10 Best Gibson ES-335 Alternatives

The Gibson ES-335 is one of the most celebrated guitars on earth. An icon of a guitar, it’s logical that you want a piece of the action!

Hold up. Not got thousands of bucks to buy a guitar? Then you need to know the best Gibson ES-335 alternatives.

This article has got you covered. Whether you’re budget conscious or want to go against the grain. Here you’ll find all the ES-335 alternatives. Let’s dive into the options. Spoiler alert— there are some incredible guitars!

The Best Gibson ES-335 Alteratives

• Epiphone ES-335 Semi-Hollow – Our Pick
• D’Angelico Premier Mini DC – Best for the Money
• Grote Semi-Hollow Body – Budget Pick
• PRS SE Hollowbody Standard – Best Under $1,000
• Heritage Standard H-535 – Premium Pick
• Ibanez Artcore AS53 – Best for Beginners
• Gretsch G2622 Streamliner – Best for Intermediate Players
• Ibanez AM73B – Best for Small hands
• Epiphone ES-339 P90 PRO – Best with P-90 Pickups
• Ibanez Artcore AS7312 – Best 12-String

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Epiphone ES-335 Semi-Hollow – The Best Gibson ES-335 Alternative

A logical starting point. See, The Epiphone ES-335 is a budget Gibson. It’s the perfect ES-335 alternative if you can’t afford the real deal.

Let’s start with a surprising fact, Epiphone is an older brand than Gibson. Established in 1873, they began as a fiddle manufacturer in Turkey and later moved to the USA.

In the 30s and 40s when archtop guitars were the rage, Epiphone was in direct competition with Gibson. So, to nullify the competition, Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1957.

Gibson positioned Epiphone as a budget brand. Offering Gibson designs at low prices. Epiphone remains the only manufacturer that can officially license Gibson designs today.

Since 1958, the ES-335, the world’s first semi-hollow guitar, has taken the guitar world by storm. The ES-335 isn’t going out of fashion soon. 

The term semi-hollow relates to the center block. The center block is a solid piece of maple used to restrict feedback. A simple block of wood maintains the vibe but allows you to push the gain.

So, how has the ES-335 stood the test of time? For starters, they’re super cool guitars. The likes of Chuck Berry and BB King were players of the more expensive Gibson. The image of these big-bodied guitars slung around the necks of legends is folklore. 

The Epiphone version of the timeless Gibson ES-335 is close to the original. For a rock-and-roll, it’ll drive, and for cleaner tones, it’ll glow with a warmth like no other. The ES-335 is a resonant guitar with a vintage sensibility while the Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers offer versatility to your guitar sound.

The Epiphone ES-335 has the feel of a higher value guitar. Will Epiphone live up to a Gibson? Maybe not, the US-built Gibson will take some beating. But the Epiphone ES-335 shows that we need to treat Chinese-built guitars with respect. With a classic sound and ageless demeanor, if you’re on a budget, this could be your number one guitar. 

There isn’t a vast array of finishes. But if you want an affordable close replication to the Gibson, the Epiphone ES-335 is your guitar.

Pros:

• Playability of round C-profile neck
• Versatile tone with warmth and body
• 2 x Epiphone Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers
• Closest aesthetic replication to Gibson ES-335
• Material list: Layered maple top, sides, and back with solid maple tone block. Mahogany neck, Indian laurel fingerboard.

Cons:

• Only two finishes available

D’Angelico Premier Mini DC – Best Gibson ES-335 Alternative for the Money

D’Angelico is a brand that goes unnoticed. Pleading for your attention, we need to chat about these guitars. Because once you’ve tried the delights of the Premier Mini DC, you won’t look back.

It looks every bit like a premium guitar. Factor in peak playability and a sound that even pro players can’t deny. You’ll wonder where D’Angelico has been all your life.

Some players find the ES-335 too bulky. Shame because you love the look, right? The Mini DC is the solution.

It’s like the ES-335. The body has sleek curves and eye-catching f-holes akin to the famed Gibson. There’s a solid center block for enhanced tone, sustain, and to keep feedback at bay. The double-cutaway has more angular horns but this isn’t the standout difference. That’ll be the dimensions.

The scaled-down body of the Mini DC allows for the joys of ES-335 style guitars to be universal. So, if slighter built, the reduced size laminated maple body is ideal for you.

In truth, the playability will thrill across the board. The C-profile maple neck and 14-inch radius fingerboard assure ease of movement. Whether it’s complex leads or simple chording, it makes life easy so you can perform to your best.

Although not original US-built Seymour Duncan pickups. The humbucker design comes from these market leaders. All things considered, it has the composition of a top guitar. Vintage warmth and pronounced clarity, you can use this guitar across the genres. Subtle laid-back cleans or high octane rock tenacity, it’ll meet demands.

Everything spoke of in this review points to a premium guitar. But the Mini DC earns the best for the money mantle with good reason. Priced under $1000, it’s a triumph.

There are a few objections. The most notable cons are the plastic nut and the gigbag. See, a guitar this good deserves solid protection, the included gigbag might not offer this. Get it protected and you’re ready. Gigging musicians take note, it might be time to convert to D’Angelico.

Pros:

• Affordable quality
• Playability of neck 
• Reduced body size for ease of use
• Seymour Duncan Designed HB-102N Humbucker on the neck. Seymour Duncan Designed HB-101B Humbucker on the bridge.
• Material list: Laminated maple body, laminated spruce top, maple neck, ovangkol fingerboard.

Cons:

• Gigbag needs replacing with hardshell case

Grote Semi-Hollow Body – Best Cheap Gibson ES-335 Alternative

You won’t get more budget than the Grote semi-hollow! How budget? What about under $200!?

Let’s start by saying a semi-hollow body guitar at this price is rare. One that performs is even rarer. So Grote has devised the surprise package of the bunch.

Let’s be honest from the outset, if you’re expecting premium performance then it won’t do that. But considering the price, it’s a steal.

It’s a nice-looking guitar that you’d guess retails for a lot more. The tonewoods aren’t too bad either. The maple body has a density that’ll deliver a bright and snappy tone. The larger body adds some weight.

It’s made to a standard above the price bracket and the craftsmanship will appease. The paint job and binding are faultless while the crafting of the f-holes is pleasant. A sturdy neck that doesn’t bow means there’s a lot to like with low action to boot.

So who’s this guitar for? It’s obvious at this price range beginners can’t overlook it. But this guitar has a lot to offer beyond taking baby steps.

Say you’re a pro player wanting to create a custom shop Frankenstein of a guitar. The Grote semi-hollow gives you a solid foundation. Replace the tuning pegs, opt for some locking tuners to give you reliable tuning. Then throw in a new nut.

For snappy tones in jazz, blues, and country, the pickups will work a treat. They don’t excel in high gain. But get some pickups to suit your desired sound and style of play. Then a once over from a guitar tech and bam—you’ve got a custom shop semi-hollow.

At the price range, it’s unbelievable, it gives guitarists the chance to own a hollow body at a price unheard of. With some careful additions, it can grow into a monster. At its most primitive, out-of-the-box, it’s a cool-looking guitar. Not forgetting the few extra dollars in your pocket.

Pros:

• Affordability
• Playability of low action
• Jazz, blues, country snappy tones
• Excellent build quality considering the price bracket
• Material list: Maple top, body, back, and neck. Blackwood fretboard.

Cons:

• Tuning reliability

PRS SE Hollowbody Standard – Best Gibson ES-335 Alternative Under $1,000

This PRS isn’t your standard semi-hollow body. The timeless shape of the ES-335 is sought-after. But what if you feel the urge for something different? Something a little more modern and unique?

Far from traditional, PRS push boundaries with their designs. This guitar is no different, it’ll appeal to the more left-field guitarist. PRS guitarists are loyal to their brand and with good reason. Let’s look at the PRS SE Hollowbody Standard, and why it’s the best priced under $1,000.

It’s built like no other. Most attempts to replicate the ES-335 design go straight off the original blueprint. A center block running from top to bottom is the norm. Not a brand to follow the trend, the SE Hollowbody has a block anchoring the bridge.

So, what does this mean? Well, you have a hollow body resonance but with the crisp sustain of a semi-hollow. Far from the traditional ES-335 shape, tones flow from an iconic PRS, thin profile instrument.

If solid bodies are your thing and you’re not ready to transition to a colossal instrument,this guitar feels and plays like a solid body. But—with the tonal characteristics of hollow and semi-hollow guitars.

This is a PRS guitar, so you can expect a level of playability. The Wide Fat set neck is the product of meticulous care in design and the subject of years of prototyping and refining. A design that was born in the 70s and 80s when Paul Reed Smith created guitars for none other than Carlos Santana. Today, it’s refined to brilliance.

The premium ebony fingerboard is as smooth as butter. When you think of semi-hollow guitars, it might have you thinking of swampy blues riffs. This guitar will handle high voltage fast playing. And its pickups will handle anything you throw at it. From jazz to rock, it has you covered.

PRS locking tuners would’ve been a pleasant addition. Perhaps this is being greedy. The PRS designed tuners are sufficient but the locking tuners would’ve been the icing on the cake.

So with the iconic bird inlays, it looks like a PRS and plays like one too. It’s a premium guitar for players across the genres and a trophy celebrating all things great about PRS.

Pros:

• Iconic PRS detailing (bird inlays)
• Playability like a solid-body guitar
• Crossbreed tone of hollow and semi-hollow body
• Harmonic character of  2 x PRS 58/15 “S” Humbucker
• Material list: 3-ply laminated mahogany top, mahogany body, and neck, ebony fingerboard.

Cons:

• No PRS locking tuners

Heritage Standard H-535 – Best Premium Gibson ES-335 Alternative

It’s time to cast eyes over the premium pick. The Heritage Standard H-535 is in direct competition with the Gibson ES-335. It isn’t a poor imitation but more like a rival challenging Gibson for the top spot.

This brand has a fascinating history, the clue in the Heritage name. It’s the late 1800s and Orville Gibson, yes THE Gibson arrives in Kalamazoo, MI. From humble beginnings designing mandolins, his company grew into a worldwide instrument superpower. Between 1917 to 1984, at 225 Parsons Street, some of the world’s best instruments were born.

In 1985, the Gibson factory would head to Nashville. Some employees didn’t fancy the move, so they stayed behind. In doing so, they started Heritage Guitars on the site of the famed Gibson factory.

Inspect the back of the headstock of the H-535. You’ll see etched into the wood. Made in Kalamazoo, MI, USA. This guitar is a product of that very 225 Parsons Street factory.

So, you’ll own a guitar that embodies all the dominant characteristics of Gibson. This guitar is as American as apple pie. Why is the US build significant? The Heritage H-535 has craftsmanship that’s difficult to beat.

With a premium guitar, comes an inflated price. But the H-535 warrants the price tag. Original Gibson machinery will be part of the process. Then, skilled luthiers are handcrafting details with a lot of love, care, and attention. 

Aged with precision, the woods offer tonal qualities that belong on a hit record. The superior sound blooms through high-end Seymour Duncan ‘59 humbuckers.

Offering an improved audible difference to cheaper models, the succulent warm-bodied delivery of the H-535 is as premium as it gets. The H-535 is one of Americans’ finest guitars. At the price, chances are it’ll be too expensive for most. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a wistful glance of admiration at this special guitar.

Pros:

• Comfort and smooth playability
• Resonant and versatile prime tones
• 2 x Seymour Duncan ’59 humbuckers
• American craftsmanship with premium components
• Material list: Laminated curly maple top, body with nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Genuine mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard.

Cons:

• Affordability

Ibanez Artcore AS53 – Best for Beginners

Priced under $300 the Ibanez Artcore AS53 is an ideal pick for any guitarist on a budget. But does this guitar offer more than a beginner choice?

Every guitarist will bask in the playability of the AS53. The out-of-the-box low action is a feature both beginners and advanced players demand. So, whether you’re learning the ropes or riffing like a pro—the setup makes playing easy.

Ibanez juxtaposes the matte body with a satin neck. The satin finish is smooth so your hand will slide with ease. Even when things get heated, the neck doesn’t stick. You’ll glide over the frets without issue with peak comfort. The fret finishes could be mistaken for a US-made model. Yes! It’s that good and your limitless playing will prove it!

The tonewoods aren’t pricey mahogany, but they’ve been clever with their choices. Instead of opting for peak tonewoods of bad stock or with a rushed maturing process. They’ve opted for an affordable, less known wood. This has allowed Ibanez to get the best stock of wood with excellent treatment. All the ingredients for a great sound.

The wood selections come to the fore when you play the AS53 unplugged. For beginners, this means you can delay the purchase of an amp for now. Sure, it won’t be the loudest guitar unplugged, but it’ll work a treat as you go through your apprenticeship.

The pickups on the guitar have medium output, making them versatile enough to handle low to mid gain tones. They’re not the best pickups in the world, but they’re clear and not muddy which cheap pickups can suffer from

So, onto the hardware. The bridge and the tailpiece solid. Perhaps the penny pinching comes from the tuners. They are good enough to keep their tune but don’t function the best with cracks and stiffness. If you’re relying on them for gigs, change them for a more reliable set.

Simple in design the AS58 does everything you want from a guitar. There’s a reason this guitar has earned the nickname ‘Epiphone Killer’. It does the semi-hollow guitar so well it’s competing with more expensive brands. For playability, beginners will take to it, but the joys extend much further.

Pros:

• Affordability
• Warm hollowbody tone
• Compact manageable undersized body
• Playability of satin finish neck and fretwork
• Material list: Sapele top and body, nyatoh neck, and walnut fingerboard.

Cons:

• Tuning machines stiff

Gretsch G2622 Streamliner – Best for Gibson ES-335 Alternative Intermediate Players

You’re flying! You’ve got the chords locked down and you no longer consider yourself a beginner. Is it time? Are you ready to step out under the lights and perform at a gig? If you have one eye on the stage, the Gretsch G2622 meets the demands of a performing musician.

With its large body, the G2622 is not a guitar for a beginner. That’s not to say it suffers from bad playability. The contoured shape of the large body is a comfy fit against your physique. It has a well-made u-shaped neck that’s comfortable to touch.

Airy, atmospheric sounds drift from the wide-open f-holes and compliment the snap of the maple body. Made by Broad’Tron, the humbucker pickups produce clarity and amp up the all-encompassed beautiful tone. 

With a three-way switch, master volume, master tone, and individual controls for each pickup, you can blend the humbuckers to suit. How you interpret this guitar is up to you.

So how does it look? It’s a special-looking guitar. Curvaceous, with vintage resemblance, you’ll be in awe. The binding looks aged to give it that retro mystique. The pearloid block inlays are prominent and catch the eye. The V stop tailpiece looks like it belongs on a 50s Chevrolet. Available in four finishes you’ll find one to suit your style.

The moment you’ve been waiting for—how much will it set you back?  Well, it’s a bargain. Coming in at under $500 it offers serious bang for the buck.

But before you jump in the van and hit the road. Let’s mention that there’s no case included. So factor this into your budget.

Pros:

• Affordability and value
• Snappy and atmospheric tone
• 2 x Broad’Tron BT-2S Humbucker
• Tonal versatility even handling high gain
• Material list: Laminated maple body, nato neck, laurel fingerboard.

Cons:

• No case included

Ibanez AM73B – Best Gibson ES-335 Alternative for Small hands

The Ibanez AM73B has the tonal qualities of a semi-hollow guitar but in a manageable package. The bout and depth of the body are petite compared to a typical ES-335. 

So, for players of a smaller build playability increases. Also, for frenzied stage performance, the AM73B won’t restrict allowing you to perform.

Everything about the AM73B points towards playability. Lightweight, it won’t cause shoulder strain when playing for prolonged periods. The out of the box action is on point with constant fret edges to allow free playing runs.

Ibanez is gaining a reputation for neck performance. Fitted with the set-in Artcore neck, tones transfer between the body and neck better than a bolt-on. This might not be for everyone. If you want snappy sounds, there’ll be better options. The AM73B offers fuller, long-sustaining resonance because of the set-in neck.

The Artcore neck is flat, wide, and thin with a very nice feel. The frets are larger, allowing you to bend and scoop. But the shallow depth doesn’t restrict small hands. It’s a delicate balance for players tired of having to circumnavigate difficult necks.

Capturing the full and sustained tones are two stock pickups. They’re not the best in the world, but for stock pickups, they perform above what you’d expect. Each with an individual volume and tone, variation is achievable. Although a minor detail, the dials on the AM73B are excellent. With a rubber outer, they’re easy to grip and responsive to the smallest change.

So, if playability is on the top of your wishlist. The AM73B will meet your demands. Smaller hands can navigate the body and neck dimensions.

Pros:

• Affordability
• Lightweight for stage performance
• Playability of thin neck and large frets
• Exposed ACH1-S pickup on the neck pickup, ACH2-S on the bridge.
• Material list: Linden top, back, and sides, nyatoh neck, and bound laurel fingerboard.

Cons:

• Plastic nut
• No case included

Epiphone ES-339 P90 PRO – Best Gibson ES-335 Alternative with P-90 Pickups

The Epiphone ES-339 P-90 PRO carries on the tradition of the classic ES-335 but with a modern twist. An unmistakable ES  warmth in tone but with a smaller body, it’s a crossover. If you’re uncomfortable with jazz box-style guitars, this Epiphone is the compromise.

Fitted with P90 pickups, you’ll have a wide range of tones at your fingertips. So what are P90 pickups?

Introduced on Gibsons in the 50s, P90s are pickups that offer distinct qualities to the norm. Rich low-end, husky midrange, and pronounced highs, they’re versatile.

P90s popularity declined in the 60s. This is until prominence in the 70s punk scene confirmed the revival. With bands like The Clash favoring P90s, they’ve earned their place alongside single coils and humbuckers. The punk grit is one example of the tonal variety achievable.

These soapbar P90s recreate the originals found on the 50s Les Paul well. For the twang of country, the warmth of jazz, and grit of rock-and-roll, they’ll do it all. If you like to crank it 10, they’ll handle gain and drive. Voiced for both rhythm and lead, the ES-339 P-90 PRO will give you the best of both worlds.

This is an Epiphone, so you can expect a certain standard of construction. This is a brand pioneering the way musicians view Chinese-built guitars. The tonewoods are sturdy and the laminated body demonstrates durability. Featuring a solid center block like the original ES designs, the legacy lives on. 

The SlimTaper D-shaped neck is comfy on the palm. Some reports suggest fret edges can be sharp. This seems to be a common problem with the ES-339. It shouldn’t deter you from this fantastic guitar. If you encounter this issue, a guitar tech can fix it in no time.

Epiphone’s guaranteed electronics offer comfort and confidence in the guitar. Each pickup has a volume and tone dial. The dials have smooth usage and are pleasing to the eye. The black tophats dials with metal inserts serve as a road map as you explore the tones at your disposal.

All metal heavy-duty output jack will give you worry-free use for recording and live. Electronics are one less thing to concern yourself with.

The Epiphone ES-339 P90 PRO is a cool instrument with alluring aesthetics. For the intermediate player, the smaller body offers playability. But the qualities of this guitar extend to the professional.

The tonal variation of the P90s means you have options. While it won’t fall in the category of a premium guitar, the price reflects this. The Epiphone ES-339 P90 PRO is screaming for you to pick up and push your creative boundaries.

Pros:

• Affordability
• 2 x versatile P90 pickups
• Playability of  SlimTaper D-profile neck
• Manageable scaled-down ES-335 style body
• Material list: Maple top and body, mahogany neck, pao ferro fingerboard.

Cons:

• Sharp fret edges

Ibanez Artcore AS7312 – Best 12-String Gibson ES-335 Alternative

It’s the perfect couple! A semi-hollow body with 12-strings.

Would ‘Ticket to Ride’ by The Beatles transfix listeners without the chime of the intro riff? Would The Byrds ‘Eight Miles High’ have the psychedelic charm played on a 6-string?

So, the Ibanez Artcore AS7312 is an affordable 12-string to add to your armory. Don’t be off-put by prices of 12-string royalty like the Rickenbacker. Before you try to octave guitar parts with capos and complex mathematics. Consider the AS7312, it won’t break the bank.

Offering a tone that’s universal across the genres. It has the irreplaceable chime of a 12-string delivered through two humbuckers. Chords and riffs will shine with a unique and unmistakable sound.

A frequent issue with 12-strings is playability. High action renders a 12-string difficult to play. It seems this is something Ibanez is aware of. The action is sweet, and paired strings are close. It’s easy to play, if you’re new to 12 strings, it’ll take no time to get up to speed.

Smaller hands can handle the Artcore neck with comfort. Bigger hands may find it more complex. A quick fix can cater to your needs. By changing the nut you can widen the strings. The fretboard has enough room for further string separation.

The AS7312 is cheap enough to buy as a studio accessory. This is the perfect guitar to explore new territories in your music and when experimentation calls—it plays and sounds like a dream.

Pros:

• Value for money
• 2 x Classic Elite (H) neck pickups
• Playability of AS Artcore-12 set-in neck
• Classic 12-string tone with rich highs and bold lows
• Material list: Linden top, back and sides, nyatoh neck, and bound walnut fingerboard. 

Cons:

• Bigger hands may need a new nut to broaden the 10.4mm string width.

What Makes the Gibson ES-335 So Great?

Born in 1958, the Gibson ES-335 is the world’s first semi-hollowbody guitar. Designed as a solution to feedback, the ES-335 has stood the test of time. Beautiful aesthetics is one reason behind its staying power. It’s an icon and sometimes considered the best for sound and playability. Recognized as one of the most versatile guitars, its characteristics excels across genres. 

How to Choose The Best Gibson ES-335 Alternative – Buyer’s Guide

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Materials & Build Quality

As your budget increases, build quality will improve. There’s plenty of factors that contribute to cost and thus build quality. These include:

• A well-trained workforce with high skill levels.
• Increased time allocated to craft each instrument. Cheaper guitar manufacturers will rush the process keeping costs down.
• Handcrafting is commonplace on premium instruments. Cheaper ones will be stock off a production line.
• Use of the best quality woods and drying techniques.
• Premium manufacturers have a higher company budget designated for quality control.

All the above factors determine the build quality and they reflect this in the price. To be realistic, not all can afford premium guitars. Budget guitars won’t rival the build quality of models priced in the thousands, but they can be great.

How do you get the best build quality and materials on a low budget? It’s as simple as following this guide. There’s a lot of research done to fish out these guitars. All will have a build quality and materials worthy of, or beyond their price bracket.

Pickups

Now, this can daunt a newcomer. It’s easy to get information overload. Lost in a world of magnets and wiring, how do you choose pickups?. So, let’s break it into simple terms. Here are the three main types and what they’re best used for.

• Single coils – Offering punch and cutting detail. With glassy nuances, single-coils are ideal in genres like country, blues, and classic rock. If a killer clean tone is what you desire, look no further. For more driven tones look below.
• Humbuckers – These are much higher output than single coils. Designed to ‘buck the hum’ they can handle gain. So, if you want distortion and high gain here’s your pickups. Hard rock and metal will sound at home through a humbucker. But they clean up too!
• P90s – Consider the P90 a mix of both the above. They’re versatile across genres and responsive to playing levels. With a gritty and pronounced midrange, they make chording sound full and solos cut. An all-rounder with vintage vibes.

This is a general guide. Consider it a starting point to help decision-making. Another aspect to contemplate is manufacturers. Cheaper guitars can have stock pickups. Some sound great, but if you want an upgrade, install fresh pickups. Some leading pickup manufacturers include:

• Seymour Duncan
• Gibson
• Fender
• Bare Knuckle
• EMG

Playability

Playability is all about comfort. What’s comfortable is down to preference.

Most guitars inspired by the ES-335 will have a similar body shape. But, dimensions vary. If you have a smaller frame, a scaled-down version will be more manageable.

The biggest factor in playability is the neck. Here are some things to consider:

• Neck profile – This relates to the shape it’s carved on the back. U, V, D, and C are the most common neck profiles. It’s a matter of finding which one feels best on your palm.
• Fret size – Smaller frets are ideal for chording and rhythm. Larger frets allow room for big bends and lead techniques.
• Neck finish – The two main types of finish are satin and gloss. Both have advantages and every guitarist will be different in their preferred finish.

Then there are aspects like action. A low action means the strings are closer to the fingerboard. This means there’s less pressure needed to form chords and pull at the strings. You can improve action in various ways. A guitar tech can help you with this.

Tuners are also something to consider. It won’t be playable if it doesn’t keep its tune. Locking tuners are a good antidote to unstable tuning.

This outlines some contributing factors. The truth is if it feels right then measurements don’t matter. 

What about in the worst-case scenario, and you don’t like the feel of a guitar? If you’ve bought from a top site, they have good return policies and allow you to return the guitar. Links on Guitar Advise go to reputable sellers like Sweetwater and Guitar Center.

Sound

There are good reasons behind the Gibson ES-335 standing the test of time. Beyond its enduring look, it sounds amazing!

While the cheap alternatives might not quite match up to the original, the basis will be the same. ES-335 like models have warmth and resonance. They are mellow but sing with authority.

Famed for its versatility the Gibson ES-335 has featured on some of the best tracks in history. From BB King to the Smiths, the sound that resonates from your ES-335 alternative is up to you.

Here’s what many guitar sites won’t tell you. Your guitar amp will be an enormous factor in sound. Of course, the guitar matters but take careful consideration with the amp. This will help sculpt your sound to the desired effect.

Price

Who wouldn’t want a Gibson ES-335? Truth is, few can afford such a premium guitar. But money should not restrict creativity.

This article is your solution. Guitars on this list will give you the classic ES aesthetics and tonal nuances at an affordable price. So, have a budget, stick to it, and don’t break the bank. Remember, if you can play ‘Stairway to Heaven’… that’s going to impress whatever the guitar.

Recap of the Best Gibson ES-335 Alternatives

Gibson ES-335 Alternative	Award
Epiphone ES-335 Semi-Hollow	Editor’s Choice
D’Angelico Premier Mini DC	Best for the Money
Grote Semi-Hollow Body	Budget Pick
PRS SE Hollowbody Standard	Best Under $1,000
Heritage Standard H-535	Premium Pick
Ibanez Artcore AS53	Best for Beginners
Gretsch G2622 Streamliner–	Best for Intermediate Players
Ibanez AM73B	Best for Small Hands
Epiphone ES-339 P90 PRO	Best with P-90 Pickups
Ibanez Artcore AS7312	Best 12-String

Conclusion

So, what’s the best Gibson ES-335 alternative? Well, that’s down to you. There are plenty of options. It’s not only the Epiphone that mimics the ES-335 with effectiveness. Some lesser-known brands deserve esteem too.

So whatever your budget, enjoy shopping for your new guitar. The ES-335 is an icon and these alternatives will resemble and perform to your needs.