I am offering a Gibson ES-335 Dot Reissue Figured VS from 1996, the still manufactured in Nashville, Tennessee (USA), legendary semi-hollow electric guitar model from the Good Wood era, featuring top, back and sides made of laminated flamed maple, including a solid maple center block, set mahogany neck with slim 1960 Slim Taper neck profile, bound rosewood fingerboard featuring classic Pearl Dot inlays, two tonally versatile Gibson Classic ’57 humbucker pickups, and Gibson Nashville Tune-o-Matic bridge with stoptail, as well as Grover Rotomatic tuners, in a beautiful Vintage Sunburst Nitro high-gloss finish with nickel hardware in excellent condition, including original brown Gibson hardshell case and professional setup with 10-46 Elixir Optiweb strings.

In 1986, the Norlin Corporation sold its Gibson shares, bringing the “Norlin era” to an end, and under new management, the focus returned to manufacturing quality. This fresh start was urgently needed and played a decisive role in saving Gibson from collapse.

This 1996 Gibson ES-335 Dot Reissue Figured VS featured here is an outstanding example of the exceptional post-Norlin manufacturing quality at the Nashville plant.

The guitar features a classic Vintage Sunburst finish that beautifully highlights the figured grain of the tonewood. In addition to the hollow maple body, the instrument features a solid maple center block, a set-in mahogany neck, and a bound rosewood fingerboard with the sparkling pearl dot inlays that give this model its name. Playability is pleasantly smooth, thanks primarily to the relatively slim, ’60s-style neck profile and the 42.9mm nut width.

In terms of sound, the guitar is equipped with two early Gibson Classic ’57 humbuckers, which allow for not only classic jazz and blues sounds but also authentic rock and groovy funk riffs. The characteristically warm, mid-range-focused P.A.F. tone is extremely versatile, making the guitar an absolute all-rounder: From the wailing, resonant tone of Eric Clapton’s “Woman Tone,” to Noel Gallagher’s slightly snarling harmonies, all the way to Joe Bonamassa’s modern high-octane blues or Chris Cornell’s experimental soundscapes, the 335 handles it all with remarkable reliability.

A sound sample of this model (from 1997 only) can be found above at the end of the photo gallery.

In short, a wonderful vintage Gibson ES-335 that combines perfection in sound, playability, and appearance—and is still affordable!

Technical Specifications:

• Origin: Nashville, TN, USA
• Year of manufacture: 1996
• Construction: Semi-hollow with solid maple center block
• Top: Flamed maple, laminated
• Back/Sides: Flamed maple, laminated
• Neck: Mahogany, set
• Neck profile: 1960 Slim Taper
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with pearl dot inlays, bound
• Fingerboard radius: 12"
• Frets: 22
• Nut width: 42.9mm
• Pickups: 2x Gibson USA Classic ’57 P.A.F. humbuckers
• Electronics: 3-way switch, 2x volume and 2x tone controls
• Tuners: Grover Rotomatics
• Bridge: Gibson ABR-1 Tune-o-Matic
• Stoptail: Gibson Stopbar
• Hardware: Nickel
• Bindings: Cream, 1-ply
• Pickguard: Black, 4-ply
• Finish: High-gloss Vintage Sunburst, nitrocellulose
• Scale length: 628mm
• Weight: 3.89kg
• Serial No.: 93536559
• Includes original brown Gibson hardshell case (with little visible wear)

The Gibson ES-335 Dot Reissue is no longer manufactured in this configuration and features outstanding build quality—a standard now found only in Gibson instruments in a significantly higher price range.

This ES-335 is in excellent original condition and is technically flawless. Visually, the guitar shows occasional superficial age-related wear, which blends seamlessly into the vintage patina (see photos). The frets are still in top condition.

The instrument has been professionally set up with 10-46 Elixir Optiweb strings, and I (a long-time guitar teacher) will ship it fully insured with DHL for €49.99 within Germany or €99.99 within the EU. Worldwide shipping is available—individual shipping costs upon request.

All images shown are of the actual instrument for sale.