Gibson Guitar Celebrates 50th For ES-335

On Monday, June 30, 2008 Gibson Guitar and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the company's popular ES-355 guitar with a special performance by noted jazz guitarist Larry Carlton and friends, including blues musician Joe Bonamassa. Hosted by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Director of Curatorial Affairs Howard Kramer, seating to the event is limited; check the Hall of Fame website for further details.

First manufactured by the legendary instrument company in 1958, Gibson's ES-335 was the first commercial semi-hollow body electric guitar. The "ES" in the model name stands for "electric spanish," the guitar itself neither hollow-or-solid-body, but instead sporting a revolutionary design with a solid wood block running down the center of its body, its hollow sides featuring violin-styled F-holes. In the 50 years since its initial release, the versatile, best-selling ES-335 model has been played on hundreds of blues, rock, country, and jazz recordings. The guitar's unique tone and quality manufacture has made it a favorite of discriminating performers, including blues musicians like Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, and Hubert Sumlin, among many others.

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Photo courtesy Gibson Guitar