1999 Gibson Left-Handed ES-335 Cherry Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar, (Used, Comm)
The 1999 Gibson Left-Handed ES-335 in Cherry is a premium USA-made semi-hollow electric guitar built for players who want classic Gibson warmth, resonance and versatility in a rare left-handed format. The ES-335 design is one of the most iconic semi-hollow guitars ever made, offering a superb balance of smooth clean tones, rich overdrive, articulate lead sounds and expressive dynamic response.
This pre-owned 1999 Gibson Left-Handed ES-335 is listed in Excellent condition, making it a strong choice for left-handed guitarists, collectors and serious players looking for a high-quality Gibson semi-hollow with vintage-style appeal and long-term desirability.
With its classic Cherry finish, semi-hollow body construction and timeless Gibson character, this guitar is ideal for blues, jazz, rock, soul, indie, classic rock, studio work, live performance and expressive lead or rhythm playing.
At A Glance
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Product | 1999 Gibson Left-Handed ES-335 |
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-335 |
| Year | 1999 |
| Orientation | Left-Handed |
| Finish | Cherry |
| Type | Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar |
| Condition | Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition |
| Main Appeal | Classic Gibson semi-hollow tone in a rare left-handed format |
| Best For | Blues, jazz, rock, soul, indie, classic rock, recording and live performance |
| Skill Level | Intermediate to professional, collectors and serious left-handed players |
Condition Overview
Excellent Condition
This Gibson Left-Handed ES-335 is in Excellent condition. This means it shows very light signs of use while remaining fully functional and ready to play.
Excellent condition is ideal for players and collectors who want a clean, carefully kept pre-owned Gibson with only minimal evidence of previous ownership.
What’s Included?
✔ 1999 Gibson Left-Handed ES-335 Cherry Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
✔ Hardcase
✘ No Additional Accessories Included
Condition Notes
This guitar shows very light signs of use such as minor surface marks, faint handling wear or small signs of careful previous ownership.
No faults, repairs or modifications have been supplied for this listing. The guitar has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.
Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment
This pre-owned 1999 Gibson Left-Handed ES-335 has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.
Our checks include:
- Electronics tested
- Pickups checked
- Pickup selector tested
- Volume and tone controls checked
- Output jack tested
- Frets inspected
- Tuners checked
- Bridge checked
- Tailpiece checked
- Neck relief assessed
- General playability assessed
- Hardcase 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 Gibson ES-335 has been assessed for playability, with the following checked:
- Action checked
- Neck relief checked
- Frets inspected
- Tuning stability checked
- Electronics tested
- 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 1999 Gibson Left-Handed ES-335?
Classic Gibson Semi-Hollow Tone
The ES-335 is loved for its ability to sit between solid body focus and hollowbody warmth. It gives players a rich, open and expressive voice that works beautifully for clean chords, blues phrasing, smooth lead lines and driven rhythm parts.
Rare Left-Handed Gibson Appeal
Left-handed Gibson semi-hollow guitars are much harder to find than standard right-handed examples. This makes the 1999 Left-Handed ES-335 especially appealing for left-handed players who want a serious Gibson instrument without compromising on feel, tone or authenticity.
Excellent For Blues, Jazz And Rock
The ES-335 is one of the most versatile electric guitar designs available. It can sound warm and rounded for jazz, expressive and vocal for blues, or punchy and powerful for classic rock and indie styles.
Semi-Hollow Resonance With Stage Practicality
The semi-hollow design gives the guitar added air and resonance while retaining the control and focus needed for live performance. It offers more openness than a solid body while remaining more manageable at volume than a fully hollow guitar.
Timeless Cherry Finish
The Cherry finish is one of the most recognisable looks for a Gibson ES-style guitar. It gives the instrument a bold, classic appearance that works beautifully on stage, in the studio or as part of a serious guitar collection.
Strong Long-Term Desirability
A late-1990s Gibson ES-335 in left-handed configuration has strong appeal for both players and collectors. It offers genuine Gibson heritage, professional usability and the kind of specification that remains desirable over time.
Comparison Against Popular Alternatives
Gibson ES-335 vs Gibson Les Paul
A Gibson Les Paul has a solid body construction with a thicker, more focused sound. The ES-335 offers more acoustic resonance, a more open response and a wider semi-hollow character. Choose the ES-335 if you want warmth, air and versatility.
Gibson ES-335 vs Gibson SG
An SG is lighter, thinner and more aggressive in feel. The ES-335 offers a smoother, more resonant voice with stronger jazz, blues and soul appeal, while still handling rock tones very well.
Gibson ES-335 vs Epiphone Sheraton
The Epiphone Sheraton is a popular semi-hollow option with strong value. The Gibson ES-335 offers the USA-made Gibson experience, higher long-term desirability and a more premium pre-owned instrument feel.
Gibson ES-335 vs Fully Hollow Archtop
A fully hollow archtop usually has a more acoustic, traditional jazz-style response. The ES-335 is more versatile for amplified playing, offering semi-hollow warmth with better control for overdrive, pedals and stage volume.
Who Is It For?
Beginner Players
This can suit a committed left-handed beginner with serious long-term intentions, though it is best suited to players who already understand the value of a premium Gibson semi-hollow instrument.
Intermediate Players
Intermediate players will appreciate this ES-335 as a major upgrade into professional-level Gibson quality. It offers expressive tone, excellent versatility and a comfortable platform for developing style and technique.
Professional Players
Professional players can use this guitar as a main stage or studio instrument. Its semi-hollow voice, dynamic response and broad genre range make it suitable for demanding live and recording work.
Collectors
Collectors will appreciate the 1999 production year, left-handed configuration, Cherry finish and overall desirability of a clean pre-owned Gibson ES-335.
Suitable Genres And Uses
This 1999 Gibson Left-Handed ES-335 is well suited to:
- Blues
- Jazz
- Rock
- Classic rock
- Soul
- R&B
- Indie
- Alternative
- Worship music
- Roots music
- Studio recording
- Live performance
- Rhythm guitar
- Lead guitar
- Smooth clean tones
- Expressive overdrive
- Players wanting a premium left-handed Gibson semi-hollow
Educational Section: Why Choose A Gibson ES-335?
A Gibson ES-335 is one of the most versatile electric guitar designs ever created. It combines semi-hollow warmth with enough focus and stability for louder amplified playing, giving players a guitar that can move easily between clean, driven and expressive lead sounds.
The ES-335 is especially popular because it sits between two worlds. It has more air and depth than a solid body guitar, but more control and sustain than many fully hollow instruments. This makes it ideal for guitarists who want warmth, clarity and dynamic response without losing practical stage usability.
For left-handed players, finding a quality ES-335 can be especially challenging. A left-handed Gibson ES-335 offers the full semi-hollow experience in a format that properly suits the player’s orientation.
Looking for advice on choosing the right Gibson ES-335, left-handed electric guitar or pre-owned semi-hollow? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.
Story & Context: Gibson ES-335
The Gibson ES-335 has been one of the most important semi-hollow electric guitars since its introduction. Its centre-block construction helped bridge the gap between fully hollow jazz guitars and solid body electrics, creating a design that could deliver resonance, sustain and feedback control in one instrument.
Over the decades, the ES-335 has become a favourite across blues, jazz, rock, soul, fusion and studio music. Its wide tonal range and elegant design have made it one of Gibson’s most respected and enduring models.
This 1999 left-handed example carries that heritage into a highly desirable format for left-handed players who want a serious Gibson semi-hollow with classic looks and professional performance value.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Product Type | Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar |
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-335 |
| Year | 1999 |
| Orientation | Left-Handed |
| Finish | Cherry |
| Body Style | Double-Cut Semi-Hollow |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Pickup Selector | 3-Way Selector |
| Controls | 2 Volume, 2 Tone |
| Bridge | Tune-O-Matic Style Bridge |
| Tailpiece | Stopbar Tailpiece |
| String Configuration | 6-String |
| Condition | Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition |
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
A superb find for left-handed players who want a genuine Gibson semi-hollow with classic tone, elegant looks and serious long-term appeal. The 1999 Gibson Left-Handed ES-335 delivers the warmth, depth and versatility that make the ES-335 such a legendary instrument, while the Cherry finish gives it timeless stage and collection presence.
This is an excellent choice for serious left-handed guitarists, collectors and working musicians who want a premium Gibson capable of covering blues, jazz, rock, soul and studio work with ease.
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
Is the Gibson ES-335 suitable for live performance?
Yes. The semi-hollow construction, centre-block design and versatile humbucker layout make the ES-335 a strong choice for live performance.
What styles does the Gibson ES-335 suit?
It suits blues, jazz, rock, soul, R&B, indie, alternative, worship music, roots music and studio work.
How does an ES-335 compare with a Les Paul?
A Les Paul has a solid body and a more focused sound, while an ES-335 offers more resonance, openness and semi-hollow warmth.
Is this a good guitar for left-handed players?
Yes. A left-handed Gibson ES-335 is a highly desirable option for left-handed guitarists who want a premium semi-hollow instrument.
Is the ES-335 good for recording?
Yes. The ES-335 records very well thanks to its balanced tone, sustain, warmth and ability to cover clean or driven sounds.
Can it handle overdrive and fuzz?
Yes. The ES-335 works well with overdrive, boost, fuzz and distortion while retaining warmth and note definition.
Is this suitable for jazz?
Yes. The ES-335 is widely used for jazz because of its warm clean tones, smooth response and semi-hollow resonance.
Does it work well with pedals?
Yes. It works well with overdrive, delay, reverb, tremolo, chorus, boost, compression and amp-modelling setups.
Is this suitable for collectors?
Yes. A 1999 left-handed Gibson ES-335 in Excellent condition has strong collector appeal, especially in Cherry.
Can I try this guitar in-store?
Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on Gibson ES-335 models, left-handed guitars and pre-owned semi-hollow instruments.