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Gibson ES335

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just strum

just strum

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Northern Ohio - Near Cleveland - Home of the Rock
Went to a music store at lunch today and came across a 1994 ES 335. It's a new guitar, not used. It was love at first sight (except the $3500 price tag).

It had a tag noting it as an ES335-A, but I haven't found anything on that model designation. I'm going back tomorrow to get the serial number and ask to see all the paperwork.

When I went back to work I could not get this thing out of my mind. Folks, this may be it. This just might be "the one".

Looks like this.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Gibson_ES-335_sunburst.jpg
 
Interesting. Does it have gold hardware or is that just the picture. Please JS take the 24 hours to think it over. I am sure you could buy two ES335s in this market for that amount of money. Also how can it be new and 15 years old. I know how it is when you get the G.A.S. for a guitar. It is pretty though.
 
I hear ya. Well, the $3500 will certainly prevent a hasty decision.

I'll get more information on the guitar

1) Paperwork
2) Serial#
3) How did it go this long while remaining "new".

I could not find a single scratch on it. The pick-ups need cleaning, but they are not pitted.

According to the store owner it was built in Nashville.

No, the one I looked at did not have gold hardware (personally not a fan of gold).

Where are the ES335's made today? I heard Samick is making all of the Gibsons now and that Nashville is nothing more than a sales gimmick for Gibson. I have no clue. The guy that owns the store seems very knowledgeable, but a bore to listen to (his delivery just puts you to sleep).

I doubt I would be going $3500 for this guitar unless I find something about it that makes it unique and possibly increase in value faster than the average 335. Then again, if I bought it and I liked it, I wouldn't sell it.
 
Gas.jpg
 
just strum said:
Went to a music store at lunch today and came across a 1994 ES 335. It's a new guitar, not used. It was love at first sight (except the $3500 price tag).

It had a tag noting it as an ES335-A, but I haven't found anything on that model designation. I'm going back tomorrow to get the serial number and ask to see all the paperwork.

When I went back to work I could not get this thing out of my mind. Folks, this may be it. This just might be "the one".

Looks like this.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Gibson_ES-335_sunburst.jpg
Click to expand...

I know the feeling.
Only thing is, I was dumb enough to buy 5 Gibsons, when money was tight, but I never was sorry I did it:happy
 
edit:
Nashville? I thought they made (or now make) the semi-hollows in Memphis...the s/n will reveal the year, month & day as well as the factory and production # off the line.

I clipped this from the Blue Book of Electric Guitars, 6th Ed. (1999):

In 1977, Gibson first introduced the serialization method that is in practice today. This updated system utilizes an impressed eight digit numbering scheme that covers both serializing and dating functions. The pattern is as follows:

YDDDYPPP

YY is the production year
DDD is the day of the year
PPP is the plant designation and/or instrument rank.

The numbers 001-499 show Kalamazoo production, 500-999 show Nashville production. The Kalamazoo numbers were discontinued in 1984.

The Samick thing? That's....incredible. They made Epi semi-hollows when their plant was in Korea (my Sheraton II is one) and they've contracted for some other pieces like some of the John Lennon EJ-160E's with thier Indonesian plant, but...

Mark, when you get the s/n, contact Gibson Customer Service and ask them about it. They should have a record of what dealer they originally sold it to. Ask them that. NOS is one thing, but a '94 is beyond reasonable for a guitar like that. My mom n' pop local GAS station here will sometimes have an expensive piece hang around for a year, but that's just too suspect. Even if it was a 2004...somethin's not adding up.

For that guitar to be a new '94, it must've been sitting forgotten & neglected in a back room somewhere (that happens with big stores...) or in a music shop on a desert island. But Gibson has long required big bucks annual inventory buys of their dealers; they're not a mom n' pop store guitar unless mom n' pop are Bill Gates family members.

I know you seriously, badly, want a 335, man, but good things come to those who wait. That one has you bitten like 'it could be the one', but I think it's probable that you'll find that feeling again with an obviously legit new (or even fairly new) one.

If $3500 were burning a hole in your pocket for a Gibson ES335 and you wanted to be certain of it, I mean this in all honesty & sincerity: check out a Heritage H535. One may be tough to find (check their site for dealers) but it will cost you less than that Gibson, it will have been made in the Gibson Kalamazoo, MI plant by a company of people who haven't forgotten what a great Gibson 335 was and how it was made. And if you wanted to, you could custom order it as you like it. And still be out less than $3500. I know, because I had Willie at ROB here (a Heritage dealer) spec one for me a couple of years ago; I just couldn't pop for $2000 or so at the time. This after a customer traded in one he'd bought from Willie a couple of years earlier that I could've picked up for about $1500...very 'base model'.
 
Last edited:
The serious question I would have to ask since it is $3500....is is it significantly better than your Dot? What is to be gained here Strum? What is to be gained that could not be had by putting the same pickups in the dot?
 
Here is the info on the ES335. I will post a pic tonight.

I played it at lunch and I have never played a guitar that felt as good as this. However, I know I can find one for less, but she is a major GAS producrGuitar Info
Your guitar was made at the
Nashville Plant, TN, USA
January 22nd, 1991
Production Number: 55


Gibson: Nashville

Gibson’s Nashville plant was opened in Tennessee 1974. All electric models and some acoustic models currently made at this factory. This facility has an average production rate of 220 guitars a day. Each guitar is built by hand and takes about 4 to 6 weeks to complete. Note: Most hollow and semi-hallow body guitars are made at a separate plant in Memphis Tennessee. This facility has an average production rate of 40 guitars a day.
 
I know sometimes nothing but a Gibson will do, but I have a Heritage 535 (their version of the Gibson 335) and it is a terrific guitar. As you likely know Heritage guitars are made by the same employees who used to work at the Gibson factory in Michigan. The advantage of the Heritage is that it is much cheaper than a Gibson.

h4.jpg
 
Blaze said:
in residence at Cleveland this vintage one with Bigsby..:drool:

http://www.oodle.com/view/1966-68-gibson-es-335-great-sounding-very-nice-guitar/1644681542/
Click to expand...

Blaze, I know how you like throwing temptation in front of me.

It's Cleveland, yes - but it's not Ohio. That guitar is located in Cleveland, Georgia.


As for the ES335 I've been looking at

It needs cleaning, but all I can say is this thing just flat out sings. I know I am not going to buy it due to the price, but I am just in love with the way this thing plays.

639reva.jpg


I looked it over again today and I cannot find a scratch on it.

Oh well, it is fun to dream.
 
Great Looking 335. :drool

For grins I looked up the value in the 2009 Vintage Guide.

An ES-335 Reissue, '94 vintage is valued at $2,000 to 2,300.
The custom shop versions (any year in the '90's) are priced between $2,500 to $2,800.

There is a 335 called a "Centennial" that is valued upwards of $3,500. Gold medallion in the hedstock, diamond inlay on the tailpiece, made of cherry.
 
evenkeel said:
Great Looking 335. :drool

For grins I looked up the value in the 2009 Vintage Guide.

An ES-335 Reissue, '94 vintage is valued at $2,000 to 2,300.
The custom shop versions (any year in the '90's) are priced between $2,500 to $2,800.

There is a 335 called a "Centennial" that is valued upwards of $3,500. Gold medallion in the hedstock, diamond inlay on the tailpiece, made of cherry.
Click to expand...


What I am trying to figure out - does the fact that it was made in Nashville have any impact on price? The fact that it was made in 1991 and is still new (no previous owner) - does it have any impact on price.

Even if I don't buy it, I find it intriguing. I need to see what else I can find out about its history.

I could gush forever about the feel and sound of this guitar. Most of have had those guitars that we've picked up and everything was just right (except in this case, with the exception of the price). For me, this guitar was magic.

I know the guitar has been on the wall since at least March of this year (the first time I went into the store). What I question is the fact that a lot of people with more guitar knowledge than me have to stumbled across this guitar, yet it is still there.

For Sh*ts and giggles I offered him $2100 cash, but received a cold reaction. Hey, you never know until you ask.
 
Strum, I think you tried very hard to pay them a very good price for it. Now the rest is up your family, put it on the once in a lifetime Christmas request list. NIce guitar but I would have a hard time living with my wife if I made that purchase.:spank:
 
street music said:
Strum, I think you tried very hard to pay them a very good price for it. Now the rest is up your family, put it on the once in a lifetime Christmas request list. NIce guitar but I would have a hard time living with my wife if I made that purchase.:spank:
Click to expand...

LOL, I hear you (and all of you other folks - except Blaze and Kazz) Street and some others are like the little guy on one shoulder telling me to do the right thing. On the other shoulder is Blaze and Kazz telling me the kids can get their college education from a school that advertises on the matchbook cover.

I know that despite the advise, good intentions are meant from all.

I just got off the phone with a friend of mine that owns a 335 and he was laughing at my excitement over the 335 performance. Someday I will find the one that makes me smile and I can afford.

However, that won't stop me from having erotic 335 dreams tonight.
 
Rockette said:
Simple - If you like it, buy it. Who cares what others think, ain't their money!
Click to expand...

That is true, but can I get another for less that offers the same satisfaction?

No question on whether I like it or not, just what am I willing to pay and then what are they willing to accept.

However, for now I am playing my Dot and still find it enjoying.

Just finished playing "Move On" -Jet (acoustic song, but Dot makes it even sweeter)
 
Funny observation about guitars - you can pick up two identical models and get a different "vibe" from each. Gotta go with the magic when you can find it.
 
just strum said:
LOL, I hear you (and all of you other folks - except Blaze and Kazz) Street and some others are like the little guy on one shoulder telling me to do the right thing. On the other shoulder is Blaze and Kazz telling me the kids can get their college education from a school that advertises on the matchbook cover.
Click to expand...

good-evil.jpg
 
aeolian said:
I know sometimes nothing but a Gibson will do, but I have a Heritage 535 (their version of the Gibson 335) and it is a terrific guitar. As you likely know Heritage guitars are made by the same employees who used to work at the Gibson factory in Michigan. The advantage of the Heritage is that it is much cheaper than a Gibson.
Click to expand...

You sure have a beautiful specimen of the model I referred to. :drool

One of the details in finish that Heritage pays attention to that Gibson apparently does not, perhaps a lesson learned by the ex-Gibsonites who founded the company, is the stained wood pickguard like yours has. It's an option; you could settle for the mandatory plastic one you get with a comparable Gibson 335 for another ... $500-$1,000?

But you get the Gibson logo and mystique in the bargain.
 
Hey JS: I am wondering what "The Rest of the Story" is with this 335. How it could never have had an owner since 1991. BTW The black one I own is a 1990, and I agree with you there is something about the tone from these guitars that is just sweet. The neck and the pickups are just amazing. I think it is the fact that they are so responsive. I was told that mine may have the "circuit board" pickups by Bill Lawrence. I have never pulled them but you would be able to tell immediately if they were.

http://media.photobucket.com/image/...ckups pictures/KOTRPICS/GtrGear/SGNeckPUP.jpg
According to history they put these in some SGs/LPs/ and 335s.
 
The guy is calling a '91 new & wants a new-today going (e.g., MF) price it.

Vintage Guitar Mag's Price Guide (I have the '08 ed. here) puts that guitar ('91-'97) in a value range of Low $1,900 - High $2,200.

VGM's High Value is for "all original, excellent condition with original case".

Strum, you made a righteous offer @ $2,100, because that's on the high side of what the guitar is worth, regardless of whether it's 'new' or used in mint condition.

As sweet as it is, my friend, I don't know you to be a guy who'd throw away $1,300-$1,400 walking out the door with a guitar. (Actually, I doubt if you'd be willing to throw a C-note away...:poke )

Demanding $3,500 for a $2,200 guitar is practically criminal. (at best...the range in value is dependent on the actual market it's sold in, be it on land or via the web) The guy's a crook.

OK, so I suggested looking at a Heritage. My bad. Forget it. Walk away and find the 335 you want, that you've longed for, at a fair price.
 
Maybe that is why it is still there after 18 years. LOL
Just so you know JS. I paid 2000 Can. for mine because that was what my buddy paid for it brand new in 1990. I was able to give him it piece meal, 500 here 300 there over a 6 month period. It was a museum piece when I got it.
Actually it still is!
 

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