I have guitars in my arsenal that are equipped with single coils, humbuckers, and P90s. And damned if I don't have my tonal needs all covered, now. I have one strat set up in the traditional way, and a strat wired like Brian May's Red Special. The Brian May circuit is a very complicated beast, tonewise. I *still* haven't totally mastered all of its possibilities.
I’d need a Tele, a Strat, a Les Paul, an ES-335, a Dreadnaught, a Resonator, an Oval Hole Selmer and a Grande Bouche Selmer. And a full hollow Gretsch. And a semi-hollow Gretsch. And a Gibson L-5.
I got a used 2008 335 for an amazing price in Ice Tea burst. During a period of overwhelming imposter syndrome, I sold it. For years I had so much regret as 335 prices creeped up. While visiting our daughter in another town we had some time to kill I visited a Long & McQuade music store while my spouse waited in the car. I played the most amazing gloss Cherry dot 335 before returning to the car. I told my wife about it and she said I should go for it. It’s a forever guitar.
Absolutely spot on! 335 is such effortless and enjoyable to play, no other guitar plays itself like it does. To me it is the perfect guitar, no other guitar feels so pleasurable to play. So many tones and looking cool as hell, simply can’t go wrong with it. 335 is the one to own for a lifetime.
My first band launched in 1970. The lead guitarist had a cherry red ES-335 his parents had given to his older brother in 1968. He made that thing sing and talk for over 10 years of touring with nothing more than the occasional use of a cocked Vox Wah between him and his Kustom 2x12. Thanks so much for this. It brings back great memories of a gifted player and his magical ax.
gave my son my beautiful 72, bought an indigo blue. I first heard the blues in 1967 , met BB King in 1972 and was hooked. Thanks for this video again. Your channel is terrific.
Keith, as enthralling as all your videos of our beloved and admired guitars, equipment, history, the wonderful old pics, etc., the fact that you have worked to bring these things all together like you have done has become in itself one more thing to be inspired by. Great stuff my good man 👍 thank you!
As a recently-confirmed 335-type fanboi, I cannot like this video enough. I've seen the first "Short History" on these and am thrilled to watch the 4K update. Thanks for all you do, Keith. 👍
Sitting here playing my 1967 Gibson ES 330 and thoroughly enjoying your video, I love your short histories! I own a few guitars including a couple other Gibson's, but it's my favorite to just pick up and play, sounds great plugged in with the P-90s, but it also sounds wonderful just acoustically. It's the guitar I've owned the longest, traded a 72 strat for it in 1978 and never regretted it.
Thank you Keith, I was hoping you would cover this instrument. The 335 was my first real, quality guitar. My dad surprised me with it when I turned 16 after I had been taking lessons for 8 years (I started when I was 8 years old). He felt it looked like I was going to stick with the guitar (which I obviously did) and he saw it in the window of a music store offered as a used guitar. It was traded in by a navy man who needed the money. It came complete with the case and I acquired it in around 1970 and appeared to have hardly been played. It was my only guitar until it was stolen from a gig I did in NYC in 1976, I am still heartbroken, especially since I have no chance of ever replacing it with one from the same vintage.
2004 335 Dot Reissue in Wine Red. Ordered it new from a private local shop outside of Atlanta. Has been a wonderful companion for 20 years. I agree with the Tele, Strat, Les Paul and ES335 mantra. Add a good acoustic and you can cover it all. Great video and thank you for your work. You make a difference to the music community.
I can't argue with the four "Mt. Rushmore" electrics! Besides Carlton, Justin Hayward is a a 335 player I think of. His tone has always been understated, but absolutely perfect for the Moodies! Just an elegant, understated tone with feeling for days!
I fell in love with the Gibson hollows due to BB King. My Dad was a big fan of country/western, jazz, and the blues. I was so glad to have seen BB perform live before he passed. It was at the House of Blues in Atlantic City NJ around '06.
mine is a Memphis '91 dot vintage burst. Easiest guitar to maintain throughout the seasons. Haven't needed to adjust relief (truss rod) or string height in like fifteen yrs. Who could ask for more
Highly informative video. @26:58 maybe I’m wrong but I think the most recent 335 artist-inspired reproduction by Gibson was the 1960 ES-355 Murphy Lab that they did with Noel Gallagher of Oasis. I think it was released last year.
I have a 92 epiphone SheratonII but it was too big for me so i went out to shop for a 339 but after playing a bunch i settled on the epiphone 339 . I liked the neck feel better and the ability to coil split. Thanks again for another great video.
Proud owner of 335 here and I have used it for all sorts, The Kink Fletcher demo at 5:15 into at Fender combo perfectly exemplifies that these two are made for each other - rich thick and clear and snappy all at once.
My favorite. I’ve lost 25 pounds. Maybe I will soon be able to play one out again. I gained weight and a 335 and 330 doesn’t hang right anymore and tilts down facing the floor. I like the way they talk back to the amp more than a pure solid body. Posted for the algorithm.
As far as this guitar is concerned I have a Sheraton, epiphone es 335, i am now getting a epiphone riviera semi-hollow archtop guitar. 29:44 so. I will purchase it march April. It will be a birthday gift to me from me
Keith, I just have to say I am so glad I found this channel when I did. A broke college student cooped up in lockdown with nothing else to do but play guitar to backing tracks over the stereo in my apartment loud enough to drown out the knocks on the wall from my less than enthused neighbors. They got over it. Seeing a new FWW video come across my homepage on YT while at work or in class gave me, and still gives me, something to look forward to when I have some down time to relax. I always am learning something new about these instruments that we love. And I have you and the other members of this community to thank for that. I have taken up ampwork and have been most fortunate in being trusted to work and play with some gear that I would have never had a dream of accessing had I not took the plunge. Thank you!
Keith, thank you for these history lessons. They are so very informative and constructed superbly. So much enjoy watching these, keep it up. Merry Christmas from Finland.
In 1968 I worked in a club and had to let the bands in to set up. One night there was a buzz I wasn't familiar with, somebody was coming in with a 57 Les Paul. I didn't know what it was but everyone was excited. I was only 15 but I clearly remember the first act, the lead player had a cherry red 335. I loved it! I don't remember the Les Paul that night, but I can still see that beautiful red guitar in my minds eye. Not a player but that was the night I fell in love with guitars. Thanks for what you do Keith, there's non better.
While I do not have an actual Gibson (or Epiphone) ES-335, the 2 guitars I do have that I gravitate towards most of the time are strongly inspired by it -- a recently acquired Heritage H-535 (my current favorite instrument) and a somewhat surprising but both satisfying and economical Schecter(!) Corsair hardtail. I love playing them and they scratch a persistent itch that my Strat, Tele, Les Paul, and PRSes do not. Someday if my budget allows I want to get my hands on a very nice Gibson ES-335.
In February 1967 I went to Sam Ash Brooklyn with my dad the sales person Mark talked me into buying a guild StarFire lV, A week later I couldn’t stand it anymore returned it and got my ES 335 for the unheard of price of $273.75 with a burgundy Lifton case. Sold many guitars since then but the 335 is still my favorite.
I have a Casino Coupe, the poor man's ES-390. And an Epiphone Uptown Kat, an ES-390 sized single cut with Firebird pickups and an ebony fretboard. I would urge prospective buyers of a modern ES-335 or ES-330 to try the Eastman copies, the T59/v and T64/v. My best guitars.
I don't usually comment, and if I do, it's never more than once. This is just such a great post on such a brilliant guitar! And yes, it's true, in 1969, when BB King came out with "Completely Well" featuring his Grammy hit, The Thrill is Gone. I hadn't even heard the song yet! What sold that album to me was BB standing there with that beautiful red ES 335! That was it for me, I was all in! I stopped listening to AM FM rock and roll end of deep into the blues where I stayed for probably 15-20 years!🎸🎶🙏💯💖
Another terrific installment of FWW. I’ve owned 6 different ES models: 1959 330; 1959 355 Mono no varitone (amazing guitar); 1960 335 (incredible Les Paul Killer) 29:44; 1967 Trini Lopez; 1968 Crest (originally owned by JJ Cale); and a 1975 345 Varitone & Stereo (awful POS). My favorites were the 355 and 335, but my newer favorite ES is a PRS Hollowbody II, which is a more comfortable size and sounds every bit as good as the 335 with PAFs. For all around sound like any of the other four, I’d like my Cream T Aurora with a bunch of swappable pickups.
They're awesome. I just love their tone, and the versatility. I think the reason it goes on the list, along with Tele, Strat, Les Paul is that you'd want a hollow or semi-hollowbody. And if the Les Paul is humbucker, then you'd want a P90 335, or vice versa. Plus the fact that you can have a Bigsby 335, which gives you another tonal twist. I love Gretsch & Casino's too, but the 335 is arguably more versatile and the center-block makes it a little less troublesome in some uses ... so if you're making a shortlist, 335 is a shoe-in.
Great information Kieth. I always like all of the research that you do on these videos. Interesting that the 335 guitar came out in 1958, that is also the year I started playing guitar, unfortunately it was on an Old Kraftsman not a Gibson. Have a good one Kieth.
As always, very thorough & informative. Even though my 2 335s are newer Epiphones, they sound & play exquisitely just as they should. My fave guitars. A nice compliment to my P90 Gretschs. Covers lots of sonic territory for me.
Gibson also made a ES 340 TD in walnut and a ES 340TDN . From 1968 to 1974. These were semi-solid with maple block inside. They were introduced and priced higher than the 335. The electronics were set for in phase, out of phase and with the toggle switch straight up shut it off. FYI the pattened # on the black label on the back of the pickups is a patent for a tail piece in an attempt by Gibson to keep from getting the pickup spects copied. I love my ES 340 TDN.
I have a 2020 339. Had it refretted with SS57110 Jescar. It was a touch neck heavy so changed the Rotomatics out to Grover deluxe with plastic tulip style buttons. 6lbs13oz and one of my favorite guitars.
Great bassist there, ain't got the 335, 345, of 355 yet. Dick Wagner played a 345 stereo varitone for many years here in Michigan. We young dudes would sit down front and watch Dick scowl at us,,,,'you'll never be this good.' Then he and the Frost started using West Amps, where I worked wiring amps for Dave. Honestly though, Dick was a great guy, later years came back to town and taught song writing seminars at many local music stores. He produced Mark Farners first solo album. Dick was a great composer and a great guitarist. RIP, Uncle Dick. Another great Five Watt World!! Thanks a million, Keith!
@@robnamowicz8073 did he not play in Alice Coopers band during “Killer”, but then also toured with Lou Reed, during the “Rock & Roll Animal” tour with that amazing live band Prakish John on bass, I forget the other guitarist name, a session guy closely associated with Wagner I think.
Keith - one you missed is the CS-356. I got mine in 2003 in natural after trying months to find a 335 I could love. It's a pimped out CS-336 with ebony fretboard, the block inlays, triple binding and "gold" hardware. Nice job once again! Thx ----
There was a Luther Dickinson signature 335 too! I had P-90s and the sunburst finish was modeled after the one on his dad, Jim Dickinson's ES-175, nicknamed "Jerry"
Yeah I was thinking of mentioning this. That's a rare and incredible combination: P90s in a semi-hollow. I'm still toying with the idea of getting an Epiphone Riviera (these Epiphones could have been mentioned in this vid) and putting P90s in the mini-hum slots for a poor man's version.
Tele, Les Paul, and a 335 with a wiggle stick will come a long way. Thank you for these vids Keith, now being a converted 355 nut, this video could not have come at a better time
Love the history behind the instruments and have caused me to buy a few of the books you’ve mentioned. But this is the most out of less channel. How about making videos on upgrading cheap instruments with quality components to stay with your channels moniker. And thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. Very informative
My first decent guitar was Epiphone's equivalent to the 335 before they started producing actual 335s, a Sheraton II Pro. I was fortunate to have gotten an especially good one, as my friend who has a custom shop 335 considers that Sheraton to be better-playing and better-sounding than his 10x more costly instrument. So, whoever is prompted to want a 335 from viewing this video but doesn't have Gibson-level funds, the Epiphone Sheraton II Pro is a more affordable and, in my example's instance, more-than-adequate alternative. Epiphone's 335 is also more affordable and, I suspect, adequate.
Keith, great segment.... but a glaring omission, Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues. With the exception of an occasional Tele, he's had as his almost sole and constant companion on stage the same Bigsby'd '63 cherry red 335 from ~1967 to 2010s, with a tobacco-burst as backup IIRC. That red 335 and Hayward are almost synonymous with each other. I was glad to hear you finally mention Lee Ritenour, who's been thought of as "Mr. 335" about as much and long as Carlton, though the latter is more "officially" monikered that. It was interesting seeing them together on stage, with Ritenour on a 335 and Carlton a Les Paul in the opening number. When they traded guitars (types) during the course of the concert, Carlton played his familiar burst 335 noted in your video. I have a great Ibanez of the type (trying in vain to channel John Scofield?), that I actually prefer to many of the 'real' 335s I've tried, but I let a 60s 335 pass me by in the late 70s that maybe was the best or most alluring of them all--just something about its mojo in looks and play. They're all good though. Speaking of Ibanez, they have a current delectable 356/339 size "AM" Indonesian-built model (and a very nice same source "AS" 335-sized) that may be the best value combination of this sort. And, Carlton himself is endorsing (and apparently playing) a very nice, value-priced Sire "335," also Indonesian manufacture.
I had an Epiphone 335 Dot. It's the best guitar I've ever had on it's factory settings, but I exchanged it for an Epiphone G400 SG that I moded with P90s and now that's the best one I've ever had.
I could never afford the year thing; during the Pandemic I bought a Grote copy. It really is a fine guitar. A college friend of mine, thirty -odd years ago, gifted me a very well-made Wurlitzer 335 style guitar, which is currently not playable, but It gave me lots of great memories. I'm principally a Fender man, 335s are almost impossible to work on; but, man, that tone. I think I voted on your poll, but I skipped the Les Paul, respect, but the 335 with PAFs will do you just fine, and a Strat, in the right hands, will outsing that thing, any night. Peace.
Hi Keith! Thanks for this fun and interesting video! You named them all but you forgot the Gibson ES-333 that was made from 2002 to 2005 at the Gibson Memphis shop, the same place where they make the Custom Shop models. About ten years ago I was lucky enough to find a used cherry red ES-333 for $800. A great sounding guitar with a thin satin nitrocellulose finish. I installed a pickguard, replace the pickups with Seymour Duncan Seth Lover humbuckers and replace the bridge with an ABM bell brass ABR-1 style bridge. The result is a suberb guitar with an amazing tone! Those Gibson ES-333 are as good as any Gibson in the ES-335 style range.
For an old poor guy- it was a '62 P90 SG (used under $300) now with Bartolini mini humbuckers for series parallel and a Schaller tunamatic bridge, and a 1964 ES 330 TDC (used under $300) for everything else. Now that I am old, I do have an American blacktop Tele and a lefty Player Strat sporting a right handed roasted Pau Ferro neck for noisy Jimi single coil things. If I could only have one, and though I feel the SG is overlooked and not given enough historical credit.. -the 330 is the one to have if you only have one. Thanks for this video- Now I need to try a used 390..
I only had two Stratocasters when I managed to make it to the conservatory of music to study jazz on the electric guitar. I pulled out a couple of frets of my first strat (don’t ask 😅), so I only had a Van Halen type Stratocaster to play on and I figured I needed something else. I had two months off and I decided to work full time in a factory to earn enough money to buy myself basically any guitar I could possibly want. It was either going to be an ES-175 or an ES-335 (or something similar, like a 345, 347, 355 etcetera). Then of course I realised that a 175 would be a bit more limiting, while you can basically do everything you can think of with a 335, so that’s what I went for. I went to one of the local music stores and tried every 335/345/347/355 they had. The best and most beautiful guitar of them all (at least in my opinion) was the guitar I went home with. A black 1989 Gibson ES-347. I will never sell that guitar. It’s so unbelievably good and versatile that I wouldn’t even know what to do without it. For a long time, when things weren’t going well for me, I had but two guitars that were still good enough to play. It was this 347 and a heavily modified late eighties American Standard Telecaster. It was all I needed. Tiny side note: there have been two versions of the 347. They were basically identical besides four ‘tiny’ differences (as far as I’ve been able to tell). 1- The location of the tailpiece. The tailpiece on the first version was located further away from the bridge. On the second version it was similar to most Les Pauls and SG’s. 2- The coil tap switch changed from a large white tip located on the lower horn on the earliest version to a small black switch located right next to the position switch on the later version. 3- They changed the pickups (not unimportant). 4- I believe the earliest version had a brass nut. They changed this to what they used on most other models. I’m not sure if the list of changes is complete, but I did read things about going from chrome hardware to ‘golden’ hardware. However, on most pictures I see ‘golden’ hardware no matter what version it was. Maybe someone can help me a little. 😊 Anyway, I want to thank you again for, Keith, for this wonderful episode about my favourite guitar (together with the Telecaster). 🧡🧡🧡😊
My unrefined ears have never been able to hear a strong difference between an LP and 335. But the 330 I can tell. Being not very tall or long-limbed, I plonked for the 390. And researching the 390 is how I got to this channel a few years back! I wish I was both big enough to comfortably handle a 335 and could hear the difference from an LP.
🙂 335 then 355 here. What I really came to say though, is how lucky I was. Dad.. carried a little Gibson in the Navy.. 1965 or so, came time.. He said 'ok we'll go look at Gibsons.. 'Least we know they don't make junk.. Yeah 🙂 Oops.. their 'vibrato bar 02:25, 02:35.. That however.. _is first to go.. solid tail piece please._
There where a lot of the 335 family guitars used in Nashville in the 70's when I was there. Most of the players on the Opry at the time used them. Great versatile guitars.
I recently bought one of those new "ES Supreme" ES-335 style guitars. My first Gibson and I'm already loving it, it's supposed to be part of their "Modern collection" but honestly when I first got it in my hands it didn't seem to much more modern than the classic ES-335 we all know and like. It may not be vintage now but one day it will be, and so will I! Haha
Always enjoy your any kind of guitar history videos Mr. Williams. Totally regret selling my ES 345 but I know where it's at and my friend Phil won't sell it back. Some friend right?(humor) don't blame him it's a really good Norlin '74' ES345TD Walnut finish.
I had WW CS 61 es 335 for about a year. I loved it, but I had to sell it because life happens. I think I could be happy with the USA made one but they all come with the rounded C profile and that’s way too chunky for my taste. I need the slim profile. I hope to get one again at some point. Wonderful video Keith!
my brother, who's been playing jazz and blues for 50+ years, brings two guitars to most gigs. #1 is a telecaster, often his custom built 'pinecaster' which weighs about half what a standard tele weighs, has stainless frets on a maple fingerboard and duncan pickups. #2 is a hollowbody, which on any given night might be a mid 60s ES335, a 1953 ES295, a Epi Elite Broadway, or a L5 CES. (the latter two are fairly new). He plays through a 1964 Fender Princeton Reverb (not a reissue, but its had magic done to it by a talented amp tech), and he uses no effects pedals at all.
I've been a fan of this style guitar for years. Had am Epi Dot in Natural that turned into rent money, and I kicked myself for years until swapping an 80's MIJ Squier Strat for an Epiphone Sheraton and I am whole again. LOL! While I know Epi's ain't Gibby's they're the best I can afford, and if I'm honest, the most I will allow my non-pro level self to spend on one!
My electric guitar collection almost matches the survey list…. Fender (Tele & Strat), Gibson (Les Paul, ES-335 & Les Paul Double Cut because I really “needed” P90’s 😆 ) and an Ibanez S Series for a 7-string adventure! As always another great video!
Have a epiphone BB KING LUCILLE plays and sound great. Also have Fender Strat,Telcaster,and Fender Mustang. Incendently my Telcaster is A Squire Affinity with parts upgraded with Fender replacement parts. Sounds amazingly like original Fender Telcaster.
A few years back, I had the opportunity to buy a 335 from another guitar player, but I didn't have the spare change he was asking for it. It had a beautiful burst with a quilted maple top. Some day, I hope to have a 335.
I've never played a proper Gibson ES, but the modern production Epiphone Riviera with minihumbuckers is absolute class. Had one for a few years, very well made.
The 335 got on the list because it’s a badass and a very versatile guitar and sounds great! The only guitars you need in your whole arsenal is a Tele and a 335. You can play just about anything with those two and get by just fine.
You always remember your first and mine was a ES-347 around 1980. I traded my LP Deluxe for it. Unfortunately my style went in an acoustic direction and I traded the ES-347 for a D-28. My next was a ES-369 that was eventually traded for a L-4 CES. Now back to a CS ES-335 reissue with the big fat neck. Still miss the ES-347 and now most used ones have been played a lot and a nice one is big $$$ 😢
I'm always surprised the 339 doesn't get more attention. I've had an Aria TA40 for years, which covered the 335 functions well, in a shortened version, although the QC was variable, according to other owners I knew. When the Epi 339 with the coil taps came out a few years back, they all played and sounded good, and were better set up than the Gibson Custom shop versions issued shortly after, although that improved with later issues. I moved the strap button to the top cutaway for better balance, and access to the higher frets. You can get any amount of Strat, Tele, LP and 335 clones, even Firebirds and Explorers, but I've yet to see a 339 clone. A 339 also looks the right size for some, see Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics. If you favour a Border Terrier over a Labrador you might like a 339.
I don’t have a 335 yet. I did buy a Casino (the most basic import version, in the Olive Drab “worn” finish) about six weeks ago. Superb instrument. I am torn between going for the “pure” 335 experience or getting an Epiphone Riviera, since I don’t have anything with minihumbuckers.
I will be happy with just a Stratocaster, Gibson 335, Gretsch, Martin Acoustic , selling off the other stuff wouldn't hurt my feelings... Larry Carlton said he doesn't collect guitars, he has 7, but he only needs the one 335 .
When I was in college way back in the early '80's, I decided my Strat wasn't enough anymore, and I wanted - no, NEEDED - a 335. My local store didn't have one, but they did have a 345. No idea what model year it was, but it was a nice walnut finish with gold hardware. The centerblock did not go all the way through the guitar, which wasn't ideal. I also wasn't thrilled with the funky six-position switch, the stereo wiring or the trapeze tail piece, but like I said, I had to have a 335 and if this was my only option, so be it. I had a stop tailpiece installed, and I wound up liking, but not loving the guitar. I found the neck too different from my Strat to be truly comfortable, but the defining moment for me was when I was using the 345 to rehearse with a band and I kept screwing up my parts. The guitar just felt too different for me. That was it. I've never owned one since, but I just recently ordered the Harley Benton version of a 335. Can't wait for it to come. Thanks for the vid Keith.
The semi hollow style is my favourite. My dream guitar is an ES355 with a figured top but those be damn expensive. At the moment I have a Vintage by JHS brand VSA555 which is a copy of the 355, extremely well made, plays and sounds like a dream, I even prefer it to my Les Paul Studio. As for how many guitars DO you need? For me its actually just a 355 and a Strat, I have the LP Studio but I could do without it, for my needs the semi hollow and my strat with a Seymore Duncan STK s7 single coil in the neck and a gibson P94 in the bridge covers pretty much everything
I like the 4 guitar list. I'd probably modify the list slightly to have a Nashville Tele with a Bender or a G and B bender. This would allow for lap steel sounds and overlap with the strat in positions 2 and 4. I'd then modify the Strat to be a super strat with a splitable humbucker, flatter radius, and floating trem.
12:26 however, as you rightly pointed out in your history of the Les Paul, this was a patent that Gibson already owned for, of all things, a bridge design
A Tele, a Strat, A Les Paul, and an ES-335 for everything else. I could live with that! 🎈
I make do with just the tele and 335, wouldn't mind having the other 2 though lol
I have guitars in my arsenal that are equipped with single coils, humbuckers, and P90s. And damned if I don't have my tonal needs all covered, now. I have one strat set up in the traditional way, and a strat wired like Brian May's Red Special. The Brian May circuit is a very complicated beast, tonewise. I *still* haven't totally mastered all of its possibilities.
I have added a Ric 330 to that but in reality its a great list right…
Something with P90 pickups e.g. an ES-330, or a Casino.
I’d need a Tele, a Strat, a Les Paul, an ES-335, a Dreadnaught, a Resonator, an Oval Hole Selmer and a Grande Bouche Selmer. And a full hollow Gretsch. And a semi-hollow Gretsch. And a Gibson L-5.
I got a used 2008 335 for an amazing price in Ice Tea burst. During a period of overwhelming imposter syndrome, I sold it. For years I had so much regret as 335 prices creeped up. While visiting our daughter in another town we had some time to kill I visited a Long & McQuade music store while my spouse waited in the car. I played the most amazing gloss Cherry dot 335 before returning to the car. I told my wife about it and she said I should go for it. It’s a forever guitar.
Keep her
You have a great wife!
It's a forever wife.
Long & McQuade…where the music begins… or in this case, where it’s reborn! Hats off to both of you.
Well , did you get one ?
My dad gave me his ‘68 335, it’s my favorite out of a dozen others that I own. Incredible instrument, the thing plays itself!
Absolutely spot on! 335 is such effortless and enjoyable to play, no other guitar plays itself like it does. To me it is the perfect guitar, no other guitar feels so pleasurable to play. So many tones and looking cool as hell, simply can’t go wrong with it. 335 is the one to own for a lifetime.
My first band launched in 1970. The lead guitarist had a cherry red ES-335 his parents had given to his older brother in 1968. He made that thing sing and talk for over 10 years of touring with nothing more than the occasional use of a cocked Vox Wah between him and his Kustom 2x12. Thanks so much for this. It brings back great memories of a gifted player and his magical ax.
gave my son my beautiful 72, bought an indigo blue. I first heard the blues in 1967 , met BB King in 1972 and was hooked. Thanks for this video again. Your channel is terrific.
Another absolutely fantastic history of a very popular guitar and brand. Thank you for putting it all in a very organized order and visual.
Don't break the trend Keith........because you haven't posted a disappointing video yet! As always, I truly enjoyed it.
Keith, as enthralling as all your videos of our beloved and admired guitars, equipment, history, the wonderful old pics, etc., the fact that you have worked to bring these things all together like you have done has become in itself one more thing to be inspired by.
Great stuff my good man 👍 thank you!
As a recently-confirmed 335-type fanboi, I cannot like this video enough. I've seen the first "Short History" on these and am thrilled to watch the 4K update.
Thanks for all you do, Keith. 👍
Sitting here playing my 1967 Gibson ES 330 and thoroughly enjoying your video, I love your short histories! I own a few guitars including a couple other Gibson's, but it's my favorite to just pick up and play, sounds great plugged in with the P-90s, but it also sounds wonderful just acoustically. It's the guitar I've owned the longest, traded a 72 strat for it in 1978 and never regretted it.
Thank you Keith, I was hoping you would cover this instrument. The 335 was my first real, quality guitar. My dad surprised me with it when I turned 16 after I had been taking lessons for 8 years (I started when I was 8 years old). He felt it looked like I was going to stick with the guitar (which I obviously did) and he saw it in the window of a music store offered as a used guitar. It was traded in by a navy man who needed the money. It came complete with the case and I acquired it in around 1970 and appeared to have hardly been played.
It was my only guitar until it was stolen from a gig I did in NYC in 1976, I am still heartbroken, especially since I have no chance of ever replacing it with one from the same vintage.
This is the guitar I want!
2004 335 Dot Reissue in Wine Red. Ordered it new from a private local shop outside of Atlanta. Has been a wonderful companion for 20 years. I agree with the Tele, Strat, Les Paul and ES335 mantra. Add a good acoustic and you can cover it all. Great video and thank you for your work. You make a difference to the music community.
I can't argue with the four "Mt. Rushmore" electrics! Besides Carlton, Justin Hayward is a a 335 player I think of. His tone has always been understated, but absolutely perfect for the Moodies! Just an elegant, understated tone with feeling for days!
I fell in love with the Gibson hollows due to BB King. My Dad was a big fan of country/western, jazz, and the blues. I was so glad to have seen BB perform live before he passed. It was at the House of Blues in Atlantic City NJ around '06.
mine is a Memphis '91 dot vintage burst. Easiest guitar to maintain throughout the seasons. Haven't needed to adjust relief (truss rod) or string height in like fifteen yrs. Who could ask for more
Highly informative video. @26:58 maybe I’m wrong but I think the most recent 335 artist-inspired reproduction by Gibson was the 1960 ES-355 Murphy Lab that they did with Noel Gallagher of Oasis. I think it was released last year.
I have a 92 epiphone SheratonII but it was too big for me so i went out to shop for a 339 but after playing a bunch i settled on the epiphone 339 . I liked the neck feel better and the ability to coil split.
Thanks again for another great video.
Proud owner of 335 here and I have used it for all sorts, The Kink Fletcher demo at 5:15 into at Fender combo perfectly exemplifies that these two are made for each other - rich thick and clear and snappy all at once.
I enjoy these guitar spotlight videos. They are a great way to increase my knowledge without homework.
My favorite. I’ve lost 25 pounds. Maybe I will soon be able to play one out again. I gained weight and a 335 and 330 doesn’t hang right anymore and tilts down facing the floor. I like the way they talk back to the amp more than a pure solid body. Posted for the algorithm.
As far as this guitar is concerned I have a Sheraton, epiphone es 335, i am now getting a epiphone riviera semi-hollow archtop guitar. 29:44 so. I will purchase it march April. It will be a birthday gift to me from me
So great, as always! Thank you, Mr. Keith! ✌️😌🎸
Keith, I just have to say I am so glad I found this channel when I did. A broke college student cooped up in lockdown with nothing else to do but play guitar to backing tracks over the stereo in my apartment loud enough to drown out the knocks on the wall from my less than enthused neighbors. They got over it. Seeing a new FWW video come across my homepage on YT while at work or in class gave me, and still gives me, something to look forward to when I have some down time to relax. I always am learning something new about these instruments that we love. And I have you and the other members of this community to thank for that. I have taken up ampwork and have been most fortunate in being trusted to work and play with some gear that I would have never had a dream of accessing had I not took the plunge. Thank you!
Fantastic video man, nice work~! Glad to see David and Kirk playing on here😊
Keith, thank you for these history lessons. They are so very informative and constructed superbly. So much enjoy watching these, keep it up. Merry Christmas from
Finland.
Fascinating guitar! I want one, I’ve heard and seen that Heritage makes a great copy.
In 1968 I worked in a club and had to let the bands in to set up. One night there was a buzz I wasn't familiar with, somebody was coming in with a 57 Les Paul. I didn't know what it was but everyone was excited. I was only 15 but I clearly remember the first act, the lead player had a cherry red 335. I loved it! I don't remember the Les Paul that night, but I can still see that beautiful red guitar in my minds eye. Not a player but that was the night I fell in love with guitars. Thanks for what you do Keith, there's non better.
While I do not have an actual Gibson (or Epiphone) ES-335, the 2 guitars I do have that I gravitate towards most of the time are strongly inspired by it -- a recently acquired Heritage H-535 (my current favorite instrument) and a somewhat surprising but both satisfying and economical Schecter(!) Corsair hardtail. I love playing them and they scratch a persistent itch that my Strat, Tele, Les Paul, and PRSes do not. Someday if my budget allows I want to get my hands on a very nice Gibson ES-335.
In February 1967 I went to Sam Ash Brooklyn with my dad the sales person Mark talked me into buying a guild StarFire lV, A week later I couldn’t stand it anymore returned it and got my ES 335 for the unheard of price of $273.75 with a burgundy Lifton case. Sold many guitars since then but the 335 is still my favorite.
As usual...excellent and informative without unnecessary fluff and dribble......nice work again Keith.
I have a Casino Coupe, the poor man's ES-390. And an Epiphone Uptown Kat, an ES-390 sized single cut with Firebird pickups and an ebony fretboard.
I would urge prospective buyers of a modern ES-335 or ES-330 to try the Eastman copies, the T59/v and T64/v. My best guitars.
I don't usually comment, and if I do, it's never more than once. This is just such a great post on such a brilliant guitar! And yes, it's true, in 1969, when BB King came out with "Completely Well" featuring his Grammy hit, The Thrill is Gone. I hadn't even heard the song yet! What sold that album to me was BB standing there with that beautiful red ES 335! That was it for me, I was all in! I stopped listening to AM FM rock and roll end of deep into the blues where I stayed for probably 15-20 years!🎸🎶🙏💯💖
Another terrific installment of FWW. I’ve owned 6 different ES models: 1959 330; 1959 355 Mono no varitone (amazing guitar); 1960 335 (incredible Les Paul Killer) 29:44; 1967 Trini Lopez; 1968 Crest (originally owned by JJ Cale); and a 1975 345 Varitone & Stereo (awful POS). My favorites were the 355 and 335, but my newer favorite ES is a PRS Hollowbody II, which is a more comfortable size and sounds every bit as good as the 335 with PAFs. For all around sound like any of the other four, I’d like my Cream T Aurora with a bunch of swappable pickups.
They're awesome. I just love their tone, and the versatility. I think the reason it goes on the list, along with Tele, Strat, Les Paul is that you'd want a hollow or semi-hollowbody. And if the Les Paul is humbucker, then you'd want a P90 335, or vice versa. Plus the fact that you can have a Bigsby 335, which gives you another tonal twist. I love Gretsch & Casino's too, but the 335 is arguably more versatile and the center-block makes it a little less troublesome in some uses ... so if you're making a shortlist, 335 is a shoe-in.
Great information Kieth. I always like all of the research that you do on these videos. Interesting that the 335 guitar came out in 1958, that is also the year I started playing guitar, unfortunately it was on an Old Kraftsman not a Gibson. Have a good one Kieth.
As always, very thorough & informative. Even though my 2 335s are newer Epiphones, they sound & play exquisitely just as they should. My fave guitars. A nice compliment to my P90 Gretschs. Covers lots of sonic territory for me.
Gibson also made a ES 340 TD in walnut and a ES 340TDN . From 1968 to 1974. These were semi-solid with maple block inside. They were introduced and priced higher than the 335. The electronics were set for in phase, out of phase and with the toggle switch straight up shut it off. FYI the pattened # on the black label on the back of the pickups is a patent for a tail piece in an attempt by Gibson to keep from getting the pickup spects copied.
I love my ES 340 TDN.
The 335 (and all the variants that it inspired) is an absolutly fantastic instrument. Extremely versitile instrument.
I have a 2020 339. Had it refretted with SS57110 Jescar. It was a touch neck heavy so changed the Rotomatics out to Grover deluxe with plastic tulip style buttons. 6lbs13oz and one of my favorite guitars.
Amazing channel, Keith ! Look forward to it every week
Great bassist there, ain't got the 335, 345, of 355 yet. Dick Wagner played a 345 stereo varitone for many years here in Michigan. We young dudes would sit down front and watch Dick scowl at us,,,,'you'll never be this good.' Then he and the Frost started using West Amps, where I worked wiring amps for Dave. Honestly though, Dick was a great guy, later years came back to town and taught song writing seminars at many local music stores. He produced Mark Farners first solo album. Dick was a great composer and a great guitarist. RIP, Uncle Dick. Another great Five Watt World!! Thanks a million, Keith!
@@robnamowicz8073 did he not play in Alice Coopers band during “Killer”, but then also toured with Lou Reed, during the “Rock & Roll Animal” tour with that amazing live band Prakish John on bass, I forget the other guitarist name, a session guy closely associated with Wagner I think.
@@jonathanstrand2474 Correct on both, and it was Steve Hunter.
Aloha Keith! I hard a CS 335 natural finish in mid eighties. Only one of the four I'm missing.
Keith - one you missed is the CS-356. I got mine in 2003 in natural after trying months to find a 335 I could love. It's a pimped out CS-336 with ebony fretboard, the block inlays, triple binding and "gold" hardware. Nice job once again! Thx ----
Agreed the CS-356 is well worth a mention--mine is black (or "ebony" as the Custom Shop insists). Outstanding instrument in a very comfortable size.
There was a Luther Dickinson signature 335 too! I had P-90s and the sunburst finish was modeled after the one on his dad, Jim Dickinson's ES-175, nicknamed "Jerry"
Yeah I was thinking of mentioning this. That's a rare and incredible combination: P90s in a semi-hollow. I'm still toying with the idea of getting an Epiphone Riviera (these Epiphones could have been mentioned in this vid) and putting P90s in the mini-hum slots for a poor man's version.
Tele, Les Paul, and a 335 with a wiggle stick will come a long way. Thank you for these vids Keith, now being a converted 355 nut, this video could not have come at a better time
Man..answered every question I had about the ES and then some, learned a lot...thanks..
.
Great minds think alike. I just put out a video yesterday on why I think the 335 is so great. And why I prefer a 335 type to a Gibson! 😊
Love the history behind the instruments and have caused me to buy a few of the books you’ve mentioned.
But this is the most out of less channel.
How about making videos on upgrading cheap instruments with quality components to stay with your channels moniker. And thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge. Very informative
Great job, Keith - thanks! Love that you included Alex Lifeson. :)
My first decent guitar was Epiphone's equivalent to the 335 before they started producing actual 335s, a Sheraton II Pro. I was fortunate to have gotten an especially good one, as my friend who has a custom shop 335 considers that Sheraton to be better-playing and better-sounding than his 10x more costly instrument.
So, whoever is prompted to want a 335 from viewing this video but doesn't have Gibson-level funds, the Epiphone Sheraton II Pro is a more affordable and, in my example's instance, more-than-adequate alternative. Epiphone's 335 is also more affordable and, I suspect, adequate.
Short history of the Superstrat ever? Love your vids!
Great video and a lot of history on this incredible instrument. Mine is a sunburst '91 '59 reissue and I will be buried with it.
Loved It ! Always informative and fun getting to learn these things from you Keith! Thanks man!
Terrific Keith! Having grown up in Kalamazoo, I also enjoy my Heritage 535 as it has a deep neck profile and Seymour Duncan 59 pickups.
Keith, great segment.... but a glaring omission, Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues. With the exception of an occasional Tele, he's had as his almost sole and constant companion on stage the same Bigsby'd '63 cherry red 335 from ~1967 to 2010s, with a tobacco-burst as backup IIRC. That red 335 and Hayward are almost synonymous with each other. I was glad to hear you finally mention Lee Ritenour, who's been thought of as "Mr. 335" about as much and long as Carlton, though the latter is more "officially" monikered that. It was interesting seeing them together on stage, with Ritenour on a 335 and Carlton a Les Paul in the opening number. When they traded guitars (types) during the course of the concert, Carlton played his familiar burst 335 noted in your video. I have a great Ibanez of the type (trying in vain to channel John Scofield?), that I actually prefer to many of the 'real' 335s I've tried, but I let a 60s 335 pass me by in the late 70s that maybe was the best or most alluring of them all--just something about its mojo in looks and play. They're all good though. Speaking of Ibanez, they have a current delectable 356/339 size "AM" Indonesian-built model (and a very nice same source "AS" 335-sized) that may be the best value combination of this sort. And, Carlton himself is endorsing (and apparently playing) a very nice, value-priced Sire "335," also Indonesian manufacture.
Another great show.
I had an Epiphone 335 Dot. It's the best guitar I've ever had on it's factory settings, but I exchanged it for an Epiphone G400 SG that I moded with P90s and now that's the best one I've ever had.
I could never afford the year thing; during the Pandemic I bought a Grote copy. It really is a fine guitar. A college friend of mine, thirty -odd years ago, gifted me a very well-made Wurlitzer 335 style guitar, which is currently not playable, but It gave me lots of great memories. I'm principally a Fender man, 335s are almost impossible to work on; but, man, that tone.
I think I voted on your poll, but I skipped the Les Paul, respect, but the 335 with PAFs will do you just fine, and a Strat, in the right hands, will outsing that thing, any night. Peace.
Hi Keith! Thanks for this fun and interesting video! You named them all but you forgot the Gibson ES-333 that was made from 2002 to 2005 at the Gibson Memphis shop, the same place where they make the Custom Shop models. About ten years ago I was lucky enough to find a used cherry red ES-333 for $800. A great sounding guitar with a thin satin nitrocellulose finish. I installed a pickguard, replace the pickups with Seymour Duncan Seth Lover humbuckers and replace the bridge with an ABM bell brass ABR-1 style bridge. The result is a suberb guitar with an amazing tone! Those Gibson ES-333 are as good as any Gibson in the ES-335 style range.
For an old poor guy- it was a '62 P90 SG (used under $300) now with Bartolini mini humbuckers for series parallel and a Schaller tunamatic bridge, and a 1964 ES 330 TDC (used under $300) for everything else. Now that I am old, I do have an American blacktop Tele and a lefty Player Strat sporting a right handed roasted Pau Ferro neck for noisy Jimi single coil things. If I could only have one, and though I feel the SG is overlooked and not given enough historical credit.. -the 330 is the one to have if you only have one. Thanks for this video- Now I need to try a used 390..
I only had two Stratocasters when I managed to make it to the conservatory of music to study jazz on the electric guitar. I pulled out a couple of frets of my first strat (don’t ask 😅), so I only had a Van Halen type Stratocaster to play on and I figured I needed something else. I had two months off and I decided to work full time in a factory to earn enough money to buy myself basically any guitar I could possibly want. It was either going to be an ES-175 or an ES-335 (or something similar, like a 345, 347, 355 etcetera). Then of course I realised that a 175 would be a bit more limiting, while you can basically do everything you can think of with a 335, so that’s what I went for. I went to one of the local music stores and tried every 335/345/347/355 they had. The best and most beautiful guitar of them all (at least in my opinion) was the guitar I went home with. A black 1989 Gibson ES-347. I will never sell that guitar. It’s so unbelievably good and versatile that I wouldn’t even know what to do without it. For a long time, when things weren’t going well for me, I had but two guitars that were still good enough to play. It was this 347 and a heavily modified late eighties American Standard Telecaster. It was all I needed.
Tiny side note: there have been two versions of the 347. They were basically identical besides four ‘tiny’ differences (as far as I’ve been able to tell).
1- The location of the tailpiece. The tailpiece on the first version was located further away from the bridge. On the second version it was similar to most Les Pauls and SG’s.
2- The coil tap switch changed from a large white tip located on the lower horn on the earliest version to a small black switch located right next to the position switch on the later version.
3- They changed the pickups (not unimportant).
4- I believe the earliest version had a brass nut. They changed this to what they used on most other models.
I’m not sure if the list of changes is complete, but I did read things about going from chrome hardware to ‘golden’ hardware. However, on most pictures I see ‘golden’ hardware no matter what version it was. Maybe someone can help me a little. 😊
Anyway, I want to thank you again for, Keith, for this wonderful episode about my favourite guitar (together with the Telecaster). 🧡🧡🧡😊
Got into 335 style guitars because of Tom Delonge using those 333’s. 339’s are my favorite though since they’re sized closer to a Les Paul.
My unrefined ears have never been able to hear a strong difference between an LP and 335. But the 330 I can tell. Being not very tall or long-limbed, I plonked for the 390. And researching the 390 is how I got to this channel a few years back! I wish I was both big enough to comfortably handle a 335 and could hear the difference from an LP.
I played 58 335 in Carter Vintage in 2019. It was a sweet guitar. Only 45 grand back then
🙂 335 then 355 here. What I really came to say though, is how lucky I was. Dad.. carried a little Gibson in the Navy.. 1965 or so, came time.. He said 'ok we'll go look at Gibsons.. 'Least we know they don't make junk.. Yeah 🙂
Oops.. their 'vibrato bar 02:25, 02:35.. That however.. _is first to go.. solid tail piece please._
I really liked the intro.
There where a lot of the 335 family guitars used in Nashville in the 70's when I was there. Most of the players on the Opry at the time used them. Great versatile guitars.
as always excellent presentation, including the brown M&M's
I recently bought one of those new "ES Supreme" ES-335 style guitars. My first Gibson and I'm already loving it, it's supposed to be part of their "Modern collection" but honestly when I first got it in my hands it didn't seem to much more modern than the classic ES-335 we all know and like. It may not be vintage now but one day it will be, and so will I! Haha
Always enjoy your any kind of guitar history videos Mr. Williams.
Totally regret selling my ES 345 but I know where it's at and my friend Phil won't sell it back. Some friend right?(humor) don't blame him it's a really good Norlin '74' ES345TD Walnut finish.
I had WW CS 61 es 335 for about a year. I loved it, but I had to sell it because life happens. I think I could be happy with the USA made one but they all come with the rounded C profile and that’s way too chunky for my taste. I need the slim profile. I hope to get one again at some point. Wonderful video Keith!
Without a doubt, the 335 and its variants are the most versatile guitars. When getting a good one, that is a forever guitar.
my brother, who's been playing jazz and blues for 50+ years, brings two guitars to most gigs. #1 is a telecaster, often his custom built 'pinecaster' which weighs about half what a standard tele weighs, has stainless frets on a maple fingerboard and duncan pickups. #2 is a hollowbody, which on any given night might be a mid 60s ES335, a 1953 ES295, a Epi Elite Broadway, or a L5 CES. (the latter two are fairly new). He plays through a 1964 Fender Princeton Reverb (not a reissue, but its had magic done to it by a talented amp tech), and he uses no effects pedals at all.
I've been a fan of this style guitar for years. Had am Epi Dot in Natural that turned into rent money, and I kicked myself for years until swapping an 80's MIJ Squier Strat for an Epiphone Sheraton and I am whole again. LOL! While I know Epi's ain't Gibby's they're the best I can afford, and if I'm honest, the most I will allow my non-pro level self to spend on one!
My electric guitar collection almost matches the survey list…. Fender (Tele & Strat), Gibson (Les Paul, ES-335 & Les Paul Double Cut because I really “needed” P90’s 😆 ) and an Ibanez S Series for a 7-string adventure! As always another great video!
Have a epiphone BB KING LUCILLE plays and sound great. Also have Fender Strat,Telcaster,and Fender Mustang. Incendently my Telcaster is A Squire Affinity with parts upgraded with Fender replacement parts. Sounds amazingly like original Fender Telcaster.
A few years back, I had the opportunity to buy a 335 from another guitar player, but I didn't have the spare change he was asking for it. It had a beautiful burst with a quilted maple top. Some day, I hope to have a 335.
I've never played a proper Gibson ES, but the modern production Epiphone Riviera with minihumbuckers is absolute class. Had one for a few years, very well made.
Oh, man. I love that 390 you had, Keith.
I rewatched the older version of this video just last night! Guess I'll have to look at these glorious 335s all over again...
The 335 got on the list because it’s a badass and a very versatile guitar and sounds great! The only guitars you need in your whole arsenal is a Tele and a 335. You can play just about anything with those two and get by just fine.
Great video!! A short history video on the Yamaha SA-1000 Super Axe would be cool and interesting.
Whoa, love that Some Neck Guitars in Dublin is getting some love!
I knew a guy who had the most epic guitar collection ever. Over a hundred of the most iconic Fenders and Gibsons. The ES-335 was his #1.
My dream guitar! ❤
You always remember your first and mine was a ES-347 around 1980. I traded my LP Deluxe for it. Unfortunately my style went in an acoustic direction and I traded the ES-347 for a D-28. My next was a ES-369 that was eventually traded for a L-4 CES. Now back to a CS ES-335 reissue with the big fat neck. Still miss the ES-347 and now most used ones have been played a lot and a nice one is big $$$ 😢
I'm always surprised the 339 doesn't get more attention. I've had an Aria TA40 for years, which covered the 335 functions well, in a shortened version, although the QC was variable, according to other owners I knew. When the Epi 339 with the coil taps came out a few years back, they all played and sounded good, and were better set up than the Gibson Custom shop versions issued shortly after, although that improved with later issues. I moved the strap button to the top cutaway for better balance, and access to the higher frets. You can get any amount of Strat, Tele, LP and 335 clones, even Firebirds and Explorers, but I've yet to see a 339 clone. A 339 also looks the right size for some, see Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics. If you favour a Border Terrier over a Labrador you might like a 339.
I don’t have a 335 yet. I did buy a Casino (the most basic import version, in the Olive Drab “worn” finish) about six weeks ago. Superb instrument. I am torn between going for the “pure” 335 experience or getting an Epiphone Riviera, since I don’t have anything with minihumbuckers.
I will be happy with just a Stratocaster, Gibson 335, Gretsch, Martin Acoustic , selling off the other stuff wouldn't hurt my feelings... Larry Carlton said he doesn't collect guitars, he has 7, but he only needs the one 335 .
Thanks, Keith!
The ES-335 is next on my list of guitars, then maybe a Les Paul (again).
Enjoyed this short history
🙏🏻🤍
Great as always man!
Thanks Jeff!
Cream is/was a great band. 3 guys on a stage 🎸 edit: Thanks for this great video! I will rewatch (probably)
Love my faded-cherry ES-335 dot from 2001. Built on the most infamous day of this year. I‘d be very curious if it‘s the only one from this very day.
That's awesome you mentioned JD's 62'.
When I was in college way back in the early '80's, I decided my Strat wasn't enough anymore, and I wanted - no, NEEDED - a 335. My local store didn't have one, but they did have a 345. No idea what model year it was, but it was a nice walnut finish with gold hardware. The centerblock did not go all the way through the guitar, which wasn't ideal. I also wasn't thrilled with the funky six-position switch, the stereo wiring or the trapeze tail piece, but like I said, I had to have a 335 and if this was my only option, so be it. I had a stop tailpiece installed, and I wound up liking, but not loving the guitar. I found the neck too different from my Strat to be truly comfortable, but the defining moment for me was when I was using the 345 to rehearse with a band and I kept screwing up my parts. The guitar just felt too different for me. That was it. I've never owned one since, but I just recently ordered the Harley Benton version of a 335. Can't wait for it to come. Thanks for the vid Keith.
The semi hollow style is my favourite. My dream guitar is an ES355 with a figured top but those be damn expensive. At the moment I have a Vintage by JHS brand VSA555 which is a copy of the 355, extremely well made, plays and sounds like a dream, I even prefer it to my Les Paul Studio. As for how many guitars DO you need? For me its actually just a 355 and a Strat, I have the LP Studio but I could do without it, for my needs the semi hollow and my strat with a Seymore Duncan STK s7 single coil in the neck and a gibson P94 in the bridge covers pretty much everything
I like the 4 guitar list. I'd probably modify the list slightly to have a Nashville Tele with a Bender or a G and B bender. This would allow for lap steel sounds and overlap with the strat in positions 2 and 4. I'd then modify the Strat to be a super strat with a splitable humbucker, flatter radius, and floating trem.
Bee Bop Deluxe... "I'm an Axe Victim" Most amazing 335 tone ever. Don't doubt me on this. Bill Nelson owns it.
12:26 however, as you rightly pointed out in your history of the Les Paul, this was a patent that Gibson already owned for, of all things, a bridge design