Gibson ES-335 vs Gibson Les Paul: Which Guitar Is Right for You?

Two Legends, But Which to Choose?

Both of these guitars are in Musicmaker, right now.......

If you're torn between two of the most iconic electric guitars in history — the Gibson ES-335 and the Gibson Les Paul — you're not alone. These two instruments have shaped entire genres, defined decades of sound, and earned lifelong loyalty from some of the greatest players to ever plug in.

But which one is right for you? Let's dive into the tone woods, electronics, playability, and vibe of each, so you can decide where your hands — and your heart — truly belong.

Also, just so you know......

All guitars pictured in this article are currently available in Musicmaker.

This too....

Build and Body: Solid vs Semi-Hollow

Les Paul: Heavyweight Tone, Legendary Sustain

The Gibson Les Paul is a full-fat, solid-body electric guitar. It typically features a mahogany body with a carved maple top, delivering a thick, rich tone with plenty of sustain and natural compression. The weight alone is a statement — this thing feels like power.

Single cutaway design for easy upper fret access

Set neck construction for increased sustain

Typically heavier than most electrics — great for tone, maybe less so for long sets

If you love chunky riffs, powerful leads, and that sweet spot between creamy blues and screaming rock, this guitar's body is built for it.

Get yourself a Les Paul Here Immediately!

ES-335: Semi-Hollow Soul, Airy Resonance

The Gibson ES-335 is the OG semi-hollow electric. With maple laminate top, back and sides, and a solid centre block running through the middle, it balances the warmth and resonance of a hollowbody with the feedback resistance of a solid guitar.

Double cutaway makes upper fret access effortless

Semi-hollow construction gives it a naturally airy, open voice

Noticeably lighter than a Les Paul — a dream for long gigs or studio sessions

Looking for something expressive, warm, and harmonically rich? The ES-335’s build gives you exactly that, with a personality that feels alive in your hands.

Get an ES-335 Here Now!

And this......

Tone Comparison: Big and Bold vs Sweet and Smooth

Les Paul Sound: Bold, Creamy, and Punchy

A Les Paul is all about sustain, bite, and power. With dual humbuckers and a no-nonsense control layout, you get punchy lows, singing mids, and a thick high-end that’s perfect for solos and fat rhythm work.

Ideal for:

Classic rock

Hard rock

Heavy blues

Metal

Studio layering (it fills the mix)

A Les Paul can go clean, but it lives for overdrive and saturated tube tone. Think Slash, Jimmy Page, and Gary Moore.

ES-335 Sound: Warm, Lush, and Nuanced

The ES-335 leans toward open, detailed tones. Still packing dual humbuckers, it gives you a smoother top end, less bite, and a more resonant body tone that’s ideal for clean to edge-of-breakup sounds.

Ideal for:

Jazz

Blues

Soul

Indie

Funk and fusion

It’ll still scream when pushed, but the ES-335 excels when you let its natural voice shine — articulate, expressive, and dripping with character.

In fact, all the guitars in this article.........

Aesthetic and Vibe

Les Paul: Rock ’n’ Roll Royalty

Let’s be real — a Les Paul looks like a guitar that knows it’s a legend. From the elegant top carve to the classic sunbursts, goldtops, and flame tops, it’s built to turn heads and sound like thunder. You wear a Les Paul — it doesn’t just hang on you.

Get yours HERE.

ES-335: Vintage Class and Subtle Swagger

The ES-335 has more of a “cool in the corner” energy. It’s refined, classy, and slightly understated — until it opens up. With its iconic f-holes and smooth double cutaway shape, it oozes vintage sophistication. Think tuxedo at a dive bar.

Get yours HERE.

Are available in Musicmaker.......

Playability and Feel

Les Paul:

Short 24.75” scale

Thicker necks (especially in ’50s style models)

Heavier body

Tighter feel, more resistance under the fingers

Great for players who like to dig in and feel the fight. That resistance gives you expression, bite, and control.

ES-335:

Same 24.75” scale

Slimmer neck profiles available

Lighter, better balance

Airier resonance and a slightly more forgiving touch

Ideal for players who want comfort, flow, and dynamic sensitivity. A dream for chord voicings, extended solos, and jazzy finesse.

........right now.

Price and Value

Both guitars sit in the premium category, but there's a wide range depending on the model, year, and custom features. Generally, Les Pauls might edge higher in the Custom Shop world, but ES-335s retain phenomenal value and cult-like admiration — especially for jazz and blues players.

In short: you’re not just buying a guitar, you’re buying a legacy — whichever you choose.

You could play this today.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the Les Paul if:

You want a thick, powerful tone that dominates the mix

You play rock, metal, or blues with high gain or lead lines

You like a chunky feel and the look of a guitar that means business

Choose the ES-335 if:

You prefer a warm, responsive tone with natural dynamics

You’re into jazz, blues, soul, or fusion

You want lightweight comfort and vintage-inspired mojo

Just call in to Musicmaker.

Final Thoughts: Two Legends, One Choice

You could easily own both the Gibson Les Paul and the Gibson ES-335 — and many pros do. But if you're choosing just one, it comes down to your style, tone goals, and how you want to feel when you pick it up.

The Les Paul is the guitar of fire and fury. The ES-335 is the guitar of soul and sophistication. Both are masterpieces. The only wrong choice is not picking one at all.

Explore both models, in various colours in-store and online at Musicmaker Dublin. Try them. Hear them. Feel the difference. And find the guitar that plays you back.