Best value ES335?

[Hound Dog61]

Another vote for Epiphone, the IBG 335 figured is a nice piece of kit:
Epi IBG 335 Figured RTB by Onkel C, auf Flickr

I have the vintage sunburst version of the epiphone 335. Mine is a really nice guitar, and yours is a beautiful instrument.

 

[L3rxst]

Without any reservation, and compared to my genuine Custom Shop 355
Harley Benton HB35+ is unbeatable. I have 3 of them
Ibanez AS53 or AS73 are both excellent I own both too

 

[Stropheus]

One more for Eastman. Got a used T185 for $1100 and replaced basically everything - re-fret, Sunbear pickups, Gunstreet wiring, lightweight aluminum tailpiece. Completely customized, still cheaper than a Gibson and it's a jaw-droppingly wonderful guitar.

 

[Earl Foote]

I suggest you look at Epiphone as well. I have the ES-339 which has a slightly smaller body than the 335. Its my favorite guitar. About $550

 

[lcfparty35]

The Eastmans are nice. Try to play one first. I didn’t jive with mine but there was nothing wrong with it. It was their take on a Gretsch 6120. I didn’t like the finish on mine but other people seemed wowed. My issues were very subjective little things (I guess it all is) but I’ve played some with very wide/thin necks (their lp jr model). So, try to check it out. As you see, many love them, and they are well made at a bargain, for sure.

 

[L3rxst]

 

[PTS]

Epiphone dot with pickup swap (I went with Fralin PAF), and you're golden. They play and sound the same as a Gibson, plus way cheaper / looks closer to the real thing than something like an Eastman (the split/angled block inlays and wide tapered headstock mar it's appearance IMO).

 

[budg]

So many good choices these days. It depends on your budget. Do you have a “not to exceed ___ dollars ?” I would figure what you can afford and shop for those and lower priced ones as well. Personally I think Gibson makes a great 335 right out of the box. I would never buy a guitar hoping to make it into a great guitar. Buy one that’s already great. If that’s a 300 dollar guitar , so be it. If it’s at the max of your budget , then don’t fret it. You have to decide if you are just looking for a 335 type that is the best bang for your buck or you are looking for the best 335 type that you can afford. I find great value in getting what you want the first time.

 

[Jarick]

I'm so impressed with my MIJ Ibanez that I want an Ibanez AS93 as well.

 

[Redraider66]

Ibanez AS93FM is great. Such a great feel and pickups sound classic. Got mine before I knew about Eastman. Only ave Eastman acoustic but based on that one would not hesitate on an Eastman T486

 

[Craig S]

Heritage Standard 535.

 

[Slooper29]

Eastman 100%! Not the cheapest option but my t486 makes most other guitars I’ve played since acquiring feel inferior. However keep in mind the 1 3/4” but width.

 

[LordByron]

The only drawback to the Epi is the “D”shaped necks.Not everyone bonds with it.I have 2 Epis,a Casino & an SG,both with that weird flat-backed “D”shape.Nice,but not intuitive like a “C”shape.

The current IBG Epi 335s don't have the "D" neck. They have nice, beefy late 50's C necks. Not baseball bats, like the '58 LPs, but definitely beefier than the slimmer 60's necks.

I love the neck on my IBG Epi 335.

 

[Funky Chicken]

My recently acquired Eastman T486. I'm good.

 

[UrKungFuNoGood]

I was blown away when I got my Ibanez AS73. I haven't even thought about changing pickups on it. 400 bucks. IMO the best value.
I got a pair of PAF Masters when I bought the AS73 assuming I would swap PUPs ASAP but now I can save those for when I get some time to build a guitar from scratch!

 

[saddletramp77]

All of my responses were pretty much covered in the first page! Allow me to concur:

-Heritage
-Eastman
-Guild/DeArmond
-Epiphone “inspired by” ES-335(the electronics in these are far more legit than any predecessor)
-Epiphone Sheraton II(I own an early 90’s MIK and it’s honestly incredible for what I paid, the stock pickups sound good but I plan on swapping the wiring hardness at a minimum)

Also Gibson made an ES-333 in the mid aughts that can still be found somewhat affordably. They’re just ES-335’s with a satin finish, like the “worn” SG’s/Les Pauls, V’s of the same time period. Additionally they made an ES-335 Studio(gloss finish but no binding like an LP Studio) that I’ve seen go for $1500 or so.

And don’t forget your MIJ Gibby knockoffs like Tokai, Greco, Burny, Edwards, et al.

Happy Semi-Hunting!

 

[beatnik]

Which ones are 3 ply laminate like the Gibson models and which are 5 ply like the epiphany?

 

[mermermer]

Anderson's just did a shootout on the YouTube.

I have a minor GAS for an ES335 (style) right now, but not sure if I wanna fork out min 3k for one. What are my options?

 

[Telechamp]

I really liked everything about my Ibanez AS73 except the pickups. I could have swapped them out, but I didn't feel like fooling with that, so I sold it. It was a very good guitar, though.

Then the great CME Gibson Memphis blowout happened, and I snagged a brand new 2017 Gibson 335 Studio for $670..

 

[gmccoy]

Guild Starfire would be worth an investigation. I see some listed for $500, now I want to try one!

The Starfire IV is, IMO, a better guitar than the Gibson. I have had mine since 66.