Bare Knuckle Pickups Forum

Forum Ringside => Guitars, Amps and Effects => Topic started by: Ian Price on November 08, 2008, 09:01:53 AM

Title: 335 a likes
Post by: Ian Price on November 08, 2008, 09:01:53 AM
Going through one of my phases again when I must own lots of guitars! Can anyone recommend a 335-a-like guitar that costs aroung the £750.00 mark? I know Tokai LPs are pretty special but haven't heard what the quality of their 335s is like.

Cheers,

Ian.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: martinw on November 08, 2008, 09:05:50 AM
Keep your eyes open for a Gibson 333. Like a 335 but better! Lovely satin nitro finish that ages to a great looking sheen, and even have a sensible control cavity plate so you can change pickups without trauma, unlike the 335.
They go for about £750.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Ian Price on November 08, 2008, 09:23:22 AM
Cheers Martin - had not really seen the 333s before. Very good pricing compared to the 335 if you ask me!
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: opprobrium_9 on November 08, 2008, 04:57:01 PM
Excuse my ignorance, but what is a 335, let alone a 333?
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: WezV on November 08, 2008, 05:00:50 PM
Gibson ES-335
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: martinw on November 08, 2008, 05:09:45 PM
Excuse my ignorance, but what is a 335, let alone a 333?

:o
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Philly Q on November 08, 2008, 05:17:55 PM
(http://www.12fret.com/usedSoldGallery/GibsonES335nA35799.jpg)

That's a 335.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: WezV on November 08, 2008, 05:22:25 PM
and a damn nice one too!!!  i much prefer dots and large pickguard.

 although i have one in at the moment thats a bit mysterious... gibson couldnt date it just from the serial number and asked me for a pic of the label  as well.  I think its mid 90's and am almost certain its not fake, if it is its the best fake i have seen!!!
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: PhilKing on November 08, 2008, 06:23:45 PM
Here's another one!
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: opprobrium_9 on November 08, 2008, 09:31:24 PM
Thanks Philly and others, that is a very nice looking instrument, but i doubt my hands would get on very well with it.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: mikeluke on November 08, 2008, 10:36:00 PM
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Yamaha-SA-2200-Semi-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar-w-case_W0QQitemZ220308071582QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220308071582&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1298|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Ian - these Yamaha SA-2200 also come highly recommended

Mike
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Johnny Mac on November 09, 2008, 05:16:32 PM
Vintage do a nice one, Ibanez artcore series, Tanglewood, Indie. Fourth Feline has pimped up a Tanglewood.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: ailean on November 09, 2008, 09:19:14 PM
I've got a Tokai 120 (335), and I also have a Tokai LP, both are similar quality (ie good).

I'd plan on replacing the pups though, they are ok, but they aren't BK's, mine has a date with some Stormy Mondays as soon as I can get the cash together!

(http://www.padfoot.plus.com/img/t120.jpg)

Edit: I paid £600 second hand for mine.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: WezV on November 09, 2008, 09:59:00 PM
thats a nice looking 335... micky mouse ears and everything!!
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Kilby on November 10, 2008, 10:44:07 AM
I have decided that I don't understand why Gibson moved away from the Mickey Mouse ears on the 335.

But then it is Gibson I suppose
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: WezV on November 10, 2008, 11:14:48 AM
i think the original 58/59's were pretty much spot on.. there is something just a bit too fussy about the 63/64 era ones when they started putting block markers on and altered the shape of the horns (ears!!)
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: AndyG on November 10, 2008, 02:09:36 PM
I just picked up a barely used Yamaha SA2200 for £750 which I'm fitting with a pair of SM's. I have owned a couple of Gibson ES335's and, to be perfectly honest, they pale in comparison. Build quality is immaculate, the neck has a sublimely comfortable profile, there's no 'step' where binding meets wood, hardware is top class and with an ebony board and split-block MOP markers it's more in 355 territory than a 335. As with most Japanese products attention to detail is near-fanatical.
Mine is in a gorgeous 'violin burst' which is more like a subdued cherry burst with bookmatched flame all over. You get a Hiscox case with these as well.
Definitely one for the shortlist although they don't appear very often.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 10, 2008, 04:54:35 PM
I was thinking of a Framus Mayfieldy, they're loooovely, but I think may be a bit out of the price range.  It can be found near the bottom of this page:  http://www.framus.de/modules/produkte/product_list.php?list=11008&katID=11009&cl=EN

But while looking at that, I saw the one's near the top and now I like them even more (AZ-10)........

....... And then I found this on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1950s-VINTAGE-FRAMUS-SORRELLA-JAZZ-GUITAR-ORIG-CASE_W0QQitemZ250321570677QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250321570677&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1298%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

cr@pola, wish I had some savings  :lol:
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: WezV on November 10, 2008, 05:05:43 PM
that one looks like a project to me!!!  but at least its bolt-on neck which gets you past the neck angle issue most old archtops suffer from

personally i have always had a thing for hofner verithins,

http://www.vintagehofner.co.uk/hofner2/veri.html
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 10, 2008, 05:13:39 PM
You know I don't mind a project  :D

My mates just got one that has a really long headstock, but I can't for the life of me remember what it is.

That Hofner is nice. SCHWINGGGGGG
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Johnny Mac on November 11, 2008, 10:07:33 PM
I was thinking of a Framus Mayfieldy, they're loooovely, but I think may be a bit out of the price range.  It can be found near the bottom of this page:  http://www.framus.de/modules/produkte/product_list.php?list=11008&katID=11009&cl=EN

But while looking at that, I saw the one's near the top and now I like them even more (AZ-10)........

....... And then I found this on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1950s-VINTAGE-FRAMUS-SORRELLA-JAZZ-GUITAR-ORIG-CASE_W0QQitemZ250321570677QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item250321570677&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1298%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

cr@pola, wish I had some savings  :lol:

Did you see that Rosewood one? Very tasty!  8)

http://www.framus.de/modules/produkte/produkt.php?submenuID=21340&katID=11199&linkID=18702&cl=EN

EDIT 2600 sheets! Oh well thats that bit of gas brought to an abrupt halt!
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: d1dsj on November 11, 2008, 10:20:18 PM
Yamaha SA2200 gets my vote... i want one myself though will be a while yet.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: AndyG on November 12, 2008, 02:02:41 PM
Yamaha SA2200 gets my vote... i want one myself though will be a while yet.

It'll be well worth the wait; mine's going in today for a pair of SM's.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: ToneMonkey on November 12, 2008, 05:05:17 PM
While looking for the Yamaha you were on about, I found this....... ah cr@p, I feel another project comming on  :x

http://uk.yamaha.com/en/products/musical_instruments/guitars_basses/silentguitars/slg_s/
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Crazy_Joe on November 12, 2008, 06:17:09 PM
Washburn do some nice ones.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: badgermark on November 12, 2008, 09:55:07 PM
I have a brand new epi dot for sale. Ebony and sounds great, i just need money more than guitars right now.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Crazy_Joe on November 12, 2008, 10:01:38 PM
Check out Ibanez as well, they have some great copies.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Johnny Mac on November 12, 2008, 10:14:10 PM
There's loads of different 335 makes nowadays, which one to choose though....
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Jonny on November 12, 2008, 10:26:39 PM
Check out Ibanez as well, they have some great copies.
Me likes the Ibanez ones.

Not a 335 copy but I can imagine sweet tone from this guitar, I am contemplating in getting one.
(http://www.ibanez.co.jp/products/images/eg2008/AJD91_VLS_12_01.gif)
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Ted 'N' Leo on November 12, 2008, 10:27:23 PM
Personally I quite like the look of the Gibson 339.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Philly Q on November 12, 2008, 10:55:24 PM
Personally I quite like the look of the Gibson 339.

I like it too, mainly for the small size. 

But my favourite 335 types are the Yamaha SA2200 and (especially) the Ibanez JSM100 John Scofield signature - I think they both improve on the shape and looks of the original 335, even though I'm normally a dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist!
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Ted 'N' Leo on November 12, 2008, 11:17:10 PM
Personally I quite like the look of the Gibson 339.

I like it too, mainly for the small size. 

But my favourite 335 types are the Yamaha SA2200 and (especially) the Ibanez JSM100 John Scofield signature - I think they both improve on the shape and looks of the original 335, even though I'm normally a dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist!

Me too Philly, alhough ive never played a 335, it looks more managable.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: indysmith on November 14, 2008, 12:00:33 AM
I never feel like a 335 is too big. Sure it's wide, but it's not thick, and to me that's what makes the difference. I do like the look of those 339s but at the end of the day i'd probably still opt for a full sized beast.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: the guitar repair workshop on November 14, 2008, 09:59:44 AM
Personally I quite like the look of the Gibson 339.

these are fantastic guitars, i've been waiting years for Gibson to make something like this. They sound just right, more 335 than a 335 somehow...an absolute bulls-eye by Gibson and the lads at Guitar Center.
I understand the trad thing completely (I am my self) but this isn't a 335 to me, that still has heee-oooge appeal.

 Its just that this is such a little beauty. I'm due to get myself one in a week or so - my god is that guitar going to be ragged!!
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: richardjmorgan on November 14, 2008, 03:13:42 PM
It never occurred to me until seeing this thread, but how on earth are you supposed to repair/replace the pots on a 335?
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: mikeluke on November 14, 2008, 03:19:59 PM
Or any of the other gubbins.....

Forceps?
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: _tom_ on November 14, 2008, 03:21:50 PM
I want the Jack Bauer Gibson model so badly.
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: WezV on November 14, 2008, 03:22:44 PM
its fiddly, but generally you tie string, fishing line, wire or surgical tubing around the pot shafts before feeding them out the f-hole of bridge pickup cavity.

after that, whatever you tied to the pots can be used to pull them back into place.... and its all a lot harder to get right than that made it sound
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: Fourth Feline on November 14, 2008, 04:15:11 PM
It never occurred to me until seeing this thread, but how on earth are you supposed to repair/replace the pots on a 335?

I have tried a few different pickups in my much loved Tanglewood TH502 semi - and it is fiddly but ultimately worth it. As they say on T.V. at this time of year - " a fun game for all the family " ...  :lol:
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: ailean on November 14, 2008, 08:34:59 PM
It never occurred to me until seeing this thread, but how on earth are you supposed to repair/replace the pots on a 335?

I believe you have to use use string or surgical tubing to pull the whole wiring loom out. Not fun I suspect. If I ever get mine done it will be done by a tech :)
Title: Re: 335 a likes
Post by: WezV on November 15, 2008, 01:36:13 AM
best way ailean, even i want to send them to someone esle ;)