Two pretty ES-335 guitars - which one do you like?

[Boogie Bill]

I really like my Antique Sunburst 335--it's a little darker and smokier than either of the two you've pictured, if that makes sense.

I like the lightburst finish, but they are really variable--some are great and some are just blah. The current Cherry is too bright of a red--I much prefer the darker cherry that they use on the Custom Shop 339. I LOVE some of the flamed blond 335s I've seen lately. They are always more expensive, but they really are gorgeous.

My fav finish color for a 335 though would have to be the Larry Carlton Iced Tea. That's was the color of my old long neck 330, and it was just a beautiful color. I almost bought a LC Signature 335, but they have the narrow 1-9/16 nut. Come to think of it, Gibson did a Tangerine Burst on the 336/356 series that was really stunning, too.

I guess if you have your heart set on one of the two, I'd take the one that felt and sounded the best--of course. I agree about the teardrop burst, so I lean towards the Lightburst, but I'd have to see it in person to be sure.

Good luck.

Bill

P.S. Hey, if you're tight with Jol--have him send you a Hamer Monaco or a Newport!!!

[That90'sGuy]

That top one is b-e-a-u-tiful! Tobacco sunbursts are everywhere with ES-335s. That top one has spectacular grain and the finish is really unique (that light burst is really something else). But don't listen to any of us Lew, trust your gut

[blueman335]

That top one is b-e-a-u-tiful! Tobacco sunbursts are everywhere with ES-335s. That top one has spectacular grain and the finish is really unique (that light burst is really something else).

+1. Tobacco bursts are old hat, go with something different, and beautiful.

[jimijames]

When I opened up the thread and saw the top one, I thought "Man, the next one has to be mind-blowingly stunning to make this a difficult decision", but when I saw the bottom one, it just didn't "pop" in the way the top one did. To me, the top one is achingly beautiful. The bottom one is beautiful as well, just not achingly so.

My vote goes for the top one.

[MikeS]

On looks alone... top one, by no small margin.

It has a more interesting grain pattern, IMO. The bottom one is just another flame maple guitar. Also, I think the teardrop burst is a hideous shape, and never understood the appeal. It looks terrible on LPs and just as bad on 335s.

[BigJoe77]

i'll echo some others.

top one. the teardrop just looks odd on that body.

[Sanford]

Another vote for the top one here. I stared at the picture for about five minutes before even scrolling to the next one.

[baritone]

They both look stunning, but the top one is more stunning. I like how those kinds of guitars look without the pickguard.

[blueman335]

They both look stunning, but the top one is more stunning. I like how those kinds of guitars look without the pickguard.

+1. When you have beautiful flame, skip the pickguards.

[d1dsj]

Top one for sure based on looks alone, that's the only colour 335 I'd buy.

[Lewguitar]

You already know what I'll say, since one of my favorite guitars IS that top one.

The bottom one......I never cared for bursts that look like they were done with a big paintbrush. lol

This thread is interesting though, because it's divided pretty evenly. I never knew there were that many teardrop burst fans.

I like the dark sunburst finishes if they follow the cutaways of the guitar and show some of that grain. But when they paint the Cutaways opaque, sort of like the back of guitar #2, I don't like that as much. It was a 50's thing I think. That and a brown neck that looked almost unstained. That's how my real '58 was. I never bonded with that guitar.

I still have not been able to hook up with the owner of guitar #1 in person. The light colored one. I'm hoping today at 1:00. That's what we agreed on.

Joe: post a pic of your guitar would you?

Thanks, Lew

[Got_tone?]

I found some pics for you Lew. They're the ones that Gear posted in this thread:

335 thread







I love teardrop burst guitars but they only look good on LPs and maybe some 335s. In this case the top one is better.

[Lewguitar]

Well - the top one is not available after all. The owner called me just now and has decided to keep it. Oh well - no biggie. I've got a great one already. Lew

[guitfiddle]

Bummer. He probably got on here and saw how much we wanted you to have it, and decided to keep it. lol

[Lewguitar]

So #2, the Dark Horse, is the winner after all - I just did the exchange. Sold my Taylor and got the Gibson. Came with a full money back guarantee and the seller has perfect feedback. $1800 and $30 shipping. Don't see how I can lose. Lew

[Got_tone?]

It'd be killer with some zebras and maybe cream pickup rings, IMO. Keep us posted and let us know how she plays.

[Evan Skopp]

Just based on looks, I like the top one.

[DLT]

definitely the top one

I agree!

[blueman335]

Well - the top one is not available after all. The owner called me just now and has decided to keep it. Oh well - no biggie. I've got a great one already. Lew

Probably been reading this thread himself & realized how rare and beautiful it really is.

[Lewguitar]

Probably been reading this thread himself & realized how rare and beautiful it really is.

Nah. He was unemployed and then got a job. I'm happy for him that he didn't have to sell his ax. I was going back and forth on which one to get myself. I liked the top one but I'm a traditionalist too and although the top one is pretty, until it was offered to me it was not the look I initially pictured myself owning. #2 is beautiful too and I can keep it if I love it or return it if I don't.

I haven't owned two nice Gibsons in over thirty years.

Lew