The 335- Is it the most versatile Guitar ever?
It has, unlike the Les Paul, never ever been out of production and is utilised in every main genre of music that has guitars. We believe, in terms of versatility, it's a match for the Strat.
Yes, clued-up players will undoubtedly nod their heads instead toward the Gibson ES-335 (and its similar equivalents the 345 and 355) as being perhaps the most versatile electric of them all! The Gibson ES-335 (ES represents Electric Spanish) was introduced in 1958. It was designed in order to bridge to divide in between Gibson's beautifully traditional hollow body arch=tops and their more difficult sounding, feedback-free Les Paul model.
Critical players out there might know that, whilst the Strat is certainly a flexible beast, it always sounds 'stratty'. It's never anything other than itself, much like the Les Paul. Excellent guitars, both, however extremely specific guitars.
Ask any guitar player out there about what the most flexible electrical guitar is, chances are they'll say the Fender Stratocaster. It's a fair shout, for sure: the faithful Strat can apply itself gamely to practically every category of music with success. Individuals swear by them.
Not persuaded?
Queens of the Stone Age's frontman Josh Homme is also a fan, but his choice is actually for Epiphone's affordable Dot model! As a famous musician and a respected guitar player, his choice to go with the Dot is notable.
Rock
When it's time for Rock stars to play 'em, the truth that the Gibson ES-335 is one of the best-looking electric guitars in the world helps things along. Rush's Alex Lifeson has a particularly beautiful white 355, whilst Dave Grohl's signature model is essentially a 335 with the Trini Lopez design headstock and 'diamond' f-holes. These men crank the gain and the volume, showing that a 335 can easily rock as much as a Les Paul!
One of the design goals with the 335 was to provide players more sustain. The semi-hollow build with its stylish f-holes became part of Gibson's jazz-box heritage, however the strong centre block was a brand-new development. The outcome was a sound that mellowed somewhat after the initial attack, before delivering a glamorous sustain. This type of noise is what BB King excelled at. His specific problem was feedback therefore his signature Lucille models did away with the f-holes in favour of sealed-off chambers. BB should have played louder! 
Blues
Most guitar players associate the 335 with the Blues. From BB King to Cream-era Clapton, the smoother, more open voice of the 335 is the best choice. Its physical size represents status and increases phase existence, something that was a significant aspect with 20th Century electric Blues artists.
Clapton's Blues playing is extremely Rock, as is the most renowned 335 player of them all (well, ES-355), Chuck Berry! Chuck's red Gibson probably did more to put Gibson's ES on the map than any other. The charismatic hitmaker utilized his bling 'd- up 355 throughout his whole career, motivating the likes of Keith Richards to get a guitar. His Rock 'n' Roll licks are the seed form which all Rock star licks grew. Chuck Berry is beyond renowned, and he did it all on a Gibson ES.
Staying on the subject of timeless 50s and 60s Rock 'n' Roll, one visible 335 lover was the ineffably great Roy Orbison, who's preferred option of colour was easy to guess!
Motivating guitar-mangler Joey Santiago from the Pixies is another Rock player who chooses Gibson ES guitars. Though on records he has mainly chosen Les Pauls (to contrast with Black Francis' universal Telecasters), you'll more often than not see him opting for a scrumptious Cherry ES-345. Given the ferocity of some of his noises, this is sufficient evidence that, in the right hands, Gibson's semi-hollow ES models can quickly 'do' gain!
Staying on the subject of classic 50s and 60s Rock ‘n’ Roll, one visible 335 lover was the ineffably great Roy Orbison, who’s preferred choice of colour was not difficult to guess!
Jazz/Fusion
Jazzers normally require a smooth noise with subtle articulations and lots of detail. The main gift of the 335 to guitarists is just such a warm sound, with the added perk of an attack that 'jazz boxes' don't tend to have. Larry Carlton is naturally the pre-eminent ES Jazz man, who's dedication to his '69 ES-335 has actually made him the moniker 'Mr 335'! His bandmate Robin Finck frequently uses a Gibson ES-335 for his monster gain tones, too.
Eric Johnson's jazzier moments have seen him leave his cherished Strats in favour of a Cherry 335. His magician-like skills equate through whatever he does and every guitar he utilizes, but his 335 tone in particular is to die for.
Out of the case, the Gibson ES-335 is prepared for all tours of duty! Hopefully I've provided ample evidence that, more than any other electric guitar, the Gibson ES-335 is the one guitar that can do it all.
Rock
The fact that the Gibson ES-335 is one of the best-looking electric guitars in the world helps things along when it’s time for Rock stars to play ‘em. Rush’s Alex Lifeson has a particularly gorgeous white 355, whilst Dave Grohl’s signature model is essentially a 335 with the Trini Lopez model headstock and ‘diamond’ f-holes. These guys crank the gain and the volume, proving that a 335 can easily rock as hard as a Les Paul!
Queens of the Stone Age’s frontman Josh Homme is also a fan, but his preference is actually for Epiphone’s affordable Dot model! As a famous musician and a respected guitarist, his decision to opt for the Dot is notable.
Another Epiphone ES fan is industrial legend Trent Reznor. Given his propensity for guitar smashing, there could be fiscal reasons for picking Epiphone over Gibson, but we’ve never seen him smash his beloved Sheraton!
Swans’ Michael Gira takes this further, using a Gibson Lucille to make earth-shattering noises of intensity and great volume.
Indie
The Britpop days of the mid 90s were awash with 335’s. Of course, Noel Gallagher is the obvious reference point, but the quality playing was being performed by Suede’s Bernard Butler. His ES-335/Vox AC30/Rat pedal combo was an electrifying sound that is still proving influential. Before all this, Smiths guitarist and sonic painter Johnny Marr was a confirmed fan of the 355, utilising it on the Smith's Top of the Pops efficiency of How Soon is Now? On 1985. Another Epiphone ES fan is industrial legend Trent Reznor. Given his propensity for guitar smashing, there could be financial factors for picking Epiphone over Gibson, however we've never seen him smash his cherished Sheraton!
Final Thoughts
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So...you can see how the Gibson ES-335 and its slightly fancy brethren the 345 and 355 have been successfully called into duty on every genre of guitar music excluding perhaps Country & Western. It's as polite as you want, as expressive and nuanced as any guitar, right through to legitimately roaring industrial noise: the Gibson ‘Electric Spanish’ can bring it on in spades.
That's without requiring any modifications, too! I'd venture that a Strat can only really give a satisfying Heavy Rock sound (not vintage/classic/Hendrix so stop right there!) with the help of a bridge position humbucker, something the original design simply does not have! Right out of the case, the Gibson ES-335 is ready for all tours of duty! Ample proof that, more than any other electric guitar, the Gibson ES-335 is the one guitar that can do it all.
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