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Last edited by GoergeBenson; 02-27-2014 at 07:04 PM. Reason: Remove back of headstock shot
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02-27-2014 06:41 PM
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This is my 1997 Gibson Es-350T. It is in *Mint* unplayed condition.
I would like to gather some more information on this, as I cannot find any official Re-issue from around this era. They did a Re-issue in 1992 of 'Sunburst' Models only (With a gold medallion) on the back of the head stock.
I have seen a couple of 1997's literally a handful (i.e. around 5) but only seen 1 in blonde dating from that year but looked nothing like the maple on this.
Whats truly remarkable about this guitar, is the woods used. Its covered in quilting? as opposed to flame and you can clearly see crazy zig zag markings (grains) running parallel to the quilting.
I have never seen Gibson push the boat out this far. It is quite simply stunning to look at!
It plays remarkably well too. Definitely not as flat and boxy, as you would expect from a 'Slim-Line'.
Hope you all enjoy
:-)Last edited by GoergeBenson; 02-27-2014 at 07:01 PM.
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Beautiful!
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Is that the full scale reissue or 23-3/4
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Its the Re-issue, with the 25'5 scale. I actually much prefer this. I would consider it a slim-line Tal Farlow.
I prefer the String tension to be high, as for me, that gives a nicer feel and to my ears, the better bop-tone (of course that is subjective).
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Goldilocks is what comes to mind. She's a beauty for sure.
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Agreed ......
the MOST beautiful Gibson I've ever seen too !
Is that a Laminate or solid built Guitar ?
(not that it matters to me)
I've seen a couple of Heritages with very lovely maple like that too
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i think its flame. uneven and somewhat extreme. looks very dramatic. like the color too.
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Originally Posted by pingu
its laminate. they would not carve a flame maple top.
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Im assuming its laminate. Thats is the 'spec' for this particular model and I have no reason to suspect they would use solid woods. Without taking the pickups out, I'm going to carry on assuming that.
Yes Heritage use fine woods (better than Gibson). I was just surprised to see this on a Gibson! I'm sure it s not a first, but I haven't seen one like this yet. I'm sure someone will prove me wrong imminently :-(
Haha!
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Thanks for the clarification. I guess I'm used to seeing flame as 'Tiger' stripped. This had a different look so I wasn't sure.
Yes again for a Gibson, the colour is quite unique (from my experiance). Normally their maple is very pale (or anaemic, as the seller stated).
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My pants just got tight.
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I never go for dramatic looks like this but my goodness if that isn't a good looking beast.
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wood for wood, so to speak? Originally Posted by BigDaddyLoveHandles
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Originally Posted by GoergeBenson
what do you mean by fine woods? aged and seasoned, highly figured, or both?
Heritage doesn't seem to make use of AAAA and above nearly as prolifically as Gibson for one. i don't really know about the other aspect but i would generally give the nod to Gibson. their guitars certainly cost more.
i'm sorry but i have to disagree. (AAAAAAA and AAAA below)
Last edited by fumblefingers; 02-28-2014 at 01:38 AM.
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Actually, you could have fooled me into thinking this was a Heritage...
That deep stain, highly figured but not book matched maple...very non-gibsony, really.
Gorgeous instrument...nice specs too...I'd have a blast playing something like that.
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Well I can only say I'm thrilled were using a Citation to compare woods to my ES-350T :-)
Excellent book matching on the L5 (Johnny Smith?) but in a way, that is part of the point I was making.
I'm no Heritage guy, never had one and can't for the life of me, see why they insist on sticking with that hideous headstock! Talk about making a guitars proportions look just wrong (IMO of course)
But what I mean is, Heritage seem to be better at drawing out the figure of the wood, with the stains they use. The L5 you have shown looks very anaemic and although a very strong grain/figuring is there, you don't get the 'FULL' effect from the finish. The honey colour of mine and the yellow of there burst on the Citation, make the wood pop out much more, really brings it to life.
When I say fine, I don't mean seasoned, I mean the look over all. I'm not saying Heritage use more 'expensive' woods, I'm just saying they make them look better. I would also say, that you would have to pay more, for Gibson's finer woods on average compared to Heritage, so I'm not sure I can entirely agree with you either. You've gone to some pretty extreme lengths to make a point (no offence). Posting a picture of a 'Citation' in an argument against say a Es-350T or a heritage 550 or Super Eagle is not fair :-))))
Of course this is just down to taste and obviously just an opinion. You are certainly correct in saying that, the two guitars you have shown are of very high quality wood. But then for the price, they should be ;-)
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Yes thats exactly what I mean. It has the Amber colour on the blonde I would associate more with Heritage guitars. You are spot on there Mr Beaumont.
Last edited by GoergeBenson; 02-28-2014 at 07:17 AM.
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Very nice guitar indeed. The top reminds me of Joe Perry's tiger burst Les Paul.
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Very nice maple!!
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So, why is it unplayed? Originally Posted by GoergeBenson
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I don't know. I guess the original owner just wanted to look at it. I say unplayed but of course there are faint pic marks on the scratch plate so It's been strummed. Theres just no marking on the frets etc so it looks essentially mint.
Perhaps he bought it and became ill, I don't know.
Problem is, It's in such lovely condition, I don't want to play it either. I'm pretty sure it will stay under the bed as a rainy day fund. Shame, but I got to own it and take some pics which is compensation enough for me.
Also its very very rare and I guess i don't want to ruin anything part of that sort of history :-)
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A unplayed Stradivarius is just a museum piece, not a unique instrument which can bring such joy to the player and listener.
Play it, man!
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You have no idea how much joy it brings me to know, that one of only a handful of blonde Es350T's to come out of Gibson in the last 40 years and this probably being the finest of all (including the originals), is in my possession.
Thats my reward. Besides I've got a guild x-700 :-)
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I think that any unplayed instrument is an anathema no matter how pretty or ugly it is.
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