Justin Timberlake's Gibson ES-335 on "LoveStoned"

Justin Timberlake used a Gibson ES-335 semi-hollow body electric guitar during the "LoveStoned" performance and music video. The ES-335 is one of Gibson's most recognizable models, known for its warm, resonant tone and its ability to cut through both clean and distorted sounds. This particular guitar choice fit the song's blend of funk, R&B, and rock elements that defined the track from his 2006 album FutureSex/LoveSounds.

The ES-335 has been a favorite among professional musicians across multiple genres since Gibson introduced it in 1958. Its semi-hollow construction — a solid center block with hollow wings on either side — gives it a distinctive sound that sits between a fully solid body and a fully hollow acoustic guitar. For "LoveStoned," this tonal character provided the brightness and sustain needed for the song's guitar-driven sections while maintaining the warmth that complemented Timberlake's vocal performance.

Key Takeaways

  • The Gibson ES-335 semi-hollow body electric guitar was the main instrument Timberlake played during "LoveStoned" performances and the music video.
  • The ES-335's semi-hollow construction produces a warm, resonant tone that works well for both clean and distorted guitar sounds.
  • Gibson introduced the ES-335 design in 1958, and it remains one of the company's most popular and recognizable electric guitar models.
  • The guitar's tonal qualities complemented the funk and R&B influences in "LoveStoned" while providing the brightness needed for the song's rock elements.

Why the ES-335 Suited "LoveStoned"

The ES-335's semi-hollow body design made it an ideal choice for a track that blended multiple musical styles. "LoveStoned" sits at the intersection of funk grooves, R&B smoothness, and rock guitar work. The ES-335 delivers clarity in the upper frequencies without sounding thin, and its natural resonance adds depth to both rhythm and lead playing. This balance allowed Timberlake to play intricate funk rhythms while also delivering punchy, articulate lead lines.

The guitar's sustain — how long a note rings out after you pluck it — is another reason it worked well for the song. Semi-hollow bodies like the ES-335 naturally sustain longer than solid-body guitars, which helped the guitar parts cut through the dense production and layered instrumentation on the track. The warmth of the semi-hollow design also prevented the guitar from sounding too aggressive or thin against the song's electronic elements and synthesizers.

Gibson ES-335 Specifications and Design

The Gibson ES-335 features a laminated maple top and back with a maple center block running through the middle of the body. This construction method is what defines the semi-hollow category. The guitar typically comes with a mahogany neck and a rosewood fingerboard, though specifications can vary depending on the year and specific model variant. The body is roughly 16 inches wide and 1.75 inches thick, making it comfortable to play while standing or sitting.

Most ES-335 models come equipped with two humbucking pickups, which are single-coil pickups wrapped together to reduce electrical noise while capturing a fuller, warmer tone. These pickups are ideal for both clean tones and overdriven sounds. The guitar usually has a tune-o-matic bridge and a stopbar tailpiece, which provide stable tuning and allow for straightforward string changes. The semi-hollow design means the guitar has f-holes (similar to acoustic guitars) rather than a solid top, which contributes to its distinctive appearance and resonant quality.

The ES-335 in Professional Music

The Gibson ES-335 has been used by musicians across rock, jazz, blues, and R&B for decades. Its versatility comes from its ability to produce everything from warm, jazzy tones to bright, cutting lead sounds depending on how it is played and what amplifier it is paired with. The semi-hollow design appeals to players who want the sustain and feedback control of a solid-body guitar but prefer the tonal warmth and resonance of a hollow instrument.

Professional musicians choose the ES-335 because it performs reliably in studio recordings and live performances. The guitar's natural feedback characteristics, when used intentionally, can add expression and texture to a performance. For a high-profile music video and live performances like those for "LoveStoned," the ES-335's combination of visual appeal, tonal versatility, and playability made it a practical and aesthetically fitting choice.

How Semi-Hollow Body Guitars Differ from Other Types

Semi-hollow body guitars occupy a middle ground between solid-body electrics and fully hollow acoustic guitars. A solid-body electric guitar (like a Fender Stratocaster or Gibson Les Paul) has no air cavity inside, which gives it maximum sustain and minimal feedback. A fully hollow guitar (like a traditional jazz box) has a completely hollow interior, which produces a warm, resonant tone but can feed back easily at high volumes. The semi-hollow design combines benefits from both: it offers more sustain than a fully hollow guitar and more natural resonance than a solid body.

This middle-ground approach made the ES-335 particularly useful for "LoveStoned," where the production required a guitar that could be heard clearly without sounding thin or overly aggressive. The semi-hollow construction also gives the ES-335 a distinctive visual presence, with its f-holes and curved body shape making it when ready recognizable on stage or in a music video.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Gibson ES-335 and a Gibson Les Paul?

The ES-335 is a semi-hollow body guitar with f-holes and a warmer, more resonant tone, while the Les Paul is a solid-body guitar that produces more sustain and a thicker, heavier sound. The ES-335 is lighter and more comfortable for extended playing sessions. The Les Paul is preferred for rock and metal because of its sustain and output, while the ES-335 works across jazz, blues, R&B, and rock.

Can you play rock music on an ES-335?

Yes. The ES-335 is versatile enough for rock, funk, R&B, and blues. Its humbucking pickups can produce distorted, overdriven tones when paired with the right amplifier. Many rock and alternative musicians use the ES-335 because it offers tonal warmth that solid-body guitars sometimes lack, while still delivering the sustain and clarity needed for lead work.

Why do semi-hollow guitars feedback more than solid-body guitars?

Semi-hollow guitars have air cavities inside the body, which can resonate at certain frequencies and volumes. When amplified sound from the speaker reaches the guitar, the hollow chambers can vibrate and feed that sound back into the microphone, creating feedback. Solid-body guitars lack these cavities, so they feedback less. Players can control feedback by positioning the guitar away from the amplifier or using feedback suppressors.

Is the Gibson ES-335 expensive?

New Gibson ES-335 guitars typically range from around $2,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on the specific model and finish. Used models can be found for less. The price reflects the guitar's reputation, build quality, and versatility across multiple musical genres. Entry-level semi-hollow guitars from other manufacturers cost less but may not have the same tonal characteristics or resale value.