2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured Natural, (Used, Comm)

The 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured Natural is a premium USA-made semi-hollow electric guitar that combines the classic ES-335 formula with a beautifully figured natural finish. With its double-cut semi-hollow body, maple centre block, mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, dot inlays and dual humbucker layout, it delivers the warm, open and versatile tone that has made the ES-335 a favourite among blues, jazz, rock, soul, indie and studio players.

This pre-owned 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 Gibson hardcase, this 2003 ES-335 Figured Natural is a superb choice for players who want classic Gibson semi-hollow performance with a more visually striking figured maple appearance.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-335 Figured
Year	2003
Finish	Natural
Country of Manufacture	USA
Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Body Shape	ES Double Cutaway
Construction	Semi-Hollow with Centre Block
Neck	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Inlays	Dot Inlays
Scale Length	24.75"
Pickup Configuration	HH
Electronics	Passive
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition
Included	Gibson Hardcase
Main Appeal	Classic ES-335 semi-hollow tone with figured natural finish
Best For	Blues, jazz, rock, soul, indie, worship, recording and live performance

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured Natural 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.

Very Good condition is ideal for players who want a clean, dependable pre-owned Gibson semi-hollow with normal signs of use and strong overall presentation.

What’s Included?

✔ 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured Natural Electric Guitar
✔ Gibson Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This guitar shows light signs of previous use such as small marks, light surface scratches or minor handling wear consistent with Very Good condition.

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

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Gibson ES-335 Figured 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
• Rosewood fingerboard checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Tuners checked
• Bridge checked
• Stopbar tailpiece checked
• Hardware inspected
• Semi-hollow body checked for visible structural concerns
• General playability assessed
• Gibson 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 Figured Natural 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 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured Natural?

Classic ES-335 Semi-Hollow Design

The ES-335 is one of Gibson’s most important electric guitar designs. Its semi-hollow body gives warmth, air and resonance, while the centre block adds sustain, focus and feedback control.

Figured Natural Finish

The figured natural finish gives this guitar a more premium visual character than a standard plain-top ES-335. It highlights the grain and figuring beautifully, making the instrument stand out while still keeping a timeless Gibson look.

Excellent Tonal Versatility

The ES-335 is famously adaptable. It can sound smooth and rounded for jazz, warm and vocal for blues, articulate for soul, clear for indie, and powerful enough for classic rock and overdriven lead tones.

Dual Humbucker Layout

The HH pickup configuration provides a broad tonal range. The neck pickup gives warmth and depth, the bridge pickup adds bite and definition, and the middle position delivers a balanced semi-hollow rhythm sound.

Centre-Block Sustain

The maple centre block helps reduce feedback compared with a fully hollow guitar while improving sustain and attack. This makes the ES-335 practical for live work, recording and overdriven amp settings.

Gibson Hardcase Included

The included Gibson hardcase provides proper protection for storage, transport, rehearsals and gigs.

Strong Used Gibson Appeal

A 2003 ES-335 Figured Natural has the feel, tone and visual presence that make Gibson semi-hollows so desirable. It is a serious instrument for players who want a high-quality used Gibson rather than a standard solidbody alternative.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Gibson ES-335 Figured vs Standard ES-335 Dot

A standard ES-335 Dot offers the classic semi-hollow formula with a more understated look. The ES-335 Figured adds a more visually striking figured natural appearance while keeping the essential ES-335 tone and feel.

Gibson ES-335 Figured vs Gibson Les Paul Standard

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

Gibson ES-335 Figured vs Gibson ES-339

An ES-339 offers a smaller semi-hollow body and a more compact feel. The ES-335 delivers the full-size Gibson semi-hollow experience with a bigger acoustic response and classic stage presence.

Gibson ES-335 Figured vs Epiphone ES-335

An Epiphone ES-335 is an excellent value option, but this Gibson offers USA-made build quality, stronger used-market appeal and the feel of a premium Gibson semi-hollow instrument.

Who Is It For?

Blues Players

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

Jazz And Soul Guitarists

The smooth neck tone and open body character make it ideal for clean chords, melodic lead lines and expressive rhythm playing.

Rock And Indie Players

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

Studio Musicians

The ES-335 records beautifully because it offers warmth, clarity and body without becoming muddy. It can work as a rhythm guitar, lead voice or textured overdub.

Players Wanting A Premium Gibson Semi-Hollow

This is ideal for guitarists who want classic Gibson ES-335 tone with the added visual appeal of a figured natural finish.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This Gibson ES-335 Figured Natural is well suited to:

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

Why Choose A Figured Gibson ES-335?

A Gibson ES-335 is already one of the most versatile electric guitars available, but a figured natural example adds extra visual appeal without changing the core identity of the instrument. You still get the warmth, sustain and flexibility of the classic semi-hollow design, but with a more distinctive stage and studio presence.

The semi-hollow body gives the guitar a lively response, while the centre block keeps it controlled enough for louder playing and overdrive. This makes the ES-335 one of the few guitars that can move comfortably between jazz, blues, rock, soul, worship and studio work.

For players who want one premium guitar with timeless tone and a standout natural finish, this 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured is a very strong choice.

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

Story & Context: Gibson ES-335 Figured

The Gibson ES-335 has been a cornerstone of electric guitar design since the late 1950s. Its semi-hollow body and centre-block construction created a guitar that could deliver the warmth of a hollowbody while offering the focus, sustain and control needed by electric players.

Figured ES-335 models add a more premium visual presentation to that legendary formula. The Natural finish allows the maple figuring to become a key part of the guitar’s character, giving it a refined look that suits both stage performance and long-term ownership.

This 2003 example, supplied in Very Good condition with a Gibson hardcase, is a superb used Gibson for players who want classic ES-335 tone with elevated visual appeal.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson
Model	ES-335 Figured
Year	2003
Finish	Natural
Country of Manufacture	USA
Body Shape	ES Double Cutaway
Body Construction	Semi-Hollow with Centre Block
Centre Block	Maple
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Neck Material	Mahogany
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlays	Dot Inlays
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
Tailpiece	Stopbar Tailpiece
String Configuration	6-String
Included	Gibson Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good Condition

Specification Note

This listing is based on the supplied product details and published ES-335 Figured / 2003 ES-335 Natural reference information. Period references for 2003 Gibson ES-335 Natural examples commonly associate these guitars with Gibson ’57 Classic humbuckers, while current Gibson ES-335 Figured specifications confirm the wider figured ES-335 construction concept.

Exact serial number, pickup originality, pot codes, neck measurements, weight, factory paperwork and case candy have not been supplied for this listing, so those details should be confirmed by direct inspection before making collector-level claims.

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 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured Natural is a superb choice for players who want classic Gibson semi-hollow tone with a more visually striking figured finish. It has the warmth, depth and versatility that make the ES-335 such a respected instrument, while the Natural finish gives it a premium look that stands apart from more common burst or cherry examples.

This Very Good condition example, supplied with a Gibson hardcase, is ideal for blues, jazz, rock, soul, indie, worship and studio players who want a serious USA-made Gibson semi-hollow with long-term appeal.

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 2003 Gibson ES-335 Figured Natural 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 hardcase?

Yes. This Gibson ES-335 Figured Natural comes with a Gibson hardcase.

What finish is this guitar?

This guitar has a Natural finish with figured maple visual character.

Is this a semi-hollow guitar?

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

What pickups does this model use?

Period references for 2003 Gibson ES-335 Natural examples commonly associate them with Gibson ’57 Classic humbuckers, but pickup originality should be confirmed by direct inspection.

What styles does this ES-335 suit?

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

Is an ES-335 good for overdrive?

Yes. The centre-block design helps control feedback and gives the guitar enough focus for overdrive, blues-rock and classic rock tones.

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. The ES-335 is a professional stage and studio instrument, and this example has been checked for playability and functionality.

Can I try this guitar in-store?

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