What 335 should I buy

[G the wildman]

Hi Guys,

So I sold my Tele. I know some of you guys love them but it was not for me.

So I am now thinking of getting a new ES335 with a figured top, as I have a space in my studio. I want something that is versatile that can do nice clean jazzy work.

My worry is that it is going to be too close to my 60s model Std LP (Gibson)

I do like the look of the Yamaha 2200, but I think I will always wish that I had bought a Gibson. I also hear that Gibson continues to improve quality.

One thing I would like is a slim taper neck. But don’t think they currently make them

Your opinions will be helpful.



G

 

[neikeel]

I’ve got a 2001 (iirc!) VSB bought it new. Went into shop expecting to get Cherry Epi 335. But no contest. It has typical 60s Gibson 60s slim taper (like all my Gibsons). 57 classics, Grovers, tune o matic etc. Very much like a Les Paul. Not a lightweight but a very dynamic instrument with wide range of tones (sounds quite middy unplugged). I use NYXL 9.5/44 - same as my R0. I used to gig it regularly but always. Worried about damaging the body.
Mine is a keeper but my daughter has natural Epi 339 with coil taps and it is fantastic and more compact.
I’d suggest one of those or a S/H CS 336 or 339.

 

[paul-e-mann]

Hi Guys,

So I sold my Tele. I know some of you guys love them but it was not for me.

So I am now thinking of getting a new ES335 with a figured top, as I have a space in my studio. I want something that is versatile that can do nice clean jazzy work.

My worry is that it is going to be too close to my 60s model Std LP (Gibson)

I do like the look of the Yamaha 2200, but I think I will always wish that I had bought a Gibson. I also hear that Gibson continues to improve quality.

One thing I would like is a slim taper neck. But don’t think they currently make them

Your opinions will be helpful.



G

Get this one:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ES35F00ITNH--gibson-es-335-figured-iced-tea

 

[NumbSkull]

This one is nice but a bit pricey.

Gibson Custom Shop Limited Edition Joe Bonamassa 1961 ES-335 - Case - 2nd Hand

Gibson Custom Shop Limited Edition Joe Bonamassa 1961 ES-335 - Case - 2nd Hand. Available to buy in store or online from Rich Tone Music Ltd.

richtonemusic.co.uk

I just bought this one but its mine.

Gibson Custom Shop CS-336 F semi-hollow body electric guitar, made in USA; Body: sunburst finish fig

Gibson Custom Shop CS-336 F semi-hollow body electric guitar, made in USA; Body: sunburst fin... in The Guitar Auction - Four Day Sale (11 Jun 2024)

auctions.gardinerhoulgate.co.uk

And this one is interesting,
and you can give it to Oxfam if you dont like it.

Chevening 335 Copy Spalted Maple, USED

The Chevening 335 Spalted Maple Top Homemade guitar is a unique instrument that combines artisanal craftsmanship with premium materials to deliver an exceptional playing experience. Here’s an overview of what makes this handmade guitar special: 1. **Body and Tonewoods:** The Chevening 335...

www.fairdealmusic.co.uk

 

[NumbSkull]

Some more suggestions,

Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic Center Block Jr. Single-Cut Electric Guitar with Bigsby in Single Barrel Burst

Buy the Gretsch G5655TG Electromatic Center Block Jr. Single-Cut Electric Guitar with Bigsby in Single Barrel Burst at Andertons Music Co.

www.andertons.co.uk

Ibanez Artcore AS93FM-VLS Expressionist in Violin Burst

Get the Ibanez Artcore AS93FM-VLS Expressionist in Violin Burst from Andertons Music Company today!

www.andertons.co.uk

Sire Larry Carlton H7V Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar in Cherry Sunburst

Get the Sire Larry Carlton H7V Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar in Cherry Sunburst from Andertons Music Company today!

www.andertons.co.uk

Chapman Pro Series ML3 Thin Line Pro Classic Candy Purple Metallic

Buy the Chapman Pro Series ML3 Thin Line Pro Classic Candy Purple Metallic at Andertons Music Co.

www.andertons.co.uk

and a 12 string, but it does have a big G on it.

Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic Classic Hollow Body Double-Cut 12-String in Single Barrell Burst

Get the Gretsch G5422G-12 Electromatic Classic Hollow Body Double-Cut 12-String in Single Barrell Burst from Andertons Music Company today!

www.andertons.co.uk

 

[Vinsanitizer]

Hi Guys,

So I sold my Tele. I know some of you guys love them but it was not for me.

So I am now thinking of getting a new ES335 with a figured top, as I have a space in my studio. I want something that is versatile that can do nice clean jazzy work.

My worry is that it is going to be too close to my 60s model Std LP (Gibson)

I do like the look of the Yamaha 2200, but I think I will always wish that I had bought a Gibson. I also hear that Gibson continues to improve quality.

One thing I would like is a slim taper neck. But don’t think they currently make them

Your opinions will be helpful.



G

IDK, but if you do buy a Gibson, I urge you to do this:

1. Have the shop set up the truss rod and action height as close to your liking as possible, maybe even slightly lower.

2. Then have a look at the bridge. If either or both sides are so low that there's almost no room left to lower it, DO NOT BUY IT.

I have seen about 9 (and tried 4) of them all in a row at my local shop, brand new. The bridges on all of them were almost bottomed out, if not completely. This suggests that Gibson is not getting the neck angles correct. The price range for the ones I saw were $3,500 - $4,000. This should be a deal breaker, because as the wood settles over the years, if the neck ever pulls forward a little, you might not be able to get the action low enough anymore. Usually the necks don't pull, but it depends on the environmental conditions that the guitar lives in over its lifetime. Regardless, you don't want to be cutting it that close.

 

[G the wildman]

I do like the figured Iced tea.

I think the neck is a bit chunky, slim taper do not seem currently available.

It is interesting because my LP neck feels big to me but it is actually thinner than my strat. It must be the binding and general shape that makes it feel big. But Peach guitars gave me a neck size today and it is 2.75mm bigger than my LP. So I need to go and try before I buy. Playability is important!

G

 

[G the wildman]

IDK, but if you do buy a Gibson, I urge you to do this:

1. Have the chop set up the truss rod and action height as close to your liking as possible.

2. The have a look at the bridge. If either or both sides are so low that there's almost no room left to lower it, DO NOT BUY IT.

I have seen about 9 (and tried 4) of them all in a row at my local shop, brand new. The bridges on all of them were almost bottomed out, if not completely. This suggests that Gibson is not getting the neck angles correct. The price range for the ones I saw were $3,500 - $4,000. This should be a deal breaker, because as the wood settles over the years, if the neck ever pulls forward a little, you might not be able to get the action low enough anymore. Usually the necks don't pull, but it depends on the environmental conditions that the guitar lives in over its lifetime. You don't want to be cutting it that close.

Great advice Vin. Thank you.

G

 

[Vinsanitizer]

Great advice Vin. Thank you.

G

It's one major reason why I'm here: a voice of experience. I don't know everything, but after 46 years, I have seen a lot.

I figure, if I only save one player from buying a shit guitar, then...

... well, I'm still a loser, because 10 or 20 would be better.

 

[G the wildman]

I spent some time reading up on this issue. It seems Gibson still Have production problems.

I have been looking at Eastman’s and Yamaha equivalents. My luthier who is very experienced said get an Eastman.

I just fancied a the ‘real’ article.

Why can’t Gibson get it right?

G

 

[paul-e-mann]

I spent some time reading up on this issue. It seems Gibson still Have production problems.

I have been looking at Eastman’s and Yamaha equivalents. My luthier who is very experienced said get an Eastman.

I just fancied a the ‘real’ article.

Why can’t Gibson get it right?

G

Buy a Gibson from somone like Sweetwater that will accommodate issues or accept returns if you think the guitar is a dud.

 

[G the wildman]

I just tried one in a good uk Chain. The bridge was indeed grounded. Next week I think I will enjoy a day in London and try a few Eastmans.

What I want is something that I will play. It does not have to be a Gibson. . .

Whilst in the store I tried a Gibson J45 the sound was lovely and mellow and contrasted with my Martin acoustic. But the build finish on my Martin blew the Gibson away. Parts of the Gibson finish looked like a far less expensive guitar.

I love my LP it is my 2nd and is a nice example. But Gibson seem to struggle with consistency.

 

[lespaul339]

Cherry. To me that is the iconic 335 color.

 

[ampeq]

Hi Guys,

So I sold my Tele. I know some of you guys love them but it was not for me.

So I am now thinking of getting a new ES335 with a figured top, as I have a space in my studio. I want something that is versatile that can do nice clean jazzy work.

My worry is that it is going to be too close to my 60s model Std LP (Gibson)

I do like the look of the Yamaha 2200, but I think I will always wish that I had bought a Gibson. I also hear that Gibson continues to improve quality.

One thing I would like is a slim taper neck. But don’t think they currently make them

Your opinions will be helpful.



G

Hello my friend,
I have the newer "Figured" ES335 which is very nice. They run about $4000 but have very nice workmanship and great wood. The necks are round C at about .850" - .950" and feel great. (A LP Std. might be around .820" - .940" for a slim neck.) They can be larger too so check close. On this type of guitar I really like the fuller neck, it just feels right.
Another very good way to go is Heritage H-535 which are outstanding and very similar to mine. The Custom Shop stuff is pricy but awesome. There is a blue one on the 1st page that looks like a water painting. However I would stick with one of the two.

Our Story | Heritage Guitars

Since 1985, Heritage has been handcrafting some of the finest musical instruments in the world, building them at the iconic 225 Parsons, Kalamazoo.

heritageguitars.com

https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/es

 

[ampeq]

One more I forgot about is Collings I-35. These are top notch guitars in every way. However they are about $2000 more than the Gibson or Heritage units, so you better really want one. I would look at Heritage, very nice guitars at a little better price. If you go with Gibson remember there are several different models of the ES335 and it's hard to spot so do your homework. Especially if you look at used ones. Good luck!

Collings I-35 | Semi-hollow Electric Guitar

The official source of information for Collings custom handmade acoustic guitars, electric guitars, mandolins, ukuleles and archtop guitars. Setting the standard for quality and tone since 1973.

www.collingsguitars.com

 

[Wildeman]

Epiphone is killin it lately, check out a Sheraton or Riviera.

 

[jeffb]

I think if I was looking for a more budget minded new "335", the Ibanez John Scofield would be my first choice (or the equivalent AS series if you can stand that gigantic headstock). Also that new 59 Epiphone 355 looks to have a great feature set if owning an Epi doesn't bug you.

Schecter Corsair's are very well built, but the trem is a dealbreaker for me.

the MIJ Yamaha and Ibanez stuff is fantastic, but here in the states you will take a serious beating selling it secondhand if you don't like it so much- that also goes for any Heritage or pretty much any semihollow besides a Gibson. So if you like any of those you may want to go secondhand to begin with.

 

[G the wildman]

So I bit the bullet!

Went to Mak’s Guitars in London’s West End (UK). Great little store with the personal touch.

Bought an Eastman T185 MX. I just can’t tell you how good the finish is. Early signs are that it is faultless. Paid £2k for it.

Prior to buying it I spent an 90 mins in the Gibson Garage. A fantastic experience and I love Gibson. But I recon if this Eastman had a Gibson logo on it the price would be 5k plus.

I can’t speak for all Eastmans but this one is gorgeous. Carved top and back, quality wood Bare Knuckle pups etc etc

It offers something different from my LP and Strat.

So warm, sounds magnificent through my ToneKing.

I gotta learn some jazz now

G

 

[NumbSkull]

T185MX

Neck Material:Mahogany Fingerboard:Ebony Fingerboard Radius:12" Neck Profile:Traditional Even "C" Nut:Bone 1 3/4" 1st Fret String Height:.022" 12th Fret String Height:Bass .078" & Treble .062" Fretwire:22 Medium Jumbo Jescar 47104 Scale Length:25"

www.eastmanguitars.com

looks great, classic well tested design that cant be wrong.

Can you just turn up at the Gibson Garage or do you need an appointment ?
Do they let you play most of the guitars ?

 

[G the wildman]

T185MX

Neck Material:Mahogany Fingerboard:Ebony Fingerboard Radius:12" Neck Profile:Traditional Even "C" Nut:Bone 1 3/4" 1st Fret String Height:.022" 12th Fret String Height:Bass .078" & Treble .062" Fretwire:22 Medium Jumbo Jescar 47104 Scale Length:25"

www.eastmanguitars.com

looks great, classic well tested design that cant be wrong.

Can you just turn up at the Gibson Garage or do you need an appointment ?
Do they let you play most of the guitars ?

Yes. Just turn up. It is essentially a big store. But they do not seem to discount. . .

My chum and I played many guitars.

Nice morning out. We made a day of it with a pub lunch. Enjoy.

G