1997 Gibson ES-335 Dot with Figured Top

Cherry Red Nitro Finish

Serial# 91267435

Nut Width: 1.68

Neck Measurement at the First Fret .83 and .90 at the Twelfth

Weight: 9 Lbs

Comes with Original Hard Shell Case & Paperwork Pictured

*** It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are dressed, leveled and polished and shine like new, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. (Including New Strings,  Intonation, Truss Rod adjustment and Action)

Read our feedback and rest assured that The Dude Abides. 

Ignite Your Stage Presence: Own a Legendary 1997 Gibson ES-335 Dot Figured in a Timeless Cherry Red Nitro Finish with MOJO!

Step into the spotlight with a guitar that's more than an instrument—it's a piece of rock 'n' roll royalty! Gibson's storied legacy has birthed icons like the Les Paul, Flying V, and Explorer, inspiring countless knockoffs and tributes. But the ES-335? It's the undisputed king of versatility, a semi-hollow masterpiece that's graced the hands of legends across every genre, delivering that perfect blend of tone, balance, and soul-shaking resonance. And now, for your ultimate indulgence, we're unleashing this breathtaking 1997 cherry red Gibson ES-335 Dot—a true players dream with a striking figured top and back that swirls like flames under stage lights, exuding an old-school vintage vibe that's pure magic from every angle.

This isn't just any ES-335; it's a handpicked gem, originally selected straight from the factory for Yamano in Japan—the trailblazing premier dealer known for their ironclad quality standards. They cherry-picked only the finest specimens, snagging exclusive runs and limited editions that set hearts racing. This stunner boasts a SICK figured maple top and back that pops with depth and character, professionally set up to perfection for effortless playability. It's all original and in very nice/player friendly condition, with binding that's snug and crack-free, embracing moderate playwear that tells a story of authentic life: subtle vintage aging across the hardware and plastics, delicate weather checking, finish cracks, small scratches, and light buckle marks on the back. The once-white binding has mellowed to a creamy yellow, while the metal hardware gleams with a dull, tarnished allure that screams "seasoned pro." There's even an area of lacquer reaction on the back of the neck (check the pics for the full reveal)—all adding up to a guitar that's well on its way to becoming a bona fide vintage icon.

Feel the thrill as you strum: The neck is arrow-straight, with a fully functional truss rod and plenty of life in the frets, still proudly sporting their original nibs. Powered by the legendary original '57 Classic pickups, this beauty unleashes warm, articulate tones that sing with clarity and depth, handling bluesy bends, crunchy rock riffs, or jazzy swells with ease. The tapered 60's profile neck feels like an extension of your hand—comfortable, lightning-fast, and silky-smooth for those marathon sessions. It's superbly balanced, hugging your body like it was made for you, and plays on par with the elite Custom Shop creations we've handled.

Completing this powerhouse package is the original tan, pink-lined Gibson hard-shell case, still draped in its silk shroud for that extra touch of elegance. The case is fully functional, though the latches have softened with age, adding to the nostalgic charm.

Don't miss your chance—this absolute killer of a guitar is primed to become your go-to axe, your main squeeze on stage or in the studio. Dive into the photos, fire away with questions, and make it yours today. Your sound revolution starts here!

This 1997 Gibson ES-335 Figured in Cherry Red with '57 Classics features a semi-hollow maple body with a figured top, mahogany neck, rosewood fretboard with dot inlays, dual '57 Classic humbuckers, and traditional Gibson hardware like a Tune-o-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, all finished in a classic cherry lacquer. 

Body:

• Type: Semi-hollow, double-cutaway.
• Top/Back/Sides: Figured Maple (often laminated with Poplar).
• Centerblock: Solid Maple.
• Binding: Single-ply cream.
• Finish: Cherry Red, Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer. 

Neck:

• Material: Mahogany.
• Profile: Slim '60s-style C (varies slightly).
• Scale Length: 24.75 inches (628.65 mm).
• Fretboard: Rosewood.
• Inlays: Pearl or Acrylic Dot Inlays.
• Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo. 

Electronics & Hardware:

• Pickups: '57 Classic Humbuckers
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-way Toggle Switch.
• Bridge: Tune-o-Matic.
• Tailpiece: Stopbar.
• Tuners: Grover Rotomatic or vintage-style Keystone tuners.
• Knobs: Black Top Hat (often with silver reflectors). 

Key Features:

• Known for its warm, balanced tone, combining semi-hollow resonance with solid-body sustain.
• Often referred to as the "Dot" model due to its fretboard inlays. 

This guitar has been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. Unless otherwise noted in the listing, It features low action with no buzzing or dead spots, perfect intonation, a brand-new set of American-made strings, and a straight neck with a fully functional truss rod. If needed the frets have been leveled, dressed, crowned, and polished to a mirror shine. The fingerboard has been thoroughly cleaned (unfinished rosewood and ebony boards are treated with Fret Doctor, a premium all-natural oil). All electronics function flawlessly. The guitar has been deep-cleaned and detailed and arrives stage- or studio-ready. 

About The Guitar Dude 

Three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer worldwide. Specializing in premium Gibson, classic Fender guitars from all eras and the best Japanese made treasures. Known for the highest-quality consignment sales and custom layaway plans (available on select guitars and extendable beyond 45 days to fit your budget—contact us for details).  

Often copied, never duplicated. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram for beautiful guitar content. Like what you see? Let us go to work for you. @TheGuitarDude

Our Guarantee  

We stand behind every guitar we sell. “Good enough” is never good enough. Every instrument is inspected, set up, and tested by multiple people immediately before shipping. We deliver the highest standard of quality and have built a reputation as a three-time NAMM Top 100 Dealer since 2009. The Dude Abides.  

Neck & Setup - (unless otherwise noted)

- Neck is perfectly straight with no truss-rod issues. 

- Intonation is spot-on.  

- Professionally set up with low action and new American-made strings.  

- All frets are dressed, leveled, crowned (if needed), and all frets on all guitars are polished to shine like new with no divots.  

Return Policy, Restocking Fees & No Tire-Kicking Policy 

We follow Reverb’s 7-day return policy. However:  

- You must notify us in writing within 3 days of delivery (per tracking) of your intent to return.  

- Original shipping and return shipping costs are not refunded unless the guitar is damaged in transit or is significantly not as described.  

- A 15% restocking fee applies to all returns for any reason other than damage in transit or significantly not as described.  

We record demo videos of every guitar before shipping to document exact condition and performance. Additional photos, measurements, or in-hand descriptions are available upon request prior to purchase.  

Minor adjustments and tweaks to a set up (for example to correct a slight buzz or truss-rod tweak) are normal after shipping due to carrier mishandling the package, climate & atmospheric changes, especially when moving from South Florida to colder or less humid environments. These slight issues do not constitute “significantly not as described.” Guitars must be returned in the exact same condition as received/advertised or additional repair/restocking fees will apply.  

We are a small business, not a big-chain retailer. We invest significant time and effort into every guitar. This is a NO TIRE-KICKING shop. There is no post purchase haggling or partial refunds. If minor cosmetic marks, tiny imperfections, or the possibility of a post-shipping setup tweak makes you uncomfortable, please do not buy. Plenty of large retailers offer free trials and can absorb shipping costs—we do not.  

Payment, Shipping & International Duties  

- All items can be shipped internationally. Buyer is fully responsible for all import duties, taxes, and customs fees.  

- We accept PayPal, PayPal Credit, Affirm, and other major payment methods.  

- Most U.S. shipments are sent via UPS or FedEx with full insurance, tracking, and signature confirmation. All packages are professionally packed for maximum protection.  

International Shipping Note 

International shipping prices shown are for most countries. Certain countries have higher costs. We try and avoid USPS and mostly ship UPS. Express services (UPS, DHL, FedEx) are always available. Contact us for a personalized quote.  

Thank you for considering The Guitar Dude. We look forward to earning your business and delivering a guitar that exceeds your expectations. Contact us anytime for questions, consignment inquiries, layaway details, or a personalized shipping quote.