2024.05.09 - Gibson Gazette - Introducing the Gibson Custom Slash 1963 ES-335 Collector’s Edition Guitar

Introducing the Gibson Custom Slash 1963 ES-335 Collector’s Edition Guitar

A limited-edition replica of the “beautiful and killer-sounding” vintage ES-335 Slash used on his new blues album, with just 50 pieces available to pre-order

Gibson Custom has announced a limited Collector’s Edition reproduction of Slash’s 1963 ES-335, used to formidable effect on his upcoming blues album, Orgy of the Damned, released May 17 on Gibson Records.

Although Slash is somewhat famous for being a Les Paul guy, when it came to the recording sessions for his new studio album—a project featuring guest vocalists Brian Johnson, Chris Stapleton, Beth Hart, Iggy Pop, Paul Rodgers, Gary Clark Jr., Billy F. Gibbons, Chris Robinson, Demi Lovato, Dorothy, and Tash Neal—Slash found a blues muse in the shape of a vintage ES-335 with a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece.

“I used a beautiful and killer-sounding 1963 ES-335 Gibson for more than a few songs on Orgy of the Damned,” he says. “Gibson has now built a fantastic replica of this extraordinary guitar. Same block neck, Bigsby tremolo, and finish. You have to check it out.”

Sporting a Vintage Sunburst finish with Murphy Lab Light Aging to match his original, a Bigsby B7 vibrato tailpiece, unpotted Custombucker pickups with Alnico 2 magnets, and period-correct nylon saddles, the Gibson Custom Slash 1963 ES-335 Collector’s Edition is limited to just 50 pieces.

In addition, buyers will be invited to attend an exclusive VIP experience at the Gibson Garage Nashville, where Slash and his blues band will treat fans to an intimate live performance and signing event.

Back in the saddle

Nylon saddles came into vogue in the late 1950s, and by 1963, they featured on many of Gibson’s ES models. Compared to their metal counterparts, they reduce vibration and deliver a warmer tone with a less explosive attack.

In addition, the self-lubricating quality of nylon saddles not only reduces string breakages but also reduces friction, offering greater tuning stability and smoother action when used in combination with a Bigsby vibrato or Maestro Vibrola tailpiece.

According to many vintage guitar fans, the 1963-64 period represents a Goldilocks zone for ES-335 specifications when this supremely versatile electric guitar design coalesced into its most potent iteration. Gibson Custom’s latest collaboration with Slash celebrates both this iconic instrument at its finest and the Gibson Global Brand Ambassador’s return to his blues roots on Orgy of the Damned.

Find out more about the Gibson Custom Slash 1963 ES-335 Collector’s Edition guitar and shop now. Orgy of the Damned drops on May 17. Catch Slash this summer on the S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival blues tour. To see more of Slash’s favorite guitars, check out The Collection: Slash, a premium coffee table book from Gibson Publishing.

https://gazette.gibson.com/news/gibson-custom-slash-1963-es-335-collectors-edition-guitar/

Related article in Music Radar, same date:

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Slash has a new signature Gibson guitar – and it's an ES-335!
The Gibson Custom Slash 1963 ES-335 Collector’s Edition is limited to only 50 guitars

By Rob Laing

With Slash fully into a blues era (some would say he's always been in one) with a new solo album imminent, and news he's been branching out in the studio away from Les Pauls, Gibson has officially unveiled (via the Gibson Gazette) an ES-335 signature guitar for him.

It's based on Slash's vintage original that he tracked with on the Orgy Of The Damned album sessions (released via Gibson Records on 17 May). “I used a beautiful and killer-sounding 1963 ES-335 Gibson for more than a few songs on Orgy of the Damned,” he says. “Gibson has now built a fantastic replica of this extraordinary guitar. Same dot neck, Bigsby tremolo, and finish. You have to check it out.”

Let's do that! But there's a catch…

The Gibson Custom Slash 1963 ES-335 Collector’s Edition Guitar is limited to a run of just 50 and there's no price stated – interested parties can call the Gibson Garage to order. But a purchase will include an invitation to a special Slash and Friends event at the Nashville retail space. Still, you know the old saying; if you have to ask the price…

There's no harm in looking/drooling over this Bigsby B7-equipped beauty in Vintage Sunburst (with light aging from the Murphy Lab, including the pickups), a collection of case candy that includes a signed copy of Slash's new album, Orgy of the Damned, a signed copy of The Collection: Slash coffee table book (edited by former MusicRadar man Chris Vinnicombe, no less), and a certificate of authenticity.

And let's not forget that invitation to attend Slash's exclusive VIP experience at the Gibson Garage in Nashville, where the man himself and his blues band will play intimate live performance.

Will more affordable models follow? Based on previous form, we reckon so. So let's keep faith and our wallets close.

https://www.musicradar.com/news/slash-has-a-new-signature-gibson-guitar-and-its-an-es-335