Customer Reviews

Gibson Custom ES-335 Dot Electric Guitar, Transparent Black Satin, Plain Maple

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

OK, I've played and loved Gibsons for 15 years. I have a classic 1967 Trini Lopez with all the original parts, that I didn't want to keep taking on the road with me, so I was looking for a replacement to tour with, so i thought I'd try this little number...while not cheap, it still is cheaper than most of the "true vintage" type ES335's...

That said, I was EXTREMELY disappointed with this thing. The frets are HORRIBLE and unfinished, and catch the fingers constantly. I don't know if it's just the one I got (and returned), or if it's a production issue, but I DO know that the "fat neck" "vintage" ES335 has FANTASTIC frets and really plays about 100 times better (but at $1000 more, to be fair).

As well, I thought MAYBE the stained finish (instead of the glossy, "Standard" lacquer) would be more "open" and sustain more---I was wrong on that too...

OK, bottom line is buy this model of ES335 ONLY IF you cannot possibly afford the "fat neck" or any of the other Custom "Dot" ES-335's. Otherwise stick with the $3K Custom "Dot" Vintage models. If you can't afford the extra $1K, then save until you get it---it's that much of a difference, and will make a MUCH better investment in the long run.

IMHO, a guitar that feels and plays like this should be around a $799-$999 instrument. While you do get the "Gibson PAF Sound", you sacrifice pretty much all real playability...don't do it if you really play guitar. You'll thank me later.

I've had my ES-335 for 15 years now, bought a new one in 1996, and it has not let me down once during all that time. It is a trusted friend, a confidante, and often an advisor. It's truly my guitar consigliere. There's a common misconception that its tone is only good for jazz and blues - total nonsense. This thing can get gnarly, street-fight with the best of them. The thing is, man, it's versatile. It can dial up some true raunch, and then in its next breath burn as clear and bright as the stars. Color don't matter, get whichever one you like. Plug in into a tube amp, perhaps a vintage fender, and visit places you've only imagined...