$500-ish "335" - Ibanez or Epi??

[Resonant Alien]

I am looking for a 335-style guitar around the $500-ish mark, and am looking at either an Ibanez AS93 / AS73 or a used Epi Casino or Sheraton. Does anyone have experience with these guitars that could give a subjective comparison?

I am mainly interested in the acoustic resonance properties, playability, wood quality, and finish, as I will probably end up putting a new nut, Tone Pros bridge, and new PUPs in whatever I get, so the quality of the hardware and electronics is not that important to me.

Thanks!
Rick

[MartinPiana]

I've found the Ibanez more consistent, but I have a buddy who has a very good Sheraton and I played another good Sheraton in a shop, so there are some good Epis out there. I'd recommend playing before buying, especially the Epis.

[dk123123dk]

Check out a Schecter Corsair. Comes with quality hardware, and they offer a version with a bigsby, or stop bar.

dk

[neastguy]

corsairs are great IMO

[Waxhead]

I tested all the 335 copies last year and bought a Sheraton 2 for $US500.
Looked and played the best IMHO, especially with PUP in neck position.

[Bryan T]

I bought an AS73 for under $300 and have really enjoyed playing it. The sound doesn't have the low end extension of a higher end 335 (I had a Heritage 535 before), but it has a really nice clarity. I actually find the playability of the Ibanez to be better than the Heritage, as the fingerboard sits higher off of the body, improving upper fret access.

I'll probably put some new pickups in the Ibanez and do some minor fretwork on it. All in all, a great value.

Bryan

[gtrplayer23]

check out the wasburn HB-35.

http://www.dcmusicstore.com/Washburn-HB35-Guitar

[chucke99]

The Ibanez AS93 is just $550 new and would have a bit more "bling" than the AS73:

http://www.ibanez.com/hollow/guitar.aspx?m=AS93

[pacomc79]

The reverend Manta Ray is another one to check out in that price range.

[MartinPiana]

Originally Posted by pacomc79

The reverend Manta Ray is another one to check out in that price range.

Used, if you're lucky. I had one and loved it, but it doesn't sound much like a 335. Not much of an airy sound at all, more like a chambered guitar.

[lowenzz]

Ibanez AS103 custom $540.00, just recently got this one. My first Semihollow and I am very happy. Truely an excellent playing and sounding guitar.

[Resonant Alien]

Now I see why there are several threads about inexpensive 335-style gits on TGP...seems like lots of options, more than I knew...The Corsair does look pretty nice, and already has a graphite nut and Tone Pros bridge, plus coil taps. That's a really nice Ibanez too in the previous post...hmmmm

[Oakley]

I've had a number of 335 type guitars and I also have a Gibson '83 335. I liked the Vantage 635 enough to get two of them. But it is the exact same body, made by Samick, as the 90's Epiphone Dot. The neck is maple and thinner - good for someone with small hands. It's no longer made.

But the one I like the best is the Hofner Verythin CT, made in China. The fret work on the one I have is just way above any other Asian guitar I have played. I was going to put a set of Seth Lovers in it but I'm digging the stock pickups now. Here are a couple of YouTube clips - one fusioney and the other clean jazz tones:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AppMZqzbApo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxk3kuic7d0

[Dom]

Originally Posted by Oakley

But the one I like the best is the Hofner Verythin CT

Excellent guitar for the money.

[steven.rogers]

Originally Posted by Oakley

I've had a number of 335 type guitars and I also have a Gibson '83 335. I liked the Vantage 635 enough to get two of them. But it is the exact same body, made by Samick, as the 90's Epiphone Dot. The neck is maple and thinner - good for someone with small hands. It's no longer made.

But the one I like the best is the Hofner Verythin CT, made in China. The fret work on the one I have is just way above any other Asian guitar I have played. I was going to put a set of Seth Lovers in it but I'm digging the stock pickups now. Here are a couple of YouTube clips - one fusioney and the other clean jazz tones:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AppMZqzbApo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxk3kuic7d0

That's really nice quality tone, especially from Youtube. Great swing feel too! :AOK