Is it a 335 or a Les Paul? | 2012 Gibson Midtown Custom Cherry Sunburst | Review + Demo

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Article: troglysguitarshow.com/2019/04/18/gibson-midtown-custom-cherry-sunburst/
Mentioned Videos:
Midtown Kalamazoo Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3WbfGSdiqerg80
Government 335 Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGiwlWSZa71-bbM
Custom Private Build Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5-0f2iqf9yNnLs
Episode Guide:
0:00 - Intro - Check Links In Description!
0:26 - Midtown Series
1:28 - Midtown Vs Tradition
2:54 - Bad Reputation
4:09 - Ace Frehley Mods?
4:41 - Inside Look / Specs
8:52 - Clean Tones
10:00 - Dirty Tones
11:50 - Blacklight
The Gibson Midtown series consisted of many different models. The Midtown Standard, Dexlue, Custom, Kalamazoo and Signature (Bass) models are the main ones. These were stylized after the Memphis plants ES-335, ES-355, Byrdland and the LP Signature Bass guitars. While they might look like the flagship models, they are built in completely different ways. These are more akin to a Chambered Les Paul with F-Holes. They have a solid mahogany back that is chambered and then a maple top put on them instead of being the usual carved Maple-Poplar-Maple sandwiches. These midtowns are also slightly reduced in size.
These have a bad reputation for poor construction quality and many finish blemishes. Because of that, these are usually pretty affordable models.
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Is it a 335 or a Les Paul? | 2012 Gibson Midtown Custom Cherry Sunburst | Review + Demo
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[@sentforth5]

I rather like that Midtown. It has character and the custom option gives it an air of authority. Nice!

[@richardavila5410]

I have a tobbaco sunburst...love it.

[@monstrok]

I always assumed the Midtowns had the arch top. Thanks for the coverage!

[@PhilipCockram]

Great episode trogly . excellent details ... And I have to say your playing is getting really good ! Keep it rockin pal

[@zororosario]

This was my first Gibson in 2012 bought used on Reverb. No regrets , put in a Nashville tailpiece w/titanium saddles & stopbar from Philadelphia Luthiers. 57 classics 4 conductor wire. Push /pull pots (CTS).Grover locking tuners. Absolutely the most pleasure with the mods without butchering a collectable. My desert island guitar😊

[@michaelfern945]

Thanks for the great review. Appreciate your honest critical feedback on the instrument. Too many promotional channels so appreciate yours. Detailed and honest.

[@sonsauvage]

I had a midtown custom and it was hands down the best feeling and playing Gibson I ever owned or came into contact with. The sound was excellent as well but that's much more subjecive

[@JohnnyBGoode9]

Why the past tense, then? Did it have the cosmetic QC flaws?

[@badalicemusic]

Just bought a 2011 one of these secondhand and love it! Terrific guitars😎 Great overview as always Trogly😊👊

[@j1plascenciaa]

Amazing review, can tell you're passionate about your gear, and we love it!

[@zororosario]

These are really a lot of value for the money. I have a 2012 in ebony with no QC problems, this model has it's own sound between a 335 & the LP. Richlite is okay I don't mind that it seems to stiffen the neck on the 60's neck. I bought a 2012 Fender Super Deluxe Thinline FSR made in Japan also in ebony, having 2 Tuxedo style guitars at an affordable price makes me smile without breaking the bank. Great reviews on your channel honest evaluations, Thanks,Cheers.

[@rudiyantohalim736]

I love the clean sound on the bass strings, although i hate the blemish. At least i know it's diffrent on the body from ES series. Thnx for another nice video Austin 🤘

[@kcholms]

Holy Crap! I thought my LP was a one off, but I has the same smiley face in the neck pup cavity (only in red ink)! That's why I call her "Smiley"! So cool that it's a thing they did more than once!

[@spookshouseofhorror395]

I sold one of those standards at my work in black. It was an amazing guitar and sounded awesome

[@xmillion1704]

Always cool shit. I love learning about a whole variety of guitars I've never known about before. ebay prices currently running $1,300 - $3,400. Thanks!

[@rebfloyd4088]

Great looking guitar. I had an Epiphone 335. I’m totally a Les Paul guy but your guitar is very cool. Thanks good job

[@peyotepete4903]

Best review channel on YT! Thank you!

[@blakecurtis7809]

Nice riffs at 10:50 mark. I have heard a few big body semi hollows that shred. Just imagine if the old school metal bands used those instead of pointy guitars!

[@B_Wolfen]

Love my Pelham-blue Midtown Std since 3 years. No issues so far!

[@ricklynn6176]

I have one in vintage Sunburst. They are great guitars and they only going up in value! Whenever you get a chance to grab a limited run Gibson guitar for a decent price, you should definitely do it. They usually only appreciate with time

[@alabamahebrew]

Interesting guitar, it reminds me of the Johnny A body style. I did not know the Midtown's were flat tops but I do like that they have a rear access panel! Back in the day I was a huge Ace Frehley fan and he is one of the main reasons why I love the Les Paul guitar, It wasn't until a few years ago that I found out that on his custom 3 pup guitars ONLY the bridge pup was even wired. The Neck was the one that he customized for his smoke effect and the middle was just sitting there doing nothing. When I clicked on the Reverb link you provided it showed a black one of these and I have to say that after looking at the photos of that and comparing it to the cherry sunburst you are showing, I prefer the cherry sunburst!! I love that it has the block inlays and not dots. Great video!

[@Vichedges]

A lot of rock guys never use the neck pickups on LP. I never do. It's too muddy.

[@alabamahebrew]

@@Vichedges - Oh yeah I know that, I use mine when I am playing songs such More than a Feeling or others where one part is clean and the other is dirty, thats why I hate a guitar not having separate volume controls for the pickups. On Ace's guitars though his other pups were not even wired up lol.

[@zackandkatemobley1595]

After going through multiple LP standards, 2 335's including a custom shop, a Firebird, and the 95 other guitars I've owned, this is my go to guitar for the last 3-4 years. Mine has no issues unlike most other Gibsons. The Firebird I bought was barely playable from the factory. I don't compare it to other Gibson models. It is its own thing. More like a Thinline Fender than a 335/339. Plays and sounds amazing.

[@markiannetta4198]

I bought the exact model you're showing doesn't have any of the manufacturing flaws plays and sounds phenomenal is my number one guitar now because of its unique tonality plus it's two pounds lighter than my LP

[@gdrugg2006]

damn this thing sounds great! always loved the look too, with the flat top and block inlays.

[@adiohead]

I have an ebony Midtown Custom. I didn't like the stock pickups so fitted Seymour Duncan Alnico-IIs and put in a push-push OoP switch.

[@peterdebad1]

Very nice playing guitar. Thanks for the review!!

[@greghilinski6571]

That really looks line an ES-339 body with a custom neck. I think the 339's were a bit smaller and had the flat maple top if I am not mistaken. They also had the very small "ears".

[@richardbinder9662]

Greg , a dear family friend was the late luthier Steve Carr. He built Gene Simmons prototype Axe bass, Ace's mini Explorer, reunion UFO guitar and many others. He built a smaller 335 way before the 339. I miss my friend. I believe there is an example for sale at the moment. My late mother always played Bingo with Steve's mom. His mentor was Jimmy D' Aquisto. Look up Steve Carr , Kiss Guitars. Not the amp builder. Cool story about John Lennon.

[@greghilinski6571]

A similar model was built by Heritage guitars which had an exclusive with Ed Roman guitars from CT and later Las Vegas.

[@keithrevst692]

The es339 has a carved or bent top, at least the one I own does. It sounds as good as my LP. I prefer gigging with it, because it isn’t as heavy. I also have a 335 but for me it is just too big.

[@Kylora2112]

Cherryburst is by FAR my favorite finish.

[@harveysbricksandcollectibl8736]

Thanks alot I got a big edge to buy a 335 this is amazing!!!!

[@sxymike12]

I went into guitar center not looking for a guitar and found one of these for 600 bucks used, MINE!!!!! thank you bye 👋

[@adamd.6698]

That thing is nothing to laugh at. Seriously gorgeous.

[@EdgarsLS]

well, it's kind of an unfortunate shape tho!

[@soulfare333]

These are wonderful. I love em, Cant afford them but love em. I always wanted a Metal'd out one without the F holes.

[@imannonymous7707]

Ya this is sweet, burst for daze ! What ur playing sounds cool too btw , got that 335 thing goin on

[@sunlightpictures8367]

I'd love to hear a comparison between this and a 335 and a 339.

[@wheresallthezombies]

I was always curious about the difference in these and the 335s. I always thought they looked cool and sounded awesome. I also thought they played great too. I kind of like that they’re basically a chambered les Paul. It’s super cool.

[@ryanfulldark2775]

I like everything about this guitar other than the QC issues

[@kentstone5193]

It would be interesting to see more of the same type of bodies from Gibson. Like what makes a 335 a 335 and so on

[@anonymousguy7723]

I was gonna buy one on Craigslist, but the seller said the board was ebony. Watching your video told me that it’s “ rich light” the same materials kitchen counter tops...!!!

[@gezor20]

confused about a guitar.. and there is Trogly to the rescue 👍👍👍

[@wadeguidry6675]

I like it. One of these may be in my future.

[@rafaelpretto292]

Nice review my friend. But for a ES-335 and Les Paul hybrid, you will have to check the ES-339 (Les Paul size with 335 semi-hollow features).

[@greghall7640]

This is much more of a balance. The 339 is nothing but a smaller 335 that sounds nothing like a les paul. I've had 335 and Les Pauls and my midtown is dead center soundwise. Really sweet guitar in Pelham Blue.

[@clintmcginley7256]

My 2012 SG also has a smiley face in the neck pickup cavity

[@mauricedibert2635]

Just saw the scar my guitar troguitar. Beast

[@daveyroque1070]

Neck and middle are really quacky and peeking at country twang! Pretty cool

[@hijackmke]

I have a midtown custom deluxe. Only 150 were made. It’s amazing.

[@the_nondrive_side]

I love the idea of the bass model. Shame they missed the boat on producing a baritone with that shape

[@lucaszembrzuski]

Really nice guitar, but i would prefer this custom finish more in the 339 shape.

[@SophisticatedBob]

My Midtown Custom has no flaws, is easy to play and sounds fantastic. BUT it has more of a Les Paul vibe than a 335, by far. But the guitar itself is a jewel.

[@therugburnz]

That looks nice to me. Is the "Birdland a routed out one piece mahogany with a separate top?"

[@Terry3Gs]

Its funny you mention canada & I would have swore I seen the same guitar on my local kijiji for about $2500 canadian like 2-3 weeks ago !! LOL ... I do like the look of them but wasnt aware they where totally flat like a ES-335-S kinda is. My buds having a hell of a time to sell his silverburst ES-335-S atm.

[@jacobsnightmare1807]

These are fine guitars. I've had two cross my path over the years (I'm a serial buyer, trader, seller..its a sickness :)) and they were both great. Regret getting rid of them. Actually thinking of grabbing another.

[@davek12]

Cherry Sunburst makes me think of Cheez-Its. The Birdland as shown in this video makes me think of the extra toasty Cheez-Its. Gibson should team up with Keebler to make a special edition, maybe 1 of 1 Cheez-It guitar.

[@Trog]

They did a lot of company guitars in the 90s and 2000s... maybe there is one haha

[@daveyroque1070]

Thanks now when I see a cherry sunburst cheezits are the only thing I can think of😂😂😂

[@stevesolo16]

I'd play it. The cherry hasn't faded. I don't care for the finish. I'd probably refinish it if I planned on keeping it for a long time.

[@christopherwilson9861]

What does he mean by “it plays stiff?” I’ve been looking at these recently and am curious about that statement.

[@damirstimac2837]

Had you forgotten Deluxe Midtowns from 2016. Ocean water and root beer. Beautiful instruments.

[@wiseguyguitars7716]

It's the "Thinline Telecaster" of the Gibson Les Paul range ;)

[@zororosario]

Yes it sure seems like it.

[@zororosario]

Yes ,for the price excellent guitars. I have an exact same 2012 in ebony, I also have a Japan 2012 Fender super deluxe thinline Telecaster in ebony. Tuxedo guitars look so cool. I swapped out the BB one and two put those in the Tele . I then got 4 conductor 57 classics and put these in the Midtown. Overall I could't be happier, Cheers.

[@cyb3r3vil30]

I'd Rock that thang! Cherry Burst looks Sweet TFS

[@wesleyalan9179]

Right on!

[@earlycuyler2295]

Love the 335 line. I wish the custom shop didnt want $2500 just to work on one, before any customization.till i hit the lotery ill just deal with the epiphone dot studio.id love to get one in true white, extra thick black binding, matching headstock,ebonite fretboard (like on the hagstrom viking) jumbo frets and an graphite nut. Bigsby, locking tuners, Invader pickups,1 volume and a varitone. Coil split,killswitch and phase selection. And id like to have the f holes cut to look more like a typical , blocky, capital "F" but id settle for diamonds if thats out of the question. Come on gibson!

[@ericbgordon1575]

Trpgly, any chance you could try doing a comparison between this Midtown model (if you still have it) and the ES LP? There appear to be 1 or 2 similarities, even though this one would appear to be shaped more like the Epiphone ES-339 Pro.

[@rockerbob949]

I want to see you review a Heritage!! Maybe a comparison with a Gibson. I’ve heard good things about those guitars. Plus they apparently use some of the same equipment that was used back when Gibson was there.

[@leonthompson8988]

They were made better than Gibson's right up til they sold the company 3 or so years ago. I bought mine in the early 90s and it was made the third year of mfg. I had to sell mine after an injury. The early Heritage guitars abided by an agreement with Gibson in which 13 aspects of the guitar had to be different than Gibson. The one difference that hurt their sales in those early years was the use of a 300kohm volume pots. It severely cut the output and aggressiveness of the l.p.. I put a 1megaohm pots in mine and kept the Schaller pups. The investment group that owns them now wants to fire craftsmen if their bursts aren't just like the photo. Crazy!!! Not all woods take stain exactly the same. Good luck. Unlike Gibson they never had a bad year

[@chuckgreenfield4484]

Gibson does come out with some 'odd' ducks. I have an L6S-Custom advertised originally with super hot pickups that are definitely not hot at all. Fortunately, I now have a gorgeous ES-335 and I'm about to get an American Professional Strat.

[@sideshow1297]

I heard in addition to a one piece mahogany body they were also made with a one piece maple cap. This one looks book matched, right?

[@scarmyguitar]

Trog check our community post to see your guitar....almost done!

[@greedyfirstalgorithmlast26]

The The Alleykat is a great guitar. I owned one I paid $300 for and Traded it in on a Joe Pass "PreJoe" Emperor 11 and got $400.00 cash over the $300. and this At GuitarCenter Emoryville in 2015is an archtop guitar manufactured by the Epiphone Guitar company. It was made in Korea at the Unsung and Saein plants, and features a single cutaway design similar to a Gibson ES-175 albeit without the florentine design

[@richardavila5410]

My Midtown Standard was bought brand new, tobacco sunburst with hardshell case when AMS and GC were phasing them out a few years back...I like it a lot. Saved about a grand or more...the black Custom models look and sound/play pretty cool...

[@markbaum9615]

Reminds me of the CS-336 I've got with exception of the sound quality and finish flaws

[@TheDogPa]

Gibson CS-336...drool, drool, drool...real top! A new figured top 339 ain't bad for plywood either...

[@shaunw9270]

Wow , really sweet guitar 👌

[@johncabbage6080]

Gibson went sicko mode

[@TomTobin67]

You should do a Gibson Switchmaster.

[@jubei7259]

I've got the ebony version. They really are fantastic guitars for the money. Mine cost me just 700 bucks off eBay, with its' original Gibson hardcase & it's immaculate. The BB1/BB2 combo are really mellow sounding but also capable of much heavier stuff than a more traditional 335 style. The QC issues with these were kinda legendary but everyone I know who got a decent one loves their's & when can you ever get a Gibson USA Custom for that price normally? There's a reason they sold out everywhere so quickly.

[@Vichedges]

Yeah, I got mine for $850 and I thought that was a hell of a deal.

[@Vichedges]

And mine doesn't have any QC issues other than the finish being thin, which isn't really a QC issue, more a price point issue.

[@jubei7259]

@@Vichedges what colour's your's? I saw one in tobacco sunburst & it looked sweet as (only it cost nearly double what I got mine for)

[@Vichedges]

@@jubei7259 Mine's a black custom. I would rather have had natural. I think those look really good.

[@jubei7259]

@@Vichedges I didn't even know they came in natural. Natural finishes are probably my favourite of all but they're just so much more expensive 'cos of how few were made. I always think of Mick Ronson's LPC in natural & Lennon's Casino (even though I think both of them were re-fins)

[@keithgray5525]

looks awesome!

[@Vichedges]

I have one, a 2012 black custom. I got mine for $850 on Ebay a couple of years ago. It's a cool guitar but it's my least favorite of my Gibsons and I'll probably sell or trade it pretty soon. I rarely play it.

[@lenduckworth99]

The tone is much closer to LP than 335 series. Just doesn't have the thickness. Cool looking though, I prefer the look of these to Les Pauls

[@downshift00]

for some reason I want one of these things

[@realkylehooks]

This is my dream guitar. Do you think you could find me one to buy?

[@nickbrylka-mee6917]

Never had a problem with mine

[@philako6160]

Had a black one of these and wanted to love it but alas it had an unstable neck. It's sort of falls somewhere between a Les Paul custom and a 335 custom but falls short of both.. shame really!

[@gauloiscalifornien]

I bought this in 2011, GC Rancho Cucamonga.

[@shckltnebay]

Have these dramatically gone up since this vid?

[@imannonymous7707]

I wish i could remember the model name this guy i saw busking with....it was the same sunburst size body of a paul. Maybe slightly smaller ..but completely hollow with no f holes . I cant remember what kind of pick ups it had now...but it was definately not a 125 or 175 ....it looked just like a paul, and it was older

[@Trog]

This is the closest I could think of reverb.com/item/14909238-used-1953-gibson-es-140-archtop-electric-guitar-with-chip-case?_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly

[@ronnielawson8276]

How do they do the electonics on a les paul supreme?

[@Trog]

pickup cavities

[@AntmanFelix]

I guess with this new copyright crap, we can no longer say someone is playing something wrong. Great video Trogly. These Midtowns always intrigued me but not enough to pull the trigger. Plus I'm a snob, and I dont want no Richlite fretboards... at least not anytime soon.

[@keithrevst692]

He posted an earlier video explaining that.

[@AntmanFelix]

@@keithrevst692 I know he posted a video about it. Everybody has, that is if you are referring to the copyright comment.

[@Vichedges]

Dude, unless you look at it you would never know Richlite isn't ebony. I own a Midtown Custom and a LP Custom, as far as feel goes there is no difference and looks go nobody except snobs such as yourself is even going to care. It's not Gibsons fault the govt put restrictions on wood.

[@AntmanFelix]

@@Vichedges I never said it was Gibsons fault for switching to Richlite

[@Vichedges]

@@AntmanFelix I didn't say you did.

[@soulagent79]

I've been offered these for a trade many times, but never picked one up. I don't know why, but people seem to want to get rid of their Midtowns all the time.

[@LeadenMarshmallow]

Neck dive bro

[@thetreblerebel]

I want one!

[@knedy]

*I believe the body is styled after the ES-339.*

[@paulfrehley3101]

ACE FREHLEY!!!

[@sardinejellybean2992]

going for an average of about 2k on reverb now

[@johnm3152]

I prefer the Larry Carlton appointments

[@garrettodonnell4177]

Why didn't they make one in white? I'd buy the heck out of that.

[@nigel7779]

Are you doing a review of the scar my guitar build

[@cultfighter]

I have a limited run 2016 rootbeer that you should be buying from me THEY ARE HARD TO COME BY

[@Angeldiazz]

I love your videos

[@lazyrrr2411]

Blemishes , flaws , and damage give an axe Character ... There's not another one like it anywhere

[@adamd.6698]

Instead of bending the wood, they should carve the arch like classic builders

[@julosx]

Each and every ES or archtop has bended wood on it, on the back and sides at least. Same as acoustic guitars.

[@vegashdrider]

Actually my 335 has the same dimensions 11x15 1/2, this guitar sounds and looks great! Not a fan of cherry sunburst? What’s wrong with you!

[@stepvanjoe3469]

Does it jent ?

[@jubei7259]

Actually yes it does lol

[@brianhemphill5722]

I have the clone of the guitar he's displaying. It has no finish flaws. I think the pickups are outstanding. I use it for slightly overdriven blues (think Michael Bloomfield) and it is very well suited for that, a range not covered in this demo. I also like the ergonomics; for me Les Pauls are smallish and 335s are a little cumbersome. These are "just right". I have been running through guitars for decades and now I'm done.

[@dar3mor6]

Honestly... I prefer a 60's Guild Starfire XII.

[@danterosales6985]

Blasphemy

[@danilolimas]

a bluesy guitar without a riff in a demo ;-( thx btw

[@triplesevensix291]

I'd rather buy an Epiphone 335 to be honest. Never liked these things. The Epi would probably be a better guitar all round. Cheers Austin. Have a sound weekend lad.

[@Vichedges]

So what's stopping you? I mean, thanks for letting us know and all but ..........

[@triplesevensix291]

At the moment I have a spinal injury that has resulted in the loss of my left hand but if it gets better I will buy one. You asked man... ;)@@Vichedges

[@handlebarchap898]

TRIPLESEVENSIX it’s a great guitar, hope your spine injury has healed up and your have your fingers back !

[@triplesevensix291]

@@handlebarchap898 Thanks Simon.

[@TheCSHeckler]

Bit of a Rickenbecker sound alot, not quite sound alike.

[@simonmorris6286]

Bought mine with my first bonus from work second hand. I now have a girlfriend so my bonus does not belong to the guitar world.. although I just got in trouble with my fiancee for calling her my "girlfriend" so my guitar hopes are probably ruined for the future.... great guitar though. Noting wrong with Richliite,

[@sassycat]

Definitely doesn't have the 335's "woman tone". You should review a ES-275T sometime.