1960 ES-350TD........any thoughts?

[bjdeluxe]

Almost bought an ES-175 today but it wasn't quite the one for me. I just got a lead on what seems to be a beautiful 1960 ES-350TD but really know nothing about these guitars and have never played one. If any of you have experience with one of these I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,

bj

[Bill C]

this might be of interest ...

Vintage Guitars Info - Gibson thinline vintage guitar collecting

[fws6]

It would be my favorite Gibson as is werenet for the too short neck

what are you looking for, or better, what didnt you like in the 175 ?

[bjdeluxe]

Originally Posted by fws6

It would be my favorite Gibson as is werenet for the too short neck

what are you looking for, or better, what didnt you like in the 175 ?

I want a big box great vintage gibson jazz guitar that is also a decent investment. I need to fall in love with it though. Maybe an ES-5.

Regarding the 175, I don't know, maybe it was the wrong circumstances....the store, the amp, it was strung with .010's. Nothing right. I'd like to give a 175 another chance though. But you know how it is when you pick up a guitar and hold it for the 1st time and play a few notes on it and you just say AH!!! Kinda like love at 1st sight with that woman.

[fws6]

I think the 350t isnt particularly that 'big box' as it has a very short neck and a thin body

the earlier 50s version of the 350 would be very close to what you describe, long scale, big body . It only comes with p90's though so not with the humbuckers

the es5 is quite like it, only with 3 pickups. I dont like the middle pickup as it seems to be in the way with picking

otherwise a nice L5 ;-)

[fws6]

to correct myself there, that is only true for vintage.

the 350 was also reissued in the 70s/80s with a long neck and HB pickups

[hot ford coupe]

A lot of your choice depends on whether you're looking for a collector piece or a player. How much do you want to spend? What guitar is most comfortable for you to play i.e. playability? As far as good collectiblility a 100% L5CES or Super 400CES are great for investments but they're quite expensive. Right now, the archtop market is pretty cold compared to a few years ago but I believe those two will hold their value. You can also get an ES250 which is highly collectible and comfortable but good luck trying to find one. A Tal Farlow has decent collectibility but again is harder to find. If you're looking for a good player at a lower price, with less collectibility then you could pick up a refinished L5CES, or some other high quality Gibson like the ES175. Put some .012 or .013 strings and you should get a nice sound. Once you have your priorities and requirements(price level, collectiblilty, playability, vibe, etc.) set, the choice becomes a bit easier.

[helios]

Originally Posted by bjdeluxe

Almost bought an ES-175 today but it wasn't quite the one for me. I just got a lead on what seems to be a beautiful 1960 ES-350TD but really know nothing about these guitars and have never played one. If any of you have experience with one of these I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,

bj

They get nice tone:

YouTube Video

[customxke]

Here's my '63 ES-350TDN:


Its a great guitar, and I quite enjoy it. My number 1, as I've said here many times, is my '57 Byrdland. I really enjoy the short scale, and smaller necks. The thin body fits me well. That said, the necks aren't for everyone. In fact, it seems to be almost universal that most people don't like them. Play before you buy. You'll either like it, hate it, or feel ambivalent about it. If you're looking for a great big jazz box....I don't think the 350 will be for you. If you're looking for a great looking, great playing, and great sounding guitar, then it might be. It all depends on your taste, hands, and ears. Cheers. Post pics when you get your new guitar..whatever it may be.

[bjdeluxe]

Great feedback guys. I see it's always an education here! You've all given me a lot to think about. I need to re-group, really figure out I want, and make the right decision. When I do I'll let you know.

bj