Gibson ES-335 Dot

I bought it at Sam Ash here in Vegas for $1950 new.

This guitar has the best sounding chords of any guitar that I have ever played. They just ring out with such a rich tone that will put a stupid grin on your face everytime you hit one. Must be the semi-hollow body. This guitar has the perfect classic rock sound. Played thru a clean channel or one with light distortion this thing can't be beat. Did I mention the awesome tone that this axe delivers.

The ES-335 does not have as good of action as my Les Paul, but what does. Although slightly harder to play the tone more than makes up for it, and the difference is very small. This is not a good guitar for heavy distortion, but if you're even considering buying this guitar that probably does not matter to you. It is very pricey, but definately worth every penny. You get what you pay for.

All of the quality that you would expect from a $2000 guitar. Gibson has the best fit and finish of any of the big name makers. From the quality their parts to their attention to detail in their assembley process. Mine is the cherry red finish. The flame maple top is breathtaking.

I have three electrics now; this ES-335, a Les Paul Studio Plus, and an American Standard Strat. My wife asked me the other day that if our house was burning down and I could only save one guitar which one would it be? The ES-335 is the one I would choose. If tone matters, this is the guitar for you.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

(Originally written by gratouillos/translated from Audiofanzine FR)

USA Made Custom Shop guitar... it's a good start!
Rather thick neck
Tune-o-matic bridge
'57 Humbucker pickups
"Mac fly" red finish
Impeccable craftsmanship. The fly case contained some wood shavings (custom shop oversight or deliberate marketing??!... )

UTILIZATION

The neck is truly great! It's thick and round but comfortable. It might sound perplexing for some but it is actually possible to play with such a neck (I started out with an Ibanez...).

Upper frets are readily accessible... and to be totally honest, it's the first time I've ever asked myself that question.
The fingerboard feels comfortable, you can ram through it without a problem.

Don't let yourself be fooled by the F-holes, the guitar is rather heavy. But that's surely no surprise for people who know the brand. The size of the body may seem too generous in first instance, but when you play sitting down the guitar has the perfect height. Nevertheless, when you play standing up it can be rather imposing because it is evidently bigger than most electric guitars.

SOUNDS

Versatility! I knew it and I bought it for that reason. At first I was quite surprised by the output power of the '57 humbuckers... It's really pleasant to be able to play every single music style... The sound can be powerful, percussive, mellow, dry or grainy (I've got a Marshall ) depending on the distortion and the pickup. I've even tried to do some tapping! My favorite sound has a TS808-like saturation. It's the sound of the professional pop musicians.
I would like to give it an 11 )

OVERALL OPINION

I bought it in June and it's my favorite guitar. You have to try it if you want to get a set-neck guitar.
Once I had a small feedback during a rehearsal, but it sounded like Santana so I didn't care much...

Guitar made in the USA, fourth body, Tune-O-Matic, maple body with a "paralel bracing" a dam / bridge with a small limit sensible feedback, 22 jumbo frets, two PAF pickups (double winding) a pickup selector, two volume pots and two tone, mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard ... well we do this more. The mention DOT which means "point" in American states that the finish is simple, with benchmarks in key dots (black) so ... Mine is Tobacco Sunburst and dates from 1989, if I can believe No. of Series.

UTILIZATION

The handle is very nice, quite tightened up then if expanding more and more by going to the twelfth round case.Un cut for solos with access to acute surpassing the Les Paul, Fender or Gretsch. The highlight of this incontestablement.Elle guitar is hollow (Hollow Body) and very light, but the back of the box is quite large, was quick to hit if one does not pay attention. The design of microphones is very simple, a selector and two volume faders tones are always thoroughly and I never understood what they servent.Une last thing, the guitar holds up well and the agreement is very fair, I often feel that my agreement or my arpeggios sound more fair than any of my other guitars.

SOUNDS

Versatility, that is the advantage and disadvantage of this guitar. We can play the JAZZ, BLUES or the Rock again but without much personality. Pretty clear and warm sound way to Larry Carlton Crunches bluezy way SRV, or old rock way Chuck Berry ... The directory accessible with this instrument is as long as a day without end. But guess what, it lacks a little serious to be a good guitar jazz, the sound is too soft and lacks acute for pure rock and dur.Une very versatile guitar great personality ... but do not forget this is a entry level.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought this guitar to a friend jazzman, who found that it was only good for the BLUES !!! it's been 15 years since I played with, mostly rock-pop-indie. It is part of my "park", she found her less aggressive than the STRAT and softer than the Les Paul instead. It does not, however, a person's GRETSCH or RICK for older pieces. I appreciate its lightness, versatility, handle very accessible and extreme accuracy. With a tube amp, the feedback on the bridge pickup is very musical. With a slight overdrive and delay sounds "rooms" good rock and roll is obtained.
OCCAZ bought € 1,500 in 1999, I do not regret my purchase, but if it 'was a remake I surely lorgnerais to models more "Premium". The varnish ... alas, alas 3 times, it is very fragile and makes a chemical reaction with some rubber. So I registered on the guitar, the offense have put the awning on a good pedestal market. As we age it becomes patina and a bit dull, fittings -pourtant in Nickel begins to bite ... short attention to the talks, ca age well. Too bad because the maple top is beautiful.