Gibson 335 or Gretsch

[developer]

My lad wants a 335 - so we're doing the rounds at the moment, seeing what's out there.

He currently has a LP Custom and a Fender (USA) Strat Deluxe.

Should we be looking at Gretsch as well, instead of the 335? - opinions please

Edited by developer on Monday 7th November 21:43

[Tom_C76]

I'd be looking at a Gibson 339 based on the reviews. But then I find full 335s a bit too big, having had an Epiphone one back in the height of Britpop...

[6th Gear]

He should also consider a Duesenberg. Fantastic build quality and a joy to play.

http://www.duesenberg.de/en





Duesenberg Fullerton Series TV Model pictured.

Andertons stock them.

[davidd]

Has he played a 335? If so and that's what he wants then I'd guess that's the route you are taking. I would however try a few other things, just to be sure.

I'm in the market for a semi at some point in the next year or so. My son is getting a Gretsch in a couple of months so I'm looking forward to having a go. Very different beast to a 335 though.

The other guitarist in our band has just picked up a streamliner which is a really nice guitar and sounds great.

[Penguinracer]

CS-336 / 356?

[Nom de ploom]

PMS music chain are having Epihpone reduction sale on at pres. the one in Leeds is fantastic

[andy-xr]

Play a few. I thought I wanted a Dot or a Sheraton and ended up with an Ibanez, it just felt a lot better to hold and play, the tone was neither here nor there but I wasnt that bothered with what it said on the headstock

[developer]

He tried 4 x 355's including one with a Bigsby anad ended up with a 355 Lucille - he's well happy.

Thanks for the advice

[audidoody]

Tell him to be VERY careful with how he stores it. 335's are notorious for snapping where the headstock meets the neck. The wood is very thin over the truss rod channel and it is under tension from the strings. Always have it in its case or on a guitar stand. If it slides off anything else and hits the floor chances are you'll be looking at an expensive repair and it will never be the same .

When travelling with it in its case pack the area under the headstock with rolled up newspaper or bubble wrap.

Whereas you could use a Telecaster or a strat as a cricket bat or club (see "Keith Richard hits fan" and it will hardly make a dent.

Google "Gibson headstock repair".

[developer]

Thanks for that - he tends to be very careful and we'll be adding it to the instrument insurance policy.

Here's the baby:

[Lefty]

Oh wow that is gorgeous!

[Lefty]

Oh wow that is gorgeous!

[Malam]

Neither! He should buy my Firebird

[vsonix]

US Ibanez 'Artist' series a la John Scofield?
They also do Pat Methaney and George Benson models so they must be giving free guitars to the right people...

[jbudgie]

Malam said:

Neither! He should buy my Firebird

That's a bit , you know,.....pink.