2005 Gibson Custom Shop ES-335 ‘63 Reissue Cherry Red

A superb example of a sought-after Custom Shop reissue, this 2005 ES-335 ‘63 Block Inlay has just arrived with us and is a guitar that immediately speaks to the serious player. Finished in classic Cherry Red, it captures the look and feel of an early ‘60s original while offering the consistency of Gibson’s Custom Shop craftsmanship from this highly regarded period.

Built using a 3-ply maple/poplar/maple body with a solid maple centre block, this instrument delivers the characteristic balance that makes a 335 so versatile—retaining warmth and air while controlling feedback and adding focus through the midrange. The mahogany neck is carved to a comfortable ‘63 slim taper profile, making for an effortless playing experience up and down the neck, paired with a rosewood fingerboard and classic block inlays.

Tonally, this guitar is exactly what you would hope for from a great ES-335. The ‘57 Classic humbuckers offer a beautifully balanced PAF-style response, with a rounded low end, clear and vocal midrange, and a sweet, open top end that never becomes brittle. Clean tones are rich and articulate, ideal for jazz, soul and blues, while pushing into overdrive reveals a dynamic, harmonically complex voice that responds exceptionally well to touch and picking nuance. The semi-hollow construction adds a natural bloom and depth to notes, making chords feel expansive and lead lines sing with a smooth, expressive character.

The inclusion of a tone bleed circuit ensures clarity is retained when rolling back the volume, making this a highly usable instrument in live or studio settings where control and responsiveness are key.

Condition is very good for its age, with only light signs of use and minor marks consistent with a well cared-for 21-year-old instrument. It has clearly been looked after and remains a reliable and inspiring player.

Specification:
Model: Gibson Custom Shop ES-335 ‘63 Reissue (2005)
Finish: Cherry Red (VOS)
Body: 3-Ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
Centre Block: Solid Maple
Neck: Mahogany, ‘63 Slim Taper Profile
Fingerboard: Rosewood with Block Inlays
Scale Length: 24.75"
Fingerboard Radius: 12"
Frets: Medium Jumbo
Pickups: Gibson ‘57 Classic Humbucker Set
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle
Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece: Lightweight Aluminium Stopbar
Tuners: Kluson Deluxe
Hardware: Nickel

Supplied with its original Gibson Custom Shop hardshell case and Certificate of Authenticity.

A refined and expressive ES-335 that delivers on both feel and tone—an excellent choice for players looking for vintage character with Custom Shop precision.