Gibson 1961 ES-335 Reissue VB VOS

Gibson 1961 ES-335 Reissue VB VOS review

The Gibson 1961 ES-335 Reissue VB VOS is a Custom Shop, semi-hollow electric guitar built in the USA. Its specification takes its cues from the 1961 ES-335, with a maple, poplar, and maple body, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. The finish is Vintage Burst with Gibson's VOS treatment. The listed price is 4,699.

This is not a fully hollow guitar. It is a semi-hollow model in Gibson's ES style, fitted with two humbuckers and no tremolo. The reported owner had already spent time with several hollowbody-style alternatives, including an Epiphone Sheraton, an Epiphone Casino, and an Ibanez Artist. After comparing this guitar with the ES-335 Figured Iced Tea and ES-335 DOT, the owner chose the 1961 reissue despite its higher price.

Construction and period details

The body uses a three-ply maple, poplar, and maple construction, paired with a mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard. The neck has Gibson's authentic 1961 Skinny C profile. That description gives a more specific indication of its shape than a general modern C label would, though individual hand feel still depends on the player. The available specifications do not give neck thickness measurements.

The fingerboard has 22 frets, pearloid dot inlays, and a 628 mm scale. Royalite binding and a Holly headstock veneer add period-style details. Hardware is nickel, and the guitar has a five-ply pickguard. Vintage double-ring tulip machine heads complete the vintage-inspired presentation. A case and certificate are included, while a separate gig bag is not listed.

The model has been available since May 2020 and is not identified as a limited run. Its item number is 485841. These details help distinguish this specific reissue from other ES-335 variants, particularly when comparing listings or checking availability.

Pickups, controls, and hardware

Gibson equips the guitar with two Custombucker Alnico III humbuckers. They are unpotted, according to the supplied specifications. The control layout follows the familiar two-pickup arrangement, with an individual volume and tone control for each pickup, plus a three-way toggle switch. CTS potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors are also specified.

The bridge is an ABR-1, paired with a lightweight aluminum tailpiece. There is no tremolo system. Taken together, these parts fit the instrument's vintage-focused brief. The listed information does not include pickup output measurements or a frequency response, so the sound is best described through the owner's account rather than assumed technical performance.

Playing experience and sound

The owner reports trying several examples in person and comparing them with other ES-335 models during an extended visit to a guitar department. That comparison mattered because the price was a major consideration. The account says the 1961 model became the preferred choice quickly, even though it cost more than the other guitars tested.

After roughly four weeks of ownership, the player described the sound as smooth and pleasing, and praised the playability and overall workmanship. The guitar had been set up by the store's guitar department; the owner then fitted a preferred set of strings. That is useful context for the positive playing report, since setup and string choice can affect feel. It is not a substitute for a hands-on comparison, but it does indicate that the instrument arrived ready to play for this particular owner.

The reviewer also noted that high cost alone does not guarantee a better instrument. In this case, however, the comparison left them satisfied with the extra expense. They reported enjoying the guitar regularly and having no regrets about the purchase. Those are personal impressions rather than controlled test results, but they give a concrete picture of how the instrument worked in everyday ownership.

Verdict

The Gibson 1961 ES-335 Reissue VB VOS pairs a semi-hollow maple and poplar body with a mahogany neck, a 1961-style Skinny C profile, and two unpotted Alnico III Custombuckers. Its specification includes period-inspired appointments, an ABR-1 bridge, and a lightweight aluminum tailpiece. The supplied owner feedback adds strong praise for its smooth sound, comfortable playability, and finish quality after direct comparison with other ES-335 options.

The main reservation is the price. At 4,699, this is a substantial purchase, and the available account does not establish that every player will prefer it over less expensive alternatives. For buyers specifically seeking a Custom Shop 1961-style ES-335 and willing to pay for this specification, the reported experience is encouraging. A personal trial remains worthwhile, especially to confirm that the neck profile and setup suit your hands.