1959 Gibson ES-335

The 1959 ES-335 combines the legendary 1959 PAFs with the ideal dot-neck semi-hollow body. One of the most musically versatile vintage electrics ever made — equally at home in jazz, blues, and rock.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$90,000$175,000
Very Good
$58,000$90,000
Good
$35,000$58,000
Fair
$18,000$35,000

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodMaple (semi-hollow thinline with solid center block)
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardRosewood (dot inlays)
Scale Length24.750"
Frets22
Pickup ConfigHH
BridgeABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece or Bigsby
TunersKluson Deluxe
Nut Width1.69"
Finish OptionsSunburst, Natural, Cherry (rare)
Est. Production521

Pickups & Electronics

Two PAF humbuckers — 1959 PAFs are among the most prized of all. Some examples have Varitone circuit.

What Changed in 1959

Production increased from the inaugural year. The 1959 ES-335 represents the peak dot-neck year, with all the magic of 1959 PAFs in the semi-hollow format.

Collector's Notes

Cherry finish 1959 ES-335s are extremely rare and command a significant premium. Natural finish models are also rare. Standard sunburst is most common. Factory Bigsby models reduce value slightly vs. stoptail.