This Gibson ES-335 Dot in Blonde from 1985 (serial number 81725614, produced at the Nashville factory on June 21st, 1985) is a great example of Gibson’s dedication to reviving its classic models. With its elegant natural finish, vintage-inspired design, and legendary Tim Shaw PAF humbuckers, this guitar is both a collector’s gem and a top-tier instrument for players seeking authentic semi-hollowbody tones.
 
By the mid-1980s, even before the official launch of a “Custom shop” (which happened in 1993), Gibson had set out to restore the reputation of some of its most iconic guitars.
As soon as 1982, there were “Custom Shop Edition" or "Custom Shop Original" stickers denoting either a limited run or a custom order but which were not related to an official “Gibson Custom Shop”.
 
The ES-335 Dot reissue, introduced in 1981, was designed to closely follow the specifications of the 1958–1960 ES-335, widely considered the golden era for this model. The return to dot inlays, a rounded ‘50s-style neck profile, nickel hardware and high-quality construction made it a sought-after guitar for those wanting vintage tone and feel without the price tag of an original.
This particular 1985 Blonde ES-335 stands out due to its natural finish, a rarer option that beautifully highlights the maple top, back, and sides. The Blonde finish gives the guitar a sophisticated, vintage aesthetic while allowing the wood grain to show through, making each instrument unique.
 
A key feature of this 1985 ES-335 is its set of Tim Shaw PAF humbuckers, which have become highly desirable among players and collectors alike. Designed to replicate the sound of Gibson’s original late-’50s PAFs, these pickups deliver a warm, articulate, and dynamic tone with exceptional clarity. Their balanced output makes them ideal for blues, jazz, rock, and beyond, providing everything from smooth, rounded cleans to rich, singing overdrive.
Combined with the semi-hollow maple body and a solid center block, these pickups produce excellent resonance, sustain, and feedback resistance, making this ES-335 a versatile workhorse.
 
Key Features of This 1985 ES-335 Blonde
Body: Semi-hollow maple construction with a center block for sustain and feedback control.
Finish: Rare Blonde finish, showcasing the natural grain of the wood.
Neck: One piece Mahogany with a comfortable late-’50s-style profile.
Fretboard: Rosewood with dot inlays, staying true to the early ES-335 aesthetic.
Pickups: Tim Shaw PAF humbuckers, known for their vintage clarity and warmth.
Electronics: Classic 2-volume, 2-tone setup with a 3-way selector switch.
Production Details: Serial number 81725614, built at the Nashville factory on June 21st, 1985.
 
This 1985 Gibson ES-335 in Blonde is an exceptional example of Gibson’s craftsmanship during the early reissue era. With its rare finish, iconic pickups, and vintage-correct features, it remains a highly desirable instrument for players and collectors alike. Whether used on stage, in the studio, or as part of a collection, this guitar captures the essence of a true semi-hollow classic.
 
Model : ES-335 dot
Serial : 81725614
Color : antique natural (as mentioned in the pickup cavity)
Top and back : maple
Neck : mahognay
Pickups : Original Tim Shaw PAF with the famous “Pat. Appl. For” sticker
Tuners : original Grover
Weight : 3.65kgs
Case : original Gibson case