Gibson ES-335 Copies

**barrymclark** · 08-03-2011, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by helios

I have a Yamaha SA2200, and with a pickup change (some feel even this is unecessary), it is comperable to a ES-335. I have played lesser 335's at any rate!

Definitely can't knock Yamaha's quality. Great guitars. I once loved to buy those $100 basses they had. Single precision pickup. Spend another $200 on hardware and pickups and you had a BEAST!

**Vihar** · 08-03-2011, 02:17 PM

Cool clones with some subtle (or not so subtle) twist:

- Aria Pro TA-70:

- Eastwood Joey Leone Signature

**hot ford coupe** · 08-03-2011, 03:54 PM

I've also got an ES-355 which is the same as the 335 and it's been one of the most comfortable guitars I've ever played. The upper frets well past the 12th fret are very easy to get to allowing me to imitate a mandolin. The neck feels like it was designed for my hand. I used to pump it through a 65 Fender Twin reissue. Why did I stop using it? I went to a D'A Excel and an Ampeg amp. Vibe, vibe vibe vibe-------

**mad dog** · 08-03-2011, 04:49 PM

My '66 ES-335 is an old friend by now. Well worn for a reason. A very hard instrument to put down. Wonderful pickups, feel, sound. Of the various alternatives I've tried, the stand-outs are:

- Guild Starfire (IV, V, VI). Owned a '75 SF VI for a while, have tried others. Guild has been way more consistent in quality through the years than Gibson. Some really fine choices, and some great values if you're diligent.

- '90s Epiphone Sheraton, Samick made. Very different than the dots and Sheraton IIs. A friend has one, and it much impresses.

- '90s Samick SAT650. Based on how much I liked my friend's Samick made Sheraton, I searched out and traded for this one. Much as Peerless did years later, Samick decided to try the market with their own brand. Not many around, well worth seeking out. Mine is a '90. Feels rather like the old 335, a little wider neck. I'd intended to swap out all the electronics. Will probably get new pots, switch and jack someday, but the stock p/us are staying. Excellent, PAF type tone, only louder. This guitar is a tremendous value.

**Soco** · 08-03-2011, 04:51 PM

The Heritages I have seen has been closer to 3k.

**barrymclark** · 08-03-2011, 05:39 PM

Originally Posted by Soco

The Heritages I have seen has been closer to 3k.

Unless they are upgraded a great deal, that is just too much. WAY too much. The MSRP is $3k on an H535. You should be looking at something like $2100. Someone is ripping someone off.

Talk to Wolfe Guitars. They have great prices. I got my 575 for $2600 and that one has an MSRP of about $3600.

Now... maybe you saw an H555?

Even then it should be around $2500 to $2700 at Wolfes.