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Post by b1 on Jun 28, 2015 11:34:51 GMT -6
I moved this here instead of hijacking Frank's thread.
Rethinking "the guitar" versus "the status symbol":
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Post by swurveman on Jun 28, 2015 19:55:51 GMT -6
I think the key is the phrase "on the road". I really can see why guys don't take their best guitars and amps on the road. In the studio? Now that's another story. And I agree that great players can make almost any guitar sound good enough, but there's a reason why they use their great/expensive guitars and amps in the studio as well.
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Post by mdmitch2 on Jun 28, 2015 20:13:38 GMT -6
This makes me want to check out the Epiphone 335 Pro.... only $420, but it doesn't look like my guitar center stocks them.
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Post by b1 on Jun 28, 2015 20:27:48 GMT -6
I think the key is the phrase "on the road". I really can see why guys don't take their best guitars and amps on the road. In the studio? Now that's another story. And I agree that great players can make almost any guitar sound good enough, but there's a reason why they use their great/expensive guitars and amps in the studio as well. Definitely if you had both setting there, I'm sure you'd grab the 335 on the way out the door for the local gig. On his site, GinoMatteo.com, he uses the Gibson in the vids. He does BB King one better, I think. But the Epiphone can be turned into a fine instrument, really. Or any decently constructed guitar can be upgraded to the exact same quality and tone as the higher priced authentic one. If the neck joint is right and neck not twisted, etc - then tuners & bridge/saddles can be thrown on, and many times the PUPS are just as good. Maybe replace some of the electrics, maybe not for a while. |
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Post by b1 on Jun 28, 2015 20:29:33 GMT -6
This makes me want to check out the Epiphone 335 Pro.... only $420, but it doesn't look like my guitar center stocks them. Yep. My thoughts exactly! Soon! |
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Post by jazznoise on Jun 29, 2015 3:12:38 GMT -6
To be fair I think that guy could play a car door with some piano wire welded on both ends and make it sound good. Guy has chops!
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Post by b1 on Jun 29, 2015 6:52:13 GMT -6
To be fair I think that guy could play a car door with some piano wire welded on both ends and make it sound good. Guy has chops! He's pretty slick. I think his point was... "if you don't have a 335, why not get an Epiphone". I don't have either, but I've seen a lot of people brag about the Epiphones. I think this pushed me to grab one. |
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Post by mdmitch2 on Jun 30, 2015 10:05:27 GMT -6
I just ordered a cherry model from musicians friend ... On sale for $349. Back ordered, but says they'll be back in stock 7/17. Sale might end today -- not sure.
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Post by b1 on Jun 30, 2015 11:16:27 GMT -6
Man, I wished you would have waited. That tipped me over the edge, so I ordered a Cherry one too!  |
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Post by mdmitch2 on Jun 30, 2015 11:50:53 GMT -6
Man, I wished you would have waited. That tipped me over the edge, so I ordered a Cherry one too! Haha nice! Hopefully we both get good ones. Thanks for bringing this guitar to my attention. I'll report back when mine arrives. |
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Post by b1 on Jun 30, 2015 12:05:45 GMT -6
Now, I'm going to go and prepare by watching me some Moody Blues!
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Post by b1 on Jul 7, 2015 13:58:08 GMT -6
Okey Dokey, here's what $3200.00 buys you in a authentic Gibson 2015 ES 335:
Richlite Fretboard (recycled paper and phenolic resin - tough enough, but not wood)
Poplar body with Maple overlay
Non- coil tapping electronics
A case (yep)
Do I hear price reduction in order to sell the stock? ...Nope, dopes will buy it.
Where's muh Epi !?
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Post by mdmitch2 on Jul 7, 2015 14:22:11 GMT -6
Okey Dokey, here's what $3200.00 buys you in a authentic Gibson 2015 ES 335: Richlite Fretboard (recycled paper and phenolic resin - tough enough, but not wood) Poplar body with Maple overlay Non- coil tapping electronics A case (yep) That must be a really nice case. I think we still have another week or so before our Epi's come in  |
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Post by b1 on Jul 7, 2015 14:30:25 GMT -6
Okey Dokey, here's what $3200.00 buys you in a authentic Gibson 2015 ES 335: Richlite Fretboard (recycled paper and phenolic resin - tough enough, but not wood) Poplar body with Maple overlay Non- coil tapping electronics A case (yep) That must be a really nice case. I think we still have another week or so before our Epi's come in Lol I had to look at some pics today. Gettin' antsy. No MF reviews on the Gibby: www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/gibson-2015-es-335-semi-hollow-electric-guitar?pfm=sp |
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jul 8, 2015 15:33:13 GMT -6
This isn't really a dilemma if you now what you're doing. My Aerodyne Tele cost me around $500 second hand, and sounds as good as any Tele I've had, and I've had a 1951 Esquire, 72' Standard, 62' Deluxe, etc. So, I wouldn't hesitate to take it on the road. Next, my Martin D-41 Turbo is a little too much for hard traveling, so I bought a Doyle Deluxe Taylor for $999 on sale, plus a 10% off coupon, mainly for gigging with. It's voiced specifically as a live guitar, tight, bright and clear, so I wouldn't hesitate to do gigs or take that on the road either. My ES-335 is great for an occasional local gig, but if I was playing regularly, or touring, I would look for a substitute. The best sounding and playing, not too expensive guitar I've ever seen is the Gibson Les Paul Studio. It plays like a monster, and sounds like a classic Les Paul, so buy one used, spend a little more than an Epi, and you're golden. |
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Post by b1 on Jul 8, 2015 19:40:49 GMT -6
Martin, I whole-heartedly agree about used name brand guitars. I was watching a 1974 Gibson SG for 2 years hoping that someone would buy it so I wouldn't have to, lol. The guy was asking $1,900. but I never made an offer. I used to play a '74 SG, but I know I can build a couple of rock solid guitars for what the SG woulda cost, AND you wouldn't be able to flex detune the neck like on the SG. From what I know about guitar construction, so many name brand guitars are so outrageously over-priced.
The most solid high end construction/low end priced guitar I have is a 1981 Peavey T-60 that I paid $300.00 for new; with a case. The only things I've replaced in 34 years of hard playing are the string saddles. It's a great player with a wide range of tones. It'll do: Tele, more Tele than a Tele, Gibson, and stuff in between. Stock PUPS and electronics. It was/is light years ahead of Fender & Gibson. It's the first mass produced CNC guitar and designed to take a classic Tele neck, if you wanted to swap it out.
Your ES-335 is probably older. I don't think I'd ever buy a new high dollar factory guitar again. Too much can be had for much less. I have every reason to believe the Epi ES-335 Pro can hang with the Gibson. I did fully intend to replace any hardware that may be sub-par, before I even ordered. I may put a Bigsby on it too. I'm also intending to record a new song with it, which is the sound I was wanting. That's the main reason I'm buying this baby.
Most of what is out there is CNC milled anyway. The tolerances on the low priced guitars are just as good as the expensive ones. Of course, there are some worthless lemons out there. Just need to steer clear of the plywood guitars with the twisted necks. Replacing the hardware is a minor thing, if it needs to be done. I think the Epi ES-335 would sound great with a plastic nut. If not, a 15.00 investment on a Graph-tek or bone nut will do wonders.
I have rethunk the guitar for many years. This is the future, as I see it (and as countless others sees it). But, if somebody needs impressed by a name brand Axe, I say buy the decals, and invest the difference in hardware that matters!
Are other folks' expensive or name brand guitars worthless? ...not at all!
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Post by Martin John Butler on Jul 8, 2015 21:47:24 GMT -6
My friend has an Epi 335, it was a special edition, maybe the best they ever made, but the neck feels different than a 335, more round. I have another friend with an Epiphone Sheraton that's pretty good, but I still didn't find the neck to be the same shape as the Gibson. I don't know why they wouldn't make the neck the same shape.
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Post by b1 on Jul 8, 2015 22:17:55 GMT -6
Yeah, that would be hard trying to adapt to a different neck shape on a certain model. I would imagine you're right at home with your Gibson ES-335 and maybe even other year models would be lack luster to you. I too wish they would stick to a classic neck shape that worked for most people. I think even a lot of the reissues from diff manufacturers weren't the same feel as the originals.
Do you know what fretboard radius is on your 335? That's one of the thinks I've wondered about; in comparison... probably classic Gibson.
If the Epi doesn't sound/feel right out of the box, I'll give it a good going over. Even if I invest an extra couple hundred or more in it, I think it will be a winner all around. If the neck is straight, tight, aligned right for intonation, and edges of the fretboard is the right spacing from the E strings, I'll be giddy about it. If the bridge or tail piece are substandard, I'll just go with a Bigsby. I don't think there'll be any of those problems. I'll return it until I get something to work with if there is. I'll comment more on it when it arrives this month.
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Post by mdmitch2 on Jul 14, 2015 11:12:56 GMT -6
b1 -- Just got notice that mine has shipped! I'll report back when it gets here.
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Post by b1 on Jul 14, 2015 12:12:54 GMT -6
b1 -- Just got notice that mine has shipped! I'll report back when it gets here. Oh, goody! I just got notice that mine shipped too... We'll swap notes! |
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Post by mdmitch2 on Jul 16, 2015 16:50:40 GMT -6
Finally got my 335 today -- it's very well built, with no obvious flaws except the frets need a good polishing. It has a nice, resonant unplugged sound. Haven't plugged it in yet. @ b1  |
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Post by b1 on Jul 16, 2015 16:57:08 GMT -6
Finally got my 335 today -- it's very well built, with no obvious flaws except the frets need a good polishing. It has a nice, resonant unplugged sound. Haven't plugged it in yet. @ b1 Oh boy, that's a beaut! I went downstairs and looked on the porch (twice) when I saw your pic. UPS is saying tomorrow for mine. I'll be interested in hearing more when you find time! |
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Post by b1 on Jul 16, 2015 17:20:01 GMT -6
Yeah, I just looked at the tracking # and it appears that mine took the long way home.  |
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Post by Johnkenn on Jul 16, 2015 20:57:48 GMT -6
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Post by mdmitch2 on Jul 17, 2015 10:22:29 GMT -6
I think we can all agree with that. Oddly enough though, I bet my $350 epi will hold it's value better.  |
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