Best 335 Builders?

[690MBCOMMANDO]

Hey Fellas -

Which builders are building the best 335's today?

Thanks!

[olrocker]

Check out the Collings I-35 Deluxe, with the Jason Lollar pick-ups and the trapezoidal inlay option here. http://www.collingsguitars.com/Instruments/?ID=36

I see 'em on fleabay every so now and then...of course one needs to check for authenticity.

I had a real one in my hands in St. Lou...to die for!

They are IMHO the "BEST" and, some say, an improvement to the 335.

Here is one now...http://cgi.ebay.com:80/ws/eBayISAPI....:WNARL:US:1123

[msr13]

I agree with olrocker. My favorite guitar in the whole world is an I-35. It's not a 335 replica, however. Solid wood top and 15" instead of the 335 16.5" lower bout. The center block is carved out, also. I have a 335, which I enjoy quite a bit, but for me, it pales in comparison.

[olrocker]

Ya man...it's da shiz...nuthin' else like it...gotta play it to know.

[edham]

The Sadowsky Semi is my favorite semi. Hard to believe that a bass builder was the one to take that design a large step forward but the proof is in my hands.

CP Thornton's semi's are amazing.

Collings


Those would be my top three in order of preference. The only thing that can top them would be a mid 60's 335 (if you can live with the narrow neck, I couldn't) or an early 60's if you have the coin.
And it would have to be a GOOD one.

[drive-south]

If you are looking at the Collings I hope you have a large budget. It will set you back about double the cost of the Gibson 335.

I own a 1975 ES345SV. It's a great playing/sounding guitar. I recently bought a used Epiphone Sheriton and I'm blown away by this inexpensive gem. So far I haven't found a single thing to complain about on the Epi. The pickups sound great through my Fender Deluxe Reverb and I'm not thinking about upgrading them now.

[690MBCOMMANDO]

Originally Posted by drive-south

If you are looking at the Collings I hope you have a large budget. It will set you back about double the cost of the Gibson 335.

I own a 1975 ES345SV. It's a great playing/sounding guitar. I recently bought a used Epiphone Sheriton and I'm blown away by this inexpensive gem. So far I haven't found a single thing to complain about on the Epi. The pickups sound great through my Fender Deluxe Reverb and I'm not thinking about upgrading them now.

Thanks for the heads up on price. I may need to save up

[ricks]

Collings no 1 for sure, and worth every penny.

After that, I personally would look at the Heritage semi hollow models.
I have played some that were great and much less than the Collings.

(not as good but better value)

[olrocker]

Originally Posted by drive-south

If you are looking at the Collings I hope you have a large budget. It will set you back about double the cost of the Gibson 335.

I own a 1975 ES345SV. It's a great playing/sounding guitar. I recently bought a used Epiphone Sheriton and I'm blown away by this inexpensive gem. So far I haven't found a single thing to complain about on the Epi. The pickups sound great through my Fender Deluxe Reverb and I'm not thinking about upgrading them now.

No question they are expensive. I can't afford one either!

The OP was asking for opinions on which one is the BEST, which does not factor in price.

I tried and really liked a Sheraton as well, but bought the Epiphone BB King instead. Sometimes wish I got the Sheraton.

[BoB/335]

Originally Posted by edham

The only thing that can top them would be a mid 60's 335 (if you can live with the narrow neck, I couldn't) or an early 60's if you have the coin.
And it would have to be a GOOD one.

Love my '68 335 and it was only $341.70 (back in '68)

[Bords]

I have a 59 335 replica in the works. I'll post the results and pics when I receive it. Being built to true 59 specs down to the correct glues, binding, Shed PAFs, etc. It wasn't easy finding a builder to do this, it requires the ability to press the laminates, etc.

[franchelB]

Some will say Collings, and Collings does have some REAL NICE guitars! Some say Heritage...and considering that Heritage is built in the same Kalamazoo factory that Gibson was.... Some will say Gibson, and will say there's nothing like the "real thing"...

I'd say try as many "335" guitars as you can, you might be suprised to find that brands like Ibanez and Epiphone builds decent guitars for a fraction of the price of a Gibson.

[lone eskimo]

I have a mid 80's Daion 555 Headhunter. Say What? Yes! They were a short lived Japanese brand that made some great stuff in their short time. I've heard some even call it the Holy Grail... I like mine too!

Mike http://www.vintageguitar.com/feature...s.asp?AID=3524

[Livingston]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Gibson...they make a pretty decent version of the ES335.

I've only played mass produced semi hollow (335-esque) guitars made by Gibson (of course), Epiphone, Ibanez, Hofner and Yamaha. But, I think the OP may be referring to "builders" as in smaller shops.

I tried a Collings at a local shop. What that builder does with any guitar is amazing and the Collings semi seemed very special. Not just fit and finish but tone up and down the fretboard was so consistent...rang like a bell with wonderful sustain.

I've read that Greenfield makes an excellent semi. Also, I've read rave reviews on the Sadowsky semi's (single cutaway instead of the 335-esque double cutaway).

For me, I've been playing an old Ibanez AM70 (smallish ES339 like semi) for several years and love it. The notes are warm like an archtop but brighter and with more clarity, focus and sustain. I think for me that is the typical characteristic of a nice semi hollow.

Good luck your search.

[Badfrog]

All I can say about that Collings that is listed is "I WANT ONE!". Wow what a beautiful piece of work. I can't imagine that a 335 could get much prettier than that without going "over the top" so to speak.

I have an Ibanez AS103VB on the way and hope that it can be my relatively inexpensive but beautiful looking 335. Good luck with your search.