Help selecting a Semi-hollow please!

[Alexrkstr]

Love my guitars, but I am missing a semi-hollow. I played a 335 at GC and loved the sound. In particular, I really liked the 57 Classics, the glassy, smooth, round, full sound that the guitar had was amazing.

Current situation: I cannot afford a 335 and have been looking at other guitars like the Epiphone sheraton, the 137, the 339, and I just discovered the 333!

Question: Is the 333 going to satisfy my craving for a semi hollow that sounds like the 335? It seems, from reading posts, that the 333 is what today is the satin 335. I understand the other small differences (back plate, inlays, binding, pups), but I am looking at TONE - I will change the pups to 57 Classics.

Also, many of the semi hollow guitars that I see online have Seymour Duncan pups installed. I have never played them before and would be happy to hear opinions.

(I'm playing through a vox lil night train and also a AC4TV)

[jazzrat]

I had a 335 and a 335 Satin within a couple months of each other.
My impressions are:

-Great 57 Classics tone from both. I mean really usable, musical versatile range of tones available from either guitar.

-fit and finish on both was lousy. If at all possible play them first because the recent Gibson's I've had (more than these two), have been all over the map quality wise.

-I personally could not live without the bound fretboard on the Satin.
333 has one and cosmetically looks more like a finished 335 to me.

-I also had a 339. Great guitar but leaned more to the Les Paul side of things.
Great rock guitar but not as nice jazz tones as the 335.

-I would consider a used Heritage 535, very similar tones and feel for
fewer $$$.

-really the best 335'ish guitar I had in the last 5 years was a Chinese made
Ibanez AS-103, ArtCore Custom, but there is something about a 335 that
was not satisfied with the Ibanez, more of a vibe and tradition thing.

[JimLin]

If you have your heart set on a 335, i suggest you save until you can buy the one you want. Look for a used model.

And now for something completely different ... Check these out.

http://www.carvinguitars.com/customshop/semihollowcarvedtop.php

I have several gibson electrics -- 2 les pauls ( one of which is a custom shop) and an es-135 semi- hollow. I like them, just fine, but my Carvin Holdsworth Fatboy is by far my favorite. Just something to think about.

[SMan]

If you are on a budget a look into the Ibanez Artcore line could be a good option. You get a lot of guitar for the money.

[Gypsyblue]

Those Carvins look fabulous! But for that price you could buy a used ES-335.

[Darwin]

Many good choices have been mentioned about. I also agree that the consistency and workmanship at Gibson is in the bottom of the tank. I have a couple of Gretsch Chet Atkins models and if you are looking at something in a lower price range I would look at the Gretsch Electomatics. The workmanship it quite good and it is a question of do you like the sound. I also played a used Hamer Newport recently and would love to own it.-- Darwin.

[Herb Hunter]

Those Carvins look fabulous! But for that price you could buy a used ES-335.

It is entirely possible that one might like the Carvins more than a given ES-335 or any of them.

[zabdart]

Look into the Heritage H-535 model. It does everything a Gibson ES-335 does for considerably less money. Heritage guitars are made by the same Gibson employees who lost their jobs when Gibson moved their operations to Nashville, and they're made in the same Kalamazoo plant which produced all the original legendary Gibson guitars. You can usually find great deals on used Heritage models on the Internet, if you're willing to look around a little.

[JimLin]

Those Carvins look fabulous! But for that price you could buy a used ES-335.

Maybe if you buy used ... The Carvin semi-hollowbodies start at about 1/2 the price of a new 335. Plus, they are all solid wood ... Solid carved top and solid back and sides. But... If you really want a 335 ... Buy used.

[6stringpickin]

Gotta say, when I was looking for the semi hollow I was in the market for a 335 also. Went to the store that I knew would have a good selection of them and would be able to play more than one. I played several 335's and then the sales person I usually deal with handed me one more to play. this was an Epiphone 63 Dot elitist and it really sounded, felt and handled better that the Gibson's it was copied from.

To make a long story short it came home with me and I still have it today. I can't say if I just happened to get a good one or if most of them were built that good. But for the money I saved it really made a great find and is still a great player.

Unfortunately Ephiphone has dropped them from the line, but maybe you can find a used one somewhere for even a better price.

Might be worth the look.

[Gypsyblue]

It is entirely possible that one might like the Carvins more than a given ES-335 or any of them.

Been there done that. There's nothing like a real ES-335 - but it has to be a good one. Like mine! :D You'll know when you find it. ;)

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/Goldenbirdcarole/IMG_2630.jpg

[rbachman]

I'm sure there is nothing lilke a real ES-335 .... But the Epiphone Dot is a real nice deal and the pickups are good !!!

[Gypsyblue]

I'm sure there is nothing lilke a real ES-335 .... But the Epiphone Dot is a real nice deal and the pickups are good !!!

I don't think those Epi pickups are good. They're functional. That's about it. Everyone I know who has an Epi 335 has swapped the pickups for something better.

And I've never played an Epi 335 that I'd want to own. They seem to need a lot of work to get them to play like anything close to a professional guitar.

They're strictly an entry level instrument, IMO, although I'm sure there's some terrific bluesman, or kid, tearing it up somewhere in the world on an Epi 335.

[Sombras]

I know I'm simply joining the ranks of people who will recommend the hollow-body they already own, but I would like to recommend the Washburn HB-35. I played a bunch of new and used hollow-bodies beforebuying mine. I was consistently underwhelmed by the Epiphones. Of course, I loved the Gibson 335, but wasn't going to shell out that much for a hobby guitar.

The Washburn HB-35 dates back to the early 80s, with production starting in Japan, moving to Korea, and now based in China. I have a mid-90s Korean HB-35S (sycamore) that I adore. It's stock, so it would probably benefit from better humbuckers, but it serves me just fine. I play it mostly for rock-style music, so I stay on the bridge pickup most of the time. Neck pickup gives a very thick, round jazzy vibe that is too muddy for me if I'm using any kind of OD or distortion. Huge sustain and an excellent neck profile. Someone wanting an inexpensive hollow-body could do a lot worse than the Washburn.

http://www.washburn.com/images/stories/instruments/electrics/hb/hb35n.jpg

[Alexrkstr]

I know I'm simply joining the ranks of people who will recommend the hollow-body they already own, but I would like to recommend the Washburn HB-35. I played a bunch of new and used hollow-bodies beforebuying mine. I was consistently underwhelmed by the Epiphones. Of course, I loved the Gibson 335, but wasn't going to shell out that much for a hobby guitar.

The Washburn HB-35 dates back to the early 80s, with production starting in Japan, moving to Korea, and now based in China. I have a mid-90s Korean HB-35S (sycamore) that I adore. It's stock, so it would probably benefit from better humbuckers, but it serves me just fine. I play it mostly for rock-style music, so I stay on the bridge pickup most of the time. Neck pickup gives a very thick, round jazzy vibe that is too muddy for me if I'm using any kind of OD or distortion. Huge sustain and an excellent neck profile. Someone wanting an inexpensive hollow-body could do a lot worse than the Washburn.


Sombras, thanks for the input. Someone else recommended the same guitar a while ago. Basically, the argument goes in that the bulk of the tone is on the heel and the neck, and this guitar has the same structure as a 335. I saw one on craigslist for $550 + shipping, it was upgraded with 57s but I just couldn't do it for a "washburn" - I probably should have.

I am back looking at guitars and this is what I am considering:
- Vox Virage
- Gibson ES 339
- GIbson ES 333
- GIbson ES 335
- Gibson ES 335 Satin
- Taylor T3

[Badfrog]

If anyone decides to buy a newer Washburn HB-35...... do not buy one on line. I ordered one and it was drop shipped from the warehouse and it was not pretty (the neck joint looked like a bunch of nasty scars, rough cut f holes, strap buttons were crooked, inlays were not good, the headstock had issues etc etc). I was only expecting a $600 guitar so it's not like my expectations were real high.

Go to a store and pick one out if you want one otherwise it could be a coin toss as to whether you'll get one that has some quality to it.

[Sombras]

If anyone decides to buy a newer Washburn HB-35...... do not buy one on line. I ordered one and it was drop shipped from the warehouse and it was not pretty (the neck joint looked like a bunch of nasty scars, rough cut f holes, strap buttons were crooked, inlays were not good, the headstock had issues etc etc). I was only expecting a $600 guitar so it's not like my expectations were real high.

Go to a store and pick one out if you want one otherwise it could be a coin toss as to whether you'll get one that has some quality to it.

Agreed! I was lucky enough to play the Washburn I ended up buying in a used instrument store and picked it up for a really decent used price. I've been told by Washburn afficionados that the Korean-made HB's are better-made than the ones out of China, but I wouldn't know. I would always recommend playing what you buy. Unless you're buying direct from Martin or Taylor, I feel like there's too much variability in quality control--especially among the Chinese-made guitars--to confidently buy online. It's a crap shoot.

[rbachman]

I don't think those Epi pickups are good. They're functional. That's about it. Everyone I know who has an Epi 335 has swapped the pickups for something better.

And I've never played an Epi 335 that I'd want to own. They seem to need a lot of work to get them to play like anything close to a professional guitar.

They're strictly an entry level instrument, IMO, although I'm sure there's some terrific bluesman, or kid, tearing it up somewhere in the world on an Epi 335.
Your opinion is well noted .... It is possible that I "might" have gotten a good one ...

Of course replacement pickups would be better. I'm not an idiot :D

But I don't play it out but it can hold it's own !!!

[Livingston]

I'd bet the ES333 plays and sounds as nice as the ES335, although I've never played one. I do like (and have played) the ES335 and the ES339 with the '57 pickups. I'm not sure the new Artcores nor the Epi Sheritons (while nice playing/sounding guitars at a good value) are going to sound like an ES335 even if you put in the '57 pups...that that's purely a guess on my part.

Here's my semi...it is a 1987 MIJ Ibanez AM70. I have replaced the pups with Ibanez Custom 58's. For me, it is very versatile...everything from Jazz to Rock; mellow to raucous. Nice, warm tones as well as deep, throaty, overdriven sounds.

http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l202/Wildfield/ibanez.jpg

Here's a link to an original fingerstyle tune I played sort of impromptu...I was playing in the band at church one morning, and an impromptu instrumental was needed for an unexpected delay in the service. A woman in a nearby pew caught the song on her phone. Posted as an example of how warm and fat a semi can sound, on a tune that was intended to played on an acoustic.

http://www.youtube.com/user/ctiida#p/u/9/lQy-5K4awAk

[Morty]

any T-3 owners or others with an opinion on the T-3 and how it fits into this category?

I too am looking for a semi-hallow body.

[Mr Peebuddy]

Maybe if you buy used ... The Carvin semi-hollowbodies start at about 1/2 the price of a new 335. Plus, they are all solid wood ... Solid carved top and solid back and sides. But... If you really want a 335 ... Buy used.

carvins are great guitars. everything from them is "real" custom shop quality, not an assembly line that makes "custom shop" guitars; truly individualized and unique instruments

[alexevans917]

The T3 is a phenomenal guitar. If you're on a bit more of a budget, I'd say look for an 80's Japanese made Epiphone Sheraton. They are phenomenal guitars and cost less than $500 used. Definitely one of the best deals on used guitars. If you can afford a T3 though, they're pretty awesome. Not quite as 335ish as some of the others on your list, but a good guitar in it's own right.

[Darwin]

I agree the T-3 is a great guitar. The problem is the price range that has been specified here. They are pricey new and I may end up with one with a Bigsby. I currently have a SB-2 double cut and it is also a very fine guitar This forum is electrified and I am surprised by the lack of discussion of these fine instruments. -- Darwin

[Herb Hunter]

The eBay website has a T3 without the Bigsby vibrato with a buy-it-now price of $1,659 and another, with the vibrato tail piece for $1,785.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Taylor-T3-semi-hollow-body-Natural-quilted-maple-top-guitar-stop-tail-OHSC-MINT-/280666130330?pt=Guitar&hash=item415901479a#ht_1472wt_1044

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Taylor-T3-B-Bigsby-semi-hollow-body-quilted-maple-top-Natural-guitar-ebony-OHSC-/280697138941?pt=Guitar&hash=item415ada6efd#ht_1694wt_1044

[rustic]

For an inexpensive way to get a 335 fix check out a Hofner "Very Thin". I got one to take some of the anxiety out of traveling with a guitar and am shocked at how good it is for $599. The neck and set up is great and it sounds pretty **** good. Besides, if you play electric like I do you might not need a vintage 1968 335! ;-)

I got superb customer service from Jeff: rocknrollvintage@gmail.com

[Alexrkstr]

Thanks guys, I ended up buying a 335. I will report back with pictures and maybe sound clips. :)

[SMan]

Hard to go wrong with a 335. :up:

[imwjl]

Sombras, thanks for the input. Someone else recommended the same guitar a while ago. Basically, the argument goes in that the bulk of the tone is on the heel and the neck, and this guitar has the same structure as a 335. I saw one on craigslist for $550 + shipping, it was upgraded with 57s but I just couldn't do it for a "washburn" - I probably should have.

I am back looking at guitars and this is what I am considering:
- Vox Virage
- Gibson ES 339
- GIbson ES 333
- GIbson ES 335
- Gibson ES 335 Satin
- Taylor T3

I wasn't so sold on a T3 but it was made well. It seemed too much like the General Motors approach to electric guitar. In its defense, my own hollow body (PRS) is not exactly traditional but it makes tone unplugged that a 335 does not have as well. The recession has put some mint PRS HBs for sale at lower prices.

If you like the finish perfection of the Taylor or PRS, know that most 335's are not the same.

[denny1948golf]

After buying an ES339, I sold my 1985 335 Dot Reissue. The 339 sounded better and it's so comfortable to play. It cost $1175 used.

[Alexrkstr]

After buying an ES339, I sold my 1985 335 Dot Reissue. The 339 sounded better and it's so comfortable to play. It cost $1175 used.

Interesting, how do you define "better"? And, where did you get it for that cheap? They usually go for $1400-$1600, especially now that Gibson is shut down, they are out of stock for a while.