This 1999 Gibson ES-335 in Sunburst is a USA-made example of one of the most important semi-hollow electric guitar designs ever produced, combining the warmth and resonance of a hollowbody with the sustain and feedback resistance of a solid centre block.

Its laminated maple body, mahogany set neck, bound rosewood fingerboard and period-specification Gibson '57 Classic humbuckers provide the articulate, open response that makes the ES-335 equally comfortable covering blues, jazz, soul, classic rock and studio work.

This pre-owned example is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional. Serial number 92749575. A hardcase is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-335
Year	1999
Finish	Sunburst
Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Serial Number	92749575
Country of Manufacture	USA
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	Late-'90s USA ES-335 with classic semi-hollow construction
Best For	Blues, jazz, rock, soul, indie, studio and live performance

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This 1999 Gibson ES-335 is presented in Very Good Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Very Good Condition means the guitar shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional.

At more than 25 years old, it offers the additional appeal of genuine natural ageing while remaining a practical working instrument for regular playing, recording and performance.

What's Included?

✔ 1999 Gibson ES-335 Sunburst
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

• Very Good overall condition
• Cosmetic wear consistent with age and previous use
• Hardcase included
• Serial number: 92749575

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

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

Our checks include:

• Neck pickup tested
• Bridge pickup tested
• 3-way pickup selector checked
• Individual volume controls tested
• Individual tone controls tested
• Output jack checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Rosewood fingerboard inspected
• Frets checked
• Tuning machines assessed
• Tune-O-Matic bridge checked
• Stopbar tailpiece inspected
• Hardware assessed
• Body and neck joint checked
• General playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for setup and general playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge setup
• Hardware
• General playability

Semi-hollow guitars can respond naturally to changes in temperature and humidity, so minor setup movement during transportation can occasionally occur.

What Makes The 1999 Gibson ES-335 Special?

The ES-335 occupies a unique position between solidbody and hollowbody electric guitars. Its hollow wings contribute resonance and openness, while the solid maple centre block provides greater sustain and feedback resistance than a fully hollow instrument. That combination has helped make the 335 one of Gibson's most versatile professional designs.

This 1999 example also comes from a well-regarded period of Gibson production. The dot-inlaid rosewood fingerboard, traditional twin-humbucker electronics, Sunburst finish and late-'90s construction give it an appealing identity for players who want an older USA-made ES-335 rather than a current-production equivalent.

Key Features & Benefits

Semi-Hollow Centre-Block Construction

The laminated body surrounds a solid maple centre block, providing the warmth and acoustic resonance associated with hollow construction while retaining the sustain and feedback control needed for louder stage use.

Gibson '57 Classic Humbuckers

Period 1999 ES-335 specification uses a pair of Gibson '57 Classic humbuckers, designed around vintage PAF-style characteristics with warmth, clarity and a dynamic response that complements the semi-hollow body particularly well.

Mahogany Set Neck

The set mahogany neck provides familiar Gibson feel and sustain while allowing smooth access across the 22-fret fingerboard.

Bound Rosewood Fingerboard

A bound rosewood fingerboard with traditional dot position markers gives this generation of ES-335 its understated, late-'50s-inspired appearance.

Independent Pickup Controls

Two volume and two tone controls allow each humbucker to be adjusted independently, making it possible to prepare contrasting rhythm and lead sounds or blend the pickups in the middle switch position.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Gibson ES-335 vs Gibson Les Paul Standard

Both use twin humbuckers and Gibson's traditional scale length, but the ES-335 adds a semi-hollow body with a centre block. It generally feels more open and resonant, while a Les Paul offers the denser response of a fully solid body.

Gibson ES-335 vs Gibson ES-339

The ES-339 applies a similar semi-hollow concept to a noticeably smaller body. The ES-335 provides the traditional full-size experience with the broader physical resonance and unmistakable proportions of the original design.

1999 ES-335 vs Modern ES-335

Modern ES-335s introduce current Gibson pickup, hardware and neck specifications. This 1999 guitar offers genuine late-'90s Gibson character and more than two decades of natural ageing rather than being a modern interpretation of the design.

Who Is It For?

Blues guitarists – The combination of '57 Classic-style humbucker response and semi-hollow resonance is particularly effective for expressive clean and overdriven tones.

Jazz players – The neck pickup provides warm, rounded sounds while the centre block makes the guitar easier to manage at stage volume than a fully hollow instrument.

Classic rock players – The bridge pickup has enough definition and power for crunchy rhythm and sustained lead sounds.

Soul and R&B musicians – Semi-hollow warmth and excellent clean response make the ES-335 exceptionally effective for articulate chord work.

Studio guitarists – Its broad tonal range makes the 335 useful when one guitar needs to cover several different roles within a recording session.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Blues
• Blues rock
• Jazz
• Classic rock
• Rock
• Soul
• R&B
• Indie
• Alternative
• Pop
• Americana
• Fusion
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Clean rhythm guitar
• Lead guitar

Why Choose An ES-335?

The ES-335 is one of the most versatile electric guitar formats because it combines characteristics normally associated with very different types of instrument.

The centre block gives the strings and bridge a substantial foundation, helping produce sustain and making overdriven amplification practical. At the same time, the hollow sections add an openness and resonance that distinguish the guitar from a conventional solidbody.

That makes an ES-335 particularly useful for players who move between clean, lightly driven and full rock tones without wanting to change guitars.

Story & Context

Gibson introduced the ES-335 in 1958, creating what became the benchmark for the semi-hollow electric guitar.

Its innovative centre-block construction bridged the gap between Gibson's traditional hollowbody instruments and the emerging solidbody electric guitar. The design retained acoustic resonance while allowing musicians to use louder amplifiers with considerably greater control over feedback.

By the late 1990s, the ES-335 remained fundamentally faithful to that original formula, with dot fingerboard inlays, twin humbuckers and traditional Gibson hardware forming the basis of the regular-production model.

Serial number 92749575 dates this particular guitar to 1 October 1999.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-335
Year	1999
Serial Number	92749575
Production Date	1 October 1999
Country of Manufacture	USA
Finish	Sunburst
Body Shape	ES-335 Double Cutaway
Body Construction	Semi-Hollow with Centre Block
Body Material	Laminated Maple Construction
Centre Block	Maple
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Binding	Bound
Fingerboard Radius	Approx. 12"
Scale Length	24.75" / 628mm
Number of Frets	22
Fingerboard Inlays	Dot
Nut Width	Approx. 1 11/16" / 43mm
Pickup Configuration	HH
Period Pickup Specification	Gibson '57 Classic Humbuckers
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Stopbar
Tuning Machines	Grover Rotomatic-Style
Hardware Finish	Nickel / Chrome
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Vintage Specification Note

Period 1999 ES-335 examples were factory-equipped with Gibson '57 Classic humbuckers, mahogany necks, rosewood fingerboards and traditional Tune-O-Matic/stopbar hardware.

As with any older guitar, individual component originality should be assessed from the instrument itself rather than assumed solely from its year of production.

Serial Number Note

Gibson used the eight-digit YDDDYRRR serial system during this period.

Serial number 92749575 decodes as:

• 9 + 9: 1999 production
• 274: 274th day of the year
• Production date: 1 October 1999
• 575: Production ranking for that day

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The traditional humbucker electronics are passive and connect to an amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

This 1999 Gibson ES-335 in Sunburst is an excellent choice for a player looking for an older USA-made example of Gibson's definitive semi-hollow electric guitar.

Its semi-hollow centre-block construction, rosewood fingerboard and period '57 Classic pickup specification provide everything from warm jazz cleans and articulate soul rhythm sounds through to expressive blues and driven classic rock tones.

Presented in Very Good Condition and supplied with a hardcase, it combines genuine late-'90s Gibson character with the versatility that has kept the ES-335 relevant for generations of professional players.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Older guitars are individual instruments, with condition and playing history becoming increasingly important alongside the original factory specification.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed before sale so its condition and included items are clearly represented.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging new, pre-owned and vintage musical equipment.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with Gibson and pre-owned guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Clear condition grading
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing gear could help towards the cost of this Gibson.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your existing gear could be worth towards this 1999 Gibson ES-335.

Frequently Asked Questions

What year was this Gibson ES-335 made?

Serial number 92749575 identifies the guitar as a 1999 Gibson.

Can the exact production date be identified?

Yes. The serial number indicates the 274th day of 1999, which was 1 October 1999.

Is the ES-335 fully hollow?

No. The ES-335 is semi-hollow, with hollow sections on either side of a solid centre block running through the body.

Why does the ES-335 have a centre block?

The centre block increases sustain and helps control feedback, allowing the guitar to work effectively at higher stage volumes and with overdriven amplifiers.

What pickups were used on 1999 ES-335s?

Period examples use a pair of Gibson '57 Classic humbuckers, designed around vintage PAF-style tonal characteristics.

What fingerboard does it have?

It uses a bound rosewood fingerboard with dot position inlays.

What scale length does it use?

The ES-335 uses Gibson's traditional 24.75" scale length.

How many frets does it have?

It has 22 frets.

What bridge and tailpiece does it use?

It uses a traditional Tune-O-Matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece.

Is an ES-335 suitable for rock?

Absolutely. Its centre block and humbuckers make it highly effective for blues rock and classic rock as well as cleaner styles.

Is it suitable for jazz?

Yes. The warm neck humbucker and semi-hollow construction make the ES-335 an excellent jazz instrument while retaining greater versatility than many fully hollow guitars.

Can an ES-335 be used with higher gain?

Yes. The centre block provides considerably better feedback resistance than a fully hollow guitar, although normal feedback management is still advisable at extreme gain and volume levels.

Does it require a battery?

No. Its traditional humbucker electronics are entirely passive.

Does it come with a hardcase?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

No claim is made regarding original factory case status unless separately confirmed. The hardcase currently accompanying the guitar is included in the sale.

Can I request a closer look at this individual guitar?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is particularly useful for older pre-owned instruments, allowing you to see the Sunburst finish and individual cosmetic condition in greater detail.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.