Is the New Gibson ES 335 Really Worth Over Three Thousand Dollars??

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What’s this channel all about? ➡️ • Welcome to IkeGuitar!
IkeGuitar is a KZbin channel designed to give intermediate and beginning guitarists the tools they need to take their next step in their guitar career. We seek to mentor and provide guitarists with practical tools, concepts, and ideas to bridge the gap in their knowledge that will take them from hobbyist to paid professional.

[@kurtfroberg3608]

I’ll never be able to afford a Gibson, but I do have a 2010 Epiphone Dot and I’m very happy with it. Between it and my Mexican Deluxe Nashville Tele, I’ve got all the tonal variance that I need.

[@JasonMayers]

I'm fortunate to have an in at Sweetwater and snagged a very clean demo for under $2400. Satisfied with the playability out of the box. Great video!

[@ScottsGuitar]

Wow good job!! That’s killer

[@tommyjones7387]

Yes the Gibson es 335 is worth the money.

[@IkeGuitar]

Not according to the resale market

[@scottdavidson6066]

Hot take!

[@csharp57]

Not with how well these clones are getting to the real thing. And now Gibson/Epiphone are releasing the 355 custom versions, I just don’t see the sense in breaking the bank for a 3k-7k guitar. I play with band and for audiences that don’t care one bit what’s on your headstock. You just better sound good. I can also leave my guitar on the stage and not worry about it at all. Throw that baby in a case and travel anywhere I want. If something happens, I can have another within days.

[@lodrezzon]

If you haven't blown your wad on a Gibson 335 yet, then SERIOUSLY try, or just buy, an Epiphone Marty Schwartz 335 for $900 (or less. I paid $749). The sound is so amazing, you'll never know you're not playing an actual 335, and that left over $2500 stuffed in your pockets will keep you warm all winter long.

[@mike1967sam]

Hello dude I'm writing from the future (march of 2024) and I can tell you this, all Gibson models are far better than they were in 2012. Gibson has worked meticulously on making sure their Les Pauls, 335 an SG stay in perfect tune. The finish is impecable the quality of the components is far better, they almost all come with a case. Maybe they have a bit less bells and whistles but they sound and play amazing. Cheers. Mike.

[@iplayloud2]

Gibson is an image/religion. After owning 5 "standard" models I now own Yamahas, LTDs, Jacksons, Ibanez... With my nut files and fret leveling tools I make any instrument play like a custom shop model 👍🏻

[@jl61046]

Great video. I have been wanting a great 335 for YEARS, but just have never really “clicked” with one. I recently bought one just like in your vid, and sent it back IMMEDIATELY. It just had no life and didn’t sound that great. Fast forward to now. I did a deep dive into Heritage Guitars. They’re made in the old Gibson factory in Kalamazoo, MI with a lot of the same Gibson machines from the 50’s and 60’s. Most importantly, they’re made with care and a lot more personal touch, just like Gibsons use to be made. Anyway, I’ve played standard 335’s, Custom Shops, and Vintage and NONE even come close to this Heritage H535 that I just bought. That’s no exaggeration. Straight out of the box, and this thing felt perfect. I don’t plan to change anything. I got the Antique Natural Finish (which has beautiful figuring) that comes with Seymour Duncan 59’s. Check them out!

[@IkeGuitar]

Love it! I’ve got a custom 335 I moved to from a builder here in Nashville. But I’d LOVE a heritage. Just can’t afford it and I have too many guitars 😂

[@johnredpath5821]

Just bought one new - it's a 2021 made in Nashville, Figured Iced Tea in UK £3,800. Perfect condition as you would expect. First Gibson as I hesitated for years because of worrying noises about QC and robot tuners etc. Through a Marshall JVM Crunch or OD3, the tone is very fine; takes me back to 70s Who and early Deep Purple. It has a deep midrange 'ring' and a tactile 'timbre' I don't get in my USA Strat or EBMM JPxi - although these are also great guitars, JPxi especially. It fills the part of my small collection of classic guitars. Is it worth £3,800? That's what I had to pay. My son-in-law just paid £5,000 for a watch, just to tell the time! Go figure.

[@XeroBase69]

Respectfully, mid to late 2000s Gibson’s are largely thought to have been of extremely poor quality. From the many factory defects to the robot tuning system to the baked maple fretboards - it’s that era that drove Gibson into bankruptcy. Most contend that the ES’s coming out of the new Nashville plant are a return to the quality before that era with new management at the helm. It’s understandable to be salty about the price - but if you are paying full retail for every expensive guitar you buy, you should find a shop that’s willing to work with you. These guitars operate on a 30pt margin clip and can be easily discounted with some basic negotiation.

[@andreasfetzer7559]

Bullshit, who says "are largely thought..."???

[@fordhammie]

Great guitars when you get a good one and with Gibson,,,lol, ya take a chance! i went and got an Eastman T386 for half the price and it's been a really good guitar outta the box! :)

[@cedricwager181]

I have a 2020 and hated the t-type pickups and swapped them out immediately. The feel and playability of the guitar is great.

[@saltyroserocks457]

The big change at Gibson occurred before the pandemic. You didn’t mention the difference between Memphis and Nashville 335’s, or that Memphis shut down in 2019. I like some of the Memphis models. That said- The post bankruptcy Nashville made Gibson 335’s are amazing!

[@vic_white]

Its my first semi hollow Gibson & Im glad I’m the guy who wound up with it. Thanks for the trade Jake -I’m really enjoying this guitar!😊

[@IkeGuitar]

So glad, Vic! This Martin is killer!!

[@billbiddy9083]

I tried a 2023 version of the same model just before Xmas through a blues junior IV. It was not good. I found it hard to find a good sound in it. I then tried the same guitar model at another store through a reverb deluxe - sounded really great. I also tried their Chuck Berry custom shop 355 and for the extra $$ I couldn’t see where it went. Anyway after that I played a Collings I-35 that was omg good. I also liked the trini Lopez custom shop but the price for those is hold your nose while you jump off into deep water… I def want one but have some shops to visit still to see the blonde VOS 355 and the middle priced version with custom buckers before I choose.

[@cedricwager181]

It’s the t-type pickups that sound awful on the new 335s.

[@revelationsoundstudio]

Thank you for your review. A couple of comments I have. Gibson quality and consistency had not been good for many years. You had paint bleeding on different areas and the drying the wood to assembly was not too good. Now that they have restructured and have new ownership, Gibson has focused on better quality control. Price: The cost has gone up on manufacturing. From material and labor. These guitars are made in Tennessee and you have to pay workers enough money to live in the state and keep your employees. I was told if you do the math on inflation from when the 335 was released, the price would be in the ballpark of where the Gibson 335 is. In addition, if you compare the price of a 335 vs a PRS semi hollowbody, the price of the Gibson is lower. The price of a Heritage 535, which is made in the old Gibson factory, costs $3,000 new. Pickups: the T Pickups are a little better than rhe older burst buckers they replaced. I found for rock it cut through better and by just turning the treble control by 2, or turning the tone control down to 7, you could get the same warm tone that one would expect from a 335. Neck: I like the neck better than the slim necks that they used to have. It's bigger but still very comfortable. I bought a 335 during Covid, and I was impressed with the quality, fit, and finish.

[@freddymclain]

for less than half of the cost of a new 335 you can buy a gently used Eastman T-185 that features: SOLID WOODS, a 25" scale EBONY board. an abbreviated center block that supports just the bridge (lighter!) binding on the f-holes, 1.72'" nut, 12" radius, just a better guitar all around. do yourself a huge favor.

[@robertdurrwachter]

If they continue to maintain their value...........Otherwise, I have a Sire that looks great, plays great and sounds great! $700.

[@maroonblood151]

A classic 1958 Gibson 335 was about $275 which translates to about $3,000 in 2024 due to inflation. The $500+ markup of these modern reissues is so annoying and I'm hoping the price eventually drops by a few hundred so I can feel a reason to invest in one.

[@jeffsimkins8521]

I just purchased a barely used, effectively like new, 2021 "Dot" version on Reverb for $2,300. While I think it is certainly worth that (hope so since I paid it!) I tend to agree that there is no way these are worth $3,500 brand new. I have an Emily Wolfe Sheraton that was under $600 used and it really isn't too far off the mark. To each his own I guess.

[@bpastorb]

Just judging by the hilarious asking prices for used ones on reverb I’d say they’re probably worth it. Majority of people trying to sell theirs seem to think they are worth more than what they bought it for new. 😂 yes your 7 year old es-335 is worth 1000-1500$ more than a brand new model. You see it with Les Pauls with nicer tops sometimes (I picked out a good 1 so it’s worth more), but es335 owners are next level.

[@eddiemautone209]

😊a Gibson 335 back in the 1960s was 500 dollars 😊I know I'm 74 years old mostly all the Gibson guitars were 345 00'dollars not 3400 dollars there out of there out there 😊mind today and they were the Kalamazoo Michigan Gibson guitars not Nashville Gibson guitars

[@rebeccaeichelberger6102]

I do love the brown leather Gibson cases. 🤌

[@jefflikeusual20]

They look slick but they aren’t as durable as the black ones. Speaking from experience..

[@American-Dragon]

I got a red demo 2022 Has some blemishes you have to search for Got it for 2500 Plays great Has a nice plywood style wave figuring Will agree that the production was tighter in the 90s & 2000s Will update all electronics, bridge and stop bar because it could sound better. Also will have the fretboard rolled. All as I can afford it. I have an r9 and out of the box it was great but I made the same changes above and it took it up a few notches

[@jpsilverrockmusic]

How about a Epi Sheraton Pro 2?

[@andreasfetzer7559]

Shurely a good guitar is worth some money, i do not understand, being a professional, why people complain about the price for a high quality instrument. A violinist would have to spent much more for a good violin.

[@tommyjones7387]

I have six Gibson es 335.

[@paulthompson1988]

I was very underwhelmed by the new Gibson ES-335 Dot. I certainly would not prefer it to the top end Epiphone Sheraton II or the Artist Brownburst58 ES-335 guitars. I think you are being generous saying it is worth US$2,000, I think Gibson has dropped the ball on ES guitars. 😮‍💨

[@NicholasANappiNick]

Why didn’t they just use 57s

[@phantomeye-music6843]

I personally really like the T Types. Sounds great through a Princeton Reverb

[@musicalgear1024]

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. not WORTH $$$$$$$$$$$$$ that Gibson is asking for it. So many novice players harp on "stays in tune", "It's "special wood", etc.etc. First, there is no secret magical stash of wood. EVERY guitar manufacturer pulls from the same few companies. There are only 3 types of mahogany. Only two of those have ever been used for guitars in a production setting. And today, 99.999% of the guitar builders use the one type which is found in many places throughout the world. You hear the term "Brazilian mahogany" as if it holds some mystical properties. The truth is, it was harvested in brazil. The one type of mahogany which is used in modern times grows in many countries therefore wherever the tree is harvested, becomes included in the name somehow but in truth, it should not. There are people who use these terms to bolster the worth of their instrument but in reality it doesn't matter if the wood came from south America or asia, it's the same species. 2nd,, if you play your guitar, you will need to make fine tuning adjustments periodically as you can see EVERY guitarist do when performing. The reality of a guitar staying in tune has everything to do with the tuners, and the type bridge used and very little to do with anything else. In my opinion as a 25+ year guitar tech, no guitar should cost more than $2,000. This particular guitar which is the subject of this video should actually cost more along the lines of $1500-$1800. This is why so many working musicians are buying other brands. It's not because Gibson guitars suck, but because the prices Gibson is placing on the products is unrealistically ridiculous. If you desire a guitar which is literally worth the asking price of this guitar you need to check out Heritage Guitars. At least this company is using their hands to build the guitars it produces and placing an enormous amount of time into the process. I have tried to explain these things to people for years but human beings are very stubborn and in fact, the term narcassistic comes to mind in some examples. I mean no offense to those of you who can afford to dish out these ridiculous prices, but there's a reason the new 59 Epiphone 355 is sold out everywhere presently. The reason is, the guitar is every bit as good as the Gibson, if not better, and it is priced at $1,299.00

[@mdominic]

I just bought one and it came blemished, so Sweetwater replaced it. The second guitars pickups were extra microphonic. Gibson says that's normal. When you tap your 335s pickups with a pick, how loud is it? I am sharing a 9 second clip that I made demonstrating the difference between the first (old) and the second (new). They are the same model with T-Types. Let me know what you think. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpS5eKKde72kis0

[@scottdavidson6066]

Play Smells Like Teen Spirit!

[@jamesdeancav]

If you can’t tune a guitar you might as well get a $500 Chinese copy

[@FightorFlightBoxing-lh5qn]

Hit the used market. The people at Gibson have lost their minds. The price will never go down. Instead, it has chosen to offer better-looking Epiphone guitars for $1500.00, which is still expensive for a guitar made in China.

[@buck7477]

People keep saying Epiphones are great! I’m sorry but every Epiphone 335 I’ve ever picked up felt horrible. Gretsch guitars feel much better at first feel!

[@godzoo18]

Those T types are harsh.. 😩🙉

[@stefanthorpenberg887]

I purchased my Yamaha SA2200 for 1100 dollars. Excellent wood work, changed the pickups to some great sounding custom winded Wolfetone pickups, and put in a switchcraft pickup selector. With the sum of 1400 dollars it beats any es335.

[@morganghetti]

Why change the switch? And no it isn't.

[@teodelnorte]

A good violin costs at least 4k. Yes, the USA-made Gibson ES-335 is worth it.

[@IkeGuitar]

@@teodelnorte violinists having a hernia as we speak

[@NicholasANappiNick]

Have you priced a house lately 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@IkeGuitar]

You can buy a nice house in the Delta for pretty cheap 😜

[@braciole7667]

Only worth $2,000? That's not possible with the cost of an American labor force imo. Inflation has hit everyone and everything. Thank the vyrus and the fed reserve printing press. That being said, I agree with you on the sound. I am not impressed at the given price point.

[@IkeGuitar]

Just because Gibson raised prices on hot trash doesn’t mean people’s opinion of them raised prices. They stayed the same. It’s worth 2gs

[@richurro20]

Gibson has fallen off. So many newer and better Guitars for the money now a days.

[@guitarman3968]

In your dreams. Lol

[@JPiattelli]

Prs>Gibson

[@morganghetti]

Ok boomer.

[@Thelionatays]

No Gibson is worth any more than 1,000 dollars. Trash.

[@TechsHelpingHand]

Interesting. Why?

[@LeeHoMusic]

I think its worth 2k. The Gibson logo and nitro lacquer talk to me more than rubber -ish poly finish. I got almost brand new es335 60s figured 2021 for 2.6k and that my absolute max. I also like the sound of T types. 3.5k no way.....