Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $3,147
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson ES-335 Dot". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Introducing the Gibson ES-335 Dot, a semi-hollow body electric guitar that redefines versatility, playability, and vintage appeal. Carrying on a rich legacy since 1958, this guitar offers an unmatched blend of performance, style, and tone.
The heart of the ES-335 is a meticulously handcrafted mahogany neck, adorned with a rosewood fingerboard and 22 Plek'd frets for effortless solos. It houses a pair of Calibrated T-Type humbucking pickups, offering the signature Gibson tone that has been a key influence on generations of musicians.
The ES-335's design features a three-ply maple/poplar/maple body, which is not only lightweight but also resonant. Its F-holes let the tone breathe, while a solid center block effectively reduces feedback. This unique combination has been responsible for producing some of the most revered rock, blues, and jazz tones of all time.
The ES-335 is further enhanced by a lightweight ABR-1 bridge, stopbar tailpiece, and Vintage Deluxe tuners, all working in harmony to provide rock-solid intonation.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollow body with a Maple/Poplar/Maple construction
- Handcrafted mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard
- 22 Plek'd frets for effortless solos
- Calibrated T-Type humbucking pickups for a versatile Gibson tone
- ABR-1 bridge and stopbar tailpiece for rock-solid intonation
- Vintage Deluxe tuners for tuning stability
- Premium appointments such as hand-rolled fingerboard binding and top hat knobs with silver reflectors
- Comes with a hardshell case for protection
Give your performance a timeless touch with the Gibson ES-335 Dot, a guitar that is as beautiful to look at as it is to play.
Product specs
| Available since | June 2021 |
| Hollowbody Guitar | No |
| Semi Hollowbody Guitar | Yes |
| Colour | Sunburst |
| Body | Maple |
| Top | Maple |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Fretboard | Rosewood |
| Frets | 22 |
| Scale | 628 mm |
| Pickups | HH |
| Tremolo | No |
| Incl. Case | Yes |
| Incl. Bag | No |
FAQs
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What kind of music genres is the Gibson ES-335 Dot suitable for?
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The Gibson ES-335 Dot is versatile, making it ideal for blues, jazz, rock, and even some country styles due to its semi-hollowbody design and dual humbucker pickups, which provide warm tones and sustain.
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How does the neck profile of the Gibson ES-335 Dot affect playability?
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The Gibson ES-335 Dot features a Rounded "C" mahogany neck, offering a comfortable grip suitable for various playing styles, from rhythm to lead, enhancing playability for both beginners and seasoned players.
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What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson ES-335 Dot's pickups?
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The Gibson ES-335 Dot is equipped with dual humbucker pickups that deliver a rich, warm tone with excellent sustain and clarity, making it well-suited for clean and overdriven sounds across multiple genres.
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Is the Gibson ES-335 Dot suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Gibson ES-335 Dot is suitable for live performances, offering a balanced sound with its semi-hollowbody design and humbucker pickups, making it capable of handling both clean and distorted tones with minimal feedback.
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Does the Gibson ES-335 Dot come with a case?
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Yes, the Gibson ES-335 Dot includes a hardshell case, providing protection and easy transport for the guitar.
Videos
N Stuff Music
Gibson ES-335 Dot Plain Gloss Electric Guitar
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional tone versatility, from blues to rock and beyond
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Outstanding craftsmanship, particularly in finish and fretboard
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Reliable tuning stability, rarely requiring adjustments
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Remarkable sustain, enhancing expressive playing
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Gorgeous design, inspiring frequent play and admiration
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Calibrated T-Type pickups deliver clear and articulate sound
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Comfortable playability with smooth neck and well-set intonation
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AAA flamed top and antique natural finish stand out visually
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Consistent quality across different production years
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Iconic status and historical prestige in the music world
CONS
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High price point may not justify quality for all buyers
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Some cases have a lid that doesn't stay open
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Occasional quality control issues, such as uneven wood or paint
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Heavy weight, not ideal for extended playing sessions
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Inconsistency in top finish compared to advertised images
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-335 Dot.
Build quality
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A slight QC issue noted is fret nibs not being perfectly filed, though it was easily fixable.
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The cutaway design varies, with some preferring the "Mickey Mouse" style ears over pointier versions, indicating a preference for specific reissue models like the '59 or '61.
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The truss rod cover on genuine 1988 models typically has a 5/16” nut, a detail confirming authenticity.
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Features and functionality
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The 2023 60s Cherry Dot 335 features unpotted T-Type pickups, which are highlighted for their suitability to the guitar's sound.
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Some ES-345 owners miss the varitone switch, which is seen as a defining feature, despite its divisive nature.
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The 1988 ES-335 Dot features HB-R pickups, designed by Bill Lawrence, known for their clear, punchy sound akin to humbuckers.
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Comparisons
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Owners have compared Gibson's recent QC favorably against Fender, noting improvements since new management.
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Heritage H-535 is often considered as an alternative to the Gibson ES-335 for its similar style and potentially better quality at a lower price point.
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1980s ES-335 models are noted for having been produced in both Nashville and Memphis, with variances in neck shapes, pickups, and cosmetics, affecting their desirability.
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User experience
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A 2021 ES-335 was purchased from someone who scoured local stores to find the best unit, indicating variability in quality.
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Owners find more variance in ES-335s compared to Les Pauls, suggesting the need to try multiple units before purchasing.
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Some owners report that the 1988 models have a finish that may show wear around the serial number due to age, which is typical for guitars over 30 years old.
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Setup and maintenance
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Some guitars have had poorly cut nuts leading to tuning instability, indicating a potential setup issue.
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Gibson Demo Shop listings provide detailed neck profile measurements, unlike some custom shop listings, offering valuable setup information for buyers seeking specific neck dimensions.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 17 Ratings
143
A Behemoth
This is not a guitar, it's a terminator. Comfortable, versatile, elegant, capable of producing a crystalline clean and a distorted sound that raises the dead... moreover, it has a special timbre that I have not seen in other semi-hollow guitars. An absolute blast 10/10.
This review has been translated automatically into English. See original498
Super bluesy and much, much more!
I originally opted for an Eastman T-186 mx for this style of guitar. Love the Eastman! What originally drew me to it was the thinner neck. However after spending more time on my Telecaster 50's re-issue and my Gibson Les Paul (both with pretty fat necks) I longed to have an actual ES-335. For a long time I've admired the ones that Carl Wilson played throughout his career with The Beach Boys. His were custom builds that i've never been able to find anywhere else. But mine shares that beautiful natural finish and delivers the great variation of tone that made it a favorite of Eric Clapton, Eric Johnson and so many others. I'm extremely happy with this guitar and have named her Ollie after our sweet dog Olive that finally had to leave us after 14 years.
1040
Happy Birthday To Me
I've wanted an ES-335 in sunburst for years. Several years passed and I've collected many guitars, but on my 46th birthday (August 2015), I finally dropped the coin for a brand new one.
Artist usage
Add artist
Eric Clapton's 2003 Gibson ES-335 Dot was donated by Otis Rush, as verified by Christie's auction listing.
In a behind the scenes video taken in the 'city of evil' days (2005), Syn can be seen at the end of this video @7:14 playing and allegedly recording the clean guitars in Bat country, using this Gibson ES-335 Dot.
In this image you can see Tom playing a vintage sunburst Gibson ES-335 during one of his concerts.
In this youtube video of "On My Own" posted on Jul 18, 2019, you can see at 0:12 that FKJ's playing a Gibson ES-335. Judging by the inlays it's a Dot model.
In this picture, Sambora was photographed playing the Gibson ES-335 Dot Natural Electric Guitar live on stage in 2009.
In this video of Dave Keuning performing live with The Killers, he can be seen playing a Gibson ES-335 Dot Gloss (Vintage Sunburst finish) on The Late Show with David Letterman.
In the official video for "White Feather" by Wolfmother, Andrew Stockdale can be seen playing a Yamaha SA2200, not the Gibson ES-335 Dot Natural Electric Guitar.
Album Usage
The Gibson ES-335 Dot has been featured on the following albums:
Zigzag
Sergey Golovin (2020)
Puberty 2
Mitski (2016)
If I Was
The Staves (2015)
Battle Born (Deluxe Edition)
The Killers (2012)
Material defectuoso
Extremoduro (2011)
Cosmic Egg
Wolfmother (2009)
Arutokoroni no Teiri
RADWIMPS (2009)
City of Evil
Avenged Sevenfold (2005)
Peace In Our Time (Re-Presents)
Big Country (1988)
Peace In Our Time
Big Country (1988)
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson ES-335 Dot, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation1 alternative for Gibson ES-335 Dot, curated by the Equipboard community.
$2,555.00 - $3,499.00
The Gibson ES-335 Dot has been known by more than one name over the last three decades, but it's undoubtedly singular in its popularity as one of Gibson's most well-known reissues. First known as the ES-335 Dot, then renamed the ES-335 Reissue in the '90s, this instrument is based on the technical specs of its 1960s predecessor.
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