Your Favorite Gibson ES-335 Copy?

[Doctor Jeff]

A used Gibson 135 can easily be had for $1000-1600.

There are a number of Peerless models that would fit the bill for even less money, including the Martin Taylor double cutaway:

Peerless Hardtail | Guitars 'n Jazz

I've not actually played one of their double cutaways but I have a fully hollow Peerless Sunset and can vouch for the quality and sound. If you don't have to have a center block for some reason, the Sunset is a super guitar and much lighter than the semis.

[drbhrb]

Take a look at the Comins GCS

[GNAPPI]

If you REALLY want a 335 hang on and wait they DO come by at your price. If you do not mind a wounded git there are even better deals.

My fave 335 I got in a big box store they had a neck issue at the head it plays and sounds great.

[JeanSut]

I am also a Heritage 535 fan! I payed 1600 Euro for a used one, almost unplayed.
Although i like my AS 200 from 81 it doesn't have the Larry Carlton vibe on the
Bridge PU like the Heritage.

[icr]

As posted above, you should be able to get a Gibson ES335 in your price range. I got mine from Craigslist for $1200 which needed just new pots and a polish.

[Jabberwocky]

Caution about getting a used ES-335: check that the truss rod is functional.

Too many ES-335s made. Too many hamfisted owners who buggered up the truss rod and now try to pass it off on to the next unsuspecting victim.

I guess you can say that of any Gibson guitar but more likely for popular ones like the Les Paul and ES-335.

[jads57]

Play the guitar if you can before comitting to buy it! I would say the most consistant brands tend to be Japanese, followed by Eastman (Chinese). And newer Memphis Historic Gibson 335's are the Bomb! But very spendy even used!

[snoskier63]

I'm also one that likes the Guild Starfire IV better than the ES-335. I'm sure there are 335's out there that would get me to think twice, but Guilds are consistently excellent. Since the company began in 1952 there was not a bad year to my knowledge. Specs changed subtly at times without warning, but the quality was always there. As for the previously mentioned Westerly model, I would look for pre-1995 versions, which is when FMIC took over. From 1970 - 1994 the pickups used were Guild HB-1's, which are very well respected in jazz, and were used by Jim Hall among others. The pickups from 1995 and beyond were good, and may even be your preference if you were to compare.

[travisty]

If you need the look, the list of nice Japanese copies and Epis is long. And I think Heritages look better than most. And the Heritages I have seen and heard in person seem to play really nice.

If you need the sound and are willing to compromise on the looks, the Eastmans can be great bargains as can the odd-color Seventy-Sevens from Japan (which I think at the price they come on this forum in the For Sale section used can be a stonking great deal). Some of the Eastman El Reys really sound great in my opinion, though some of them look kinda funny too.

I think the Yamaha SA-2200s and SA-2000/2500s and the Ibanez AS200 and JSM-100 are very well-made and super-sounding axes.

[Little Jay]

Here's the best thing about the Gibson ES-333 that gives it an edge over all other 335-clones and derivatives:

[Al Br.]

From Canada you can get a brand new Godin Montreal, or a Prestige double cutaway. You can find the occasional Robert Conti model, made by Peerless. And I believe someone else mentioned several Peerless 335 styles available in that range.

[feet]

its all been covered, but i would also go mij, guild or possibly heritage were i in the market. if it has to say gibson, an es333 is an interesting compromise. you've got billions of options at this price point, new or used. personally, i'm not too compelled by new offerings, especially what's available to the savvy/brave shopper.

very, very pleased with my elitist epi sheraton. still my #1 many a year and many a guitar later.

[Boston Joe]

I've got an Ibanez JSM-10, and I absolutely love it. IIRC it was about $1,100, and I think quite a bargain at that price. It's beautifully made and sounds like heaven.

[jazz.fred]

I would recommend that you look at the Peerless "Hardtail". Loads of 335 vibe at 1/3 the price.

Currently on sale at Guitars-n-Jazz for under $1000.

[Archie]

IMO the best semi Ibanez made is the SA200 Artist!

[Eric Rowland]

Any double-cut recommendations in the 15-16" range and 6-7 lbs besides the Comins or 339?

[snoskier63]

All these replies and nearly as many different recommendations will teach you to never ask for guitar recommendations out here again. . Get out and play as many as you can until you find the one you like.

[MaxTwang]

Any double-cut recommendations in the 15-16" range and 6-7 lbs besides the Comins or 339?

To get the weight down below 7 lbs you would probably have to go without a center block.

[Jabberwocky]

Artisan Guitars are Tennessean natives (Franklin). Eddie's Guitars are in Maplewood, Missouri. But pardon me, boy, I don't know the choo-choo to Chattanooga.

[55bar]

Ok so I have owned an 80's AS200 Fuji Gen it was just beautiful, Made the two 335s I had look like a school project.

I'm in the market for a 335 type guitar I love the Collings what other makers do a good 335 type guitar?

I know they aren't 335 but I do love the talledega

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Max405]

I'm not really hearing the 335 so much, but the player can make anything sound great.
I love the Midtown and Midtown custom as a cost effective Es335 sub. It's a Swiss Army knife type of guitar..

[JSanta]

Love my Benedetto, and they've released their own version of a 335.
GA-35? | Benedetto Guitars

[jazz.fred]

Heritage H555?

[jads57]

After owning a lot of thinlines Gibson Pat Martino CS, Johnny A.,Howard Roberts Fusion, Heritage 535,Roy Clark,Millenium Ultra,PRS SC Hollowbody Std. Hollowbody 2, Hamer Newport,Newport Pro,Newport P90,Monaco Std, Monacco Super Pro, Carvin Alan Holdsworth (both models) and many others as well...........
I've come full circle to a 2015 Gibson Memphis 1963 ES-335TDC Figured model. Nothing beats this guitar when they build them right! Do yourself a favor and try one. Expensive yes, worth it YES!

[Fidelcaster]

Wanted to get some other options

Besides the Ibanez models, Fujigen offers you other options: