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Heather Anne Peel · August 12th, 2006, 07:08 PM

I really love these type of guitars. I have 3 such guitars in my collection: a cherry red Epiphone Dot, a black Dot Studio and a really cool early '80s Vantage VSH-455. The semi-hollow body style produces an amazing sound, and these type of guitars play really effortlessly. I have always loved them. In the '80s, I had a '69 Gibson ES-335, which was equally great. So many of my fave guitarists use or have used these over the years. The tone is a really nice blend of acoustic and electric qualities. These guitars are excellent for lots of styles, which probably accounts for their being one of the mainstay session guitars during the '70s. Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Alvin Lee, Larry Carlton, Rich Robinson, Pat Simmons, Freddie King, Chuck Berry, BB King, Elvin Bishop are just a few examples of players who have made amazing music using this type of electric guitar. Definitely a classic and one of my faves!

Heather

TheGoodTexan · August 12th, 2006, 07:21 PM

My favorite one of the bunch was the standard issue Gibson ES-336....the one with the straight-stringpull-heastock:

I know that the non-traditional Gibson headstock is a deal-killer for some folks, but the looks don't bother me.

I worked at Gibson when these guitars were being designed and introduced, and I got to play a large handfull of them before they left the factory. When I bought my LP Custom at my employee discount (dealer cost), it came down to the LP or the 336. This was before the 336 was designated as a Custom Shop guitar. It was just made in the standard facility in Nashville, and the price was a little more reasonable.

I loved the 336. It has so much "air" in the tone. Just a very lively and resonate guitar. Although it looks like a 335jr, it has a character all its own.

I ended up going with the LP, but in retrospect, I might should have got the ES-336. They don't make it that way any more. I believe that it's now a CS-336, being made only in the Custom Shop, and Gibson has ambandoned the straight-stringpull-headstock (although it is a superior design).

Also, at that time (mid-to-late 1990s), there were a very few number of 25.5" scale ES-336s made (with the narrow headstock).....believe it or not. Now that was a very cool guitar. It didn't sound anything like a Gibson, but it was dang cool. I'd bet that there were less than 50 of them made (just from what I remember). So that's a rare bird for sure.

Maestro · August 12th, 2006, 08:22 PM

I'm on the lookout for a gibson 330. a friend of my dad has a first year one pickup witch is really cool.

But I'm also on the lookout for a short scale archtop/335 type.

I didn't like the epi dot, but the sheraton I played was good but to elaborate.
I would like to try the riviera.

vic108 · August 12th, 2006, 08:40 PM

I got ES fever bad............

Telenator · August 12th, 2006, 09:58 PM

My Heritage Blues Deluxe

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...luesdeluxe.jpg

Heather Anne Peel · August 12th, 2006, 10:30 PM

Nice! Heritage made some great ES style axes. I believe Heritage was founded by former Gibson employees, if I recall correctly.
Heather

Telenator · August 12th, 2006, 10:39 PM

Yes, several of the original Gibson people stayed behind in Kalamazoo when Gibson moved to Nashville. Heritage guitars are produced in one of the old buildings Gibson used to occupy.

If you close your eyes and play, the feel is exactly like a Gibson. It just costs less!

Heather Anne Peel · August 12th, 2006, 10:45 PM

My Epi Dot and Dot Studio are really great, as well. Yes, I know a "real" 335 is better, but I can't possibly afford that. Well, I could, but I have chosen to buy more less expensive guitars! Anyway, I love my Dots. My cherry red one especially, but they are both pretty great.
Heather

Heather Anne Peel · August 12th, 2006, 11:59 PM

My God, how could I leave Steve Miller off my list of ES players?! His semi-hollowbody tones on his first 5 LPs was nothing short of stunning. Steve sounds great on his Strats, etc., but his tone back then was killer! His solo on "Little Girl" from 1969's "Your Saving Grace" floors me. Awesome!
Heather

TheGoodTexan · August 13th, 2006, 12:02 AM

So is there a general concensus on the Epiphone Dot versus the Sheraton II?

I'm not a big fan of all the extra "stuff" on the Sheraton II, but I think I prefer that neck over the neck on the Dot.

And I'm not sure that I'd be able to deal with the tail piece on the Rivera, although I do think the mini-hums sound cool in the ES-style body.

Since Epiphone is distributed from here in Nashville, there seem to be a glut of used Dots and Sheraton IIs around town from time to time. Over the years I've seen several used Dots around town that have been upgraded with Gibson humbuckers and electronics (pots and switches)....for $199!

They feel great and sound terrific.

And I've never really noticed much of a "snobbery" among ES-owners.....as far as Epiphones versus Gibsons. Sure, the Gibsons are generally better over quality, but that doesn't mean that there aren't some really great Epiphones out there too.

Bill · August 13th, 2006, 12:04 AM

Thanks for including the ES-347! These were real sleepers until recently, but I've noticed they've gone up in price over the past few years.

I posted about this in your other thread, but I love its versatility with its coil tap. It also plays very smoothly, and looks very snazzy with the ebony board, big pearl block inlays, and multiple ply binding. I can't play it that well, but in the proper hands (i.e. not mine) it could cover rock, blues, fusion (what it was designed for), funk, country, and jazz.

Not so good for slack key Hawaiian or ragtime, I suppose.

Oooh, I gotta go play it now.

Heather Anne Peel · August 13th, 2006, 12:09 AM

The 347 was a great model. I wanted one back in 1981 when they were new. I wonder what they go for on the used market? I'll have to check on that! On a related note, there was also the short-lived (1980-82) 335-S, the solidbody 335 shaped guitar. It was cool, but sonically it was more like an SG or a Melody Maker.
Heather

aznrambo481 · August 13th, 2006, 12:19 AM

My guitar teacher lent me his 1983 Ibanez AS-200. Extremely nice jazzy guitar, with 1 more switch than the regular ES's (i never figured out what it does, series/parallel?). Big MOP inlays, back of neck painted black and lacquered, and the most beautiful sunburst finish ever. One of the strap buttons was on the base of the neck, not on the side like the ES at the top of the page. The only dent on the whole thing was a 1 cm long one on the back, possibly from a belt. Played like a dream with D'addario 13 chromes on it. Really heavy though... and really loud unplugged. Pity I had to give it back.

Heather Anne Peel · August 13th, 2006, 12:36 AM

I also seem to remember the Gibson ES-325, which was like a "budget" 335, with a backplate for the controls, rather than the controls mounted in the usual fashion. I remember playing a cherry red one in 1979 through an Ampeg VT-22 at Veneman Music in Springfield, VA, near where I grew up. It was a nice guitar, but I ended up getting an awesome Bradley (made by Ibanez) 335 copy. It was cherry red, and believe it or not, it was the best ES type guitar I have ever played. I really wish I still had it! My cherry red Epi Dot is a great replacement, however.
Heather

Bill · August 13th, 2006, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heather Anne Peel

The 347 was a great model. I wanted one back in 1981 when they were new. I wonder what they go for on the used market?

According to Gbase, they're asking $1800 to $2500.

They were around $500 in the 80's, $800 - $1000 in the 90's, and I haven't seen them under $1400 in the past 5 years.

Also, they underwent a bunch of incarnations, including removing the Sustain Sisters (heavy brass studs under the bridge or tailpiece), a brass nut (changed mine to bone), the distance between the bridge and tailpiece, whether there were fine tuners on the tailpiece or not (I love them, but others don't), what sort of pickups were in it (generally, overdriven ceramic ones--I changed mine for Lindy Fralins). So I expect the sound of these changed over time, as they became more like the other ES guitars.

PK · August 13th, 2006, 03:02 AM

I have the CS-336 in Tangerine Burst. It's truley a dream come true guitar for me. I sold an old J-45 and a Les Paul Standard DC plus added a bit of cash to ease the pain of the cost..... I'd do it again in a heartbeat :). The 57 classic HB pups produce warm sounds on the neck pup, and screams thru the bridge pup (I generally play thru the bridge pups and full tilt overdrive thru my Marshall 50W half stack). I rarely use any effects except the amp overdrive and a wah pedal.

Here's what Gibson says:

"The CS-336 represents the fullfillment of a goal set forth over 100 years ago by Orville Gibson. The Mahogany back, sides and centerblockof the CS-336 are tonally carved from a single block of wood (this single piece construction was one of Orville's original goals) and, when joined to the carved maple top create a guitar with unsurpassed resonance and woody tone. It's scaled down body size and slim taper neck allow for more comfortable playing with no compromise in tone".

Here's a pic:

PK

CharlieO · August 13th, 2006, 07:55 AM

I had an ES-336 several years ago, and at the same time I had an Ibanez AS-80, which I still own. I really wanted to like the ES-336, because initially it seemed like the ideal ES-style guitar for me. Its smaller size was great, and it was comfortable, but in the end the shoddy workmanship and the fact that the $325 used Ibanez sounded better meant that the ES didn't stick around very long.

I'm a big fan of the Ibanez AS series guitars. The Super 58 pickups make 'em sing beautifully.

reverbbb · August 13th, 2006, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGoodTexan

My favorite one of the bunch was the standard issue Gibson ES-336....the one with the straight-stringpull-heastock:

Ha! I just so happen to have one of these for sale on eBay at this very moment. Mine is the Paul Jackson Jr, version and renamed to ES-346. It has several upgrade features like AAA top and gold hardware. At the moment, the selling price is a STEAL for such a fine guitar.

Paul Jackson Jr. ES-346

TheGoodTexan · August 13th, 2006, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reverbbb

Ha! I just so happen to have one of these for sale on eBay at this very moment. Mine is the Paul Jackson Jr, version and renamed to ES-346. It has several upgrade features like AAA top and gold hardware. At the moment, the selling price is a STEAL for such a fine guitar.

Paul Jackson Jr. ES-346

I'm pretty sure that they are not the same guitar. I think the Paul Jackson Jr. signature guitar has a thinner body, no? Its also got a "belly cut" contour.

eggman · August 13th, 2006, 10:02 AM

Howdy,

I've got a 1980 Gibson ES-335 CRR. ("Country Rock Regular"). It came stock with a coil-split switch on the lower bout, brass nut, TP-6 and "Dirty Fingers" p/u's.
I've replaced the p/u's with SD 59's-much closer to Ted McCarty's original design in terms of tone; sounds great. Replaced that bothersome TP-6 with a standard nickel "stop" model and refitted it with a black pickguard ala McCarty's original design. It also has small block inlays which add a graceful elegance to this lovely instrument. She weighs 9lbs!
Looking carefully at the neck it APPEARS to be Maple. Hmm..Truthfully I spend little time with my ES-335; it's a tad heavy and it's got humbuckers! She does play like butter though; so maybe I need to spend more time reaquainting myself. Sounds great through my '65 Princeton (BF) with the volume up to 7 or higher. Nails the tone from the theme to "The Rockford Files". I'm a disciple of Chuck Berry, so a 335 is a must for me :)

Eggman

BLACKCAT69 · August 13th, 2006, 10:19 AM

How about a Epi Casino with p-90's?

Dan R · August 13th, 2006, 10:36 AM

Hey PK, that's a beautiful CS-336. Is that finish tangerine burst? I played a 336 one time in a store a few years ago. It was a very fine guitar. I ended up with a Heritage Prospect because it was about $1000.00 less. I liked the Heritage and it fit my budget. I'll say one thing, ES-335's and CS-336's seem to hold their value quite well. A good investment, I'd say. The reason I like 335 type guitars so much is because they are so versatile. Also, they have an "open" sounding quality. It seems that semi-hollow body guitars have more dynamic range than typical solid bodies. That can be used to great effect to add some flavor to your sound.

Dan R

gottabeash · August 13th, 2006, 10:47 AM

i absolutely love my 72 es 335. its cherry with block inlays, and a nice flamey back. someone put a stop tail and a brass nut on it. i guess guys that buy les pauls have never played an es 335!

s.

PK · August 13th, 2006, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan R

Hey PK, that's a beautiful CS-336. Is that finish tangerine burst? I played a 336 one time in a store a few years ago. It was a very fine guitar. I ended up with a Heritage Prospect because it was about $1000.00 less. I liked the Heritage and it fit my budget. I'll say one thing, ES-335's and CS-336's seem to hold their value quite well. A good investment, I'd say. The reason I like 335 type guitars so much is because they are so versatile. Also, they have an "open" sounding quality. It seems that semi-hollow body guitars have more dynamic range than typical solid bodies. That can be used to great effect to add some flavor to your sound.

Dan R

Thanks, yes it's the Tangerine Burst (figured top). I had to do some Horse trading to justify the cost

. BTW, my Tele is the perfect "other" guitar. I'd say the 336 gets playing time about 3 to 1, but whenever I play the Tele (at least twice a week) it somehow makes me a better player.

PK

J. Hayes · August 13th, 2006, 04:30 PM

the Gibson Trini Lopez model. The "Trini" came in two versions. One was a thicker archtop with two pointed cutaways like the Barney Kessel guitar and one with a body that was the exact dimensions of the 335. These were very unique in the fact that they had a 6 in line headstock w/Kluson tuners and the sound holes were an elongated diamond shape. They had the diamond shape inlays on the fretboard like some Gibson acoustics have also. The standard color was mostly cherry red. I bought one from the Guitar Center in Hollywood around '69 or so if I remember right. I'd went there with the proceeds from a tax refund looking for a cherry red 335 but there weren't any in stock. I was going to leave but the saleman said he had a guitar I should look at and he'd give me a great deal as it'd been in the store over a year. At that time I think the Trini was a good deal more than the 335 and basically the same guitar with a different shaped headstock. I walked out of the store with the guitar and used it for many years until I sold it a few years ago to get the cash to re-aquire an old Tele I'd owned. I miss the Trini but I like the Tele better so that's OK I guess. Currently for that style of guitar I have an Epiphone Sheraton, sunburst version that I like a lot. I prefer very low action and the Epi will handle it..........JH in Va.

zombywoof · August 13th, 2006, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheGoodTexan

And I've never really noticed much of a "snobbery" among ES-owners.....as far as Epiphones versus Gibsons. Sure, the Gibsons are generally better over quality, but that doesn't mean that there aren't some really great Epiphones out there too.

Actually I know some folks who own New York made Epis who would say it is the other way around - that they do not snub the lesser Gibsons.

There is little doubt that those NY made Epi's gave Gibson a run for their money. I recently got to play a 1948 Zephyr Emperor Regent. Big jazz box with vine inlay on headstock and V inlay onboard. Absolutely mint condition. Had a Joe Maphis typle Bigsby installed. Absolutely flawless construction and a beautiful sounding guitar although not much use for blues or rock. Its history is also well known - was purchased new for use in a country swing band. The guy who owns it now got it from the son of the original owner (who is like 70 now) who also supplied some old newspaper photographs of the band as well as the original tail piece.

RnB · August 13th, 2006, 09:50 PM

I've got an '85 Dot neck reissue that I paid $1200 for about 12 years ago at Gryphon. For a long time, I always thought it sounded real muddy, but I held onto it. Then, finally a few years ago, I brought it in to see why it didn't have that 335 sparkle to it. I always thought it was the pickups. They are Shaws, standard for that era.

As it turned out, the vol & tone pots were 100k & 300k pots. I changed them out, to the correct 500k CTS's, put some lighter Vintage style tuners & a long pkgd on it, replaced the Nashville TOM w/ an ABR-1, and popped on a lightweight TP...What a difference! At just over 8 lbs, it sounds great, plays easily, has killer finish w/ perfect neck shape (for me), & it's still in great condition. It wasn't the pups at all! The upgrades totally turned it around & improved its' sound & appearance. I would not sell it for anything...

Check out these new kids on the block:
http://www.gibsoncustom.com/flash/pr...td/355ltd.html
http://www.gibsoncustom.com/inspired...rbison335.html

~ RB

Heather Anne Peel · August 13th, 2006, 10:07 PM

Wow, some really nice examples here! When I get off my lazy you know what I'll take some pics of mine. I really dig my Epis, they were both well made, and they play and sound great. After my Dan Armstrong and Teles, these are my next fave types of guitars, followed equally by SGs and Strats. I like pretty traditional guitars, for the most part. The 335 style is a classic!
Heather

jonzer · August 14th, 2006, 12:27 PM

My Epi Dot has been hanging out in the basement studio which belongs to my drummer (or former drummer..not real sure yet). I hadn't played her in a while. I crashed at his house after a party the other night and I took the Dot back home. Man, I missed her. She needs a restringing bad.

I have a DRRI and once played a Gibson 335 through the same amp at GC. I thought it sounded so much better than my Epi. When I got home I plugged in my Epi and realized it was almost the same. I said "almost".

I just need to become more comfortable with the semi hollow design while on stage. I'm so used to my tele which is my main guitar. But talk about the perfect duo....a tele and a 335. That's covering most of the bases.

Fatmanstratman · August 14th, 2006, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J. Hayes

A forgotten version of a 335 style guitar was (is)..... the Gibson Trini Lopez model.

A great looking guitar, but very hard to find these days.

The Trini Lopez model is currently the main squeeze of Noel Gallagher of Oasis - one of MY guitar heroes!

Fatmanstratman · August 14th, 2006, 04:25 PM

Fantastic guitars. If I didn't love the Telecaster so much, the 335-style guitar would definitely be my first choice.

Here's my Gibson 335 - so versatile, and so easy to play. I love it.....

And here's my Epiphone Sheraton - this was my first semi-acoustic, and still sounds incredible. I don't play it very often (in fact, it sits in the corner of my office, and only tends to get picked up when one of my guitar playing buddies calls round for a coffee and some guitar talk). But I still love it. Doesn't QUITE have the feel and sound of the "real deal" Gibson, but if you wanted a top-class 335-style, and couldn't afford a Gibson, you would have to go a long way to beat this for quality and bang-for-buck.....

reverbbb · August 14th, 2006, 07:13 PM

Well, since we are showing pix of our ES guitars, I cannot resist showing mine that I posted over in Gibson-Talk:

This is among the last 5 they made in this color. This color can only be ordered as a Custom Shop version now, which means mucho big money.

Heather Anne Peel · August 14th, 2006, 09:07 PM

I will add this: last year, when I bought my cherry red Dot, I A/B'ed it against a $2,300 cherry Gibson ES-335. Yes, there were definite sonic differences, but the guitars felt remarkably similar. My Epi was around $450 or so. An even bigger bargain is my black Dot Studio, which I picked up in 2004 for around $300 new! It's a really great 335 type guitar, as well. Epiphone is doing a great job making classic guitar designs that are affordable for the working musician. And I am not bothered by Epiphone or Squier on my headstocks, either. I have guitars in my collection by both, and they are really great.
Heather

Jonathan · August 14th, 2006, 09:21 PM

Here is mine. :D

I must say I have not played any Gibsons. But its one of my nicest playing guitars. Mst have gotten a good piece. :)

charlie chitlin · August 14th, 2006, 09:31 PM

If I had some money to invest, I'd be stocking up on orange label 335's all day at $3500-$4000.
Compare that price to the same vintage Strat!
When the style changes, those 335's will be worth big coin.
Well...that's my hare-brained prediction, anyway.

Tdot · August 15th, 2006, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jonathan

I must say I have not played any Gibsons. But its one of my nicest playing guitars. Mst have gotten a good piece. :)

Me too

There isn't anything to complain about on this bargain level hollowbody.

Mike Simpson · August 15th, 2006, 01:48 AM

I have a 1962 ES-335 sunburst (dk tobacco) with original bigsby (no stop tail holes were ever drilled)

Here is a pic of it from the MBBF 2002

David Barnett · August 15th, 2006, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Mike Simpson

I have a 1962 ES-335 sunburst (dk tobacco) with original bigsby (no stop tail holes were ever drilled)

Here is a pic of it from the MBBF 2002

Jeez, that thing looks like a ukulele on you!

Cassady · August 15th, 2006, 08:26 AM

I recently finished upgrading my Sheraton II to all chrome hardware with High Order pickups and am really thrilled with it. I finally took a picture of it with a digital camera, so here goes:

Cassady

fingers23 · August 15th, 2006, 02:10 PM

Aaaarrrrggghhhhhhh.........nnnoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! !!

I joined up here because my next project is to have a Keef style Tele, which will be completed soon...........................

But I found this thread only talking about my most wanted, the lovely, beautiful 335. I did not realise that the Epi versions were so well thought of.............so I have surfed and they seem to be crackin' bargains.............. just gotta get one. But which one, can any explain the differences between a 335 Dot, 335 Studio, Sheraton or even a Casino which is fitted with P90's:)

Looks like I'm going to be poor, for a while again.........thanks Guys and Heather

August 12th, 2006, 07:08 PM	#1 (permalink)
Heather Anne Peel Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 48 Posts: 2,999 3 Photos	The ES-325/335/336/345/347/355/Dot/Dot Studio/Lucille I really love these type of guitars. I have 3 such guitars in my collection: a cherry red Epiphone Dot, a black Dot Studio and a really cool early '80s Vantage VSH-455. The semi-hollow body style produces an amazing sound, and these type of guitars play really effortlessly. I have always loved them. In the '80s, I had a '69 Gibson ES-335, which was equally great. So many of my fave guitarists use or have used these over the years. The tone is a really nice blend of acoustic and electric qualities. These guitars are excellent for lots of styles, which probably accounts for their being one of the mainstay session guitars during the '70s. Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, Alvin Lee, Larry Carlton, Rich Robinson, Pat Simmons, Freddie King, Chuck Berry, BB King, Elvin Bishop are just a few examples of players who have made amazing music using this type of electric guitar. Definitely a classic and one of my faves! Heather Last edited by Heather Anne Peel; August 13th, 2006 at 12:38 AM.

August 12th, 2006, 07:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
TheGoodTexan Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 7,832 10 Photos	My favorite one of the bunch was the standard issue Gibson ES-336....the one with the straight-stringpull-heastock: I know that the non-traditional Gibson headstock is a deal-killer for some folks, but the looks don't bother me. I worked at Gibson when these guitars were being designed and introduced, and I got to play a large handfull of them before they left the factory. When I bought my LP Custom at my employee discount (dealer cost), it came down to the LP or the 336. This was before the 336 was designated as a Custom Shop guitar. It was just made in the standard facility in Nashville, and the price was a little more reasonable. I loved the 336. It has so much "air" in the tone. Just a very lively and resonate guitar. Although it looks like a 335jr, it has a character all its own. I ended up going with the LP, but in retrospect, I might should have got the ES-336. They don't make it that way any more. I believe that it's now a CS-336, being made only in the Custom Shop, and Gibson has ambandoned the straight-stringpull-headstock (although it is a superior design). Also, at that time (mid-to-late 1990s), there were a very few number of 25.5" scale ES-336s made (with the narrow headstock).....believe it or not. Now that was a very cool guitar. It didn't sound anything like a Gibson, but it was dang cool. I'd bet that there were less than 50 of them made (just from what I remember). So that's a rare bird for sure. __________________ When you're in the midst of stupidity, it's hard to know exactly where to stand. - Rutledge Wood

August 12th, 2006, 08:22 PM	#3 (permalink)
Maestro Tele-Holic Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: The United Lowlands Of Holland Posts: 755	I'm on the lookout for a gibson 330. a friend of my dad has a first year one pickup witch is really cool. But I'm also on the lookout for a short scale archtop/335 type. I didn't like the epi dot, but the sheraton I played was good but to elaborate. I would like to try the riviera. __________________ A clean conscience is usually the result of a bad memory.

August 12th, 2006, 08:40 PM	#4 (permalink)
vic108 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Mudwogweap, VA Age: 55 Posts: 1,037 9 Photos	I got ES fever bad............ __________________ Guitars will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no guitars

August 12th, 2006, 09:58 PM	#5 (permalink)
Telenator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 10,911 4 Photos	My Heritage Blues Deluxe http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...luesdeluxe.jpg __________________ Dogs have the right idea! www.telenator.com

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August 12th, 2006, 10:30 PM	#6 (permalink)
Heather Anne Peel Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 48 Posts: 2,999 3 Photos	Nice! Heritage made some great ES style axes. I believe Heritage was founded by former Gibson employees, if I recall correctly. Heather

August 12th, 2006, 10:39 PM	#7 (permalink)
Telenator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Connecticut Posts: 10,911 4 Photos	Yes, several of the original Gibson people stayed behind in Kalamazoo when Gibson moved to Nashville. Heritage guitars are produced in one of the old buildings Gibson used to occupy. If you close your eyes and play, the feel is exactly like a Gibson. It just costs less! __________________ Dogs have the right idea! www.telenator.com

August 12th, 2006, 10:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
Heather Anne Peel Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 48 Posts: 2,999 3 Photos	My Epi Dot and Dot Studio are really great, as well. Yes, I know a "real" 335 is better, but I can't possibly afford that. Well, I could, but I have chosen to buy more less expensive guitars! Anyway, I love my Dots. My cherry red one especially, but they are both pretty great. Heather

August 12th, 2006, 11:59 PM	#9 (permalink)
Heather Anne Peel Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 48 Posts: 2,999 3 Photos	My God, how could I leave Steve Miller off my list of ES players?! His semi-hollowbody tones on his first 5 LPs was nothing short of stunning. Steve sounds great on his Strats, etc., but his tone back then was killer! His solo on "Little Girl" from 1969's "Your Saving Grace" floors me. Awesome! Heather

August 13th, 2006, 12:02 AM	#10 (permalink)
TheGoodTexan Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Nashville, TN Posts: 7,832 10 Photos	So is there a general concensus on the Epiphone Dot versus the Sheraton II? I'm not a big fan of all the extra "stuff" on the Sheraton II, but I think I prefer that neck over the neck on the Dot. And I'm not sure that I'd be able to deal with the tail piece on the Rivera, although I do think the mini-hums sound cool in the ES-style body. Since Epiphone is distributed from here in Nashville, there seem to be a glut of used Dots and Sheraton IIs around town from time to time. Over the years I've seen several used Dots around town that have been upgraded with Gibson humbuckers and electronics (pots and switches)....for $199! They feel great and sound terrific. And I've never really noticed much of a "snobbery" among ES-owners.....as far as Epiphones versus Gibsons. Sure, the Gibsons are generally better over quality, but that doesn't mean that there aren't some really great Epiphones out there too. __________________ When you're in the midst of stupidity, it's hard to know exactly where to stand. - Rutledge Wood

August 13th, 2006, 12:04 AM	#11 (permalink)
Bill Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: London Posts: 4,155 67 Photos	Thanks for including the ES-347! These were real sleepers until recently, but I've noticed they've gone up in price over the past few years. I posted about this in your other thread, but I love its versatility with its coil tap. It also plays very smoothly, and looks very snazzy with the ebony board, big pearl block inlays, and multiple ply binding. I can't play it that well, but in the proper hands (i.e. not mine) it could cover rock, blues, fusion (what it was designed for), funk, country, and jazz. Not so good for slack key Hawaiian or ragtime, I suppose. Oooh, I gotta go play it now. __________________ B i l l B a e c k WilliamBaeck.com

August 13th, 2006, 12:09 AM	#12 (permalink)
Heather Anne Peel Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 48 Posts: 2,999 3 Photos	The 347 was a great model. I wanted one back in 1981 when they were new. I wonder what they go for on the used market? I'll have to check on that! On a related note, there was also the short-lived (1980-82) 335-S, the solidbody 335 shaped guitar. It was cool, but sonically it was more like an SG or a Melody Maker. Heather

August 13th, 2006, 12:19 AM	#13 (permalink)
aznrambo481 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla, California Age: 21 Posts: 2,910 6 Photos	My guitar teacher lent me his 1983 Ibanez AS-200. Extremely nice jazzy guitar, with 1 more switch than the regular ES's (i never figured out what it does, series/parallel?). Big MOP inlays, back of neck painted black and lacquered, and the most beautiful sunburst finish ever. One of the strap buttons was on the base of the neck, not on the side like the ES at the top of the page. The only dent on the whole thing was a 1 cm long one on the back, possibly from a belt. Played like a dream with D'addario 13 chromes on it. Really heavy though... and really loud unplugged. Pity I had to give it back. __________________ Check out my bands, and feel free to PM me comments on them! The Eclectics (guitar/vocals) SLIP (bass)

August 13th, 2006, 12:36 AM	#14 (permalink)
Heather Anne Peel Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 48 Posts: 2,999 3 Photos	I also seem to remember the Gibson ES-325, which was like a "budget" 335, with a backplate for the controls, rather than the controls mounted in the usual fashion. I remember playing a cherry red one in 1979 through an Ampeg VT-22 at Veneman Music in Springfield, VA, near where I grew up. It was a nice guitar, but I ended up getting an awesome Bradley (made by Ibanez) 335 copy. It was cherry red, and believe it or not, it was the best ES type guitar I have ever played. I really wish I still had it! My cherry red Epi Dot is a great replacement, however. Heather

August 13th, 2006, 03:02 AM	#16 (permalink)
PK Banned Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ventura California Age: 52 Posts: 1,223 4 Photos	CS-336... I have the CS-336 in Tangerine Burst. It's truley a dream come true guitar for me. I sold an old J-45 and a Les Paul Standard DC plus added a bit of cash to ease the pain of the cost..... I'd do it again in a heartbeat :). The 57 classic HB pups produce warm sounds on the neck pup, and screams thru the bridge pup (I generally play thru the bridge pups and full tilt overdrive thru my Marshall 50W half stack). I rarely use any effects except the amp overdrive and a wah pedal. Here's what Gibson says: "The CS-336 represents the fullfillment of a goal set forth over 100 years ago by Orville Gibson. The Mahogany back, sides and centerblockof the CS-336 are tonally carved from a single block of wood (this single piece construction was one of Orville's original goals) and, when joined to the carved maple top create a guitar with unsurpassed resonance and woody tone. It's scaled down body size and slim taper neck allow for more comfortable playing with no compromise in tone". Here's a pic: PK

August 13th, 2006, 07:55 AM	#17 (permalink)
CharlieO Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sarasota, FL Age: 60 Posts: 2,176 12 Photos	I had an ES-336 several years ago, and at the same time I had an Ibanez AS-80, which I still own. I really wanted to like the ES-336, because initially it seemed like the ideal ES-style guitar for me. Its smaller size was great, and it was comfortable, but in the end the shoddy workmanship and the fact that the $325 used Ibanez sounded better meant that the ES didn't stick around very long. I'm a big fan of the Ibanez AS series guitars. The Super 58 pickups make 'em sing beautifully.

August 13th, 2006, 10:02 AM	#20 (permalink)
eggman Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bossier City,La. Posts: 2,467	Howdy, I've got a 1980 Gibson ES-335 CRR. ("Country Rock Regular"). It came stock with a coil-split switch on the lower bout, brass nut, TP-6 and "Dirty Fingers" p/u's. I've replaced the p/u's with SD 59's-much closer to Ted McCarty's original design in terms of tone; sounds great. Replaced that bothersome TP-6 with a standard nickel "stop" model and refitted it with a black pickguard ala McCarty's original design. It also has small block inlays which add a graceful elegance to this lovely instrument. She weighs 9lbs! Looking carefully at the neck it APPEARS to be Maple. Hmm..Truthfully I spend little time with my ES-335; it's a tad heavy and it's got humbuckers! She does play like butter though; so maybe I need to spend more time reaquainting myself. Sounds great through my '65 Princeton (BF) with the volume up to 7 or higher. Nails the tone from the theme to "The Rockford Files". I'm a disciple of Chuck Berry, so a 335 is a must for me :) Eggman

August 13th, 2006, 10:19 AM	#21 (permalink)
BLACKCAT69 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Canada-Windsor-Ont. Age: 41 Posts: 2,635 5 Photos	How about a Epi Casino with p-90's? __________________ http://www.lukefisher.com/blame.wav

August 13th, 2006, 10:36 AM	#22 (permalink)
Dan R Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Charleston, SC Age: 54 Posts: 1,154	Hey PK, that's a beautiful CS-336. Is that finish tangerine burst? I played a 336 one time in a store a few years ago. It was a very fine guitar. I ended up with a Heritage Prospect because it was about $1000.00 less. I liked the Heritage and it fit my budget. I'll say one thing, ES-335's and CS-336's seem to hold their value quite well. A good investment, I'd say. The reason I like 335 type guitars so much is because they are so versatile. Also, they have an "open" sounding quality. It seems that semi-hollow body guitars have more dynamic range than typical solid bodies. That can be used to great effect to add some flavor to your sound. Dan R Last edited by Dan R; August 13th, 2006 at 11:13 AM.

August 13th, 2006, 10:47 AM	#23 (permalink)
gottabeash Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: greenville, sc Age: 34 Posts: 166 5 Photos	i absolutely love my 72 es 335. its cherry with block inlays, and a nice flamey back. someone put a stop tail and a brass nut on it. i guess guys that buy les pauls have never played an es 335! s.

August 13th, 2006, 04:30 PM	#25 (permalink)
J. Hayes Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2005 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. Posts: 1,979	A forgotten version of a 335 style guitar was (is)..... the Gibson Trini Lopez model. The "Trini" came in two versions. One was a thicker archtop with two pointed cutaways like the Barney Kessel guitar and one with a body that was the exact dimensions of the 335. These were very unique in the fact that they had a 6 in line headstock w/Kluson tuners and the sound holes were an elongated diamond shape. They had the diamond shape inlays on the fretboard like some Gibson acoustics have also. The standard color was mostly cherry red. I bought one from the Guitar Center in Hollywood around '69 or so if I remember right. I'd went there with the proceeds from a tax refund looking for a cherry red 335 but there weren't any in stock. I was going to leave but the saleman said he had a guitar I should look at and he'd give me a great deal as it'd been in the store over a year. At that time I think the Trini was a good deal more than the 335 and basically the same guitar with a different shaped headstock. I walked out of the store with the guitar and used it for many years until I sold it a few years ago to get the cash to re-aquire an old Tele I'd owned. I miss the Trini but I like the Tele better so that's OK I guess. Currently for that style of guitar I have an Epiphone Sheraton, sunburst version that I like a lot. I prefer very low action and the Epi will handle it..........JH in Va. __________________ Ralph Mooney rules!!

August 13th, 2006, 09:50 PM	#27 (permalink)
RnB Tele-Meister Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: SF Bay Area Age: 65 Posts: 328	*'85 Dt Neck** I've got an '85 Dot neck reissue that I paid $1200 for about 12 years ago at Gryphon. For a long time, I always thought it sounded real muddy, but I held onto it. Then, finally a few years ago, I brought it in to see why it didn't have that 335 sparkle to it. I always thought it was the pickups. They are Shaws, standard for that era. As it turned out, the vol & tone pots were 100k & 300k pots. I changed them out, to the correct 500k CTS's, put some lighter Vintage style tuners & a long pkgd on it, replaced the Nashville TOM w/ an ABR-1, and popped on a lightweight TP...What a difference! At just over 8 lbs, it sounds great, plays easily, has killer finish w/ perfect neck shape (for me), & it's still in great condition. It wasn't the pups at all! The upgrades totally turned it around & improved its' sound & appearance. I would not sell it for anything... Check out these new kids on the block: http://www.gibsoncustom.com/flash/pr...td/355ltd.html http://www.gibsoncustom.com/inspired...rbison335.html ~ RB Last edited by RnB; August 13th, 2006 at 10:21 PM.

August 13th, 2006, 10:07 PM	#28 (permalink)
Heather Anne Peel Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 48 Posts: 2,999 3 Photos	Wow, some really nice examples here! When I get off my lazy you know what I'll take some pics of mine. I really dig my Epis, they were both well made, and they play and sound great. After my Dan Armstrong and Teles, these are my next fave types of guitars, followed equally by SGs and Strats. I like pretty traditional guitars, for the most part. The 335 style is a classic! Heather

August 14th, 2006, 12:27 PM	#29 (permalink)
jonzer Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Virginia Age: 45 Posts: 2,727	My Epi Dot has been hanging out in the basement studio which belongs to my drummer (or former drummer..not real sure yet). I hadn't played her in a while. I crashed at his house after a party the other night and I took the Dot back home. Man, I missed her. She needs a restringing bad. I have a DRRI and once played a Gibson 335 through the same amp at GC. I thought it sounded so much better than my Epi. When I got home I plugged in my Epi and realized it was almost the same. I said "almost". I just need to become more comfortable with the semi hollow design while on stage. I'm so used to my tele which is my main guitar. But talk about the perfect duo....a tele and a 335. That's covering most of the bases.

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August 14th, 2006, 04:25 PM	#31 (permalink)
Fatmanstratman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Fatmanville, Cambs., UK Posts: 5,694	Fantastic guitars. If I didn't love the Telecaster so much, the 335-style guitar would definitely be my first choice. Here's my Gibson 335 - so versatile, and so easy to play. I love it..... And here's my Epiphone Sheraton - this was my first semi-acoustic, and still sounds incredible. I don't play it very often (in fact, it sits in the corner of my office, and only tends to get picked up when one of my guitar playing buddies calls round for a coffee and some guitar talk). But I still love it. Doesn't QUITE have the feel and sound of the "real deal" Gibson, but if you wanted a top-class 335-style, and couldn't afford a Gibson, you would have to go a long way to beat this for quality and bang-for-buck..... __________________ . "The man who questions opinions is wise. The man who quarrels with facts is a fool." (Frank Garbutt, inventor & industrialist)

August 14th, 2006, 07:13 PM	#32 (permalink)
reverbbb Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Just Plano, Texas Age: 53 Posts: 4,000 39 Photos	Well, since we are showing pix of our ES guitars, I cannot resist showing mine that I posted over in Gibson-Talk: This is among the last 5 they made in this color. This color can only be ordered as a Custom Shop version now, which means mucho big money. __________________ "I come here to reflect a little."™ Buffalo Blues Band

August 14th, 2006, 09:07 PM	#33 (permalink)
Heather Anne Peel Friend of Leo's Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Nowhere Age: 48 Posts: 2,999 3 Photos	I will add this: last year, when I bought my cherry red Dot, I A/B'ed it against a $2,300 cherry Gibson ES-335. Yes, there were definite sonic differences, but the guitars felt remarkably similar. My Epi was around $450 or so. An even bigger bargain is my black Dot Studio, which I picked up in 2004 for around $300 new! It's a really great 335 type guitar, as well. Epiphone is doing a great job making classic guitar designs that are affordable for the working musician. And I am not bothered by Epiphone or Squier on my headstocks, either. I have guitars in my collection by both, and they are really great. Heather

August 14th, 2006, 09:21 PM	#34 (permalink)
Jonathan TDPRI Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Singapore Age: 24 Posts: 27	Here is mine. :D I must say I have not played any Gibsons. But its one of my nicest playing guitars. Mst have gotten a good piece. :)

August 14th, 2006, 09:31 PM	#35 (permalink)
charlie chitlin Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Spring City, Pa Age: 50 Posts: 5,569	If I had some money to invest, I'd be stocking up on orange label 335's all day at $3500-$4000. Compare that price to the same vintage Strat! When the style changes, those 335's will be worth big coin. Well...that's my hare-brained prediction, anyway. __________________ Dig yo'self http://blueplatespecials.net/

August 15th, 2006, 01:48 AM	#37 (permalink)
Mike Simpson formerly "Big" Mike Simpson Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Gilbert, AZ (PHX) Age: 55 Posts: 4,967 73 Photos	I have a 1962 ES-335 sunburst (dk tobacco) with original bigsby (no stop tail holes were ever drilled) Here is a pic of it from the MBBF 2002 __________________ http://www.myspace.com/bigmikesimpson http://www.outbackbluesband.com

August 15th, 2006, 08:26 AM	#39 (permalink)
Cassady Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lincoln, Nebraska Posts: 1,042	I Love My Sheraton I recently finished upgrading my Sheraton II to all chrome hardware with High Order pickups and am really thrilled with it. I finally took a picture of it with a digital camera, so here goes: Cassady

August 15th, 2006, 02:10 PM	#40 (permalink)
fingers23 Tele-Meister Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: On the Edge......... Posts: 264	Aaaarrrrggghhhhhhh.........nnnoooooooooo!!!!!!!!!! !! I joined up here because my next project is to have a Keef style Tele, which will be completed soon........................... But I found this thread only talking about my most wanted, the lovely, beautiful 335. I did not realise that the Epi versions were so well thought of.............so I have surfed and they seem to be crackin' bargains.............. just gotta get one. But which one, can any explain the differences between a 335 Dot, 335 Studio, Sheraton or even a Casino which is fitted with P90's:) Looks like I'm going to be poor, for a while again.........thanks Guys and Heather