ES-335 Style Guitar Help

[kendallhadden]

Hello everyone! I'm treading in uncharted water for me and need some input. I'm looking at picking up an ES-335 Style guitar to play in a new soul/funk band i just joined. I've done some research and, for my price, I'm thinking about a Guild Starfire IV, Epiphone Sheraton II Pro and Eastman T486. I'm really leaning towards the Eastman, but I'm curious to hear some of your input.
Thanks!
Kendall

[6L6]

I bought my first electric guitar over 50 years ago.

Since then I've owned over 100 guitars including five different ES-335's. They are incredible guitars and can "do it all".

However...

Along the way I discovered this 1960 Harmony Meteor:



It is, BY FAR, the best sounding electric I've ever owned and it goes to my final dirt nap with me. NOTHING sounds as good as those famous "Gold Foil" DeArmond pickups in that solid wood, hollow body!

Nothing.

THICK THICK THICK TONE!!!!

FAT FAT FAT TONE!!!

The Rolling Stones played these in their early days and I guess that's a big reason why I love their earliest albums best.

Just so happens Gryphon has this beautiful '59. I've played it and it ROCKS!

https://shop.gryphonstrings.com/prod...eor-h70-47783-


Get one of these and you'll never look back.

[Steve DeRosa]

If you're thinking Guild/Eastman you need to look at:

• Ibanez AS Series
• Gretsch 5422
• Gretsch 5622 (try to get one of the recently-discontinued [but still available] cats' eye/3-PU models - if you're doing funk you'll want those Strat-type "in-between" positions, and this is one of exactly two semi-hollows that can get them)
• Hofner Verithin Custom (this is the other one, and it's only available here: http://www.beatlebassdealer.com/hofn...eouts-sale.htm - scroll down to the bottom of the page)

[kendallhadden]

Out of those, Which would you pick? I looked at the Hofner Verithin Custom and love the looks of it.
kwh

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

If you're thinking Guild/Eastman you need to look at:

• Ibanez AS Series
• Gretsch 5422
• Gretsch 5622 (try to get one of the recently-discontinued [but still available] cats' eye/3-PU models - if you're doing funk you'll want those Strat-type "in-between" positions, and this is one of exactly two semi-hollows that can get them)
• Hofner Verithin Custom (this is the other one, and it's only available here: http://www.beatlebassdealer.com/hofn...eouts-sale.htm - scroll down to the bottom of the page)

[kendallhadden]

The Hofner is not available anymore.
kwh

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

If you're thinking Guild/Eastman you need to look at:

• Ibanez AS Series
• Gretsch 5422
• Gretsch 5622 (try to get one of the recently-discontinued [but still available] cats' eye/3-PU models - if you're doing funk you'll want those Strat-type "in-between" positions, and this is one of exactly two semi-hollows that can get them)
• Hofner Verithin Custom (this is the other one, and it's only available here: http://www.beatlebassdealer.com/hofn...eouts-sale.htm - scroll down to the bottom of the page)

[Bob Womack]

May I suggest the Gibson ES-335?



They sound remarkably like an ES-335. At least to my ears. More HERE.

Bob

[kendallhadden]

You sure may, but I'm not wanting to spend that much at this point.
kwh

Originally Posted by Bob Womack

May I suggest the Gibson ES-335?



They sound remarkably like an ES-335. At least to my ears. More HERE.

Bob

[clintj]

Check out the Studio model from Gibson. Relatively affordable compared to a Standard model.

Of your options, the Guild has a very narrow neck at 1 5/8", and the Eastman is the widest at almost 1 3/4". Got a preference there?

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[kendallhadden]

I prefer 1 3/4 because that's what I normally play. I can handle 1 11/16 but don't know if I would do well with 1 5/8.
kwh

Originally Posted by clintj

Check out the Studio model from Gibson. Relatively affordable compared to a Standard model.

Of your options, the Guild has a very narrow neck at 1 5/8", and the Eastman is the widest at almost 1 3/4". Got a preference there?

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[redir]

I would not rule out the Epiphone ES335. It's pretty much good to go but if you get some boutique pups for it then you have a top notch axe.

[maxtheaxe]

I've heard some very good things about the Epiphone Pro II Sheridans, though I haven't played one myself, but aside from that I would be looking very hard for an Ibanez Artist John Scofield model. The MIC ones start at around a grand for a new one. Sometimes vintage MIJ Artist hollowbodies come up on Reverb at pretty decent prices...great pickups, electronics and just fabulous players.

[aknow]

I'm jaded cause I grew up listening to what are now vintage Gibsons.
Nothing sounds as good as a Gibson 335. Save for one!

[Rip VanWinkle]

Ladies and gentlemen, I don't want to derail this discussion but I do have an opinion for the OP. When I played in a soul band in the early 70's (The I.U. Soul Review), I played my telecaster because I wanted to be Cornell DuPree. Roll tape forward 50 years and I bought a D'Angelico EXL-59. It's not a great guitar for jazz but I immediately thought that it was a great guitar for soul. David T Walker played a L-5 and Tennie Hodges played a ES-175 (As did Steve Cropper early on). Just want to throw that in the mix....

[TheChicagoTodd]

I picked up an Epiphone Dot Studio and really like it!

Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk

[The Growler]

Originally Posted by clintj

Check out the Studio model from Gibson. Relatively affordable compared to a Standard model.

k

I'd second this. Maybe you could find a used one to save more if you want.