While one of Gibson's most distinctive and fascinating models, it was discontinued after a short production run and is now highly sought after by enthusiasts, making it an extremely rare and sought-after model.
This is the 1980 Gibson Firebrand 335-S Standard, a solid-body model of the iconic Gibson semi-acoustic ES-335.
The Gibson 335-S is a rare model produced for just three years, from 1980 to 1983, and as part of the ES-335 solid-body series, three models were released: Professional, Custom, and Standard.
This is a 1980 335-S Standard model.
While the body shape follows the 335 model, it features a smaller, solid-maple body, a set-neck maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard. According to the catalog specifications, the pickups are originally Super Humbackers. While it's unclear whether they're original, they're equipped with numbered PAF pickups from Gibson, manufactured in 1980, the same year as the originals, stamped with "MAY 1 1980" and numbered on the back.
The controls are 2 Vol, 2 Tone, and 1 Toggle Switch, and the pots are also original.
The pickups have been overhauled and repaired, with a broken wire rewound.
The same enamel wire and number of turns as the originals have restored the original sound.
The output jack has been replaced due to age-related wear.
The bridge has been replaced with a Tune-O-Matic type with a stop tailpiece, and the tuning machines are Schaller type with a Gibson stamp.
The headstock logo is a distinctive engraved Gibson logo,
and the rod cover is original and reads "FIREBRAND 335-S STANDARD."
This guitar also has a great sound.
This is a very unique model,
but the sound is straightforward and good,
with the crisp, core-like quality you expect from a primarily maple body,
and the bass is solid and powerful without being muffled.
The set neck design provides good sustain and resonance,
while the rosewood has a fresh, tight tone,
combined with the maple body creates an appealingly tenacious tone.
The 1980 engraved numbered PAF pickups
directly bring out the natural tone and nuances of the guitar's sound,
with just the right amount of output, thick and clear bass,
and brilliant, yet not harsh highs.
While it has a vintage-like feel,
the sound has been revitalized after an overhaul,
giving it a very stable feel.
This guitar has a bright tone character, with little compression and a direct, straightforward, fat, robust, and bright dry humbucker sound.
It has a different character from the typical Gibson guitar, but fans will love this great sound.
The guitar has undergone the aforementioned repairs, overhauls, maintenance, and setup, and is in excellent playing condition.
The neck is straight and in good condition, and although the frets show some wear, the low action string height makes it easy to play and produces a good sound.
The electrical system also has no issues with sound output or controls.
The pots are original, so there is some slight rattle when moving them, but this does not affect normal use.
The exterior shows reasonable scratches, signs of use, and aging, making it in reasonable player's vintage condition. However, there is wear and tear from age and use, changes in the gloss, and discoloration on the back of the neck from playing, giving it a cool, relic-like appearance. It has been meticulously cleaned and polished, and is in excellent condition.
This 1980 Gibson 335-S Standard, featuring a solid 335 body, is a unique and rare model. Its simple yet cool looks and straightforward, robust, and resilient dry tone make it a truly appealing instrument with a great sound.