Custom shop ES-335 is there any point?

[Sleep]

Hi team. I can understand getting a custom shop les paul will give you better seasoned wood and attention to detail etc. Is this the same with a 335? Ie isn't it still just the same pressed laminate on the same machine as all the other 335s? And bound and wrapped by the same labourers and then passed onto the custom shop for fit/finish?

[Bg]

I think you’ll be paying for fit and finish, not for plywood quality

[robthemac]

Good question. Some thoughts from.someone who hasn't played many CS 33x guitars:

1) Semi-hollows are more intricate instruments that solid-bodies. I'd appreciate the best builders doing the trickier instruments.

2) Replacing pickups on a 335 is apparently not that easy. I'd pay a significant premium for Custombuckers to come stock.

3) The price difference between standard and CS 335 guitars isn't actually huge, at least on Ishibashi. Maybe only a 30% upcharge, whereas LPs and SGs ar eoften closer to 50%

4) The R6 currently sweating in my sleepout is the best LP I've laid hands on and I can't convince the prick of an owner to sell it.

[Dharmajester]

335's are in my tediously long experience the most variable popular guitar in the Gibson range. Buying a Custom Shop produced model would hopefully reduce the possibility of taking home a lemon. Another consideration is spec. CS models have a far wider selection of neck profiles, so if you like a nice chunky neck CS is your only option.

A definite try before you buy instrument nonetheless.

[WellyBlues]

I saw some comment about David Gilmour using a 335 extensively on his new album. Haven't heard the album but I thought that was an interesting fact.

[Sleep]

To further on your points:

Good question. Some thoughts from.someone who hasn't played many CS 33x guitars:

1) Semi-hollows are more intricate instruments that solid-bodies. I'd appreciate the best builders doing the trickier instruments. it was my understanding it was the same labourers and binders on the production line pressing/binding/gluing/ wrapping then passing the built bodies on to the custom shop?

2) Replacing pickups on a 335 is apparently not that easy. I'd pay a significant premium for Custombuckers to come stock. agree here

3) The price difference between standard and CS 335 guitars isn't actually huge, at least on Ishibashi. Maybe only a 30% upcharge, whereas LPs and SGs ar eoften closer to 50% do you feel confident a 335 would arrive from Japan
to nz with a headstock intact and body kosher?

4) The R6 currently sweating in my sleepout is the best LP I've laid hands on and I can't convince the prick of an owner to sell it.
can't decide between an R7 or 335 custom shop. Help me!.

[Sleep]

I saw some comment about David Gilmour using a 335 extensively on his new album. Haven't heard the album but I thought that was an interesting fact.

They are definitely in vogue at the moment!

[Sleep]

335's are in my tediously long experience the most variable popular guitar in the Gibson range. Buying a Custom Shop produced model would hopefully reduce the possibility of taking home a lemon. Another consideration is spec. CS models have a far wider selection of neck profiles, so if you like a nice chunky neck CS is your only option.

A definite try before you buy instrument nonetheless.

Thanks for the tips and consideration. I have heard they are a try first instrument. Its just finding the bloody things!

[GrantB]

Sleep, what model are you looking at specifically?

[Sleep]

Sleep, what model are you looking at specifically?

1961 ES-335 Reissue, Sixties Cherry
Or/ vs
ES-335 sixties cherry

[robthemac]

I'd be no more worried shipping a 335 than any other Gibson.

[GrantB]

Sleep, what model are you looking at specifically?

1961 ES-335 Reissue, Sixties Cherry
Or/ vs
ES-335 sixties cherry

If true to original, the 61 will have a very thin neck. If you like a little more girth, and a slightly smaller body/ears, the 64 is a great choice. I have a Murphy Lab 335 64RI and out of the shipping container of 335’s I’ve owned, this is the one.

The 59s are good too - big neck, big body, unwieldy yet cool, like a Cadillac…

[olegmcnoleg]

335's are in my tediously long experience the most variable popular guitar in the Gibson range. Buying a Custom Shop produced model would hopefully reduce the possibility of taking home a lemon. Another consideration is spec. CS models have a far wider selection of neck profiles, so if you like a nice chunky neck CS is your only option.

A definite try before you buy instrument nonetheless.

Indeed, that's my experience too--there is so little consistency. With 335s and 339s, you need to try before you buy.

[robthemac]

The one in Sail City does seem well priced. Not my idea of pretty, but hey...

[goldtop0]

Go with a customshop over a usa production one, they're just better made and I would think a tad lighter overall.
If you can find a Memphis made 335('8-'18) they're really good guitars, Gibson closed that facility at the end of '18 or thereabouts.