In love with a Gibson ES-335, but will the headstock inevitably explode one day?

[5ive1ne4our]

I absolutely love this guitar. No matter how many semi or full hollows I play I'm drawn to it. There's only two things that make me second guess saving up for one.

1 - Price tag... 3K new is a kick in the nuts. I don't mind buying used but deals surface few and far between here.

2 - Gibson's reputation for headstocks breaking. I believed it was an exaduration until my friend's les paul's headstock popped off from a really small "fall."

I've read up on this a lot all over, but just wanted the TDPRI community's feedback. You're my "go-to" for opinions and discussion.

I just feel one day I will be that guy going to a Luthier for a headstock repair if I do get this guitar. I really don't baby my gear, and don't want to have to start because of one guitar. :neutral:

 

[kylejf90]

headstocks

Everyone knows about Gibson's headstock design flaws,but to me, I think you're on point by saying they're exaggerated. Look how many guys have played in bars, clubs, basements, who knows where with a gibson, and came out okay. Maybe look into something from eastman? or another approximation of the design? or keep an eye on Guitar Center's used part of their website for a decent deal on a used one?

 

[Jack S]

Take care of the guitar and the headstock will be fine. Drop it and expect the worst.

 

[uriah1]

Mostly the SG's had the headstock issue..

I think my 335 neck is a lot thicker and angle different...there are 2 or 3 types of necks..

 

[Blazer]

If you worry too much about it you might jinx it.

Besides, if you properly look after your guitar nothing should happen I mean, look at Eric Clapton's ES335 that never had a headstock break and it's over 50 years old.

 

[Guitarteach]

Unlikely I would think if you use a stand and are sensible.

Well over 80 years service clocked up between my two Kalamazoo made headstocks & still going strong!! Plenty of falls & slips in that time too, even sheared off a tuner tulip button once on my 345. No woodwork needed yet (touch wood)

And strap locks from first play!

 

[screamin eagle]

The early 17 degree angled head stocks suffered far worse this reputed fate than the later (and more common now) 14 degree angle. At 17 degrees if you laid the guitar down the headstock would pretty much be touching also.

 

[Big_Bend]

OP, get the Gibson ES335, you'll love it, and the headstock will be fine too.

Enjoy!!

 

[Danomo]

I've had one Gibby ('67 melody maker), and multiple Epi's (guitar and basses) Never an issue.

 

[Dismalhead]

I've owned multiple Gibsons over the past 30 years. Never had a headstock break. My guess is that it's less common than you've been led to believe.

Only guitar I ever had that had a headstock break was a '70s Yamaha 12-string acoustic. My friend got drunk and wanted to play it out in the boonies - chucked it over a cyclone fence in it's chipboard case and busted the headstock clean off.

So my advice, don't let your drunk friend chuck it over a 6' fence and you'll probably be fine.

 

[dog fart]

If you absolutely love the guitar get it. Invest in strap locks, put it in a stand when you're not playing, put it in the case when you're done playing. Accidents happen, and if by chance you are unlucky enough to have one, take it to a luthier and get it fixed. It should never be a worry after that.

I have a '64 Melody Maker that has never had a headstock repair. The same with my other 5 Gibsons. I wish I could say the same about me.

 

[kromanomo]

Not to hijack the thread, but would any one here actually buy a used Gibson with a repaired headstock break? I see them listed here and there, usually at a steep discount and swearing up and down the fix is stable.

 

[speedy mcfeely]

Get an Epiphone Sheridan II. Same basic guitar, much more affordable. Get some Gibson '57 Classic pups and a nice wiring harness and play it like its on fire!!

 

[colchar]

I absolutely love this guitar. No matter how many semi or full hollows I play I'm drawn to it. There's only two things that make me second guess saving up for one.

1 - Price tag... 3K new is a kick in the nuts. I don't mind buying used but deals surface few and far between here.

2 - Gibson's reputation for headstocks breaking. I believed it was an exaduration until my friend's les paul's headstock popped off from a really small "fall."

I've read up on this a lot all over, but just wanted the TDPRI community's feedback. You're my "go-to" for opinions and discussion.

I just feel one day I will be that guy going to a Luthier for a headstock repair if I do get this guitar. I really don't baby my gear, and don't want to have to start because of one guitar. :neutral:

None of my Gibsons have ever suffered a headstock break. Yes, they break more easily than Fender headstocks but I think the issue is overblown.

 

[colchar]

Not to hijack the thread, but would any one here actually buy a used Gibson with a repaired headstock break? I see them listed here and there, usually at a steep discount and swearing up and down the fix is stable.

If the repair is done properly/well it should actually be more solid than prior to the break so yeah, I would buy one.

 

[jayyj]

It's one of those, there's always the chance if you buy a Gibson someone will knock it over and break the headstock, but there again if you cross over a road there's always the chance a car will hit you... look after your Gibson, keep it in its case or on a decent stand when you're not playing it and the chances of anything bad happening are pretty slim.

My favourite Gibson has been my no 1 for nearly 20 years now and seen many hundreds of gigs, recording sessions and rehearsals. It's been well cared for but there has been the odd accident and it's come through fine, headstock still going as strong as ever.

 

[dog fart]

Not to hijack the thread, but would any one here actually buy a used Gibson with a repaired headstock break? I see them listed here and there, usually at a steep discount and swearing up and down the fix is stable.

Sure, but it's something I would want to look at first. I wouldn't buy one over E-buy unless I personally knew the guy who did the repair. Even then I would talk to him/her first.

There's no reason a repair can't be made that is strong and stable. And FWIW I've seen Fender and Ibanez guitars with broken headstocks as well. You just have to treat your guitars like musical instruments not farm equipment.

 

[Dismalhead]

Not to hijack the thread, but would any one here actually buy a used Gibson with a repaired headstock break? I see them listed here and there, usually at a steep discount and swearing up and down the fix is stable.

I would if it looked like it was repaired well, but I'd expect more than half off what it would have gone for without the break. Most of the value as a long-term collector is gone, and resale value would be crap. Kinda like buying a car with a salvage title. As a player though it might be a great guitar.

 

[Obsessed]

At $3K, you are going to be more protective of it anyway, so don't worry, be happy.

+1 on the Epi Sheraton. I don't have to be so paranoid and can rock it to my heart's content.

I think it was the Genesis that got the bad reputation for snapping headstocks, because of the super long thin neck.

BTW, I'd love to have a Gibby 335, just to hang on the wall to gaze at.

 

[moosie]

Take care of the guitar and the headstock will be fine. Drop it and expect the worst.

Exactly. They don't "pop off" by themselves. I bought mine new a few years ago, and I fully expect to pass it (undamaged) to my son in a few decades.

The 335, above all others, is the one that has remained such a joy to own. That feeling before getting one, and then you have it... Today, it's still a thrill to open the case. I play daily, and rotate through a dozen guitars, but I really enjoy the 335. Amazing guitar.

I don't play out, but if I did, I'd use a Hercules stand, and I'd put it in the case between sets, and never let it out of my sight. If that became too much of a pain, I'd gig a Dot and save the 335 for home use (which would be the bulk of my play time anyway).