This 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured in Cherry combines the legendary semi-hollow ES-335 design with a beautifully figured maple appearance and classic early-2000s Gibson construction.

Built in the USA, this period Figured model features a laminated maple semi-hollow body with a solid maple centre block, set maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, 24.75" scale and twin Gibson humbuckers. The centre-block construction gives it the warmth and acoustic character associated with a semi-hollow guitar while adding sustain, focus and improved resistance to feedback.

Finished in classic Cherry, the figured maple gives this example considerably more visual character than a standard plain-top ES-335.

This guitar is presented in Very Good Condition, weighs 8.92 lbs, and is supplied with a hardcase.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-335 Figured
Year	2003
Finish	Cherry
Country of Manufacture	USA
Construction	Semi-Hollow with Centre Block
Body	Laminated Maple
Top	Figured Maple
Centre Block	Solid Maple
Neck	Maple
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Inlays	Dot
Scale Length	24.75"
Frets	22
Pickups	2 x Gibson Humbuckers
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic / ABR-1 Style
Tailpiece	Stopbar
Tuners	Grover
Weight	8.92 lbs
Condition	Very Good
Included	Hardcase

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured is presented in Very Good Condition.

It shows some cosmetic signs of previous use consistent with careful ownership while remaining fully functional and ready to play.

On a guitar of this age, reasonable signs of ownership can include:

• Light surface marks
• Small handling marks
• Fine finish scratches
• Light hardware ageing
• General playing wear

These are reflected in the Very Good condition grade.

What's Included?

✔ 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured Cherry
✔ Hardcase

No additional accessories are included unless pictured or stated.

The supplied case is described simply as a hardcase unless its originality is established separately.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Gibson has been checked for general operation and playability.

Assessment includes:

• Neck pickup operation
• Bridge pickup operation
• 3-way selector
• Both volume controls
• Both tone controls
• Output jack
• Neck condition
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Frets
• Nut
• Grover tuning machines
• Bridge
• Stopbar tailpiece
• General hardware
• Semi-hollow body
• Structural condition
• Overall setup
• General playability

Service / Setup Work

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

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge adjustment
• Hardware
• General playing feel

What Makes The 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured Special?

The ES-335 is one of Gibson's most important electric-guitar designs, bridging the gap between a solidbody and a traditional hollowbody.

The Figured version retains that proven semi-hollow construction while adding a more visually distinctive figured-maple exterior. On this 2003 example, the combination of Cherry finish, figured maple, dot inlays and nickel hardware creates a particularly classic Gibson appearance.

Its semi-hollow construction also gives it an unusually broad tonal range, moving comfortably between warm clean sounds, blues, jazz, soul and fully driven rock tones.

Figured Maple Appearance

The body features attractive figured maple, clearly visible beneath the translucent Cherry finish.

The figuring changes character as light moves across the instrument, giving the guitar much greater visual depth than a plain maple body.

Semi-Hollow Construction

The ES-335 uses a semi-hollow body with hollow wings surrounding a solid maple centre block.

This construction provides a useful balance between:

• Hollowbody resonance
• Solidbody sustain
• Controlled feedback
• Strong note definition
• Acoustic responsiveness

It is one of the main reasons the ES-335 works across such a wide range of styles.

Solid Maple Centre Block

The centre block runs through the main body of the guitar and supports the bridge and pickups.

It helps provide:

• Improved sustain
• Greater resistance to feedback
• More focused bass response
• Better performance with overdrive

Maple Neck

This early-2000s Figured model uses a set maple neck.

The maple construction adds clarity and definition while retaining the traditional glued-neck response associated with Gibson semi-hollow guitars.

Rosewood Fingerboard

The neck is paired with a rosewood fingerboard featuring classic dot position markers.

The traditional 22-fret layout provides the familiar ES-335 playing range.

24.75" Scale Length

The guitar uses Gibson's traditional:

24.75" scale length

This provides a slightly softer string feel than a typical 25.5" scale guitar and is particularly comfortable for:

• String bending
• Vibrato
• Blues phrasing
• Chord work
• Lead playing

Twin Gibson Humbuckers

The guitar uses a pair of Gibson humbuckers.

They provide:

• Full midrange
• Smooth sustain
• Reduced hum
• Warm clean sounds
• Powerful overdriven tones

Neck Pickup

The neck position is ideal for:

• Jazz
• Blues
• Soul
• Warm cleans
• Smooth lead sounds

Bridge Pickup

The bridge pickup provides:

• Greater attack
• Classic-rock crunch
• Defined rhythm tones
• Focused lead sounds

Pickup Specification Note

Period 2003 ES-335 Figured examples can be found with different Gibson humbucker references, including Burstbucker and ’57 Classic-family pickups.

The exact pickups in this individual guitar have not been identified, so no unsupported model designation is assigned.

Traditional Gibson Controls

The controls consist of:

• Neck Volume
• Bridge Volume
• Neck Tone
• Bridge Tone
• 3-Way Pickup Selector

This allows the two pickups to be balanced independently.

Tune-O-Matic Bridge & Stopbar

The traditional Gibson bridge arrangement provides:

• Individual intonation adjustment
• Straightforward action adjustment
• Solid string anchoring
• Familiar Gibson playing feel

Grover Tuners

Period Figured ES-335 examples from this era use Grover tuning machines, providing reliable tuning adjustment and a familiar early-2000s Gibson appearance.

Weight

8.92 lbs

This is the actual measured weight of this individual guitar.

It gives the guitar a reassuringly solid feel without being excessively heavy for a full-size ES semi-hollow.

ES-335 Semi-Hollow Character

The ES-335 occupies a unique position between solidbody and hollowbody designs.

Compared with a solidbody, it generally offers:

• More acoustic resonance
• A more open response
• Additional harmonic complexity

Compared with a fully hollow guitar, its centre block provides:

• Greater sustain
• More feedback control
• Better compatibility with higher gain

Who Is It For?

Blues players – The ES-335 is one of the defining electric guitars for blues.

Rock guitarists – The centre block handles overdrive extremely well.

Jazz players – Warm neck-pickup tones provide smooth, rounded cleans.

Soul and R&B players – Excellent clean and edge-of-breakup tones.

Studio musicians – A broad tonal range makes the ES-335 exceptionally versatile in recording environments.

Collectors of early-2000s Gibsons – The figured finish gives this example additional visual appeal.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Blues
• Blues rock
• Classic rock
• Jazz
• Soul
• R&B
• Indie
• Alternative
• Pop
• Americana
• Roots
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Clean rhythm
• Overdriven lead work

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-335 Figured
Year	2003
Finish	Cherry
Country of Manufacture	USA
Body Shape	ES Double Cutaway
Construction	Semi-Hollow
Body Material	Laminated Maple
Top	Figured Maple
Centre Block	Solid Maple
Neck Material	Maple
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Inlays	Dot
Scale Length	24.75"
Frets	22
Nut Width	Approx. 43mm
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	Gibson Humbucker
Bridge Pickup	Gibson Humbucker
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic / ABR-1 Style
Tailpiece	Stopbar
Tuning Machines	Grover
Hardware Finish	Nickel
Weight	8.92 lbs
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good

2003 Figured Specification Note

Early-2000s ES-335 Dot Figured guitars differ in several details from current Gibson ES-335 Figured models.

For that reason, current-production specifications such as modern T-Type pickups or current Rounded C mahogany neck construction should not automatically be applied to this 2003 guitar.

Hardcase Note

A hardcase is included.

It provides useful protection for storage and transport.

Unless separately established, the case is not described as the guitar's original Gibson case.

Power Requirements

None.

The humbuckers and traditional electronics are completely passive.

No battery or external power supply is required.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

The 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured in Cherry combines everything that makes the ES-335 such an enduring professional instrument with the added visual impact of figured maple.

Its semi-hollow maple construction, solid centre block, set maple neck, rosewood fingerboard and twin humbuckers create a remarkably broad tonal platform, capable of moving from warm clean jazz and soul sounds through blues and into driven rock without feeling out of place.

The Cherry finish shows off the maple figuring beautifully, while the traditional dot inlays and nickel hardware keep the overall appearance unmistakably Gibson.

This example weighs 8.92 lbs, is presented in Very Good Condition, and is supplied with a hardcase.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed so its condition, measured weight and included accessories are clearly represented.

This Gibson is offered with:

• 2003 production
• Made in USA
• Figured Cherry finish
• Very Good condition
• 8.92 lbs actual measured weight
• Hardcase included

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.

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 pre-owned Gibson 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 guitar could help towards the cost of this Gibson.

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

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your existing equipment could be worth towards this 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured in?

It is presented in Very Good Condition, showing some signs of careful previous use while remaining fully functional.

What year was it made?

It was made in 2003.

Where was it made?

It was manufactured in the USA.

What finish does it have?

It has a Cherry finish over figured maple.

Is this a semi-hollow guitar?

Yes. It is a true semi-hollow design with hollow body sections and a solid centre block.

What is the centre block made from?

It uses a solid maple centre block.

What is the neck made from?

Period ES-335 Figured examples from this era use a maple neck.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has a rosewood fingerboard.

What inlays does it have?

It uses traditional dot inlays.

What is the scale length?

It uses Gibson's 24.75" scale length.

How many frets does it have?

It has 22 frets.

What pickups does it have?

It uses two Gibson humbuckers.

Are they ’57 Classics or Burstbuckers?

Both pickup types appear on documented 2003 ES-335 Figured examples. The exact set in this individual guitar has not been identified, so no unsupported pickup model is claimed.

What controls does it have?

It has two volume controls, two tone controls and a 3-way selector.

Does it have a centre block?

Yes. This is one of the defining features of the ES-335.

Is an ES-335 suitable for high gain?

Yes. The centre block gives the ES-335 considerably more feedback resistance than a fully hollow electric guitar.

How much does it weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 8.92 lbs.

Does it require a battery?

No. The electronics are passive.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

The supplied case has not been identified as the original Gibson case, so no claim of originality is made.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like to see the figured Cherry finish and individual condition or hear both humbuckers before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment.