Re: Budget ES-335 . . . i think i like this one !
Oh you are arguing all right …. even if you say you are not.
Jeff - your response is noted. But there is no Pot/Kettle factor here. Some things to keep in mind:
I ALWAYS will discuss price vs performance. As guitar players there is no real scientific way (or at least easy way) to discuss and separate tone and feel from the badge and brand. With wine, you just put some tin foil over it and pour a glass and give it a try. The flavor speaks for itself. But if money is no option, or 1300 is cheap - knock yourself out. Price is relative to income.
And - as for Gibson vs Everything else; I will not argue that any instrument made by them is likely better constructed, and made of better materials than an Epiphone, Ibby, or whatever. But likely does not mean always or absolutely.
And after 30+ years of playing and owning lot's of guitars I know that there are a crapton of companies that are making AS GOOD or SUPERIOR products to Gibson at half the price all day every day. Especially when it comes to the two key elements mentioned; Tone and feel.
I am a Gibson fan boy. I love Les Pauls. I get the 335 vs Dots factor. And I will tell you that ANY guitar of an electric nature over a grand had better kick @$$ and take names, and that it isn't a bargain even at 1300, unless you need it to say GIBSON on it. But if only Gibson is good enough for you - fine. My view is different. OP asked for opinions. That's mine. Yours is different. I didn't attack your view.
I haven't played that specific guitar and you haven't either. I have played 335's, Dots, Elites, and Dot Studios. So your opinion is also just opinion based on no personal experience with that specific model - and of course, not the specific guitar (Which as a semi hollow will vary more than sold bodies).
And I know that at 1300 dollars, it might be the coolest thing since sliced bread with that DF in it. Or, the trapeze tail might suck (I hate them - based on PLAYING), the pickup sound like crap, and a host of other issues, where a ~450 Sheraton with 59's or Seths and TOM might kick @$$. Again - might.
I will also absolutely agree that I love bargain hack guitars that I work on myself. No secret there. But I have vintage Les Pauls too….But then I am one of those guys who doesn't have a tide about playing a 200 vs 2000 guitar and having the perfect vintage Ross phase tone vs a Behringer on stage. I play it out either way.
And what is your problem with GC? The air not rarified enough for a good guitar to be there? That sounds like location prejudice to me. I'll take a good guitar where I find it; GC, Sam Ash. Mom & Pop, Pawn, Ebay, wherever. They have LOT's of guitars at GC. That's what it takes to find a Good Dot Studio! Lot's of GC's with Lot's of Dot Studios!!!!!! Where do you suggest we go to find them? Seriosly; I guess OP should play that exact model then. Where is one? Where can we find a good guitar with a great feel and great tone. I don't let setup bother me. I can adjust the truss/action/intonation etc. Nobody can do that for me but me anyway.
And I LOVE a Dirty Fingers, God knows that! But again, things I'm not putting in a 335 style: Dirty Fingers, X2N, Dimebucker….I can go on. Hey, maybe you think that will be awesome for you. I don't - at least for me.
You are making a lot of assumptions about me man. Gibson paying you for these endorsements?
OP wants some 335 mojo - I see a guitar that is not so much 335, and expensive, even if a "bargain." Heck - just get a USED 335!
