Gibson ES-335 Figured AN

Gibson ES-335 Figured AN review

The Gibson ES-335 Figured AN is a U.S.-made semi-hollow electric guitar with a natural finish, a figured maple appearance, and a specification set built around the established ES-335 design. Its listed price is $2,999. The model has been available since January 2020, and the supplied item number is 449500.

This is a semi-hollow guitar, not a fully hollow instrument. Its body and top use a laminated maple, poplar, and maple construction, while the neck is quartersawn mahogany and the fingerboard is rosewood. Gibson lists a rounded C neck profile, a 628 mm scale length, a 42.8 mm nut width, and 22 frets. Those measurements provide a useful picture of the instrument's layout without making assumptions about how every player will experience the neck.

Construction and hardware

The natural finish lets the figured top remain the main visual feature. Cream binding runs around the body in a single layer, and the nickel hardware keeps the overall look close to the familiar ES-335 style. The finish is nitrocellulose lacquer. The guitar is supplied with a case and an accessories kit; no separate gig bag is listed.

The bridge is an ABR-1 design fitted with titanium saddles. Vintage-style tulip tuning machines complete the hardware specification. These details are specific to this version, though the provided information does not establish how the saddle material or tuners compare with other hardware in measurable performance terms.

• Body: Laminated maple, poplar, and maple
• Neck and fingerboard: Quartersawn mahogany and rosewood
• Neck profile: Rounded C
• Scale length: 628 mm
• Nut width and frets: 42.8 mm and 22 frets
• Finish and hardware: Natural nitrocellulose lacquer and nickel

Pickups and controls

Two calibrated T-style humbuckers provide the guitar's pickup system. The electronics include CTS potentiometers and Orange Drop capacitors. There is no tremolo, so the bridge setup is fixed. The available information does not give control layouts or output measurements, so this review does not assign specific settings or electrical characteristics beyond the listed components.

The owner feedback describes a strong neck pickup and says its height may need adjustment to balance it with the bridge pickup. The pickups can initially come across as bright, according to that report, but small height adjustments helped address the impression. That makes the setup worth checking after purchase, particularly if you want an even volume relationship between the two pickup positions. Pickup height is adjustable, so the reported experience should be treated as one player's setup note rather than a universal result.

Playing experience and sound

The owner who supplied feedback was pleased with the guitar's appearance and reported that its detailing was in excellent condition. They described the sound as impressive and felt that the instrument could cover a broad range of styles, with a particular preference for rock. The account also mentions that the guitar needed minor personal adjustments, including action and pickup height.

That feedback gives potential buyers practical context, but it is a single owner report. It does not provide a measured action height, detailed comparisons with other guitars, or examples across different amplifiers and playing conditions. If you buy one, allow time to assess the setup to your own preferences. The comments suggest that pickup balance may be the first adjustment to consider, while the action can also be tailored to the player.

What to consider before buying

The ES-335 Figured AN suits players looking for a semi-hollow Gibson with a natural figured appearance, two humbuckers, and a fixed bridge. The specifications make its construction and core dimensions clear, and the included case is a useful part of the package. Its $2,999 price places it in a purchase where finish, setup, and the feel of the neck deserve close attention.

There are limits to what the supplied information can establish. It does not include weight, factory setup measurements, or a detailed account of the guitar's acoustic response. The owner feedback is positive, but it also identifies adjustments that may be needed to suit individual preferences. A hands-on check is worthwhile if possible, especially for evaluating the rounded C neck and the balance between the pickups.

Verdict

The Gibson ES-335 Figured AN combines a laminated maple, poplar, and maple body, a mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, and calibrated humbuckers in a U.S.-made semi-hollow design. Reported strengths include its appearance, overall finish, and adaptable sound, while pickup height and action may call for personal setup work. For buyers drawn to the ES-335 format and its natural figured look, the specifications and owner feedback make this a compelling option to assess in person.