Gibson ES-165 Herb Ellis vs. Eastman 805ce

[Patrick2]

"You have chosen . . . . . wisely" (another movie quote . . . but, this time, no hints).

I believe that you made the correct choice for a number of reasons. If I were to enumerate, it would start another shit storm here . . . but, based upon your original post of what you were looking for and why . . . and given your price range . . . this is the right jazz box for you!! Now, you should consider replacing that ABR1 bridge with a rosewood saddle. It'll cost you about $25 and you'll love the difference. The nice part about that is . . . you can always easily switch back if you have second thoughts. Congrats!!! Great guitar. Now, go out there and make Herb Ellis proud!!!!

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

Patrick -- that's just what I was going to suggest. A rosewood or ebony bridge gives a warmer, woodier, tone.

[SamBooka]

Ebony on mine.. I tried going back.. once.

It is subjective tho. depends on the tone you are looking for

[rpguitar]

Now here you all go, tempting and confusing this young fellow with more "must have" options.

Many people actually prefer the metal Tune-o-matic bridge on a 175 style guitar. I've gone back and forth many times, but always end up with my TOM. It's got a clearer, brighter, and more sustaining tone, which I prefer. I use roundwound strings rather than flats for the same reason.

Bottom line - experiment so that you know the differences, then make a choice (which is easy to reverse in this case). Don't think that there is a "right" or "wrong" way to set up your guitar.

Peace -

[Patrick2]

Now here you all go, tempting and confusing this young fellow with more "must have" options.

Many people actually prefer the metal Tune-o-matic bridge on a 175 style guitar. I've gone back and forth many times, but always end up with my TOM. It's got a clearer, brighter, and more sustaining tone, which I prefer. I use roundwound strings rather than flats for the same reason.

Bottom line - experiment so that you know the differences, then make a choice (which is easy to reverse in this case). Don't think that there is a "right" or "wrong" way to set up your guitar.

Peace -

You're right rpguitar. I was just thinking out loud and blurting out what I would do with that guitar. Even though I did say "consider" . . . I made it sound like a "must have". Your advise on experimenting is probably a better way of counciling this young aspiring jazzer.

[Jabberwocky]

Well, I don't know but if it is going to be TOM, make it a Callaham stainless steel TOM and maybe swap out those saddles for KTS titanium ones

[gcb]

You've got yourself a classic. Congratulations!

[stevedenver]

its beautiful, classic good looks and nice maple figure too
it will give you a great sound
and
its a gibson, which will hold its value

congrats!!
as for changing the bridge-
tis a thought-

but i always live with something, get to know it and feel it and dial in my ear-figure out exactly what i have,

then, if i make changes
im better able to assess them

[SamBooka]

if you DO go with the ebony from stewmac (I know .. I know... and I agree with you about trying things first) I am just saying that you will have to shave about 1/8 of an inch off the bottom of the saddle to get the action back to that of the TOM. No biggie and if you screw it up you are out 17$.. just throwing it out there.