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Post by Jefferson on Sept 24, 2019 15:08:23 GMT -7
Friends, been thinking about getting into a 335 style guitar. Never had one but I am attracted to the mellower tonal response as compared to a LP. Wondering what advice or recommendations you might have as I think about entering this world. I immediately think about Collings, but I don't think I want to do a $3K experiment while I am trying to figure this out.
FWIW, the neck really matters to me. Cant use a baseball bat neck. Really love the 60's LP slim taper necks.
thanks in advance!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 24, 2019 16:32:58 GMT -7
Maybe try a Reverend PA1; excellent build quality at a reasonable price.
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Sept 24, 2019 16:56:14 GMT -7
I'll suggest an Epiphone Riviera Dot. I had one for years just to get that semi-hollow tone, that I needed infrequently so I didn't want to drop a lot of dough. Easy to upgrade the key hardware if you want to (pickups, bridge). It was a decent lower priced guitar. If you find you like 335-styled guitars, you can drop the big coin and not be out much on the Epi. www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ETDTCHCH--epiphone-dot-cherry
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Post by Jaguarguy (Mike) on Sept 24, 2019 17:40:25 GMT -7
Take a look at Heritage H535 - basically a 335 at a lot lower cost. You can get a good one a couple years old for $1,500 or less that are as good as a 335.
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Post by purpletele on Sept 24, 2019 17:46:20 GMT -7
I'm looking at Eastman Guitars. I think they will be worth much more as they mature.
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Post by Maddog on Sept 24, 2019 17:52:37 GMT -7
After forever wanting to bond with a Gibby 335-type guitar, I never did. 3 Gibson ES-335's bought and quickly sold over the years (lost my butt $$$)....
Strangely, a 90's Ibanez Art Star 180 came closest to what I wanted....but ultimately failed.
THEN...... I took a big plunge....bought a Collings I-35 LC Deluxe w/ Throbaks.....
Yes it WAS pricey, but I never kept any of the other 335's over a year. I've had the Collings going on 5 years now, and it's always in my top 2 - 3 fave guitars.
The money I wasted on buying and reselling 335 guitars (of which I couldn't bond) would have knocked a big dent in the price of the Collings, which a keeper.....But then again, I've always done things the hard way first...
You might want to check 'em out just to prevent going down that money rat hole like I did...
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Post by Paul (TRANE) on Sept 24, 2019 18:05:12 GMT -7
My first electric was a Gibson ES325 from 1972. Had it for about 12 to 15 years. Yes it was a Norlin Era product. I loved the mini humbuckers. I got it used for 300 bucks when I was about 13 or so. I now have a 58 VOS 335 in Natural. Love that guitar... Fat necks are my thing.
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Post by sharkboy on Sept 24, 2019 18:40:51 GMT -7
I owned an Epiphone ‘66 Riviera. It was a good guitar, but I found no passion or magic with it. I took the plunge again with a CS-336 that is really nice and it was a great price. I have since gotten a 330 and a 335.
Each of these Gibsons is very nice. The 336 has some cosmetic flaws, which is likely why it was cheap, but they don’t affect playing or sound. I play the 335 more- partially because the burstbuckers hold their own better in a thick mix. I play the 330 most of my Gibsons (it has single coils and bigsby.)
I also have a Gretsch, which is lovely and some Rics. I play Rics the most by far.
As was said above, check them all out and find what speaks to you and have fun with it.
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Post by premiumplus (Dave) on Sept 24, 2019 19:18:01 GMT -7
I scored a used satin Dot 335 in a trade several years ago. It's an unbound neck, but it came with '57 Classic pickups which are nice, and I polished it out to a respectable shine. It is a great playing guitar and scratches the itch for me. Sounds very nice too. I wish it had a bound neck and a nice nitro clear coat, but that would have cost an extra 2k! My trade value was about $1500 or so. There are good deals out there.
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Post by doctorice on Sept 24, 2019 19:46:05 GMT -7
I've got a couple: an Epi 335 Pro and a Hamer Echotone. Both are decent guitars. The Epi new was ~$350; the Hamer used was under $300. I don't use them much and probably will sell the Epi. (Let me know if you might be interested.)
What I really want is a Collings like Lee's.
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Post by "Z" Steve on Sept 24, 2019 22:10:09 GMT -7
food for thought
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Post by Easyrom on Sept 25, 2019 0:09:31 GMT -7
After forever wanting to bond with a Gibby 335-type guitar, I never did. 3 Gibson ES-335's bought and quickly sold over the years (lost my butt $$$).... Strangely, a 90's Ibanez Art Star 180 came closest to what I wanted....but ultimately failed. THEN...... I took a big plunge....bought a Collings I-35 LC Deluxe w/ Throbaks..... Yes it WAS pricey, but I never kept any of the other 335's over a year. I've had the Collings going on 5 years now, and it's always in my top 2 - 3 fave guitars. The money I wasted on buying and reselling 335 guitars (of which I couldn't bond) would have knocked a big dent in the price of the Collings, which a keeper.....But then again, I've always done things the hard way first... You might want to check 'em out just to prevent going down that money rat hole like I did... Hi guys! Similar experience here. I used to have a few guitars until I pulled the trigger and buy a Collings 290 and an I-35 LC. The most difficult has been letting go one of these fantastic guitars. Took me more than a year to figure it out actually, but the 35 has been the keeper for me and my only electric guitar for a year now with no regrets. A blast everytime when I plug it or even when I play it unplugged.
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Post by djcakadave on Sept 25, 2019 0:42:19 GMT -7
Dang you guys I need another guitar like I need another hole in my swiss cheese head!
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Post by j4gitr (John) on Sept 25, 2019 4:46:55 GMT -7
I looked at Eastman's T186MX & T185MX. They were very nice guitars. They are a slimline solid wood hollow body with a block in the area of the tailpiece. I didn't like their semi hollow laminate being produced at the time as much. At the same time I was looking at Heritage's 535. I found a factory blemish at a local shop in Kalamazoo, so I drove from Chicago to try it and another he had. I bought it for what I felt was a very good price. I played a few 335s in the long hunt. I never felt good about the Gibson product for the prices I was finding. Played the Collings, but I had determined that was out of my price range. I am extremely happy with my Heritage, so much so that I'm looking for a deal on a H-150 or H -140 (LP style). Good luck with your hunt. There certainly are options, maybe even Gibson as I understand quality and pricing has improved. Also others as mentioned.
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Post by steiner on Sept 25, 2019 4:56:03 GMT -7
Take a look at Heritage H535 - basically a 335 at a lot lower cost. You can get a good one a couple years old for $1,500 or less that are as good as a 335. ^^^^^ This. If you want a humbucker model blinged, there's the Heritage H-555, or if you'd prefer P90s, there's the H-530. The quality and playability of the H-535 is what pointed me at Heritage all those years ago.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2019 5:47:26 GMT -7
Another happy Heritage owner here - Honey Amber H-535...
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Post by heynewguy (Ol’ Bill) on Sept 25, 2019 5:51:41 GMT -7
I love my Heritage 535!
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Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2019 6:49:35 GMT -7
You should probably just get the Collings. It is, by far, the best semi hollow I've played. I owned an Eastman T186 for a long time, mentioned by j4gitr (John) above. That was a nice guitar, but totally different - solid wood, no center block aside from the post under the bridge. It was a pretty nice guitar, but I never really got along with the wide/thin/flat neck. Another you could look at (but is similarly $$$) is a PRS Hollowbody. It's similar to the Eastman in construction, but a lot smaller, and has it's own sound going on. I've been playing mine a LOT lately. But, yeah, you should probably just get the Collings. Here's mine:
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Post by gbowman on Sept 25, 2019 9:40:43 GMT -7
Another vote for the Heritage 535. Its not an inexpensive guitar, but I love love love mine!
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Post by detuned on Sept 25, 2019 11:22:25 GMT -7
I've been going through a similar tone quest myself, so I'm watching this thread with great interest. In my case, I'd be getting this sort of guitar for another flavor. I don't think I'd end up using it live, because at heart, I'm a strat guy, and will always remain that way, so: two strats and I'm good for live work (side note: I have 3). :-)
So, if I'm buying another guitar, it's either got to be cheap, so I don't waste a lot of money on a guitar I won't play as much, or it has to be really nice and worth waiting for. Something I'll proud to play and display.
I already have an older PRS SE Semi Hollow, so I know I like that semi hollow sound, so if I'm buying another guitar, it has to be an upgrade. Epi or the Yamahas doesn't really fit that bill, so they're out.
Here's what I ended up looking at, and what I think about.
Eastman T386 (or 486 - just a fancier version). I really like that they're mostly hand made, and the shop over there has a great reputation for quality work. I like that they spray lacquer, I prefer that finish to poly in general. I can't quite get over the made in China thing, basically because they *say* that these are the good guys, bur how do you really know? Also, shipping a guitar over form China turns off the earthy crunchy hippy in me. YMMV.
Heratige 535 (def used). Now we're talking. Made by the old Gibby guys, you see these all over Reverb at between $1500-$2000. Not cheap, but compared toGibson and Collings, even used - a bargain! This may be my solution, although these are hard to find (in my area) to play before buying.
Gibson 335. Apparently, Gibson makes a pretty good 335-style guitar, too. Who knew? The advantage is that there are a ton of these around to try before you buy, the disadvantage is that they're really expensive. For my personal situation, I can't really justify more than $2000 for a guitar, which, although money's not worth what it was in the past, is still a lot of money to me. So used, if possible. I can't bond with the Studio model. It sounds silly, but I want binding. And better hardware.
Collings. Unless I win one (like I did my D2H!), just not a possibility.
The last thing is to talk to my local luthier and see what he says. The guy's stupid talented and very reasonably priced. I wonder what he'd charge...
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Post by southmusic70 on Sept 25, 2019 13:12:21 GMT -7
Both Heritage and Collings are hard to beat. I’m a big believer in Heritage having played a ‘94 Golden Eagle since I bought it at Gruhn’s in 1998 in “mint unused condition.”
Gibson, if you can find the right one (I play a ‘65 ES330 and a 2010 CS336, both of which are different from the ES335).
A little off the beaten track is the Schecter Corsair, about $800 new, or a little bit more if you get a Bigsby on it. Far East build, but the one I played was pretty good.
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Post by Jefferson on Sept 25, 2019 13:18:20 GMT -7
I do love Collings guitars. I've had 3 of the 290's and a CL Deluxe. They were marvelous guitars in every respect. My ONLY issue with them was that there is something in their preferred neck shape that just fatigues my fretting hand after about an hour.
I have been doing a little research on the ES 339. This might be right up my alley and since Sweetwater is running a promotion of 0% interest for 48 months it almost makes it too easy. We'll see...
Anybody have 339 experience?
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Post by daddyelmis (Greg) on Sept 26, 2019 2:33:06 GMT -7
I’m intrigued by the thoughts and opinions on this thread. Mainly that many are looking for a “cheap” solution and then go to Collings, Heritage, Eastman, etc. When I’ve gone out looking for a “cheap” solution to a guitar need (for whatever reason), I’m in the $500 range (less if I can find it). A guitar at a grand or better wouldn’t qualify as “I’ll try this and see if I like it” kind of thing, for me.
Amps, on the other hand …😁
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Post by Russell B on Sept 26, 2019 4:07:08 GMT -7
I do love Collings guitars. I've had 3 of the 290's and a CL Deluxe. They were marvelous guitars in every respect. My ONLY issue with them was that there is something in their preferred neck shape that just fatigues my fretting hand after about an hour. I have been doing a little research on the ES 339. This might be right up my alley and since Sweetwater is running a promotion of 0% interest for 48 months it almost makes it too easy. We'll see... Anybody have 339 experience? I have a 339 and love it. It's great if you're used to solid body guitars, but want that semi-hollow sound. Mine plays great and sounds great.
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Post by detuned on Sept 26, 2019 4:21:25 GMT -7
I’m intrigued by the thoughts and opinions on this thread. Mainly that many are looking for a “cheap” solution and then go to Collings, Heritage, Eastman, etc. When I’ve gone out looking for a “cheap” solution to a guitar need (for whatever reason), I’m in the $500 range (less if I can find it). A guitar at a grand or better wouldn’t qualify as “I’ll try this and see if I like it” kind of thing, for me. Amps, on the other hand …😁 If $500 is your range, consider the Ibanez Artcores - every one I've tried has been really nice.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Sept 26, 2019 6:38:41 GMT -7
For those of you who've played or owned a Heritage H-535, can you comment on the neck profile? (And, is it true that they've transitioned from '60s thin to '50s thick in the mid-2000's or so?)
I've had my eye on either a Gibson Historic 335 or even a PRS hollowbody lately, but both of those are ghastly expensive options (and I'm not too keen on the cost-to-quality of the "standard" Gibson line, so I'm avoiding them). But the renewed attention I'm seeing in Heritage has really piqued my interest--especially since their prices are ridiculously fair compared to new Gibsons, Collings, and even the Hollowbody PRS's.
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Post by steiner on Sept 26, 2019 7:03:34 GMT -7
For those of you who've played or owned a Heritage H-535, can you comment on the neck profile? (And, is it true that they've transitioned from '60s thin to '50s thick in the mid-2000's or so?) I've had my eye on either a Gibson Historic 335 or even a PRS hollowbody lately, but both of those are ghastly expensive options (and I'm not too keen on the cost-to-quality of the "standard" Gibson line, so I'm avoiding them). But the renewed attention I'm seeing in Heritage has really piqued my interest--especially since their prices are ridiculously fair compared to new Gibsons, Collings, and even the Hollowbody PRS's. Heritage has been handmade for decades. They have no CNCs and very few manufacturing jigs so profile thickness varies within models. I know people that stood next to the machinist as the neck was rolled to approve the final "feel." They also transitioned their people through the various build stages so it depends on the wood, the person rolling the neck and potentially the order.
If you're really particular, you should try the guitar before buying - obviously.
The best part about Heritage is that the used market is stable with a slight uptick in price every so often. Generally, one can buy and sell losing only the shipping cost. It's been said before: boutique guitars for boutique amps.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Sept 26, 2019 10:51:24 GMT -7
It's been said before: boutique guitars for boutique amps. YES.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 26, 2019 11:02:18 GMT -7
For those of you who've played or owned a Heritage H-535, can you comment on the neck profile? (And, is it true that they've transitioned from '60s thin to '50s thick in the mid-2000's or so?) I've had my eye on either a Gibson Historic 335 or even a PRS hollowbody lately, but both of those are ghastly expensive options (and I'm not too keen on the cost-to-quality of the "standard" Gibson line, so I'm avoiding them). But the renewed attention I'm seeing in Heritage has really piqued my interest--especially since their prices are ridiculously fair compared to new Gibsons, Collings, and even the Hollowbody PRS's. If you're not afraid of buying used, you can get a great deal on a PRS Hollowbody, if you are patient. This spring, I picked up an Artist package HBII with Piezo for a touch more than 50% of what they cost new. Still expensive, for sure, but the value is certainly there. I will note that if you're looking for 335-type tones, you're probably better off with Heritage/Collings/Gibson, etc. The PRS definitely has its own thing going on.
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Post by Mark (Basement Enthusiast) on Sept 26, 2019 13:25:47 GMT -7
Beautiful guitar, @ajb20002! Yeah... I don't mean to derail this thread, but I've heard that PRS Hollowbodies are one thing, and 335's are another. I think deep down it's really the 335 I'm after; although I will say PRS's are fantastic for what they do too.
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