Gibson ES-335 Copies

**Coolaid** · 06-20-2009, 08:23 PM

I am saving for an ES-335 style guitar, and want to buy used.

Anyone who can tell me about their experience with the 335. Not intended only for jazz, but for like allround use. Some think these are overrated and not worth the cash... what do you think?

**rabguitar** · 06-20-2009, 10:29 PM

I tried a couple of Ibanez Artcore (335-type) models and I finally tried three diffferent 335's; but I could not afford any of them. I found a 'satisfactory' sound when I bought a Michael Kelly Duece Phoenix. And I love the way that it feels. p.s. I still want a 335 for collectability.

**Jake Hanlon** · 06-21-2009, 12:04 AM

Me and my 335 are best friends. I have other excellent instruments, the 335 is what I always come back to for most gigs and playing situations.

The most verstile guitar for "Jazz" or modern music including Rock or Blues as well. It can handle a lot of jobs very well. I use it from straight ahead bebop to Christian Rock to country, Chicago Blues and post bop jazz. it can do it all.

**Abaddon2005** · 06-21-2009, 07:56 AM

i've never tried one that got me hooked, even though i heard a couple good clips. the sound on the neck humbucker just isn't as rich as i'd like it to be, and the sound on the bridge hb is also so-so. overall i'd advice you to look into les pauls.

**bfloyd6969** · 06-21-2009, 09:24 AM

Originally Posted by Abaddon2005

i've never tried one that got me hooked, even though i heard a couple good clips. the sound on the neck humbucker just isn't as rich as i'd like it to be, and the sound on the bridge hb is also so-so. overall i'd advice you to look into les pauls.

True, but pups can be changed. I think guitars should be purchased pending on how they feel in the player's hands.

**Bertrand tB** · 06-23-2009, 02:09 AM

I have two and I am very fond of these guitars. My eldest one is a blonde Dearmond (by Guild) starfire which suits for blues and rock. But my new Indie dude (P90, see picture) is my allrounder with a very fine jazz tone. Those are affordable guitars too.

**lpdeluxe** · 06-23-2009, 09:44 AM

I personally find the 335 form factor to be nearly perfect. I played a '63 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gent for 15 years, but it had some peculiarities and not much upper fret access (but I loved the Bigsby). Since I changed over to a Les Paul in '97, I've tried an SG, an Epiphone Sheraton II, and, finally, a 335. The SG was harsh and aggressive, the Epiphone didn't have a meaty enough sound, but the 335 was about perfect. It is comfortable, access to the upper neck is easy, and it's very attractive in appearance as well as in sound.

I run it through a couple of different Fender amps: a tweed Blues Jr and, more recently, a Band-Master VM with a 1-15" speaker cabinet. I get a round, rich tone that will bite when I dig in, and I think I've probably bought my last guitar (unless I find one with a Bigsby!).

**derek** · 06-23-2009, 11:52 AM

My opinion is, unlike ES175 clones, there are many, many 335 clones out there that are just as good for much less. Ibanez AS series out of Korea is wonderful for the $. The Ibanez Sco model is a grand less than the 335, Yamaha's SA2200 is also a grand less. Then there is the Heritage, Eastman, et al.

Personally, if I were going to get a 335 type guitar, I would go for the Heritage 535, wonderful guitar, and can be had used for around $1k. The 335 is arguably the most versatile guitar on the planet.

**NSJ** · 06-23-2009, 12:18 PM

If you want a better guitar than the ES-335 for much LESS, get a Heritage 535. If you want a MUCH better guitar than the ES-335 for a little more or even the same price (depending on the bells and whistles), get a SADOWSKY Semi Hollow.

That is, if you can find one.

Jazzarian · 06-23-2009, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by Coolaid

I am saving for an 335, and want to buy used. Anyone who can tell me about their experience with the 335. Not intendet only for jazz, but for like allround use. Some think these are overrated and not worth the cash... what do you think?

Well I had a '92 dotneck ES335. I found it really lacking for jazz and didn't seem to be a great fusion-rock guitar either. I traded it for an ES175, which I don't like very much either. Glad I have a GB10 and Super5 CES for archtops.

If I were in your position I'd look into the following. Much more versatile than an ES335.

https://www.carvinguitars.com/catalog/guitars/index.php?model=sh575

**bkdavidson** · 06-24-2009, 01:11 AM

If you're hellbent on a 335-style guitar, I'd recommend an Epiphone Sheraton. I had one for a while and in the store compared it to some actual 335's and not only did I not feel the price difference was justifiable, but I actually preferred the feel of the Sheraton! If you're open to other designs within the semi-hollow field, I'd say get a Gibson ES-135. I replaced my Sheraton with one of these and it is by far the best semi-hollow I've ever heard or played. If you're unfamiliar, it's the body style of a 175, but has a slightly thinner body and a balsa wood sustain block. Look for one w/ humbuckers; a lot were made w/ P-90's or P-100's, and imho they're a little shrill with either of those. With humbuckers they're just about perfect.

**lpdeluxe** · 06-24-2009, 08:49 AM

With regard to Sheratons (or 335s, for that matter), try before you buy. I traded for a Sheraton II and it was thin sounding. I went to the trouble of replacing all the electronics and pickups (installed Seymour Duncans) but it never came quite up to where I wanted it. When I tried out the 335 I ultimately bought, that was it. There was no question that the sound was exactly what I wanted, even though it cost me over $1500 more. I'm at the point in life where "almost" is "not close enough." Luckily, I got the 335 for about half of what I had sold my Country Gent for, so I felt justified in spending the money.

The feel of the Epi was excellent, as was fit and finish. But I buy guitars to play, not to look at, and the musicality of the Sheraton was wanting. I have the same difficulty with Ibanez guitars: there's something missing in the sound. I've played all manner of guitars (Fender, Rickenbacker, Gretsch, and more no-names than I care to count) over the last 39 years, and now all my electrics are Gibson -- this was not preordained, just arrived at through a process of elimination.

**derek** · 06-24-2009, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by lpdeluxe

With regard to Sheratons (or 335s, for that matter), try before you buy. I traded for a Sheraton II and it was thin sounding. I went to the trouble of replacing all the electronics and pickups (installed Seymour Duncans) but it never came quite up to where I wanted it. When I tried out the 335 I ultimately bought, that was it. There was no question that the sound was exactly what I wanted, even though it cost me over $1500 more. I'm at the point in life where "almost" is "not close enough." Luckily, I got the 335 for about half of what I had sold my Country Gent for, so I felt justified in spending the money.

The feel of the Epi was excellent, as was fit and finish. But I buy guitars to play, not to look at, and the musicality of the Sheraton was wanting. I have the same difficulty with Ibanez guitars: there's something missing in the sound. I've played all manner of guitars (Fender, Rickenbacker, Gretsch, and more no-names than I care to count) over the last 39 years, and now all my electrics are Gibson -- this was not preordained, just arrived at through a process of elimination.

I get this. I bought a used Ibanez AS80 several years ago, and wasn't quite satisfied with the tone, but got it dirt cheap, and liked everything else about it. I dropped Gibby Classic 57's in it, and that did the trick. Wonderfully versatile guitar for not much $.

Last summer I saw Sco, and he played both his Signature Ibanez and his old 335. I couldn't hear the difference at all between them, but his tone is fairly processed.

**lpdeluxe** · 06-24-2009, 01:38 PM

That's a consideration, and processors level the playing field. Me, I'm looking for a "natural electric" sound (perhaps an oxymoron) but I know it when I hear it and I'm getting closer and closer. The 335 through a tube Fender amp plugged into 15" speaker -- and all the kids are saying, "here, just use one of these pedals!"

I can't compare myself with Scofield, but that cuts several ways. I play a lot of bass, and the common thing you hear with electric bass is something along the lines of "it was good enough for Jaco." If I had Jaco's chops, and Jaco's sound, I would have been fired from about every band I've ever played bass in. So maybe mediocrity has its own integrity....

Anyhow, for now I'm looking for the "perfect" guitar cabinet with an open back and a 15, and it's entirely possible I'm nuts.

But I love my 335 in a way that I have not loved the other 32 guitars I have owned over the last 4 decades.

**derek** · 06-24-2009, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by lpdeluxe

That's a consideration, and processors level the playing field. Me, I'm looking for a "natural electric" sound (perhaps an oxymoron) but I know it when I hear it and I'm getting closer and closer. The 335 through a tube Fender amp plugged into 15" speaker -- and all the kids are saying, "here, just use one of these pedals!"

I can't compare myself with Scofield, but that cuts several ways. I play a lot of bass, and the common thing you hear with electric bass is something along the lines of "it was good enough for Jaco." If I had Jaco's chops, and Jaco's sound, I would have been fired from about every band I've ever played bass in. So maybe mediocrity has its own integrity....

Anyhow, for now I'm looking for the "perfect" guitar cabinet with an open back and a 15, and it's entirely possible I'm nuts.

But I love my 335 in a way that I have not loved the other 32 guitars I have owned over the last 4 decades.

You got that right about Jaco. I play bass some also, and less is more usually from the people I fill in with. They just want a good groove, and good time. No fills or solos to speak of, which is fine with me. I am not playing jazz bass though, this is purely pop and rock.

Glad you are digging the 335. As far as good guitar cabs go, I bought an Avatar cab (2x12) this past year for my pop/rock gig, and absolutely love it. They are a pretty small co, and have a good rep. Price is right. Though I don't think they offer a 1x15 for guitar, I have no doubt they will work with you.

**lpdeluxe** · 06-24-2009, 02:59 PM

Thanks. I took a look and all were 1-12 or 2-12s. I'm leaning toward a Weber cab, which is offered in a covering/grill cloth similar to the Band-Master VM head I'm using, with a Weber speaker. I have a number of 12" speakers in various configurations (including my '63 Silvertone Twin Twelve); I have been plugging the Fender head into a Hartke 115TP and I really like the sound, but it's a little tighter on the bottom than I want. I ascribe that to its being a sealed bass cab. Somebody called it, chasing the tone dragon! That's me.

I see you're in KC. I get up there every couple of years (grew up in Leavenworth KS) to visit family, and will be across the river the weekend after July 4 for my mother's funeral service in Lansing KS. That's a pretty area, and -- oddly enough -- this part of East Texas looks very similar, if you can imagine what NE KS/W MO would look if you took away the Missouri River.

**Sphereacidburn** · 06-27-2009, 06:46 PM

My Father has owned one since 1979 it has never broke and it sounds wonderful in Jazz Rock Blues anything you name it a Es-335 can do it

**guitaroscar** · 06-27-2009, 07:03 PM

I bought a Hagstrom Viking reissue. I have owned Epiphones, Gibsons, Fenders and others. The Hag is the most versatile, easiest to play, of all, imho, and for a fraction of the price.

**Chazzy** · 06-30-2009, 06:34 PM

I once owned an Ibanez AS200 and regret the day that I sold it. IMO it blew away, with all due respect, any Gibson 335 that crossed it's path.

**Paddlefoot** · 07-05-2009, 02:00 AM

To me the Gibsons are more variable than other brands. I have a Gibson ES-347 that I really like and the clincher is that it's marked as a second. It's still no challenge to my Guild Starfire IV in the fit and finish department or value for the dollar. The sound is different so you do have to try before you buy. The Ibanez 335 clones have always been a great choice in my book.

**Greentele** · 07-09-2009, 01:35 AM

Originally Posted by Jake Hanlon

Me and my 335 are best friends. I have other excellent instruments, the 335 is what I always come back to for most gigs and playing situations.

The most verstile guitar for "Jazz" or modern music including Rock or Blues as well. It can handle a lot of jobs very well. I use it from straight ahead bebop to Christian Rock to country, Chicago Blues and post bop jazz. it can do it all.

Yeah....I agree. I think an ES335 is the ultimate "can do anything" guitar.
I'll NEVER sell mine!

**Paul Dillon** · 07-09-2009, 04:57 AM

Hi,
I have a 1961 es335, original apart from the fact that the Bigsby trem has gone and been replaced with a stock bridge. It was left to me as an inheritance from my old Jazz guitar teacher, he owned it from new. I would never part with it because of how I got it. Having said that - I don't think that it is particularly well made. The electrics have not stood the test of time very well and it's not particularly nice to play. I have a lot of guitars but the nearest equivalent would be my Ibanez LR10 (Lee Ritenour signature model), it has a far superior tone and seems to be generally better made. If you are only interested in the tone and playability then buy a japanese equivalent, you will get much better value for money.
None of this really touches on the real value of owning a classic such as the 335 though. Lets face it, a modern Corvette will out-accelerate, out brake, out-turn, and out-handle a 1955 C1 Corvette .... but I still know which one I would rather have. You can't put a price a class.

**jazzrat** · 07-09-2009, 09:14 AM

335's are my all time favorite guitar. Thast being said I have not found one yet that did not have either tone/fit & finih/or playability issues. I know they are out there so maybe someday.
I've had two 335's and a 339 in the last couple years. Humpy necks and bad, bad fretwork. When it was all said and done I sold or traded them and kept my Ibanez Artcore Custom AS103NT. I hate the name, the lightning bolt on the head stock and the too, too blonde finish....but...it sounds and plays like a million bucks. Dead straight neck, frets that look like jewelry and really great tone and to top it off it only weighs 7 pounds or so.
I still want a 335 because they are an original and classic as has been stated but not sure I'll ever find one or be able to afford it when I do.

**Tom Karol** · 03-17-2010, 01:47 PM

I think I want a budget 335-style guitar - $600-$800 max. (Well, what I really want is a Sadowsky Semi-Hollow, but that's another story!) Any suggestions? Used is perfectly acceptable. Thanks!

**lpdeluxe** · 03-17-2010, 03:09 PM

Epiphone Dots and Sheraton IIs are available for that, especially used. I had a Sheraton II for a brief period (I was led into adultery by a blonde 335, which ended our relationship).

I bought an Epiphone rather than another brand because they hew fairly closely to the original Gibson designs. Don't buy one without trying it -- in my experience they are somewhat variable. It's a lot better to buy one that you like the sound of than to swap out pickups, which is a real chore, especially on the Sheraton II, where everything has to enter and leave through the treble f-hole -- which, on the one I had, was too small to admit a full-sized pot.

The tech I took it to insisted Epi had wired it up before the top was glued on! In the event, I did it myself, using mini-pots from Stewart-McDonald.

The Dot is easier to rewire than the other (and, sooner or later, you'll be replacing the pots and switch, most likely), due to wider f-holes.