{"product_id":"1986-gibson-es-335-vintage-sunburst-plain-top-semi-hollow-electric-guitar-used","title":"1986 Gibson ES-335 Vintage Sunburst Plain Top Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, (Used)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCondition Overview\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGood Condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis guitar shows noticeable cosmetic wear consistent with careful ownership and regular use but remains fully functional and structurally sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhat's Included?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Hardcase\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Fully Checked \u0026amp; Tested by Fair Deal Music\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGood overall condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOriginal Tim Shaw PAFs pickups with preserved stickers on the pickup ring\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHonest cosmetic wear consistent with age and use\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatural ageing and patina throughout\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardware functioning correctly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElectronics functioning correctly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStructurally sound and fully playable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eFair Deal Quality Control Assessment\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur team has thoroughly inspected and tested this Gibson ES-335 to ensure it is functioning correctly and ready for its next owner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChecks completed include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Pickups tested\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Controls verified\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Selector switch checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Output jack inspected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Neck assessed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Fingerboard inspected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Frets checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Tuners tested\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Hardware verified\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Centre block construction assessed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Playability evaluated\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Overall condition verified\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eService \/ Setup Work\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrior to sale, this guitar has been checked and prepared by our team.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWork completed includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Neck relief checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Action checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Electronics tested\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Hardware inspected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Frets assessed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ General playability evaluated\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Restrung where required\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Choose The 1986 Gibson ES-335 Vintage Sunburst?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOne Of The Most Versatile Electric Guitars Ever Made\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFew 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClassic Semi-Hollow Construction\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGenuine Vintage Gibson\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRich, Dynamic Tone\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe laminated maple body construction delivers excellent clarity, note separation and harmonic richness, making the ES-335 a favourite amongst recording musicians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTimeless Vintage Sunburst Finish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Vintage Sunburst finish perfectly complements the ES-335's elegant lines and remains one of the most desirable finishes ever offered on the model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eA Proven Professional Instrument\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor decades, the ES-335 has been trusted by touring musicians, recording artists and session players who require reliability, versatility and exceptional tone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eComparison Against Popular Alternatives\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1986 Gibson ES-335 vs Gibson ES-339\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1986 Gibson ES-335 vs Gibson Les Paul Standard\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1986 Gibson ES-335 vs Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES-335\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Epiphone captures much of the ES-335 formula, while the Gibson delivers authentic USA craftsmanship, vintage pedigree and long-term collectability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1986 Gibson ES-335 vs Yamaha SA2200\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Yamaha is renowned for exceptional Japanese craftsmanship and added switching options, while the Gibson remains the original benchmark semi-hollow electric guitar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWho Is It For?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBeginners\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile primarily aimed at experienced players, dedicated beginners seeking a premium lifelong instrument will find the ES-335 highly rewarding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIntermediate Players\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn exceptional upgrade for players looking to move into professional-grade instruments with genuine vintage appeal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProfessional Players\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for session musicians, touring guitarists, recording artists and collectors seeking a versatile vintage Gibson.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eParticularly Recommended For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlues guitarists\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJazz players\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClassic rock musicians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIndie guitarists\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSession musicians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecording artists\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoul musicians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorship musicians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Do So Many Professional Guitarists Choose An ES-335?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gibson ES-335 has remained relevant for more than six decades because it occupies a unique position between hollow body and solid body guitars.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenefits include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent sustain\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRich harmonic content\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong feedback resistance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWide tonal versatility\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDynamic responsiveness\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComfortable playability\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eProduct Story \/ Context\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntroduced 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, vintage 1980s ES-335 models are increasingly appreciated for their quality, playability and growing collectability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eAssociated Artists \/ Songs \/ Performances\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gibson ES-335 platform has been used by some of the most influential guitarists in music history, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarry Carlton\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eB.B. King\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlvin Lee\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEric Clapton\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNoel Gallagher\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDave Grohl\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGibson ES-335\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1986\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVintage Sunburst\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTop\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlain Laminated Maple\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBody Type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSemi-Hollow Electric Guitar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCentre Block\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaple\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeck Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMahogany\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFingerboard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRosewood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScale Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24.75\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePickup Configuration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eElectronics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePassive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eControls\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBridge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTune-O-Matic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTailpiece\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStopbar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrientation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRight-Handed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCountry of Manufacture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003ePower Requirements\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a passive electric guitar and does not require batteries or external power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003ePairs Perfectly With\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eValve amplifier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransparent overdrive pedal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDelay pedal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReverb pedal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInstrument cable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuitar stand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrap locks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePremium leather strap\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelected pre-owned amplifiers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecording interfaces\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStudio monitoring equipment\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Buy From Fair Deal Music?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFair 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat makes the ES-335 different from a Les Paul?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ES-335 uses semi-hollow construction, producing a more open and resonant sound while maintaining excellent sustain and feedback resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs a 1980s Gibson ES-335 considered vintage?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. A 1986 ES-335 is now approaching forty years old and is widely regarded as a vintage instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat styles of music is it best suited to?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ES-335 excels in blues, jazz, rock, indie, soul, pop and recording applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the ES-335 suitable for gigging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. The model has been a professional touring favourite for decades due to its versatility and reliability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow does it compare to an ES-339?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ES-339 offers a smaller body size, while the ES-335 provides the traditional semi-hollow feel and greater acoustic resonance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are ES-335 guitars so popular in recording studios?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTheir balanced frequency response, dynamic range and ability to sit comfortably within a mix make them exceptionally versatile recording instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this a good guitar for collecting?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage Gibson ES-335 models continue to attract strong interest from both players and collectors due to their historical significance and enduring popularity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I try it in-store?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. You're welcome to visit our Birmingham showroom to view and play available Gibson guitars and speak with our experienced team.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"USED","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56971298341244,"sku":"1986 Gibson ES-335 Vintage Sunburst Plain Top Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, (Used)","price":3250.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0441\/6457\/9484\/files\/DSC07878_c688d0f0-8574-42ec-85ce-65c5bb5c4511.jpg?v=1781799273","url":"https:\/\/www.fairdealmusic.co.uk\/products\/1986-gibson-es-335-vintage-sunburst-plain-top-semi-hollow-electric-guitar-used","provider":"Fair Deal Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}