collapse expand iconDescription

The Gibson Custom Jerry Kennedy Pretty Woman 1961 ES-335 Replica 2018 limited-edition electric guitar is a meticulous recreation of one of the most iconic instruments in music history. Nicknamed "Pretty Woman" after its unforgettable role in the Roy Orbison classic, this guitar has been a cornerstone in countless legendary recordings. Built with a laminated maple/poplar/maple body and a solid mahogany neck with long tenon construction, this model offers unparalleled resonance and sustain. Its custom palm pedal system, a unique feature originally installed by Jerry Kennedy in 1963, delivers steel guitar-like bends that add a unique touch to its tonal capabilities. Limited to only 50 units worldwide, this ES-335 embodies a rich musical legacy paired with Gibson Custom Shop's unrivaled craftsmanship.

Custom Palm Pedal System for Unique String Bends

This Gibson ES-335's distinctive palm pedal system is a standout feature, enabling players to create pedal steel-style bends on the E and B strings. Installed on the original instrument in 1963, this modification has been faithfully replicated for this model, offering a rare and expressive playing capability. The palm pedal design preserves the ES-335's natural tone while adding a dynamic range of pitch-shifting possibilities. Whether you're crafting subtle bends or dramatic slides, this system opens up creative avenues for players seeking distinctive sounds. The meticulously recreated pedal mechanism ensures reliable operation and seamless integration with the guitar's overall design.

Laminated Maple Body for Balanced Resonance

The laminated maple/poplar/maple body of this guitar delivers the warm, balanced tone that defines the ES-335. This tonewood combination produces a harmonic blend of low-end warmth and high-end clarity, making it ideal for capturing nuanced performances. The semi-hollow construction enhances resonance and sustain while minimizing feedback, making this model suitable for both live and studio settings. Its aged faded cherry finish adds a vintage aesthetic that complements its sonic character. This carefully crafted body design ensures the guitar responds dynamically to every touch, capturing the essence of Jerry Kennedy's original instrument.

Gibson Custombucker Pickups for Versatile Tonal Control

Equipped with Gibson's Custombucker pickups, the Pretty Woman ES-335 delivers vintage-inspired tones with exceptional clarity and dynamic response. The neck pickup provides rich, rounded warmth, while the bridge pickup delivers articulate bite and presence. Handwired with 500K CTS pots and Black Beauty capacitors, the electronics allow players to shape their sound with precision. The Switchcraft toggle switch enables seamless transitions between pickups, while individual volume and tone controls offer extensive tonal customization. Whether you're exploring smooth jazz leads or gritty blues riffs, the Custombuckers provide the versatility and detail needed to inspire your playing.

Mahogany Neck With SlimTaper Profile for Effortless Playability

This guitar's solid mahogany neck features a SlimTaper D profile scanned directly from Jerry Kennedy's original 1961 ES-335, offering a fast and comfortable playing experience. Joined with hide glue and a traditional long tenon, the premium neck construction enhances sustain and resonance. The bound rosewood fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays adds a classic touch while maintaining smooth playability across all 22 frets. Its 24.75" scale length provides a familiar feel, making it ideal for intricate solos and rhythm work. This carefully designed neck ensures precision and comfort, allowing players to replicate Jerry Kennedy's iconic playing style.

An Iconic 1961 ES-335 for Gibson Collectors

The Gibson Custom Jerry Kennedy Pretty Woman 1961 ES-335 Replica 2018 limited-edition electric guitar is an exceptional instrument for players and collectors alike. With its meticulously recreated palm pedal system, Custombucker pickups and aged faded cherry finish, this guitar offers a rare combination of history and performance. Limited to just 50 units worldwide, it's a tribute to one of the most influential guitars ever made and a tool that continues to inspire creativity across generations.

Gibson Custom Jerry Kennedy Pretty Woman 1961 ES-335 Replica 2018 Limited-Edition Electric Guitar Faded Cherry
Gibson Custom Jerry Kennedy Pretty Woman 1961 ES-335 Replica 2018 Limited-Edition Electric Guitar Faded Cherry
Gibson Custom Jerry Kennedy Pretty Woman 1961 ES-335 Replica 2018 Limited-Edition Electric Guitar Faded Cherry

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Laminated maple/poplar/maple body delivers balanced tone and durability
  • SlimTaper D-shaped neck ensures comfortable playability
  • Custom palm pedal system enables steel guitar-style bends
  • Custombucker pickups provide dynamic range and vintage-inspired tonal clarity
  • Handwired harness with Black Beauty capacitors enhances signal integrity and tone control
  • Aged faded cherry finish offers vintage aesthetic and timeless appeal
  • Solid rosewood fingerboard delivers smooth feel and detailed note articulation
  • Double-band, single-line Kluson tuners ensure reliable tuning and stability
  • Pearloid dot inlays add classic elegance

collapse expand iconSpecs

Body
  • Body style: ES-335
  • Body wood: Laminated maple/poplar/maple
  • Body finish: Aged faded cherry
Neck
  • Neck shape: SlimTaper D profile
  • Neck wood: Solid mahogany
  • Scale length: 24.75"
  • Fingerboard wood: Solid rosewood
  • Number of frets: 22
Hardware
  • Bridge: ABR-1
  • Tailpiece: Custom E- and B-Bender
  • Nut material: Nylon
  • Nut width: 1.687"
  • Tuners: Double-band, single-line Kluson
  • Hardware plating: Nickel
Electronics
  • Pickup configuration: HH
  • Neck: Custombucker humbucker
  • Bridge: Custombucker humbucker
  • Controls: 2 500K CTS volume pots and 2 500K CTS tone pots
  • Wiring: Hand-wired harness with Black Beauty capacitors
  • Switching: Switchcraft toggle switch
Other
  • Case: Custom Shop ES-335
  • Orientation: Right handed
  • Number of strings: 6

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