It was introduced in 1997[2] as a more affordable version of the Gibson ES-335, at the high end of entry-level pricing.

[3] Reviews describe it as a robustly-constructed, versatile guitar with a smooth, powerful sound, suitable for jazz, blues and some rock styles, but lacking the high output required for heavy metal.

Two hollow "wings" with f-holes[7] sit on either side of a solid block of mahogany[8] or maple[9] on which the pickups, bridge and tailpiece are mounted, which makes it less prone to feedback than a fully hollow-bodied guitar.

[12][13] Also available is the Dot Studio, described as a "stripped down" version of the Dot, with a body made of laminated mahogany, one volume and one tone control,[14] uncovered pickups, no pickguard, and no fretboard markers.

[13] Models formerly available include the Dot Deluxe, with a flame maple laminate top and gold-plated hardware;[15] the Dot Super VS, with a flame maple top and mother of pearl block inlays (2006);[16] and the Dot Royale, with gold-plated hardware and a pearl white finish.