Gibson ES-330 vs. other thinline hollow bodies!

[Woody Sound]

Here's a Reverb article from a while ago.

The Skinny: Fully-Hollow Thinline Electric Guitars | Reverb News

[GNAPPI]

As the owner if a CS 330L, a 330 of 2018 and a Casino I can say that a Casino is the best bang for the buck in slim gits.

On the outside the worst you can find is the pups may not be to your liking but, thats true of any git.

[Gitterbug]

Had a Casino years ago. The neck was too narrow at the nut for me, and the TOM bridge rattled. Current ones have induced some GAS, but there's variation in how acoustically alive individual samples are. The Coupe is worth a look, as I'm also looking for a lighter, thinner alternative to an archtop for the occasional gig.

[lammie200]

I have a Coupe exactly like the one that Little Jay posted that I am selling. Anyone should PM if they are interested. I will make you a good deal and the guitar is in mint condition. The only reason I am selling it is because I liked it so much that I bought an ES-390. I will have pics next week. Enjoying the beaches of Maui right now.

[Jimmy Mack]

This is an intriguing thread for me, as I've played with or own a few of the afore mentioned.
I have owned several (4) Guilds, 3 hollow and one semi hollow. As with all guitars and models, the necks varied quite a bit, some small, and one just perfect (not small - the '61 Starfire.)
Casino necks vary also, some too small for me, and the newer models have necks I enjoy playing, my '61 RI Casino is perfect for me.
I tried the ES339 Pro with HB'ers and the two I played were kinda lifeless, so I ended up with a ES339 P90 Pro, and boy what a nice difference. A well made guitar, perfect right out of the box, and a great performer, and easy to play.
I keep wondering about a Casino Coupe, but it would have to compare very favorably to the guitars I already have. I just can't find any at GC to try out, would have to order one, and then return it! But they do make it very easy.

[Tatayoyo]

The Seventy Seven Exrubato "jazz" is a great thin hollow. I found the Memphis 330 to have a much rounder neck that pleased me more (and a leather pick-holder).It was a few more euros but in case of resale it should be easier with a Gibson (A seventy what ?!?) ;-)

[Greco]

The Ibanez asr70 has been discontinued, but I've seen them for pretty cheap.

I just bought one a few weeks ago for about $350.00 USD and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

[Little Jay]

I just bought one a few weeks ago for about $350.00 USD and I am thoroughly enjoying it.

Great find! Never came across one, but I have always been curious about this particular model.

I’m a sucker for cheap but good guitars.... ;-)

[ruger9]

Epi makes their version of the ES (hollow) Les Paul... it's not 100% hollow, but it doesn't have a normal center block either... the Gibson version sounds like the Archtop Tribute above, it actually has nice acoustic properties (being added to the electric sound). I'm quite interested in one myself.



This is the Gibson, but the Epi is likely made the same way, and sounds very similar (the Epi has Classic 57s in it as well):
FFWD to 2:00

[Doctor Jeff]

This came across my FB feed last week and I had to resist the urge to click and buy...



Not that I need it. But a Starcaster in natural...really cool-looking git. The modern Chinese SC’s go for $400-700 used, but I didn’t realize the vintage 60’s-70’s models go for ~$5000!

My guitar for playing out is a Peerless Sunset. Great tone, comfortable, light weight. I’ve never had any feedback problems. I don’t know about distortion though...

My ES-135 can handle all those requirements. A couple of pounds heavier, but in a gig bag not hard to schlepp around.

I realize it’s not a thinline, but the Godin Kingpins are very light and very versatile. The Premiere is a great semi that can be found in your price range.

[73Fender]

In general, any USA made Hamer I have ever purchased. At one point they were really cheap, now prices may have inched up a little. Mine were all bought used.

I currently have a Newport, Studio, P90 Special and a P90 Korina Jr. All ridiculous bang for the buck. Impeccable build quality and components. Hamer was famous for rejecting wood shipments.

Probably the one brand I would be least nervous about buying sight unseen.