Lightest Semi-Acoustic 335 type guitar?

**Doug B** · 12-31-2021, 04:02 AM

Who makes the lightest 335 type guitar? I would like to get a decent sounding semi-acoustic guitar, but unfortunately so many of them are like boat anchors! (I don't want a 339 type small body or a 330 type guitar.)

Thanks

Doug

**gitman** · 12-31-2021, 06:06 AM

A hard one - you need to give us a maximum weight to begin with. A „true“ 335 (and it’s sisters) is a large guitar with a substantial amount of wood inside and my guess is that the ususal plywood is a bit heavier than solid wood doe the top and back. All these aspects are crucial for the typical tone, attack and sustain we all know and love from these iconic guitars.
Have you checked out the models from Collings yet ? They make one in solid wood and one laminate, both proven and excellent instruments albeit quite expensive even when used. There must be a reason besides the clever marketing and the pretty pictures …. I owned a PRS McCarty hollowbody some years back and it came pretty close to a very good compromise between tone, size and weight - it didn‘t quite have the smooth attack and note-bloom of a good 335 but for it’s small size and light weight it did really fine and it’s comfortable !
Last-but-not-least : a wide strap (neoprene !!!) makes a BIG difference.
Others will chime in here and offer their own ideas I‘m sure.

**hotpepper01** · 12-31-2021, 06:46 AM

My 335 is IMHO not a boat anchor, my 70s Les Paul Custom is. If the weight is getting a problem, I would go for a full hollow, 335 shape guitar. ES125 TDC or a Sorrento might also do the job. The small sized ES390 is also full hollow and very lightweight.
And I know you don't want one, but a 330 or a Japanese casino is not bad at all. Have a listen at Emily Remler, she had the P90 swapped for humbuckers..and boy, did she sounded great... I think I would go for that or a nice 125TDC

**Litterick** · 12-31-2021, 07:02 AM

The 2020 ES-335 apparently weighs less than its case. The Godin Montreal Premiere LTD weighs 7.3lbs or 3.31kg.

**kris** · 12-31-2021, 07:32 AM

I think Eastman semi guitaras are light...but not sure.

**Doug B** · 12-31-2021, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by gitman

A hard one - you need to give us a maximum weight to begin with.

I have spinal arthritis and cannot use some of the heavier guitars. So the lighter the better, as long as the tone is still there of course.

Have you checked out the models from Collings yet ? They make one in solid wood and one laminate, both proven and excellent instruments albeit quite expensive even when used.

I am aware of Collings, but have not looked closely at them.

Last-but-not-least : a wide strap (neoprene !!!) makes a BIG difference.

I already use one, and they do help, but not enough.

**guavajelly** · 12-31-2021, 08:20 AM

I'd consider an ES 330 or Epiphone Casino – totally hollow and light. It sounds different than a 335 though. I like mine.

**gitman** · 12-31-2021, 09:21 AM

The Hofner Verythin (the german handmade models) is a superb Instrument in all aspects and re light weight a serious candidate. Brighter than your typical 335 but it’s got a tone pot….

**Woody Sound** · 12-31-2021, 10:00 AM

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

**Jim Soloway** · 12-31-2021, 10:29 AM

The Godin Montreal Premier is generally under 7 lbs.

**AllanAllen** · 12-31-2021, 10:34 AM

Originally Posted by guavajelly

I'd consider an ES 330 or Epiphone Casino – totally hollow and light. It sounds different than a 335 though. I like mine.

Yeah this, don't complicate things with a white whale. You want the looks of a 335 with less weight, get a Casino. You could probably go to Guitar Center and pick one up today. Then you'll be right back to playing.

Unless of course, you want to hunt the white whale instead of play.

**burchyk** · 12-31-2021, 11:03 AM

Suspect a Casino/330 would be the lightest. You can always put humbuckers in one, stuff it a bit and even install a sound post to get a bit closer to 335 sound. I like them as is.

**Woody Sound** · 12-31-2021, 11:12 AM

The op says he does not want a 330 hollow type.

**Encinitastubes** · 12-31-2021, 11:20 AM

I have a 1973 ES-335 that is very light. It does not have a center block that runs the length of the body. It just has a block right under the bridge. Mine is a fantastic guitar.

**Average Joe** · 12-31-2021, 11:32 AM

You have to go on a case by case basis. To my knowledge there's no company who make very light weight 335s on a consistent basis. Most seem to be around 7,5 lbs give or take. I've had good luck with the weight of MIJ Tokais, but I doubt it's consistent across the brand.

**Doug B** · 12-31-2021, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by AllanAllen

Y You want the looks of a 335 with less weight, get a Casino. You could probably go to Guitar Center and pick one up today. .

No, I want the Sound of a 335-the looks are secondary. I don't want a Casino. Lastly-I'm in Canada and there are no GCs here-and I don't want to have one delivered from the US.

**Doug B** · 12-31-2021, 11:46 AM

It seems that reading comprehension is a scarce commodity. To all those that recommended a Casino or 330, I said in my first post:

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

I know you are just trying to help, but those recommendations are NOT what I asked for.

Thanks anyway

**Woody Sound** · 12-31-2021, 11:55 AM

I believe Hammer selling the Hofner is in Toronto. I think it's a gorgeous guitar. From his listing: -weight 6.44 pounds | 2.93kg

Hofner Verythin Standard - made in Germany

**TedBPhx** · 12-31-2021, 12:12 PM

I don’t think Eastman T486s are heavy. They do enjoy an excellent tone and playability reputation.

**AllanAllen** · 12-31-2021, 01:06 PM

Originally Posted by Doug B

No, I want the Sound of a 335-the looks are secondary. I don't want a Casino. Lastly-I'm in Canada and there are no GCs here-and I don't want to have one delivered from the US.

Fine, Long and McQuade then. I know you said no 330's, but I think that's the answer even if you don't like it. Maybe an SG since the looks are secondary, those have 2 humbuckers and are light.

**Cavalier** · 12-31-2021, 01:49 PM

I'd recommend a Gretsch with the chambered spruce center block like the Electromatic 5622 with the stop tail to save weight. You could spend more but it isn't necessary. The Blacktop Broadtrons sound great, PAF meets Gretsch and are easy to dial in. Similar to the Hofner in size but without the thin tone. If you can stand the weight the Bigsby version is smooth and consistent.

**Longways to Go** · 12-31-2021, 01:53 PM

The Eastmans are light, but I'd choose a 330 in a minute.
I know that's not what the OP wants to hear tho.

**Donplaysguitar** · 12-31-2021, 01:56 PM

What you want might be a stretch. Why no smaller ones?

I used to play a 335 and a 347. I’m much happier with my CS 356.

**Cavalier** · 12-31-2021, 02:05 PM

Gretsch chambered center block.

**Jim Soloway** · 12-31-2021, 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by Doug B

I have spinal arthritis and cannot use some of the heavier guitars. So the lighter the better, as long as the tone is still there of course.

I am aware of Collings, but have not looked closely at them.

I already use one, and they do help, but not enough.

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.