Show me what you bought instead of a 335!

Good question.
I shopped (and borrowed and snooped) for over a year, before I bought:
Yahama SA2200, for roughly a grand less.

You'll get this response more than once, I predict, as well as Heritage 535's.
The SA2200, btw, is more in the 345/355 vein, b/c of 'appointments' and feel.

 

I got a Collings I-35

 

2007 339, playin' it right now. I highly recommend the Tokai ES-100's and up as a cost effective equivalent.

 

Heritage Prospect

 

Gibson Es-333

 

Wow, tell us more! Like, specs, what are all those switches for, etc...

 

Tokai ES 120

 

The Prospect is a 1" smaller (15" lower bout) model that's a cross between a 330 and 335. It has a block against the top like a 335 but the block doesn't touch the back of the body, so it's more "woody" sounding than a guitar with a full block.

I've modded a few things. The 3 way mini switches originally were wired for the Heritage Dual VIP system, (http://www.heritageguitar.com/Custom Features/D-VIP.htm) but now do nothing since I switched to Fralin P-92s

I added a master volume positioned like a Guild Starfire, had it made with a pretty chunky almost "D" shaped neck .875" at the first fret, ebony fingerboard instead of rosewood and split MOP inlays. Neck radius is 12", 24 3/4" scale, Plek setup and Buzz Feiten tuning system. Strung with 10-52.

Tone pros bridge and tailpiece.

I ordered it through Wolfe Guitars in Florida and picked it up at the Heritage factory. With all the mods etc it was still under $2K. It's one of 2 Heritages I have...the other is a Sweet 16 archtop.

 

very cool! Thanks for teh info.

 

Don't laugh- Washburn HB 35 is a seriously nice "335". I paid $400 for an NOS with killer flame and nice HSC- they can be had for a lot less used. Stocks pups are OK but I put DiMarzio PAF Classics in. With those pups in this is a very capable axe- great neck & feel. (I do have a houseful of "name" guitars & this HB 35 holds it own just fine).

 

Hamer makes some beautiful guitars in that vein, as does Heritage, which I've never played as I've never been close enough to a dealer. Unfortunately, where Gibson's regularly hold 75-80% of resale, Heritage and Hamers are notorious for depreciating about 40-50% immediately. These guitars used are great deals, but finding one close enough to play in person before you buy can be tricky. And Always play before you buy.

I've played a few nice PRS semi hollow guitars that apparently come close to holding their value as well as the Gibsons, but IMO also didn't sound or feel like a Gibson at all. Definitely had their own "Rolls Royce" feel to them though. Smooth... And alot pricier than a standard Gibson.

I just looked at the going rate for Gibby 335s and they are less than all the guitars I've just named. How much are you looking to spend?

 

I did 1 better and got a 336. However, if I was looking for a guitar similar to a 335 and didn't want to spend over a $1000 I'd get a used Gibson 333, Hamer Newport or other semi hollow Hamer.

 

I've always wanted a 335, but these days it is unlikely that I'll ever be able to afford one. A friend of mine gave me this guitar when I was in his wedding a few years back, and I no longer feel the need for one.


It's a 65 Epiphone Riviera that was originally a 12 string but was "modded" to 6 and a stop tail piece added. I put an RS kit and GFS mini fats in it and it is brighter than a 335, but kicks just as much ass.

 

Hagstrom Viking Deluxe

 

I grabbed a Heritage Prospect from the emporium.

 

I was convinced I wanted a 335. Ended up with a PRS HBII instead which is a totally different animal but closer to what I wanted. An SA2200 or Johnny A would also have been nice.

 

A player 345.

 

Yamaha SA2200. Very nice neck with smooth ebony board, split coils, fantastic fit and finish, and sounds like a great 335! These guitars are underpriced IMO, even new.

 

I ended up with a Gibson ES333. There were made right along with the 335's. They have a faded finish and a back control cavity opening. With a little polish, they shine right up. Add a pickguard and they look real vintage. They feel and sound just like a 335.