The Builder's Bench

Skip Maggiora Guitar Auction

Can some feedback-resistant guitars compare to a...

Talk me out of buying a Gibson ES 335

A Lollar Johnny Smith floating pickup

How did you choose to observe this special day?

When an auction house like Heritage gets involved, I just completely stay away. That to me is a worst-case scenario the auctions wins and everyone else loses. I would recommend a full boycott.

Skip Maggiora Guitar Auction

I don't know if Gibson is overpriced or if that's just what it takes to build guitars in America at American labor prices vs. the near-slave labor practices used in some countries. Gibson is...

Talk me out of buying a Gibson ES 335

That's why so many players preferred laminated plywood guitars, like the ES175 for example. There's hardly any feedback on those, the thicker the plywood the better. I had to get F plugs for the new...

Can some feedback-resistant guitars compare to a full size archtop?

Hmmm, it's hard to say anything definitive because, of course, every guitar is slightly different- even between ostensibly identical models. I have a carved 17" archtop with a floater, an Ibanez...

Can some feedback-resistant guitars compare to a full size archtop?

Get it, buy it! Heck, at that price buy TWO! Reverse psychology lol.

Talk me out of buying a Gibson ES 335

Gibson=overpriced. Nice guitars, but completely overpriced and driven by hype. It's a plywood guitar, remember that. Plywood. I would def consider some other brands before I threw down huge money on...

Talk me out of buying a Gibson ES 335

Solo guitar improvisation

Skip, who passed away in 2023, operated a music store in Sacramento for several decades. His son has retained Heritage to conduct an auction with the proceeds going to charity. Skip amassed a...

Skip Maggiora Guitar Auction

It’s unfortunate that you can’t try before you buy. Gibson 335s are generally great instruments. But, of course it has to be right for you. My main electric is a 335 and I find it to be a...

Talk me out of buying a Gibson ES 335

It is definitely the same guitar. I looked at all the old posts and it’s the same one you posted a PSA about. The person who bought it in response to your PSA is the same person I bought it from. It...

Campellone Special

Oh yes I played that guitar for sure. Spent some time with it and it is a woody sounding guitar. It keeps up with the best. The neck is a bit full too assuming this is the same one Big Mike had....

Campellone Special

I recently bought a used player-condition Eastman AR810CE with floating pickup. I love the sound, and especially through an amp or PA plugged in. I gig regularly, but found I could not play live with...

Can some feedback-resistant guitars compare to a full size archtop?

OMG! No! DON’t BUY A 335! Did that work?

Talk me out of buying a Gibson ES 335

I can't talk you out of buying a guitar I just bought myself!!! I was going to get another Epiphone 335, in fact I did, but had to return it. So I searched for a better one, and before I did, I...

Talk me out of buying a Gibson ES 335

If you like the sound of a "typical" GIBSON semi-hollow then your choice is manifold but you should also consider the other usual suspects : an Ibanez JSM100, Yamaha SA2000 and various Eastman...

Talk me out of buying a Gibson ES 335

What is your primary reference for practicing improvisation?

The official mad-at-JC thread

How did the greats learn how to play?

Presentation is more important than improvisation? - Hal Galper

Chord Shapes as a basis for Improv

One octave scales - VIDEO

Reverb pedals?

... But does it Jazz ??

Solo Guitar Albums - one guitar only

Guitar Duo Albums (guitar+ any other instrument)

Unhappy with sound after installing benedetto ebony bridge

6th Diminished - Thomas Echols

Anyone tried a compensated nut?