The 1986 Gibson ES-335 Vintage Sunburst Plain Top is a superb example of one of the most influential electric guitar designs ever created. Combining the warmth and resonance of a hollow body with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid body, the ES-335 has remained a professional favourite since its introduction in 1958 and continues to be one of the most versatile guitars ever produced.

Built during Gibson's Nashville production era, this 1986 ES-335 offers the classic semi-hollow experience that has made the model a staple of blues, rock, jazz, soul, indie and session work for decades. Featuring a beautiful Vintage Sunburst finish over a plain maple top, this guitar delivers timeless aesthetics alongside the rich, articulate voice that players expect from a genuine Gibson ES-335.

This pre-owned example is presented in good condition, showing honest signs of use consistent with a well-loved professional instrument. Complete with its hardcase, this is an excellent opportunity to own a vintage Gibson ES-335 with genuine character, proven performance and enduring appeal.

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Condition Overview

Good Condition

This guitar shows noticeable cosmetic wear consistent with careful ownership and regular use but remains fully functional and structurally sound.

As expected from an instrument approaching forty years old, it displays age-related wear that contributes to its vintage appeal while remaining an excellent player's instrument.

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What's Included?

✔ Hardcase

✔ Fully Checked & Tested by Fair Deal Music

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Condition Notes

• Good overall condition

• Original Tim Shaw PAFs pickups with preserved stickers on the pickup ring

• Honest cosmetic wear consistent with age and use

• Natural ageing and patina throughout

• Hardware functioning correctly

• Electronics functioning correctly

• Structurally sound and fully playable

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Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Our team has thoroughly inspected and tested this Gibson ES-335 to ensure it is functioning correctly and ready for its next owner.

Checks completed include:

✔ Pickups tested

✔ Controls verified

✔ Selector switch checked

✔ Output jack inspected

✔ Neck assessed

✔ Fingerboard inspected

✔ Frets checked

✔ Tuners tested

✔ Hardware verified

✔ Centre block construction assessed

✔ Playability evaluated

✔ Overall condition verified

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Service / Setup Work

Prior to sale, this guitar has been checked and prepared by our team.

Work completed includes:

✔ Neck relief checked

✔ Action checked

✔ Electronics tested

✔ Hardware inspected

✔ Frets assessed

✔ General playability evaluated

✔ Restrung where required

All pre-owned guitars are set up and checked before leaving the shop. Please note that setup can occasionally shift during delivery due to changes in humidity and temperature, as wood naturally responds to environmental changes.

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Why Choose The 1986 Gibson ES-335 Vintage Sunburst?

One Of The Most Versatile Electric Guitars Ever Made

Few guitars can cover as much musical ground as an ES-335. From warm jazz tones and expressive blues leads to classic rock crunch and modern indie textures, the ES-335 excels in almost any musical setting.

Classic Semi-Hollow Construction

The ES-335's centre-block design provides the perfect balance between resonance and control, offering the openness of a hollow body while maintaining excellent sustain and feedback resistance.

Genuine Vintage Gibson

Built in 1986, this guitar comes from an increasingly sought-after period of Gibson production and offers authentic vintage appeal without the price tag often associated with 1950s and 1960s examples.

Rich, Dynamic Tone

The laminated maple body construction delivers excellent clarity, note separation and harmonic richness, making the ES-335 a favourite amongst recording musicians.

Timeless Vintage Sunburst Finish

The Vintage Sunburst finish perfectly complements the ES-335's elegant lines and remains one of the most desirable finishes ever offered on the model.

A Proven Professional Instrument

For decades, the ES-335 has been trusted by touring musicians, recording artists and session players who require reliability, versatility and exceptional tone.

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Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

1986 Gibson ES-335 vs Gibson ES-339

The ES-339 offers a smaller body and slightly more focused feel, while the ES-335 delivers the traditional semi-hollow experience with greater acoustic resonance and a larger stage presence.

1986 Gibson ES-335 vs Gibson Les Paul Standard

The Les Paul offers thicker midrange punch and greater sustain, while the ES-335 provides more openness, dynamic response and versatility across clean and driven tones.

1986 Gibson ES-335 vs Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES-335

The Epiphone captures much of the ES-335 formula, while the Gibson delivers authentic USA craftsmanship, vintage pedigree and long-term collectability.

1986 Gibson ES-335 vs Yamaha SA2200

The Yamaha is renowned for exceptional Japanese craftsmanship and added switching options, while the Gibson remains the original benchmark semi-hollow electric guitar.

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Who Is It For?

Beginners

While primarily aimed at experienced players, dedicated beginners seeking a premium lifelong instrument will find the ES-335 highly rewarding.

Intermediate Players

An exceptional upgrade for players looking to move into professional-grade instruments with genuine vintage appeal.

Professional Players

Ideal for session musicians, touring guitarists, recording artists and collectors seeking a versatile vintage Gibson.

Particularly Recommended For

• Blues guitarists

• Jazz players

• Classic rock musicians

• Indie guitarists

• Session musicians

• Recording artists

• Soul musicians

• Worship musicians

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Why Do So Many Professional Guitarists Choose An ES-335?

The Gibson ES-335 has remained relevant for more than six decades because it occupies a unique position between hollow body and solid body guitars.

Benefits include:

• Excellent sustain

• Rich harmonic content

• Strong feedback resistance

• Wide tonal versatility

• Dynamic responsiveness

• Comfortable playability

For players who only want one guitar capable of covering multiple styles and professional applications, the ES-335 is often considered one of the safest choices available.

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Product Story / Context

Introduced in 1958, the Gibson ES-335 revolutionised guitar design by introducing a centre block within a hollow body guitar. This innovation solved many of the feedback issues associated with traditional hollow bodies while preserving much of their warmth and resonance.

By 1986, the ES-335 had already cemented its reputation as one of Gibson's most important instruments. Used across countless recordings and performances, it had become a favourite of musicians seeking a guitar capable of handling virtually any genre with confidence.

Today, vintage 1980s ES-335 models are increasingly appreciated for their quality, playability and growing collectability.

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Associated Artists / Songs / Performances

The Gibson ES-335 platform has been used by some of the most influential guitarists in music history, including:

• Larry Carlton

• B.B. King

• Alvin Lee

• Eric Clapton

• Noel Gallagher

• Dave Grohl

While this specific 1986 ES-335 is not associated with any particular artist, it shares the same design philosophy that has helped define countless classic recordings.

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Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Name	Gibson ES-335
Year	1986
Finish	Vintage Sunburst
Top	Plain Laminated Maple
Body Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Centre Block	Maple
Neck Material	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Scale Length	24.75"
Pickup Configuration	HH
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Stopbar
Orientation	Right-Handed
Country of Manufacture	USA
Condition	Good

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Power Requirements

Not applicable.

This is a passive electric guitar and does not require batteries or external power.

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Pairs Perfectly With

• Valve amplifier

• Transparent overdrive pedal

• Delay pedal

• Reverb pedal

• Instrument cable

• Guitar stand

• Strap locks

• Premium leather strap

• Selected pre-owned amplifiers

• Recording interfaces

• Studio monitoring equipment

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Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Fair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer that has been helping musicians find the right gear since 1987. As Birmingham's largest independent music store, we've built our reputation on expert advice, competitive pricing and exceptional customer service.

With over 6,000 Excellent 4.9-star Trustpilot reviews, musicians across the UK trust Fair Deal Music for honest descriptions, carefully selected instruments and knowledgeable support before and after purchase.

We offer fast UK delivery, secure online ordering and a large Birmingham showroom where customers can explore a huge range of new and pre-owned gear. We also buy, sell and trade musical equipment, helping musicians and collectors source exceptional instruments like this vintage Gibson ES-335.

Whether you're searching for a professional recording guitar, a versatile stage instrument or a vintage Gibson with long-term appeal, our experienced guitar specialists are here to help.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the ES-335 different from a Les Paul?

The ES-335 uses semi-hollow construction, producing a more open and resonant sound while maintaining excellent sustain and feedback resistance.

Is a 1980s Gibson ES-335 considered vintage?

Yes. A 1986 ES-335 is now approaching forty years old and is widely regarded as a vintage instrument.

What styles of music is it best suited to?

The ES-335 excels in blues, jazz, rock, indie, soul, pop and recording applications.

Is the ES-335 suitable for gigging?

Absolutely. The model has been a professional touring favourite for decades due to its versatility and reliability.

How does it compare to an ES-339?

The ES-339 offers a smaller body size, while the ES-335 provides the traditional semi-hollow feel and greater acoustic resonance.

Why are ES-335 guitars so popular in recording studios?

Their balanced frequency response, dynamic range and ability to sit comfortably within a mix make them exceptionally versatile recording instruments.

Is this a good guitar for collecting?

Vintage Gibson ES-335 models continue to attract strong interest from both players and collectors due to their historical significance and enduring popularity.

Can I try it in-store?

Yes. You're welcome to visit our Birmingham showroom to view and play available Gibson guitars and speak with our experienced team.