Gibson ES-165

[Cunamara]

The static problem might be the pickguard material (although your experience with the jack suggests that it might be a ground issue). A different pickguard might solve it.

And now that makes me wonder- how many pickguard-less guitars out there are so because of the static problem, not because the pickguard "gets in the way."

[Sam Sherry]

Its a Herb Ellis 165. For some reason unknown to me, Gibson changed the spec on this guitar. If anyone actually knows why they put a floater on a Herb Ellis 165, I'd love to know why.JD

Joe --

Tremendous-looking guitar!! I hope you hold and play it to the point where the neck feels like home. As the ancient Italian proverb -- no foolin', honest! --goes, "The perfect is the enemy of the good." Or the very good. Or the exceptionally-good-looking, almost-perfect good.

A search for "Gibson ES-165 BJB Pickup" shows that around 2004 the BJB became the stock setup for the ES-165, and the necks got nice and big too.

+ + +

Try a plastic static-cling cell-phone screen protector on top of the pickguard. And of course, take off that fleece -- it's May now!

+ + +

Ya did good, again. Hang tight, maestro!

[Bflat233]

3WR, I am glad you posted this. Static drives me crazy.
Joe D

The techs who work on my guitars say one approach is to afix a thin sheet of metal (was it copper?) underneath the pick-guard and run a wire to the jack as an additional grounding source ... forgive me my memory is fuzzy ... but that's something they've done. In any case, let me know how it goes!

[Bflat233]

The static problem might be the pickguard material ...

There's an urban legend regarding this issue ... it's been said that it's a result of a finish process that was used for a time, which magnetized the lacquer and minimized over-spray and waste. Evidently the additive had conductive properties ... or so the legend goes. Could be fake news ... but it's one explanation.

[mr. beaumont]

Yeah, you can even get "copper" tape...A lot of guys will shield the inside cavity of their teles with that stuff.

[vinnyv1k]

I have never had a static issue. In fact never heard of this problem. My hand never touches the pickguard though.

Bro you mentioned that this guitar is just like your HJS. You sold both of your HJS's.

Hope it works out for you my man. I bought that gorgeous Unity but if the neck profile isn't right.......

[Max405]

Joe --

Tremendous-looking guitar!! I hope you hold and play it to the point where the neck feels like home. As the ancient Italian proverb -- no foolin', honest! --goes, "The perfect is the enemy of the good." Or the very good. Or the exceptionally-good-looking, almost-perfect good.

A search for "Gibson ES-165 BJB Pickup" shows that around 2004 the BJB became the stock setup for the ES-165, and the necks got nice and big too.

+ + +

Try a plastic static-cling cell-phone screen protector on top of the pickguard. And of course, take off that fleece -- it's May now!

+ + +

Ya did good, again. Hang tight, maestro!

Sammy baby,
Thanks buddy. I looked up the specs before I bought it. This one is a tweener. It was born in December 2003. It has the BJB, but it has the "more rounded jazz profile" that was supposedly ended with this model refresh.
That's OK. I am giving this guitar every chance to succeed. And if it doesn't, its not because of the guitar. The good old American proverb, "Its the indian, not the arrow.." Will apply perfectly here. I have small hands. It will be my fault, not the guitars..
Thanks bud.
Joe D

The static problem might be the pickguard material (although your experience with the jack suggests that it might be a ground issue). A different pickguard might solve it.

And now that makes me wonder- how many pickguard-less guitars out there are so because of the static problem, not because the pickguard "gets in the way."

C,
You know, that is a great point.
I think I generate more static than most because of my picking style. I use the PG as a rest and I ziz-zag my fingers acrossed it a lot. That probably has something to do with it. I might try the copper insulation under the PG. Lets see. Thanks buddy.

Yeah, you can even get "copper" tape...A lot of guys will shield the inside cavity of their teles with that stuff.

Yeah, that's the stuff. I will try that. I report back with the good news. Hey if I do a modification and it works, than I wont feel bad calling this the Gibson ES170IMD, Joe DeNisco Signature model! I can get a trussrod cover custom made for it..
Thanks J.

[Max405]

I have never had a static issue. In fact never heard of this problem. My hand never touches the pickguard though.
Bro you mentioned that this guitar is just like your HJS. You sold both of your HJS's.
Hope me it works out for you my man. I bought that gorgeous Unity but if the neck profile isn't right.......

Wow. I am surprised that you never heard of the static issue. And yeah, you are right, the HJS's didn't last but only because the GJS took over. There were things the HJS did that I really miss. That sound. The lighter build. I liked the Heritage pickup. They were both easy players. But, yeah you are right. The slightly shallower neck didn't work for me. I'm doomed..
Come on bro, I really want this to work. It would be ultra cool if I had 16" 24-3/4" floater in my quiver. Then, all that's left, is a nice L5.

[vinnyv1k]

Ye shall overcome.

[Max405]

I found a nice groove with this guitar. Now I am afraid to go back to my other ones..
Rather than cry about the neck profile (which I think I've adapted to), I really should rave about the neck in general. Something about this guitar is different and special. Not a single note gets lost when I play. You don't realize it until you pay attention to it. That gives you confidence in the instrument. On my previous 175, when I played an "F" note (3rd fret, D string), I would hear the pick ups throw in some odd sound. Not on this one. My Tal, adds different sounds at random. Almost a surprise every day.. When I play, When you wish Upon A Star, the descending baseline on beginning of the 3rd verse (F#, F, E) is CRYSTAL clear under the chords. Even my Johnny doesn't articulate the notes as good acoustically. This guitar is More Frank Sinatra than Beyoncé. It allows you to play it, instead of thinking about your form. That's a good thing.

The static issue is gone. It left early in Wednsday's session and has not returned. So I torqued down the jack so it wont move and its perfect right where it is. Not a single click last night.

I really think that Gibson puts guitars together with a purpose in mind. The decisions are made carefully (most of the time). Occasionally, I take for granted some of the great features in a Gibson. And on this one, I questioned why they did this to a Herb Ellis 165. I really believe the reason was to make it different, yet just as desireable as the 175. And they succeeded. The guitar has a unique vibe to it.

I know I've said this before. This one is a keeper. I really feel that way now. It is unique. Its a brand new 10 year old guitar. Smells like teen spirit a little.. On paper, it was right for me. On my lap, it has not disappointed.

I hope I broke the barrier a little on this Guitar. It has been shunned to some extent because of the BJB, the placement of the volume knob and the misplacement of the tone knob. This is one of Gibsons most unique instruments, carved out of the venerable 175.

In my opinion, They are allowed to tweak anything they want with any of the most storied jazz guitars of all time. The L5, The 175, The Super 400.. Why?? Because they invented the segment. They are the best. I question there intentions no more.

Joe D

[lawson-stone]

I found a nice groove with this guitar. Now I am afraid to go back to my other ones..
Rather than cry about the neck profile (which I think I've adapted to), I really should rave about the neck in general. Something about this guitar is different and special. Not a single note gets lost when I play. You don't realize it until you pay attention to it. That gives you confidence in the instrument. On my previous 175, when I played an "F" note (3rd fret, D string), I would hear the pick ups throw in some odd sound. Not on this one. My Tal, adds different sounds at random. Almost a surprise every day.. When I play, When you wish Upon A Star, the descending baseline on beginning of the 3rd verse (F#, F, E) is CRYSTAL clear under the chords. Even my Johnny doesn't articulate the notes as good acoustically. This guitar is More Frank Sinatra than Beyoncé. It allows you to play it, instead of thinking about your form. That's a good thing.

The static issue is gone. It left early in Wednsday's session and has not returned. So I torqued down the jack so it wont move and its perfect right where it is. Not a single click last night.

I really think that Gibson puts guitars together with a purpose in mind. The decisions are made carefully (most of the time). Occasionally, I take for granted some of the great features in a Gibson. And on this one, I questioned why they did this to a Herb Ellis 165. I really believe the reason was to make it different, yet just as desireable as the 175. And they succeeded. The guitar has a unique vibe to it.

I know I've said this before. This one is a keeper. I really feel that way now. It is unique. Its a brand new 10 year old guitar. Smells like teen spirit a little.. On paper, it was right for me. On my lap, it has not disappointed.

I hope I broke the barrier a little on this Guitar. It has been shunned to some extent because of the BJB, the placement of the volume knob and the misplacement of the tone knob. This is one of Gibsons most unique instruments, carved out of the venerable 175.

In my opinion, They are allowed to tweak anything they want with any of the most storied jazz guitars of all time. The L5, The 175, The Super 400.. Why?? Because they invented the segment. They are the best. I question there intentions no more.

Joe D

"misplacement of the tone knob"? I didn't know it had a tone knob. Is there one in some undisclosed location?

[Max405]

"misplacement of the tone knob"? I didn't know it had a tone knob. Is there one in some undisclosed location?

Yes, it was misplaced. Like, no one can find it...
I was just trying to get cute. I guess I am not the wordsmith I thought I was.

[neatomic]

Yes, it was misplaced. Like, no one can find it...
I was just trying to get cute. I guess I am not the wordsmith I thought I was.

i read ya loud and clear!! haha

cheers

[lawson-stone]

Yes, it was misplaced. Like, no one can find it...
I was just trying to get cute. I guess I am not the wordsmith I thought I was.

ha!
I hear they actually installed it in the players fingers...

[Max405]

Good one bro.
I think the tone is forced into the instrument because you cant pick behind the middle 1/2 of the pickguard so you are forced to play up the neck.
Neatomic, You restored my faith in my writing ability. Thanks bud.

JD