Talk me out of buying a Gibson ES-335

**entresz** · 12-05-2024, 06:20 PM

The title says it all.

Are the current run of 'standard' ES 335s any good? I've noticed some very appealing prices at Thomann. The 'T Type' pickups seem a bit divisive from the bit of research I've done, some love them, some hate them. I have an actual vintage T Top in the neck position of my Tele that sounds great.

Unfortunately where I live I do not have the opportunity to try any easily - they don't seem to stock many archtop/semi guitars here.

I don't currently have a semi-hollow, but always have liked the semi hollow sound.

**gitman** · 12-05-2024, 06:59 PM

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 models. Since the basic construction is pretty much the same in all of these guitars the sound difference is relatively small. What is more distinct is the feel and look of the guitar and that is purely subjective. A pickup can always be swapped out but the neck shape is something you have to like or be able and WILLING to adjust to. What is your budget ?

**Jimmy Mack** · 12-05-2024, 07:06 PM

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 played a Gibson, I believe it was a 2024 issue. Once I played that one, I was upset that I didn't want to part with the $4000 they wanted for it with the sales tax. But it was so much better than the Epiphones I tried.
When I found a 2023 model Gibson (on clearance for a significantly lower price) that was every bit as good as the first one, I grabbed it. It is beautiful. And well made - the quality is outstanding.
It has great tone, it has the sound I've been hearing for years, the pickups are the T-tops and I think they are great.

Of course, it needs some tweaks. ( Truss rod, and action ) And after the "honeymoon" period, I will be making minor adjustments to see if any improvements are possible - if not, the guitar is fine the way it is.

Get one now! And enjoy it. If you can't try one in person, make sure you get a decent return policy.

**John A.** · 12-05-2024, 07:16 PM

OMG! No! DON’t BUY A 335!

Did that work?

**Gilpy** · 12-05-2024, 08:22 PM

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 versatile instrument that plays really well. That’s important to me because I gig in several styles of music.
If you can get a 335 with an option to return it, then why not?

**DawgBone** · 12-05-2024, 08:50 PM

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 a Gibson. If I found a gem that said Gibson, sure, I'd def consider it though.

**Sleeko** · 12-05-2024, 08:59 PM

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

**Cunamara** · 12-05-2024, 09:13 PM

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 probably paying per hour what workers in China get per day. But the value proposition for the customer is a bit sketchy as a result. OTOH resale value is more reliable.

There are certainly very viable options as noted above. A friend of mine has an Epiphone Casino which is a lovely guitar to play, as is his Ibanez AS-180. I have a semi-hollow TSO (Tele-shaped object) with a 24 3/4" scale neck that is very nice. Doesn't exactly sound like a 335 but more on that end of the spectrum than like a 52 Tele reissue. I played an Eastman semi-hollow in a music store which was a very good playing and sounding instrument.

**blkjazz** · 12-05-2024, 10:38 PM

Talk me out of buying a Gibson ES-335-1985-dot-64-custom-shop-vos-es-335s-jpg

I say get yourself a 335 man. Life is short.

**omphalopsychos** · 12-06-2024, 01:08 AM

buy one.

**lesyeuxnoirs** · 12-06-2024, 01:55 AM

Another vote for ‘buy one’

I’ve been really impressed by the quality of recent (23/24) ES guitars

I also happen to like the T-Type pups that they’re using right now, but YMMV

**Bach5G** · 12-06-2024, 02:10 AM

No one can tell you what you do or don’t like.

Don’t buy it if you need convincing. Buy it if it’s your personal Holy Grail.

**Oscar67** · 12-06-2024, 03:01 AM

Originally Posted by Bach5G

No one can tell you what you do or don’t like. Don’t buy it if you need convincing. Buy it if it’s your personal Holy Grail.

Exactly.

Some points to consider, only the less positive ones because you asked to be talked out of it ;-)
-Big difference between CS and non-CS models, in every aspect including price
-If you insist on absolute perfection then buying Gibson is something of a gamble. You can expect a subtle but noticeable ridge between binding and body (also on the neck, if there’s neck binding). You can expect nitro finish that’s not fully hardened yet so the neck might feel sticky. I once got an expensive CS 335 and they’d forgotten to wire up one of the tone controls.
-A 335 is a fairly large guitar. I’m very tall myself so it was never a problem, but playing it sitting down also wasn’t totally comfortable.
-335’s can be heavy.
-My main gripe with a lot of Gibsons, including the 335, is when the neck pup sounds nice the bridge is too bright, and when the bridge sounds nice then the neck is muddy.
-To my ears, 10s sound best on 335’s. Heavier strings make the neck pup sound somewhat muddy IMHO.

**eblydian** · 12-06-2024, 03:12 AM

Buy one if you can return it.
I am currently in the market for a second-hand Yamaha SA2200.
Great guitar, but I'll have to try one before buying in order to make sure that it's OK in terms of weight, sound, size, neck, and so on.

I once tried a very nice Gibson 359, a high-end model of the 339, but I found the neck too chunky for my taste.
And you can't judge that from a couple of pictures.

**docsteve** · 12-06-2024, 04:37 AM

Get an ES-330. Lighter and plays easier.

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**Average Joe** · 12-06-2024, 05:26 AM

I won't talk you out of one cause I do love a well made semi. But I would suggest waiting until you can actually try them. I've learned from the ones I've owned over the years that there is a good bit of variation to the tone and response of semis. Not a quality issue, some just feel more solid or hollow than the identical one right next to it. I know Thoman have a good return policy, personally I still wouldn't buy one online personally

**vernon** · 12-06-2024, 08:06 AM

After 15 years I traded mine for a vintage fender amp. The 335 challenged me to dive into jazz with both feet… bought the real books and started grinding my way through all those chords. With a dumble clone amp I could close my eyes and imagine I was Larry Carlton for a few blissful moments. However, I did have to replace the muddy classic 57’s with Lollar imperials… and there were a couple dead spots up the neck. Ergonomically, I always felt I was wrestling physically with the instrument… in hindsight, I wish I would have gone for a 339. The 335 was a guitar to be reckoned with… heavy and cumbersome at times. So… I would say, yes, play one first so you get an idea of what you’re going to be dealing with.

**DawgBone** · 12-06-2024, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by vernon

After 15 years I traded mine for a vintage fender amp. The 335 challenged me to dive into jazz with both feet… bought the real books and started grinding my way through all those chords. With a dumble clone amp I could close my eyes and imagine I was Larry Carlton for a few blissful moments. However, I did have to replace the muddy classic 57’s with Lollar imperials… and there were a couple dead spots up the neck. Ergonomically, I always felt I was wrestling physically with the instrument… in hindsight, I wish I would have gone for a 339. The 335 was a guitar to be reckoned with… heavy and cumbersome at times. So… I would say, yes, play one first so you get an idea of what you’re going to be dealing with.

What kind of amp were you using that you found 57's muddy? I found Seths slightly too bright but it's cause my amp is a Twin with the treble cranked and I wasn't messing with my EQ to cater to the pickups, I just replaced them with 57's and all was well (long story involving two different semis). I think with a darker amp the Seth's would be more ideal but I am still able to dial in the 57's with height and pole pieces adjustments and there is def no mud.

OP I would consider some of the following instruments asides just a Gibson on your search:

Seventy Seven guitars exrubato and exrubato Jazz, especially the Japanese made. They also have Japanese Taste (JT) models that are more budget friendly.

Epiphone inspired by Gibson ES355

Any number of Epiphone Sheraton models.

Edwards E-SA models (I have one and it is my main player now and I used to have a Gibson ES333.

Momose makes a very fine (and expensive 335-345-355.) They are rare and hard to find.

Let your ears and your hands be your guide. Good luck.

**vernon** · 12-06-2024, 02:21 PM

I was playing through an Alessandro Rottweiler 6L6 40watt 1x12 (C12N). It was the first guitar I played with humbuckers, but the clarity of tone just wasn’t there. The Lollars made a big difference.