1973 Gibson ES-335 Cherry, (Used)

The 1973 Gibson ES-335 Cherry is a vintage USA-made semi-hollow electric guitar from a distinctive period in Gibson history. Combining the warmth and air of a thinline semi-hollow body with the sustain and control of a centre-block design, the ES-335 remains one of the most versatile electric guitars ever made.

This pre-owned vintage example is listed in Very Good condition, meaning it shows light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional and ready to play.

Supplied with a non-original Custom Shop case, this 1973 ES-335 is a superb choice for players and collectors looking for a vintage Gibson semi-hollow with classic Cherry finish appeal, strong stage presence and the expressive tone that has made the ES-335 a favourite across blues, jazz, rock, soul, indie and studio work.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-335
Year	1973
Finish	Cherry
Country of Manufacture	USA
Era	Norlin Era
Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Body Style	Thinline Double-Cut ES
Construction	Semi-Hollow with Centre Block
Pickup Configuration	HH
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way Toggle
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Included	Non-Original Custom Shop Case
Main Appeal	Vintage 1970s USA Gibson ES-335 with Cherry finish
Best For	Blues, jazz, rock, soul, indie, studio recording and live performance

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This 1973 Gibson ES-335 is in Very Good condition. This means it shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership, but remains fully functional and ready to play.

As a vintage 1973 instrument, light age-related wear should be expected and forms part of the guitar’s character. Very Good condition is ideal for players who want a clean, usable vintage Gibson that retains strong overall presentation while still feeling like a real working instrument.

What’s Included?

✔ 1973 Gibson ES-335 Cherry Electric Guitar
✔ Non-Original Custom Shop Case

✘ Original Case Not Included
✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This guitar shows light signs of previous use such as small marks, light surface scratches, minor dings, finish checking, hardware ageing or general handling wear consistent with Very Good vintage condition.

No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The guitar has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

The supplied Custom Shop case is not original to the guitar and should be described as a non-original case.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned vintage Gibson ES-335 has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Electronics tested
• Humbuckers checked
• 3-way pickup selector tested
• Volume and tone controls checked
• Output jack tested
• Frets inspected
• Fingerboard checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Tuners checked
• Bridge checked
• Tailpiece checked
• Hardware inspected
• Semi-hollow body checked for visible structural concerns
• General playability assessed
• Non-original Custom Shop case checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

This 1973 Gibson ES-335 has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:

• Action checked
• Neck relief checked
• Frets inspected
• Tuning stability checked
• Electronics tested
• Pickup output checked
• Hardware checked
• Bridge setup checked
• Intonation checked

Please note that guitar setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit.

Why Choose The 1973 Gibson ES-335 Cherry?

Genuine Vintage Gibson Character

A 1973 ES-335 offers the feel, sound and personality of a genuine vintage USA Gibson. This is not a modern reissue or tribute model; it is a real 1970s semi-hollow with period character and long-term player appeal.

Classic Semi-Hollow Versatility

The ES-335 design is famous for sitting between a solidbody and a hollowbody. It gives you warmth, resonance and air, while the centre block adds sustain, attack and feedback resistance for louder stage use.

Cherry Finish Appeal

The Cherry finish is one of the most recognisable ES-335 looks. It gives the guitar a bold vintage Gibson identity and looks fantastic on stage, in the studio or as part of a collection.

Dual Humbucker Voice

The dual humbucker layout gives this guitar the fullness, sustain and dynamic response players expect from a Gibson semi-hollow. The neck pickup is smooth and warm, the bridge pickup offers focus and bite, and the middle position gives a balanced rhythm tone.

Norlin-Era Gibson Interest

1970s Gibson instruments have their own following among players and collectors. A 1973 ES-335 sits in a distinctive period of Gibson production and offers a different feel from earlier 1960s examples and later modern reissues.

Excellent Stage And Studio Use

The ES-335 is equally at home on stage and in the studio. It records well, handles pedals naturally and works beautifully for clean, edge-of-breakup and overdriven tones.

Non-Original Custom Shop Case Included

The included non-original Custom Shop case provides a high-quality case solution for storage and transport while keeping the listing transparent about case originality.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

1973 Gibson ES-335 vs Modern Gibson ES-335

A modern Gibson ES-335 offers current production consistency and fresh-condition reliability. A 1973 ES-335 offers genuine vintage age, period feel and the character of a 1970s USA Gibson.

1973 Gibson ES-335 vs Gibson Les Paul Standard

A Les Paul Standard gives a thicker solidbody voice with more focused sustain. The ES-335 is more open, airy and dynamic, making it ideal for players who want semi-hollow warmth and broader clean-to-drive versatility.

1973 Gibson ES-335 vs Gibson ES-345

An ES-345 usually adds more ornate appointments and model-specific wiring features depending on year. The ES-335 is more direct and straightforward, making it ideal for players who want the essential Gibson semi-hollow experience.

1973 Gibson ES-335 vs Gibson SG Standard

An SG Standard is thinner, lighter and more aggressive in feel. The ES-335 offers a larger semi-hollow body, more acoustic resonance and a smoother, broader tonal character.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Gibson Players

This is ideal for guitarists who want the feel, sound and history of a genuine 1970s USA Gibson.

Blues Players

The ES-335 is legendary for blues thanks to its vocal sustain, warm neck pickup tone and expressive semi-hollow response.

Jazz And Soul Guitarists

The smooth neck pickup, open acoustic character and dynamic touch response make it excellent for jazz chords, soul rhythm and melodic clean playing.

Rock And Indie Players

The centre-block construction helps the ES-335 handle overdrive and stage volume more confidently than a fully hollow guitar.

Studio Musicians

A vintage ES-335 can add warmth, body and character to recordings without sounding overly compressed or modern.

Collectors And Long-Term Owners

A 1973 Gibson ES-335 in Cherry has strong appeal for players and collectors who appreciate vintage Gibson instruments from the Norlin era.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This 1973 Gibson ES-335 is well suited to:

• Blues
• Jazz
• Rock
• Classic rock
• Soul
• Funk
• Indie
• Alternative
• Pop
• Americana
• Worship music
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Rehearsals
• Clean rhythm playing
• Overdriven lead tones
• Pedalboard-based rigs
• Players wanting a vintage USA Gibson semi-hollow

Why Choose A Vintage Gibson ES-335?

A vintage Gibson ES-335 gives players one of the most useful electric guitar designs ever created. The semi-hollow body adds warmth and resonance, while the centre block gives enough sustain and control for amplified performance.

That combination makes the ES-335 incredibly adaptable. It can sound smooth and rounded through a clean amp, expressive and vocal with blues overdrive, and full-bodied through classic rock gain settings. It also responds beautifully to pedals, making it useful for both traditional and modern players.

A 1973 example adds the appeal of real vintage age and Norlin-era Gibson character. For players who want a guitar with history, feel and practical musical range, this Cherry ES-335 is a serious instrument.

Looking for advice on choosing the right vintage Gibson, ES-335 or pre-owned semi-hollow guitar? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: 1973 Gibson ES-335

The Gibson ES-335 was introduced in 1958 and quickly became one of the most important electric guitar designs of the 20th century. Its thinline semi-hollow body with a solid centre block gave players a practical middle ground between hollowbody warmth and solidbody feedback control.

By 1973, the ES-335 had already built a reputation as a workhorse guitar for blues, jazz, rock, soul and studio musicians. Instruments from this period are associated with the Norlin era and often appeal to players who want something with a different identity from earlier 1960s models or later modern reissues.

This Cherry example, supplied in Very Good condition with a non-original Custom Shop case, is a vintage Gibson with real musical presence and strong player appeal.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-335
Year	1973
Finish	Cherry
Country of Manufacture	USA
Era	Norlin Era
Body Shape	ES Double Cutaway
Body Construction	Semi-Hollow with Centre Block
Body Style	Thinline
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Scale Length	24.75"
Number of Frets	22
Pickup Configuration	HH
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way Toggle Switch
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic Style Bridge
String Configuration	6-String
Included	Non-Original Custom Shop Case
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Specification Note

This listing is based on the supplied product details and published reference information for 1970s Gibson ES-335 models. Period examples from 1973 are associated with thinline semi-hollow construction, a centre-block body design, humbucking pickups, a mahogany neck with volute and traditional Gibson control layout.

As this is a vintage instrument, exact originality should be confirmed directly from the guitar. Pickup markings, pot codes, solder joints, neck construction, bridge, tailpiece, tuners, serial number, case history and any previous repair work should all be checked before making collector-level originality claims.

The included Custom Shop case is listed as the supplied case for this guitar and is not described as original to the instrument.

Power Requirements

No power supply or battery is required. This is a passive electric guitar and only needs a standard 1/4" instrument cable and a suitable guitar amplifier, pedalboard or audio interface.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The 1973 Gibson ES-335 Cherry is a superb vintage player’s guitar for anyone who wants genuine 1970s Gibson character, semi-hollow warmth and classic ES versatility. Its Cherry finish, vintage age, dual humbucker layout and centre-block construction make it an excellent choice for blues, jazz, rock, soul, studio work and long-term ownership.

This Very Good condition example is best suited to players who want a real vintage Gibson with musical history, strong everyday usability and honest case transparency thanks to the included non-original Custom Shop case.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Choosing Fair Deal Music means buying from a passionate team of musicians who genuinely understand the products we sell. Whether you're purchasing your first instrument, upgrading your current setup or searching for something special, we're here to help you make the right choice with friendly advice and expert support.

When you shop with Fair Deal Music, you can buy with confidence thanks to:

Expert advice from knowledgeable musicians
Carefully checked new, used, pre-owned and ex-display equipment
Competitive prices on leading music brands
Secure UK-wide delivery
Flexible finance options available (subject to status)
Friendly support before and after your purchase
A trusted independent UK music retailer with decades of experience

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading? Your next piece of gear could cost less than you think.

We're always happy to consider part exchanges and trade-ins on a wide range of musical instruments and equipment. Whether you're looking to upgrade your guitar, keyboard, amplifier, drum kit or studio gear, your existing equipment could help reduce the cost of your next purchase.

Simply get in touch with our team for a no-obligation valuation, and we'll be happy to discuss the options available.

It's an easy way to unlock the value of the gear you no longer use while making your next instrument even more affordable.

FAQ

What condition is this 1973 Gibson ES-335 in?

This guitar is listed in Very Good condition, meaning it shows light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional.

Does this guitar come with a case?

Yes. This 1973 Gibson ES-335 comes with a non-original Custom Shop case.

Is the Custom Shop case original to the guitar?

No. The case is supplied with the guitar, but it is not original to the instrument.

What finish is this guitar?

This Gibson ES-335 has a Cherry finish.

Is this a vintage Gibson?

Yes. This is a 1973 USA-made Gibson ES-335 from the Norlin era.

Is this a semi-hollow guitar?

Yes. The ES-335 is a thinline semi-hollow electric guitar with a centre block.

What styles does this ES-335 suit?

It suits blues, jazz, rock, soul, funk, indie, pop, Americana, worship music, studio recording and live performance.

Does it require a battery?

No. This is a passive electric guitar and does not require a battery.

Is this suitable as a main gigging guitar?

Yes. It has been checked for playability and functionality, and the ES-335 design is highly practical for stage and studio work.

Can I try this guitar in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on vintage Gibson guitars, ES-335 models and pre-owned semi-hollow electrics.