Lightest Semi-Acoustic 335 type guitar?

[Doug B]

Have you considered some sort of leg support or cushion instead of a strap? I've been using a Dynarette cushion for several years now and it's made a huge difference for me. It takes all the stress off of my back.

I have a C shaped cushion, but I don't get along with it, can't get a guitar to sit comfortably on it. forget what brand it is, maybe I should try a
Dynarette. Can I ask where you got yours Jim? Thanks

Doug

Edit-Just looked on Amazon-I do have a Dynarette.

[Doug B]

Here's a good choice: Holst guitars will custom make a semi-acoustic:

luthier stephen holst semi hollow guitars

Yes, $4k, but it would be worth saving up for.

[sgosnell]

I like the Mundo guitar support for playing smaller guitars.
MUNDO GUITAR SUPPORT – Mundo Music Gear
It's somewhat pricey, but far less than a new guitar. I find it very useful and comfortable for my 14.5" Benedetto Bambino. A strap is also a good way of keeping a smaller guitar at a comfortable playing level. I think you may be chasing a unicorn, because a light 17" semihollow guitar does not exist. Some are a little lighter than others, but guitars that big just can't be as light as smaller guitars, because helium does not work as a materiel for musical instruments. You can get a smaller guitar, either semi or hollow, but they probably won't sound exactly like a 335, but then not all 335s sound the same anyway. You can get light, or you can get a 335 (or copy), but not both.

[Hammertone]

Maybe this one one being sold by our member Hammer would do it, It looks awesome, and he says it's light. It's a real beauty. Check with him for the exact weight. Hofner Verythin Standard - made in Germany

Thanks for the plug. Canada, eh? Where in Canada? The guitars are located in Toronto and I'd be happy to show them to you anytime. Weights are indicated - they are LIGHT.

Verithin Standard LTD Ed. - weight 6.44 pounds | 2.93kg:

[Hammertone]

Here's the other one I have for sale:

Verythin Standard - weight 6.8123 lbs | 3.09 kg

[conchmusic]

I have researched this extensively and I think the OP already has his answer with that beautiful Verythin. Another alternative that I don't think has been mentioned is the Framus Mayfield. They tend to be 1 - 1.5 lbs lighter than the Gibson equivalents and reviews are outstanding. They are relatively expensive new but I have seen them for less than 50% of their original price on the used market.

[Doug B]

I think you may be chasing a unicorn, because a light 17" semihollow guitar does not exist. Some are a little lighter than others, but guitars that big just can't be as light as smaller guitars, because helium does not work as a materiel for musical instruments. You can get a smaller guitar, either semi or hollow, but they probably won't sound exactly like a 335, but then not all 335s sound the same anyway. You can get light, or you can get a 335 (or copy), but not both.

Never said I wanted a 17" guitar. In fact, given my height and arm reach, a 15"-16" guitar would be the one that's my size. :-)
If you look at the claim on the Holst link, he states that often his guitars with spruce tops are as light as 5 lbs.

[Doug B]

That other guitar is a real looker. Not so crazy about the red/orange one. I'm also hesitant about shipping in this cold weather. I'm in Vancouver, BTW.

Just listened on the Hofner site. Not sure that it would be suitable for jazz (Barney Kessel to Mike Stern) I guess I could change pickups.

Here's the other one I have for sale:

Verythin Standard - weight 6.8123 lbs | 3.09 kg

[LifeOnJazz]

What about an Eastman T186MX? I see a 2011 model selling at the 12th Fret in Toronto for $1900 that weighs only 6.7lbs. They're not constructed the same as a 335 but they not fully hollow like a 330 either... they have a block supporting the bridge and tailpiece and use solid woods (not laminate) for the top/back/sides. They're very well regarded.

Eastman T186MX Thinline Hollowbody Sunburst, 2011 - The Twelfth Fret

[Greentone]

Hammertone is right...the German Hofner Very Thin is light and responsive.

The Heritage H535 also is lighter than the typical ES335 and is a well made guitar.

[Doug B]

Have you considered some sort of leg support or cushion instead of a strap? I've been using a Dynarette cushion for several years now and it's made a huge difference for me. It takes all the stress off of my back.

I don't use a strap when sitting. When I use one standing, it only lasts 10 minutes before the pain kicks in.
(I take Tylenol Arthritis daily and sometimes need Tylenol 3 for the pain)

Oh-have also tried a classical foot rest. No joy.

[Hammertone]

Never said I wanted a 17" guitar. In fact, given my height and arm reach, a 15"-16" guitar would be the one that's my size. :-) If you look at the claim on the Holst link, he states that often his guitars with spruce tops are as light as 5 lbs.

Gibson ES-335 is @16 1/2" wide.

That other guitar is a real looker. Not so crazy about the red/orange one. I'm also hesitant about shipping in this cold weather. I'm in Vancouver, BTW. Just listened on the Hofner site. Not sure that it would be suitable for jazz (Barney Kessel to Mike Stern) I guess I could change pickups.

Listened to what? Some friend of somebody strumming a Chinese-made Verythin equipped with Chinese pickups? Whatever demos are on that site are garbage - they are utterly clueless about this stuff. Luckily, the moron in charge of electric guitar marketing at Hofner had nothing to do with the construction of either of the guitars I have for sale.

[sgosnell]

Never said I wanted a 17" guitar. In fact, given my height and arm reach, a 15"-16" guitar would be the one that's my size. :-)
If you look at the claim on the Holst link, he states that often his guitars with spruce tops are as light as 5 lbs.

You were very explicit about not wanting guitars smaller than the 335, which is a 17" guitar, or very close.

(I don't want a 339 type small body or a 330 type guitar.)

Good luck in your search.

[Doug B]

What about an Eastman T186MX? I see a 2011 model selling at the 12th Fret in Toronto for $1900 that weighs only 6.7lbs. They're not constructed the same as a 335 but they not fully hollow like a 330 either... they have a block supporting the bridge and tailpiece and use solid woods (not laminate) for the top/back/sides. They're very well regarded.

Eastman T186MX Thinline Hollowbody Sunburst, 2011 - The Twelfth Fret

Thanks for the tip-that one looks real interesting. I sent in some questions that I have to them.

Do you know how safe it would be shipping a guitar in this cold Canadian winter?

Thanks

Doug

[Doug B]

Just realized-nobody has mentioned D'Angelico. Do they make anything like what I'm looking for?

Thanks

[Cavalier]

Gibson ES-335 is @16 1/2" wide.

Listened to what? Some friend of somebody strumming a Chinese-made Verythin equipped with Chinese pickups? Whatever demos are on that site are garbage - they are utterly clueless about this stuff. Luckily, the moron in charge of electric guitar marketing at Hofner had nothing to do with the construction of either of the guitars I have for sale.

I think I'd call on this one. Check if the Germans require country of origin on guitars assembled in another country, let alone those retouched in a spray booth. Hofner has been well connected with Chinese manufacture for years and well know how to spec their imports. These factories do a bit of badge engineering and it is not rare to find the same body with different cosmetics and hardware sold under different brands.

[blackcat]

Peerless Renaissance Custom - if you can find one?

[LifeOnJazz]

Do you know how safe it would be shipping a guitar in this cold Canadian winter?
Doug

I've done it in the winter, shipping Montreal to Halifax, and it worked out fine. You'd probably want to ship priority and re-climatize gradually. Also consider, a portion of instruments hanging in guitar shops were likely shipped during the winter. Others who've done it may have some experiences as well.

[John A.]

Just realized-nobody has mentioned D'Angelico. Do they make anything like what I'm looking for?

Thanks

I have an EX DC, and it's 8.5 lbs by my bathroom scale. The EX SS just has a partial block under the bridge. Googling around, people say different weights, ranging from 7 to 8 lbs, so probably less than the DC. I believe the Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion is also under 8 lbs.

[Doug B]

I've done it in the winter, shipping Montreal to Halifax, and it worked out fine. You'd probably want to ship priority and re-climatize gradually. Also consider, a portion of instruments hanging in guitar shops were likely shipped during the winter. Others who've done it may have some experiences as well.

Good to know. I guess trees do fine in the cold of winter, so guitars should do fine! Lol!!

How gradually do you need to re-climatize? Like leave the guitar in the case for 24 hours?

Thanks

Doug

[Joeontheguitar]

You need an Eastman Romeo. It's much lighter than a typical 335 (or 486) and very compact. Due to the small block under the bridge you get a totally different tone than a 330.

It plays very well seated and standing up. Ergonomically it is my favorite guitar.

[ronjazz]

Gretsch 5422.

[Hammertone]

I think I'd call on this one. Check if the Germans require country of origin on guitars assembled in another country, let alone those retouched in a spray booth. Hofner has been well connected with Chinese manufacture for years and well know how to spec their imports. These factories do a bit of badge engineering and it is not rare to find the same body with different cosmetics and hardware sold under different brands.

Call what? - not sure what you mean. The "CT" or "Contemporary" Verythin appeared on Hofner's 2006/2007 catalogue/price list. Because it has some distinctive design features (shape of cutaways, depth of rims), there are no other-badged versions, unless they are ones slipped out of the back door under cover of darkness. From day one, they have been shipped as completed guitars, fitted out with Chinese and Korean hardware. They are nicely-made, inexpensive Chinese guitars. These are the "Verythin CT" models shown on Hofner's website.

[Herbie]

Lots of good alternatives here!

Have anybody played Kay Speed Demon?
1966 Kay Speed Demon K561 - Red - GuitarPoint



At least it looks like a succinct piece of instrument! Not bad priced neither. And if You want pa three pickup version, those exists too.

[blille]

A couple years ago Gibson had 330s with humbuckers from factory and they were quite cheap IIRC (sub $2k new).

Gibson Memphis ES-330 Satin 2018 - Walnut | Sweetwater

If not I’m sure there is a copy out there with a light balsa solid block.