Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

[Darg1911]

Anyone own or play a Gibson ES 335 Studio? If so, general impressions, good and bad would be appreciated.

I came across a Midtown Standard. Seems about in between a 335 and 339 in body size. It's not a laminated body, it's a routed out solid mahogany body (chambered) with a maple cap and F-holes. Flat top. Simple and understated, I actually liked the look. But I really dislike the slim taper necks. It was also, unfortunately, an example of Gibson allowing instruments with "issues" out the door. Relatively minor but several issues from finish flaws to a nut that looked like it was dropped in the sink-erator. Aside from that, it feels and sounds more like a chambered "solid" body. Not my thing.

I've had my sights set on a Godin Montreal Premiere for a while and I'm getting pretty close. But, I wanted to get some input on the 335 Studio, if anyone has any to share.

Thanks

 

[Wattage]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

two of my buddies have those Midtowns and they love them fwiw. One of them also has a 335 that he's pretty fond of again fwiw

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

To be clear, I'm talking about the 335 studios with dual buckers. Not the older, single bucker models.

Fair enough on the Midtowns, Wattage. The one I played was a bad example but aside from that, I just don't like the slim taper necks and the routed out body is just not what I'm looking for in a semi. I prefer the more traditional construction. But, I can see them being popular if that's what someone wants.

 

[Wattage]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

Honestly I think the Midtowns are kind of funky lol

 

[Aceman]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

Price performance issue IMO. Epi makes a killer Semi…especially with some Duncans…

 

[hydro]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

I have a Midtown (bigsby version) and a dot 335. Both are great, but I have to say the Midtown was a better value. The dot 335 has a more distinctive tone but it's more finicky, goes out of tune more. The Midtown I have gigged a lot with and it's been really reliable and the lighter/slimmer body is great too. Though I will admit that the Midtown is not exactly the prettiest guitar I own.... hehehe

The Epi 335s I played were not very good; however this was a few years ago. The Epiphone Casino I remember was better quality and I have heard good things about them from others.

 

[hydro]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

Also, Ibanez had some semi hollows that are just killer sounding guitars. I am not sure if they are still making them but used ones are still around and still pretty affordable.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

I think the Midtown is a good guitar and a good value. Again, the one I played was just an example of why Gibson get's the reputation of spotty QC and allowing some guitars with spotty workmanship out the door. Aside from some poor work on the nut and other cosmetic issues, it played fine. Action was a bit high but discounting that and the issues, it still just not my thing, and again, I really disliked the neck and I'm not sure it was just the slim taper, which is not my favorite in the first place. I think the model I played also had the wider fret board maybe? It was a 2015. Maybe that combined with the slim taper turned me off. I don't know but the guitar is just not for me, for several reasons.

I haven't played a Gibson 335 in a long, long time. They are more money than I can justify to spend so it's a moot point. I really would have liked to be able to check out a Studio though.

Both Epi and Ibanez have some nice guitars for the money and I've played several of their semi's in my search. A couple of the Epi's would be on my short list if I was on a tighter budget. I've been jonesing for that Godin since I played one over a year ago. It's a bit unique in tone and feel, both of which I really liked, and with a familiar and comfortable neck (I have a Godin Core). I think I'm just at the final stage of making sure I didn't miss anything else.

I appreciate everyones input.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

The 335 Studios are great guitars. The price on 335 Standards is crazy these days, and then I'd be afraid of taking it out of the house. But nothing sounds like a great 335. I'd rather upgrade a Studio than buy an expensive one that I'd wind up upgrading with Seth Lovers anyway.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

If you are talking new, skip the studio and get a heritage 535 PM.

Used find a 333, or satin 335.

In less expensive imports, the Ibby semi hollows are $ for $ the best out there.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

My heritage 535 is awesome and it came loaded with Seth Lovers and TonePros bridge.

Heritage used would be a decent value over buying new.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

 

[Aceman]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

Heck - get an Epiphone Sheraton


Not saying Epiphone = Gibson, but take your time, you'll find a good one. These days, Gibson doesn't equal Gibson for the price.

Never a fan of the "studio" Gibson for some reason

 

[blueman335]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

Heck - get an Epiphone Sheraton

Not saying Epiphone = Gibson, but take your time, you'll find a good one. These days, Gibson doesn't equal Gibson for the price.

+1. There are some nice Dots and Sheratons to be had. I've got a used Dot in natural with a thick mahogany neck, like 1950's baseball bat neck, and put a pair of Seth's in it. You don't have to spend a lot for a good sounding semi-hollow.

 

[regan]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

check out Tokai and Edwards before committing to a Gibson or Epi.
I have a tokai ES135 ('58 335 clone) I wouldn't trade it for a Gibson
From what I understand the Edwards' have a solid carved top and nop the 3 ply laminate most 335's utilise

 

[Aceman]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

I have seen Dot's that run a range from crap to awesome.

But every Sherton I've played has been good to great.

 

[hydro]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

I wondered if anyone would mention Heritage, I have assumed their prices were similar to Gibsons though?

I am mostly happy with my 335 now, though I have been through a lot with it. Also, it's a cosmetic thing but I really wish I'd gone with a block inlay rather than dot. It's a hangup for me with Gibson style guitars....

 

[blueman335]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

I have seen Dot's that run a range from crap to awesome.

But every Sherton I've played has been good to great.

They ought to be, they're a couple hundred dollars more than a Dot. But there's Dots that are of good a quality as Sheratons.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

Eastman and The Loar make some nice semis, too. Their higher end even come with nice Duncans.

 

[Darg1911]

Re: Semi-Holllows ... Gibson 335 Studio

I wondered if anyone would mention Heritage, I have assumed their prices were similar to Gibsons though?

I am mostly happy with my 335 now, though I have been through a lot with it. Also, it's a cosmetic thing but I really wish I'd gone with a block inlay rather than dot. It's a hangup for me with Gibson style guitars....

The Heritage's are less than the Gibsons. I think, even less than the Satin 335's. But even used, a Heritage is well over my budget.

Like I posted, I've been jonesing for the Godin. I think I may have found one. Should know in a few days.