Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry Review: Sound & Playability

Jamie Thorne Guitar
Written by Jamie Thorne

June 30, 2026

Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry

Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry Review: Sound & Playability

Key features of the Gibson

  • Design: Semi hollow
  • Body: Maple
  • Top: Maple
  • Neck: Mahogany
  • Fretboard: Rosewood
  • Dot fretboard inlays
  • Neck Profile: Rounded “C”
  • Single-ply cream binding
  • Scale: 628 mm
  • Nut width: 42.8 mm
  • 22 Frets
  • Pickups: 2 x Calibrated T-Type humbuckers
  • CTS pots
  • ABR-1 bridge
  • Vintage Deluxe machine heads
  • Nickel hardware
  • Finish: nitrocellulose lacquer
  • Colour: Sunset Cherry
  • Includes case
  • Made in USA

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Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry Review: Sound & Playability

Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry Review: Sound & Playability

Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry Review: Sound & Playability

Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry Review: Sound & Playability

Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry Review: Sound & Playability

Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry Review: Sound & Playability

Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry Review: Sound & Playability

Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry Review: Sound & Playability

Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry Review: Sound & Playability

Additional Information

Customer Review Summary

The Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry is a highly regarded instrument among guitarists, often celebrated for its aesthetics, playability, and sound quality. Many describe it as their main guitar, and it has become a favourite in their collections.

However, there are notable concerns. The case provided is reported to be of poor quality, with some users experiencing breakage shortly after purchase. Additionally, issues with build quality have been mentioned, such as debris found inside the soundholes and marks on the fretboard, which detract from the overall experience given the premium price tag.

The tuners have also come under scrutiny, with several players opting to replace them due to performance issues. Comparisons with more affordable alternatives, like the Epiphone versions, suggest that while the ES-335 is an iconic model, its value proposition may not always justify the cost, especially when less expensive guitars can provide similar quality and features.

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On the positive side, the overall craftsmanship is often praised, especially in terms of the satin finish and the neck profile, which many find comfortable and easy to play. The T-Type humbuckers deliver a versatile sound that can range from clean to crunchy, making it suitable for various music styles.

In summary, while the Gibson ES-335 Satin Cherry is a stunning guitar that delivers excellent sound quality and playability, potential buyers should be aware of the mixed opinions regarding the quality of accessories, particularly the case and tuners. Those seeking a classic sound and feel may find it worthwhile, but it’s essential to consider the overall value relative to other options available on the market.



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Jamie Thorne Guitar

With over 15 years in the UK music scene, I've worked as a session guitarist and touring tech from London to Manchester. Whether it's setting up a vintage Strat or stress-testing the latest DSP modeling amps, I break down the gear so you know exactly what you're plugging into. No fluff, just the facts from the fretboard.

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