarists seeking an instrument that not only plays but also feels and looks genuinely vintage out of the box, this model delivers in every respect.

Supplied with a deluxe vintage-style case and certificate, the ES-335 Reissue is aimed at players who value accuracy and character. If your budget allows and your passion lies in period-correct tone and feel, this Gibson should be on your shortlist. Feedback from owners confirms: from the feel in hand to the sounds it inspires, everything about this model is exceptional.