Know Your Gear Podcast – Episode 408: "The Gibson ES335 Body Shape Is No Longer Trademarked"

Release Date: April 19, 2025
Host: Phillip McKnight

1. Gear Showcase: Phil's Guitar Collection

At the beginning of the episode, Phil McKnight showcases his diverse guitar collection, providing listeners with an overview of the instruments he uses and admires.

Notable Quotes:

• Phil (00:08): "From my right, you have an American Professional Two Jazzmaster in sunburst, a Desolation Charvel double cut neck-through guitar, and a Gibson SG Standard."
• Roy (01:30): "Loving the Charvel Desolation. They're beautiful."

Phil lists a variety of guitars, including models from Charvel, Gibson, Fender, Godin, Keisel, Paul Reed Smith, and Gretsch. He expresses particular fondness for the Charvel Desolation, recounting how they were a significant seller in his store despite some fan backlash.

2. Main Discussion: Gibson ES335 Body Shape Trademark Status

The core of this episode revolves around the legal status of the Gibson ES335 body shape, which Phil explains is no longer trademarked. This development has significant implications for guitar manufacturers and enthusiasts alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Phil (35:45): "From what I read, the ES335 is now considered generic, similar to how the Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster are viewed."
• Phil (36:20): "This means anyone can use the ES335 body shape without infringing on Gibson's trademarks."

Phil delves into the lawsuit outcomes where Gibson successfully challenged Dean's use of certain body shapes but ultimately lost the trademark protection for the ES335. He compares this situation to other iconic guitar shapes that have entered the public domain, allowing for broader replication and innovation within the industry.

3. Listener Questions: A Wide Range of Guitar Topics

Throughout the episode, Phil addresses numerous listener-submitted questions, covering topics from amp maintenance to pedal recommendations. Each question offers valuable insights into practical guitar-related issues.

Selected Questions and Responses:

• Steven's Query (12:10): "I'm looking to buy a PRS SE. Which one would you suggest?"

  Phil (12:20): Recommends the PRS SE Custom 24 Satin Finish, praising its feel and potential for a cult following. He also suggests seeking out great deals across various models.

• Amanda's Questions (19:05 & 19:45):

  1. "How long would you wait before plugging in an amp after it's been in a flooded basement?"

     Phil (19:15): Advises consulting a professional amp technician but suggests thoroughly cleaning and drying the amp before reconnecting.

  2. "Does your new Gretsch have a floating bridge? If so, how hard is it to set up and is it a good idea to pin the bridge?"

     Phil (20:30): Confirms that his Gretsch models come with pinned bridges and explains his preference for efficiency in modifications to keep workflows streamlined.

• Ron Dobbs' Question (25:50): "Phil, you're a pedal guy, right? What can you tell me about the Boss Slow Gear SG1?"

  Phil (26:00): Shares his mixed feelings about collecting Boss pedals, highlighting the challenges of completing a collection due to escalating costs. While he appreciates the SG1's uniqueness, he ultimately advocates for affordable clone pedals to achieve similar tones without the hefty price tag.

• Darren's Inquiry (33:30): "I only have Epiphone acoustics. Looking to buy a quality Gibson, Martin, or Taylor for around $3,000 new. What should I be looking at?"

  Phil (33:45): Emphasizes the importance of sound quality in acoustic guitars and recommends trying Gibson, Martin, and Taylor models in person to find the best fit based on tonal preferences.

• Javier's Question (44:20): "What do you think of the Strandberg Endure neck?"

  Phil (44:35): Expresses appreciation for the innovative design of the Endure neck but prefers traditional necks for personal playability, favoring Kiesel's headless models for their familiar feel.

4. Technical Insights: Amp and Pedal Recommendations

Phil provides detailed advice on maintaining and optimizing guitar amps and pedals, drawing from his extensive experience.

Notable Quotes:

• Phil (34:15): "If you're experiencing hum with P90s, start by distancing your amp from noise sources and consider using a noise gate or volume pedal to mitigate unwanted sounds."
• Phil (38:50): "Capacitors can significantly impact your guitar's tone. I highly recommend using Orange Drop capacitors for reliable performance without breaking the bank."

He discusses the importance of using quality components in amp setups and offers practical solutions for common issues like hum and buzz. Phil also shares his preferences for specific pedal brands and models, encouraging listeners to experiment within their budgets to find the best fits for their setups.

5. Industry Observations: Trademark Laws and Consumer Impact

Phil shares his perspective on the broader implications of trademark laws within the guitar industry, advocating for consumer protection over corporate interests.

Notable Quotes:

• Phil (37:40): "Trademarks should protect consumers, not just companies. When a body shape like the ES335 becomes generic, it opens the door for innovation and affordability."
• Phil (38:10): "I believe in survival of the fittest—if someone can offer a better, cheaper, or more innovative product, they should be able to do so for the benefit of the consumer."

He criticizes the restrictive nature of certain trademarks, arguing that making iconic designs generic ultimately benefits guitarists by providing more choices and fostering competition. Phil draws parallels with other industries, such as automotive, to illustrate how generic designs can lead to a healthier market for consumers.

6. Conclusion: Balancing Passion and Practicality

As the episode wraps up, Phil reflects on his journey with gear collection and maintenance, emphasizing the importance of balancing passion with practical considerations.

Notable Quotes:

• Phil (50:10): "Playing guitar should be about joy, not just the gear. Find what makes you happy and don't get bogged down by endless upgrades or comparisons."
• Phil (52:00): "Thank you for joining me this Friday. Have a fantastic weekend, play some guitar, and always know your gear."

He encourages listeners to prioritize their personal enjoyment and musical expression over the allure of acquiring more equipment. Phil reiterates his commitment to providing valuable insights while maintaining a practical approach to gear usage and acquisition.

Final Thoughts

In Episode 408 of the Know Your Gear Podcast, Phil McKnight offers a blend of gear showcases, in-depth discussions on industry developments, and practical advice for guitarists. The highlight of the episode is the exploration of the Gibson ES335 body shape no longer being trademarked, which Phil frames within a larger conversation about consumer protection and industry innovation. Through engaging anecdotes and thoughtful responses to listener questions, Phil delivers an informative and entertaining episode that resonates with both novice and seasoned guitar enthusiasts.

Remember to subscribe to the Know Your Gear Podcast for more insightful discussions and gear recommendations every week!