Used or New 335's?

[Redrum]

I'm seriously thinking about selling one of my kidney's and my first-borne child for a Gibson 335. I've been a long-time Tele and Strat player but recently have been bowled-over by the range, tone and expressiveness ES-335's bring to the table.

I have an Epi Elitist which I will never part with, but am looking for a Gibson, new or used. I'm not particular about the neck carves, or specific 335 models as I'm interested in all models, past and present.

For those of you out there that have experience with Gibson 335's, which years would be considered the "best", if there is such a thing. And how do the new 335's these days compare to those produced in say, the 70's and 80's?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

[karmadave]

Historic ES-335's are amazing, but pricey. Early 80's re-issues have a good reputation, but I've never played or owned one.

-KD

[BadAssBill]

I'm seriously thinking about selling one of my kidney's and my first-borne child for a Gibson 335.

Once you plug it into a Marshall it'll be worth it, and someday he will understand.

:BEER

[guitarvc]

If you have your heart set on a Gibson, I had a pretty good experience with the ones made in the mid 90's. For some reason, those were pretty good. You could pick one up for around 1800 if you are patient.

If you are open to looking at hand made instruments, Robin makes a Savoy, which is a 335 meets Les Paul style. Made in houston TX. 6105 frets, medium neck profile, Rio Grande pickups...sound and play great...run about 2400 new for a top of the line model. Used, you don't see too many, as usually people keep them. I was forced to sell mine.

I'll get one again.

[FloridaSam]

Used or new I can't really help you. All I know is I saw this one for sale on Craigslist yesterday and its been all I can think about. I NEED this guitar! Its so PURRRRRRTTY! This is supposedly a Gibson "Award" guitar of some sort. I wish I knew more.

http://img107.mytextgraphics.com/photolava/2007/09/28/336-47zebi91d.jpg

[TimH]

I was a long time strat guy and about 6 months ago my ears just changed...everything about strats started to sound too thin. no pedal could fix it. I decided to put up my Anderson Classic for trade and got a very nice production line 335 in trans red. I really couldn't be happier. This guitar is so amazing! I still get good mileage from my US strat for clean passages or pop stuff but for anything overdriven that doesn't need a trem I'll take my 335 any day!

Tim

[eddie101]

The pinnacle years for the 335 would be 1959, 1963 followed by 1964. Depending on the $$ you'd get for your kidney/child, those would be the order. If you want to be frugal, go after the ones with "custom plaque" as they are the DEAL of the century right now as you basically get the same guitar for a LOT LESS dough.

[MartinPiana]

Redrum -- I've heard such good reports on the Elitist -- would you mind saying what's missing, or what you hope to get from a Gibby that you're not getting from the Epi?

[Redrum]

You know, my Elitist is what got me all hot and bothered about 335's in general. To be perfectly honest, there's really nothing about my Epi 63' Elitist Dot that I am unhappy with or would want to change (except maybe the pups-but they sound great too). It's more of a guitar collection thing with me, I've got quite a few decent guitars I would like to sell or trade for a Gibbo 335 to go along with my Elitist (which I believe will be discontinued by Gibson down the line ).

Probably looking at a used 335 as I've seen them come and go around 1600.00 - 1800.00 from time to time. That's why I was curious about which years might be the ones to look for.

Won't ever get rid of the Elitist though, it's just a great guitar in it's own right :AOK

[Gibfenderson]

I wouldn't worry to much about the years. The laminate has been pretty consistent with 335s. I believe Gibson still is using the same press from the 60s. I would just play before you buy. There are good and there exceptional 335s out there.

[semi-hollowbody]

If you have an epi dot or sherraton ELITIST...why do you want a 335???

[5881]

I would take a serious look at a Heritage 535. IMO a much better made guitar, at a much better price, especially used.

[hotraman]

My first electric was a 1983 Gibson 335 dot.
"arrest me red" is the color. Still have it and added a Stetsbar tremolo.
I have played the newer 335's at GC and other shops.
To me, there is a difference in the construction, feel and set-up.
I would look around for a used 335.