Room 335

The recording

Larry Carlton recorded "Room 335" in his own Room 335 Studio in Hollywood in 1978, laying down a smooth jazz‑fusion groove with Greg Mathieson on keyboards, Abraham Laboriel on bass and Jeff Porcaro on drums. Carlton used his 1969 Gibson ES‑335 through a vintage 1950s Fender Tweed Deluxe combo, capturing a warm, slightly overdriven tone that sits front‑and‑center in the mix. The track was tracked on analog tape and mixed by Carlton himself, preserving the natural dynamics and subtle room ambience.

Reported gear

1969 Gibson ES-335

Guitar

Larry Carlton’s signature 'Mr. 335', a 1969 Gibson ES‑335, was his primary instrument on the 1978 'Room 335' album, delivering the warm semi‑hollow tone that sits front‑and‑center in the mix.

1950s Fender Tweed Deluxe

Amp

For the 'Room 335' sessions Carlton plugged his ES‑335 into a vintage 1950s Fender Tweed Deluxe, a 12‑inch combo known for its smooth breakup and creamy mids that form the backbone of his tone on the title track.

Alternatives

Epiphone ES-335

Budget alternative · for the 1969 Gibson ES-335

$300 to $500

Fender '57 Tweed Deluxe Reissue

Reissue · for the 1950s Fender Tweed Deluxe

$1,200 to $1,600

Practical playing approach

Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.

1. 1.Use the neck pickup on the ES‑335 for a warm, rounded tone.
2. 2.Play with a light touch and let the amp’s natural breakup sing.
3. 3.Apply subtle finger vibrato and hybrid picking for fluid lines.
4. 4.Employ volume swells to shape dynamics and emphasize phrasing.