NGD:A dream realized

PTony · #1 07-16-2022, 09:40 AM

I’ve wanted an ES-335 since I was 15.

32 years later…we finally meet. Thanks to the AGF!

After 3 weeks of playing (and tweaking the setup considerably)…I’m thrilled.

My Japanese Grestch has been (and will continue to be) a main stage guitar, but the 335 is equally impressive…in different ways. I feel very fortunate. It’s lived up to my expectations and then some.

I’ve been “minimizing” the last couple of years and still have 2 guitars to move out, but I couldn’t be happier with this addition. I’d love to see pics of your 335 style guitar. Any brand.

Glennwillow · #2 07-16-2022, 10:46 AM

Ah, what a great looking guitar! Congratulations and good for you! A 335 is a great guitar!

I have owned one since 1978; it's pretty much my favorite electric guitar.

- Glenn

SpruceTop · #3 07-16-2022, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTony

I’ve wanted an ES-335 since I was 15.

32 years later…we finally meet. Thanks to the AGF!

After 3 weeks of playing (and tweaking the setup considerably)…I’m thrilled.

My Japanese Grestch has been (and will continue to be) a main stage guitar, but the 335 is equally impressive…in different ways. I feel very fortunate. It’s lived up to my expectations and then some.

I’ve been “minimizing” the last couple of years and still have 2 guitars to move out, but I couldn’t be happier with this addition. I’d love to see pics of your 335 style guitar. Any brand.

Congratulations On Acquiring Your Gibson ES-335 Electric Guitar Dream Machine!

KevWind · #4 07-16-2022, 12:00 PM

Very nice I remember wanting a Red 335 because Paul Kantner of the Jefferson Airplane played one

Rogerblair · #5 07-16-2022, 12:09 PM

Wow. Stunning guitar! Congratulations on living your dream.
Rb

GoPappy · #6 07-16-2022, 12:39 PM

Huge congrats on the ES-335. And you got it in the "right" color also!

It looks great!

I've wanted a red 335 ever since I saw Alvin Lee play his on the Woodstock documentary many years ago. I still don't have one, but I still hope to scratch that itch one day.

Dru Edwards · #7 07-16-2022, 01:55 PM

Congrats on a 32 year wait guitar! 335s are amazing guitars. I'm assuming those have the '57 Classic humbuckers?

You mentioned 'Thanks to the AGF'. Did you find it in the classifieds?

rockabilly69 · #8 07-16-2022, 02:35 PM

How thrilling it must have been for you to get the guitar you've dreamed of. Congrats! 335s are GREAT!

PTony · #9 07-16-2022, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

Ah, what a great looking guitar! Congratulations and good for you! A 335 is a great guitar!

I have owned one since 1978; it's pretty much my favorite electric guitar.

- Glenn

Ty, Glenn. A 335 owner since 1978…that speaks volumes.

PTony · #10 07-16-2022, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogerblair

Wow. Stunning guitar! Congratulations on living your dream.
Rb

Ty, Roger!

Quote:

Originally Posted by GoPappy

Huge congrats on the ES-335. And you got it in the "right" color also!

It looks great!

I've wanted a red 335 ever since I saw Alvin Lee play his on the Woodstock documentary many years ago. I still don't have one, but I still hope to scratch that itch one day.

I agree…the color is a definite win. I’m sure you’ll “scratch that itch”. The journey was part of the fun. Didn’t Clapton play a 345? Block fretboard?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Congrats on a 32 year wait guitar! 335s are amazing guitars. I'm assuming those have the '57 Classic humbuckers?

You mentioned 'Thanks to the AGF'. Did you find it in the classifieds?

Thank you! And, yes to both, Dru. ‘57 Classics, and another great find from right here on the AGF.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockabilly69

How thrilling it must have been for you to get the guitar you've dreamed of. Congrats! 335s are GREAT!

It has been a bit surreal. I find myself just staring at her.

PTony · #11 07-16-2022, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevWind

Very nice I remember wanting a Red 335 because Paul Kantner of the Jefferson Airplane played one

Ty, my friend! They're such iconic guitars. I am thoroughly enjoying becoming familiar with it. So versatile. Swiss Army knives of guitars, possibly. Maybe that’s a stretch. But, I’m not so sure it is…maybe it’s the “honeymoon”.

rmp · #12 07-16-2022, 05:14 PM

that's a classic right there. right finish too. very nice.

Boneman · #13 07-16-2022, 06:32 PM

HNGD! I love the semi-hollow’s.

Bob Womack · #14 07-16-2022, 06:40 PM

Congrats and enjoy your dream.

Fifteen years ago my lovey wife surprised me for Christmas with a shopping trip to buy the ES-335 I was enchanted with. I'd been sniffing around the shops where there were about eleven different examples, from vintage to Historic to Memphis Dot. The one that drew me in was a 2005 (new at that time) Memphis Dot Figured. I walked on air for days.

(Click to embiggen)

I had it set up by my tech/luthier Kenny Marshall and it has become the center of my studio kit. The only change I made was to change out the top hat knobs for reflectors, because I never seen top hats on an ES-335.

Red guitar day at the studio in 2009

I was just playing it today.

(Click to embiggen)

Bob

PTony · #15 07-16-2022, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmp

that's a classic right there. right finish too. very nice.

Ty! Agreed…100%

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boneman

HNGD! I love the semi-hollow’s.

Same. My Korean made Gretsch G5620T-CB filled the void fairly well the last many years. Actually, it’s a phenomenal guitar. It affirmed my love for the SHB guitars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Womack

Congrats and enjoy your dream.

Fifteen years ago my lovey wife surprised me for Christmas with a shopping trip to buy the ES-335 I was enchanted with. I'd been sniffing around the shops where there were about eleven different examples, from vintage to Historic to Memphis Dot. The one that drew me in was a 2005 (new at that time) Memphis Dot Figured. I walked on air for days.

(Click to embiggen)

I had it set up by my tech/luthier Kenny Marshall and it has become the center of my studio kit. The only change I made was to change out the top hat knobs for reflectors, because I never seen top hats on an ES-335.

Red guitar day at the studio in 2009

I was just playing it today.

(Click to embiggen)

Bob

Love the story, and the picture, Bob! You never disappoint. My wife, like yours has always been very encouraging in my musical endeavors. While she didn’t take me to buy it, her approval and enthusiasm for me makes it that much sweeter.

I love the figured top also. I was torn between the two.

Regarding the knobs..I’ve thought the same. I’ve not had much time but plan on sourcing some reflectors quickly.