New!! Grote 335 Style | Matte Finish | Semi-Hollow Guitar Review| Demo

[@gregsguitartone]

I had a guitar like that and had to replace the switch. If you wiggled the switch just right the pickup would come on, but if it moved it would cut out. Inexpensive and pretty easy fix.

[@JimmyStewart1]

Yeah, it’s a bummer especially when trying to do a demo, but it is what it is and like you said, not a big issue. Thanks so much for watching and commenting Greg... Much appreciated! 👍

[@raycyr263]

Love the fact that Grote is making a 330 style guitar for a great price. Kudos to you for a great review. Play on!

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting Ray! It’s a very nice guitar and build for the $$....after a setup, plays great and the P90’s don’t sound bad at all. Appreciate your stopping in to the channel....thanks so much! 👍

[@justbob9006]

Love how your not snobbish. P 90s on on budget guitar is so cool. I really respect your honesty. Budget to $4,000 You treat the same. Found it interesting that wiring/switch was messed up but not surprising. Always purchase pots and switch upgrades. Even how stuff is soldered together varies on budget guitars.

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks...it’s only the 2nd budget guitar that I have had that issue with, the other being the Harley Benton XT-22. I will check the switch, wiring and replace if necessary. Otherwise, I really like the guitar and it will be a “player” when finished. Appreciate the comments just bob. 👍

[@tomberlied7260]

I’d just like to say that my Grote came yesterday and I followed your tips and transformed this guitar into something very pretty and the sound is fantastic! Really surprised!! Thank you!!

[@JimmyStewart1]

That’s great Tom! Thanks so much for the kind words, and glad you are as happy with yours as I am with mine! Great guitars…. Congrats and enjoy, and thanks so much for stopping in to the channel and sharing! 👍🎸

[@zachyweezer]

just subbed, sir. fellow lover of cheap guitars here. there's never been a better time for our kind! keep up the good work. i've been having a blast modding a glarry t-style with leftover parts and pickups i've collected over the years.

[@JimmyStewart1]

Hi Zachary!! Thanks so much for watching, commenting, and of course subbing! We are certainly in the age of nice playing, looking and sounding “inexpensive” guitars. I truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel, and hope you will enjoy looking around! Have fun modding that Glarry, and hope to see you around! Thanks again…👍🎸

[@CharlesLangSamuel]

These are being auctioned on eBay lately as returns, I got mine for $118 and it had this same electronic issue - the problem is just that the tone pot for the bridge pickup is positioned so that the back of it touches the output jack/cable. I just put electrical tape around it and it’s fixed. Great guitar I think they hired the Chinese makers of like printers to just make these perfectly, must be easy in comparison with iphones, but I wish they were more clear listing the basic specs like I think the frets are stainless but don’t know what kind of magnet is in the pickups. I like the matte finish, less flashy for us old guys, guitar isn’t the young pop music it was at one time.

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@CharlesLangSamuel I think the big “G” went out to a lot of these manufacturers and threatened to suing so Amazon pulled them from sale. Lots of these guitars including IYV were sold in bulk to 3rd party sellers which is why you are seeing them all over EBay. It is a nice guitar…thanks so much for stopping into the channel and sharing your thoughts. Congrats on yours! 🎸👍

[@barbmelle3136]

From Leo: Pretty nice guitar if it will stay running right, If that is similar to a switchcraft design selector switch, the contacts rub when they engage. This makes them self cleaning. Some times you can just work the switch back and forth for a couple minutes and they will clean themselves and work fine. Rubbing very fine sandpaper between the contacts is needed in bad cases.

[@JimmyStewart1]

Tell Leo I said thanks!! 😎 I will be pulling the switch to see if anything is obvious...will also clean if wiring, solder joints look good. Worst case scenario is to replace, so it’s not a huge deal. Otherwise, I really like the guitar, and once I clean it up and restring, it should be very, very nice! Appreciate your stopping in Barb...👍

[@neozyc1445]

Thanks for being so thorough!

[@JimmyStewart1]

My pleasure…. thanks so much for watching and commenting! Appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 👍🎸

[@courtney5796]

Waiting on delivery of my Grote red flame semi-hollow body HH as i am typing this. thanks for the vid!

[@JimmyStewart1]

Excited for you! Congrats and enjoy! Thanks for watching and commenting. Much appreciated! 👍🎸

[@TaxPayingContributor]

Love my Grote after rewiring. Volume pots were loose and cross contacting. Stuffing them wires into the f hole is easy to screw up.

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Yes, working through F holes is not always fun…😎 Appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts! 🎸👍

[@leodanryan966]

I've had a couple of guitars have the same problem. One was a PRS Custom 24SE. I tapped on the pickup with something metallic and it cured the problem. The other was a Monoprice Indio Cali Classic. It was exactly the same cure. Maybe I'll have to get one and see if we have a similar problem. Dan has an Epiphone 335 with P90's we can compare it to. Thanks for the video Jimmy!

[@JimmyStewart1]

Funny, the only other guitar I received that had this issue was my Harley Benton XT-22. Coincidence? Anywho...not a huge deal and I will get er fixed up. Thanks for watching Dan...my best to you both! 👍

[@leodanryan966]

@@JimmyStewart1 I'm Leo Jimmy, for future reference (I am aware it's confusing) when it says "Leo & Dan " it's Leo, when it says "Dan " it's Dan. We appreciate you!

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@leodanryan966 I knew that....but for some reason wrote Dan... my bad...but my best to you both!! Sorry Leo....👍

[@leodanryan966]

@@JimmyStewart1 No worries, I wasn't complaining just trying to make you aware of it. Lol 😆 👍!

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@leodanryan966 Think I just had Dan on the brain...🤣

[@davidelliott4089]

Great Video ty! Nice family you have there. I was thinking on buying a 335 by Grote or firefly. I as well love that mat finish..

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting David! You really can’t go wrong on either of those choices, the Grote or the Firefly 338. Biggest difference in this model is of course the matte finish and the P90’s rather than humbuckers. Being a big single coil fan (especially P90’s) this model has a special place in my guitar rotation! 😎. I have a video review/demo on 3 different style 335’s including this Grote, the Firefly 338 and the Monoprice Boardwalk (another very good 335 style model) should you wish to get a closer view/listen to the similarities and differences between them should you wish to have a look! Thanks again for stopping in to the channel and good luck in your 335 shopping! 👍🎸

[@richforestall1459]

After watching your videos I decided to dive in and buy one as I saw them selling out on amazon got the 3rd to last one. It will be getting here on Monday, I hope it gets here in one piece because there won't be one available for replacement. I don't care if I have to do a few things to it, that is expected and I enjoy it. Thanks,

[@JimmyStewart1]

Hey Rich…thanks for watching and commenting! Congrats on your purchase! Let me know what you think once you receive it. They do sell out pretty quickly when they are available. Congrats once again and enjoy it! Appreciate your stopping in to the channel and sharing! 🎸👍

[@richforestall1459]

@@JimmyStewart1 Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner. Well I got it everything seems ok except the first two frets are high on the E and A string they buzz. They must all be different depending on the day and who worked on them. Mine has a nice smooth finish no open grain, so I don't think the wax will be necessary to bad I have a bottle in the garage. For a $169 guitar I am very satisfied with a little adjusting it will be fine for me.

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@richforestall1459 Thanks for following up Rich. You can always expect a bit of adjustment with any guitar you purchase online and consider it a “fluke” when you grab one that’s adjusted perfectly to you! Sounds like yours will be just fine after some tweaking!! Congrats and enjoy it! Put a fret rocker on those 1st few frets (if you have one) just to be sure if they are high. You could hopefully just tap them down if so…or you may be able to tweak the bridge heights on those strings/truss adjustment to get the buzz out. Again, thanks so much for stopping in and sharing! 🎸👍

[@craigjacob3704]

I'm glad I'm down on the gulf coast looking at all that snow brrrr. It's time to start our garden down here, and start playing with my new indio tele and my old banjo🤗

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks for watching and commenting Craig... Wish I was done that way right now....😎 Once summer comes however, I do prefer where I am at....👍 Appreciate your stopping in to the channel!

[@craigjacob3704]

@SRV1 D'Iberville my man. Next door neighbors.

[@craigjacob3704]

Just got my Iyv-400 yesterday. Sweet guitar bro.

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@craigjacob3704 That’s great!! Enjoy!! 👍

[@craigjacob3704]

@@JimmyStewart1 you get tired of the cold we have a spare bedroom your more than welcome to for a day or two. Or a weekend and we'll cook you up some fine hospitality🤗

[@kylemitchell6866]

Hey there, thanks for the video. I am on the fence between one of the Grote's (in the same colour as yours) or a Harley Benton 335.

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks for watching and commenting Kyle.... I don’t own a Harley Benton 335, but I do own a couple other HB’s so perhaps I can still give a little guidance anyway. First, I think the overall build of the Grote guitars are on par with the HB’s. Some believe the HB’s have a bit better QA, as the guitars are made usually in the same Indonesian plants, but sent to their facility in Germany were they are gone over and setup. I know that IYV makes a lot of their models in Vietnam. As far as the QA, it’s still a bit of a “crap shoot” as to what you may receive from any of them when you order off the internet, without seeing or playing the guitar prior. My one Harley Benton (XT-22) came with a bad setup, bad toggle switch, and bad fret inlays, so it can happen. Here’s the issue with HB though, is their shipping has gone up A LOT since COVID and it now costs around $70 to ship a guitar to the States. The other issue is, if you get a bad one, you also pay shipping to send it back from what I hear. At least with the Grote, Amazon returns are easy piesy should you have to return it. I have the two Grote’s now, and both have been very good, no finish blemishes, very nice necks, good pups and tuners...yes they needed to be setup, but I do that with any guitar I buy. The switch on this was a little wonky, but easily fixed with a squirt of detox (see my Part Two & Three) of this guitar. The other thing with this guitar, is it is equipped with P90’s vs the humbuckers on the HB...matter of personal preference, but I like P90’s. This guitar is every bit as good as the Firefly FF338’s in my opinion, and a bit less expensive now as well. Hope that helps you a bit, and of course congrats on whatever guitar you decide on! 👍

[@joemonroe1106]

Nice looking. I like the matte green.

[@JimmyStewart1]

Hi Joe! Thanks for watching and commenting. Yeah, the matte finish is very cool and looks good in the green for sure. Really appreciate your stopping in to the channel. 🎸👍

[@FixinDixon]

I got one in sunburst, love it ,but the same issue with the toggle switch

[@JimmyStewart1]

Try spraying down the switch with detox and see if by working the switch, you can clean the contacts. It worked on mine, and hopefully you can get it working without having to replace it. See my “Part Two” of this guitar. Thanks for watching and hopefully this will also fix yours! 👍

[@2bikemikesguitartopics145]

Jimmy that's a Gibson copy so it has Gibson wiring and in the middle position if you lower one of the volumes it turns both pickups down to zero. You can only use the individual volume controls when the switches are there in full Bridge or full neck. But there is a way to change the wiring so that you have independent volume controls like I've done on My Guitar. And by the way have you seen any snow around there?

[@JimmyStewart1]

Mike, I understand all that, but that’s not the issue. In the “middle” position, I only get the bridge pup, even with all the vol/tone controls all the way up. Sometimes, switching up to the neck I get nothing from that pup by itself. Wiggle around the switch, and it will pop in (sometimes). Pretty sure the switch is “FUBAR” at this point. I will check wiring, spray it down and see if I can salvage it before replacing it. I understand that either volume pot will cut the volume in the middle in the “normal Gibson” wiring, but I have no neck pup at all in the middle position, and no neck pup in the neck position except occasionally when fiddling with the switch. Even if I fix it, I think I am going to replace it, as my Harley Benton needs a new 3 way as well so I will do them both. Thanks though...👍 Snow? What snow? 🤣

[@reggiemurphy1523]

Grow TAYYY/ Groat!!! LOL I have the Grote DV335-001 sunburst 335 style, I paid $145.00, next up is the IYV 300 like yours! I saw the green Grow tay and didn't want it, because it reminded me of the JETS! LOL Thanks for reminding me why I moved away from up north with the view of the snow Jimmy! Every time I think of moving back, I am reminded with a picture of snowmageddon! Great review though!!

[@JimmyStewart1]

Hey, thanks for watching Reggie! Grab a 300 NA while you have a chance! I only have 1 other “green” guitar, so the green attracted me the most, especially with the matte finish. It actually will look grey in different lighting. I like it...perhaps I will name it Broadway Joe just for you! 🤣 Snow...what a pain in the back! Now recently, it went above freezing during the day, so it’s melting, then re-freezing at night, so everything is an ice skating rink....🥶

[@reggiemurphy1523]

@@JimmyStewart1 Thanks Jimmy! Stay safe and be careful with that ice! Maybe you get Broadway Joe back to glory! LOL

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@reggiemurphy1523 We will get him playing like a champ! 😎👍

[@jega157]

thanks for the video. So which do you like better for jazz tones, this one or the single pickup grote jazz box with the p90?

[@JimmyStewart1]

Hi jega…thanks so much for watching and commenting! That’s a tough question…both will work, but I think the IJZ-300 is a bit more geared towards more jazz playing and feeling in my opinion. Having both is ideal…😎👍

[@what1864]

i see folks complaining about scratch guards a lot and i think most of them don't realize there is a plastic film that needs pulled off , sometimes 2 layers of it , reason being what they describe lots of the time is accurate before you peal the film off ...

[@JimmyStewart1]

Oh yeah !! Some believe scratched badly cut pickguards only to remove the plastic to find the pickguard is fine. In the case of this guitar (and in most 335 style guitars in my opinion) the body simply looks better without the pickguard, thus the reason I left it off this one! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Much appreciated! 🎸👍

[@SunyCartoons]

Once I have the money, I think I will like to buy a Grote semi-hollow as my first electric guitar. After everything I've read, they seem like generally nice guitars with some fixes needed.

[@JimmyStewart1]

I think as a first guitar, you would be very well served! I own a “lot” of guitars, and this Grote holds its own quite well! Thanks for watching and commenting, and I appreciate you stopping in to the channel! 👍

[@flouisbailey]

Go Billy Bob! Your guitar room looks like I want mine to looks.

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks! All it takes is a lot of guitars, amps, pedals, cameras, computers, mixers, speakers and other assorted stuff…🤣🤣 Billy Bob sends his regards and says “Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Truly appreciated” 👍🎸

[@flouisbailey]

@@JimmyStewart1 I have the LP Clone IYV set for delivery this week freaking GREEN , I hope it glows in the dark lol will clean and restring as you recommended. You made me order a Billy Bob in brown/red sunburst, Who knows or cares the true color, my retirement hobby, BitCoin continues to make me money. If it’s less than $300.00 it’s wall are if it sounds good to great all the better if not AmZon gets it back. Thanks Friend PS new sub

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@flouisbailey Ha!! Lots of folks love that Kermit LP from IYV! I already have a few LP’s so never picked up one of the IYV’s….good luck with it! The “Billy Bob” is also nice, so congrats with that as well! Your music/guitar room is now coming along nicely!! 👍 Thanks so much for the sub!! Greatly appreciated! Welcome to the good side…😎

[@Charles75N]

Thx Jimmy. I'm a sucker for a semi hollow and green and P90s too boot. How does the overall quality compare to the FF338? Love the channel.

[@JimmyStewart1]

So when I ordered it, I was not sure about the color, but it really looks (and feels) good in person. The matte finish is quite nice and unique in my opinion. Of course, the P90 dual dog ears were also unique so it was a no brainer to me to jump on it. The quality of the build is right on par with the Firefly 338. The neck is very nice, frets and fretboard nicely done. Tuners seem to be the same as on the Firefly’s and IYV’s (Jin-Ho?) a little bit of slop, but doing the job. Bridge (ToM) and stop bar seem fine...not sharp casting marks, bridge saddles seem hefty. I would say the build is just as good, just the issue with the 3-way switch, but that’s not a huge deal and probably just a fluke with the one I received. Thanks for watching and commenting. I will do a full comparison video when I get the pups sorted out! 👍

[@MrJavasan01]

Hi Jimmy, I am on the fence with one of these. My question is, 6 months in do you still put it on par with a 338? I appreciate the feedback sir!

[@FixinDixon]

I have the Grote Gr 404, different pickups, same problem with the switch. I think they're wired like that

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks for watching and commenting Dixon.... The wiring was really not the issue here. These are wired the same way Gibson intended them to be originally...the pups are wired in parallel in the “middle” position, with the vol pots “connected”. When working properly, shutting down either vol pot while in the middle position will “kill” both pickups. In this case, when I switched to the middle position, I only got the bridge pickup. Then sometimes switching to the neck position, I got nothing (vol all the way up) so it was definitely a wonky switch. I did get it fixed, and luckily without having to replace the switch! See my “Part Two” video, and then “Part Three” where I clean, polish, condition and setup the guitar! Thanks again for watching and commenting and stay safe! 👍

[@FixinDixon]

Thanks Jimmy, I'll try some contact cleaner, I sure enjoy your channel, I have many of the same guitars you have. I wish I could play. I was a drummer from the 60's and 70's but the wife wont let collect drum sets

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@FixinDixon Ha!! You would certainly need a bit of room for collecting drum kits..😎 Yeah, give the cleaner a try and then work the switch for a minute or two and see if that cleans up the contacts. Can’t hurt...replacing the switch if needed is not a huge deal, just a bit of a pain fishing the switch out from the f-holes. Thanks for watching the channel...sure do appreciate it and glad you enjoy it! 👍

[@TimMarcus00]

Bummer that you received a bad one Jimmy. I'm glad that you don't edit your videos so we get to see what could be wrong with the guitar. I really love the finish and color on that guitar. Would love to get an update on how you fixed it and a comparison to your other/similar guitars. Hopefully the snow will let up soon. Stay safe and don't overwork yourself plowing that snow!

[@JimmyStewart1]

Once I get her right, I will do a comparison video. The snow let up yesterday, but now everything is turning to ice....it’s never ending! Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Stay safe...👍

[@sodapopkidd]

Jimmy, do you think that guitar can support a Bigsby?

[@JimmyStewart1]

Well, I have seen folks put a Bigsby and other trem arms on ther Firefly 338’s, and IYV guitars. I see no reason why it wouldn’t support it if properly modded.

[@jimmyz2098]

Jimmy - This guitar is super cool looking. Never seen one quite like it. And I'm like you, and others here.... I love me some cheap guitars. LOL I also love tinkering with them. I have a lot of fun doing that. And this thing looks totally different than anything I have in my collection. Interested in one of these. As always, great vid. You've got a way about you, my Friend ! EDIT: Jimmy.... Did you ever get the switch issue resolved? If so, what was the fix?

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks for watching and commenting Jimmy Z….yes, this guitar is cool!! Yes, I fixed the switch… very easy in fact. Just a squirt of CRC did it. I recorded a video of this and the setup here on the channel! Check it out if you can! Again appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 👍🎸

[@waltervangorden5671]

i finally bought one jim!! i found it on reverb in the red color, and my offer was accepted at one fourty plus fourty shipping, i was going to get the green one on amazon but they wanted ninety to ship. anyway just wanted to shout out to you

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks great Walter!! Congrats and enjoy it! Be sure to let me know who you like it once you receive it! 🎸👍

[@waltervangorden5671]

@@JimmyStewart1 will do!! my second guitar based on your demos, first was the iyv thinline in the natural finish, you actually saved me some money as i was going to get the eppi.

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@waltervangorden5671 That’s great Walter!! So glad I was able to help out in part!! 🎸👍

[@fritsvanzanten3573]

@@waltervangorden5671 Curious. How did you fare?

[@JimmyStewart1]

Yes!! Curious minds want to know Walter!

[@davidkastin4240]

My opinion is 2 wires on one of pickups needs to be reversed. Possibly the neck pickup. Well it could be the switch like you say.

[@JimmyStewart1]

You could be correct on that Dave, but a couple of times, the neck wouldn’t work at all when selected on the neck, or in the middle. I will pull the switch first and go from there. Thanks so much for watching and commenting...should be a good player once I get it sorted out. Only the 2nd guitar I have got that’s had a “switch issue”. The other was my Harley Benton XT-22. Appreciate your stopping in, and thanks for your suggestion. Will have a look 👀

[@davidkastin4240]

@@JimmyStewart1 I agree. First check the selector switch. Try Deoxit or equivalent cleaner on it.

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@davidkastin4240 Yep...I will pull and give it a spray first...check wiring on the switch...the usual suspects first, and replace if needed. Appreciate it David! 👍

[@mrtyreus0]

Likely a synthetic bone nut, aka plastic. That said, I bought a lefty in sunburst. Going to put some half wounds on it and lower the action a bit, but it's great as it is for the price. I'm used to playing a Tele, though, so I'm not used to the sticky laquered neck on mine. Any suggestions?

[@JimmyStewart1]

You could hit the back of the neck with some fine sandpaper to remove the coating if it was really a issue. I find it not a problem, again once you get use to it. Yes, the nut appears to be ABS, but again, no issue! Thanks for watching and commenting Andrew! Much appreciated! 👍

[@ibberman]

Firefly was heavier ? Great video, thank you.

[@JimmyStewart1]

I think so...just by a bit... Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Take in Part 2 & 3 as well! Shows the “fix” and the final steps for setup! 👍

[@ibberman]

@@JimmyStewart1 👍

[@vlogbenam7618]

Music you make good

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 👍🎸

[@briankatcher3311]

Any change of videoing the repair process?

[@JimmyStewart1]

I may just do that! Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍

[@camilo1455]

@@JimmyStewart1 a how-to video would be great. I had a mid-60s Coronado II that I really wish I'd kept. Like a 335 with a Strat neck. Before I got it someone had replaced the original TV Jones type pickups with DiMarzio humbuckers. They did excellent work, starting with an access port in the back that looked very close to factory, except made with the original wood and not plastic. Opened it once, to admire it, it had maple cleats all the way around. Real pretty work; I always wondered if it was done by Erlewine. I bought it in Austin in the mid-80s. Sold it for a 61 or so SG with 2 P90s, stop tailpiece, and Les Paul on the headstock.

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@camilo1455 Nice...there are always guitars that you regret letting get away, right? If I can work out logistics, I will try and film if I decide to swap out switch, wiring but I am hoping that’s not the case. My work bench, soldering station etc is located in my “unheated” garage, so if it requires that much work, it will have to wait till it warms up a bit. 😎

[@traileater]

Are those not called Dogear P90's? Soapbar's dont have the tab on the sides for the screw. I think there are less choices for dogear types to buy then soapbars. If they come out with an icetea LP copy, I might have to bite....

[@JimmyStewart1]

Yes, they are dog ear P90’s which was part of the attraction to me. My favorite pup! You see many, especially with dual P90’s that are soap bar, but like you said, not many with dual dog ear. I would also like a LP with dual dog ear pups...😎. I have a special with single dog ear, and a double cut special with dual soap bars. Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Much appreciated! 👍

[@traileater]

@@JimmyStewart1 Thanks, looking forward to a follow up video and good tone test. Hopefully you can sort it out easily. I have a Douglas thinline type with P90's and they sound great for stock pickups! Hopefully yours are just as good

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@traileater I will certainly do a follow up once I sort it out. Pretty sure it’s just the switch, but will check the wiring as well while I am in there. My other Grote has the single P90 dog ear, so I am hoping (and think) that these will be close to the same. Hopefully the winding/output on the neck pup is a bit lower in the 6k to 7k range for a nice blend in the middle position, and a more mid/twang in the neck position. I may just go ahead and wire it so I can blend the volume while in the middle position as well. Thanks again for watching, and hope to see you around the channel! Stay safe...👍

[@camilo1455]

@@JimmyStewart1 if you do the blend mod, perhaps you could explain the process. I am interested in how it's done. I worked on a pawn shop guitar and the price went up. I really hope it comes back around. It's a 1972 Univox Custom built like a 335 with some very interesting single coils. The selector switch does not have 3 stops; instead it glides through the arc, blending as it goes. Never seen anything like it, it acts like a 90-degree pot.

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@camilo1455 I am thinking at this point, I am just going to try to get it working properly. If it is going to require a new switch or wiring, then I will more likely re-wire with blend. I am hoping it’s just a loose wire, or sticking contacts in the switch. Hopefully getting to it soon. 👍

[@louisfryzel4618]

Does this have a photoflame top? The specs say it is "printed maple," a term that Grote has used on some of its other guitars. But if you can see and physically feel the wood pores then I don't see how that can be a photoflame.

[@popsfereal]

It's not a photo flame. It's a bad Chinese translation of "imprinted" or "fake GRAIN". The top is natural wood, run through some kind of die or press to imprint a "grain" in it, then finished with some kind of stain. Watch on the close ups, you can see what I mean. On the review I did, I show where mine even has it on the neck....kinda like an Epiphone "worn finish", which I also have.

[@JimmyStewart1]

No, it’s not a “photo” top. As Pops explains they use a maple top, then press the “grain flame” into it. The wood pores are physically felt....I really do like the finish on it. Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍

[@JimmyStewart1]

Pretty good explanation Pops...the sort of “stripping or flame” in the wood is what is imprinted. The wood finish itself is nice, porous but not rough, at least on mine. Thanks for commenting! 👍

[@popsfereal]

@@JimmyStewart1 I owe that explanation to Stubby Phillips. We were discussing what "printed" meant, and he came up with that. My sunburst does have some flame to the wood in decent lighting. I love the finish. I oiled mine to give it a tiny bit of sheen, spectacular now.

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@popsfereal Yeah, the finish is what interested me to begin with (along with the P90’s of course). In the right lighting you can see the contrast...I like it a lot. Now just got to fish the 3-way out of it and fix/replace it. I will also give the body a good waxing when I tear it down, clean and condition the fretboard, restring and set her up! I do recall the talk about the finish...appreciate you stopping in as always! 👍

[@MobileDecay]

God I feel bad for the ups driver. Lol.

[@JimmyStewart1]

Ha! 🤣 UPS only drives..I have to plow! They did go a step beyond in this case so they did get a BZ and a thumbs up! 👍 Thanks for stopping in…much appreciated!

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

Hey Jimmy, Mr. "1000" here. Yes, that guitar is a beauty can't wait for the after fix play thru! I'm interested in hearing these P-90s! I feel your pain with the damn snow, I'm up in the Poconos in eastern PA and we've had our share of storms too. I finally got dug out and everything cleared, and then it snowed AGAIN last night!! ENOUGH ALREADY!!! Yes, Leo and Dan and the other folks of the great state of Texas have had a rough go of it, but hopefully they are on the road back now. Alright, git er done and we'll see how she sounds!

[@JimmyStewart1]

Mr. 1000!! I hope to work on it shortly to see what the issue is...hopefully just a faulty 3-way switch, but any type of wiring issue in a 335 style body is a bit of a pain. This winter has been brutal. I am ready for it to be over, that’s for sure. This Grote should be a winner once I get it done.... Thanks so much for watching and commenting and stay safe! 👍

[@rodneykuhn249]

Now thats a knife! I love Dundee!

[@JimmyStewart1]

Ha..ha! 🤣 Glad someone caught the reference....always wanted to open a guitar with my Kabar!! 😎 Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Much appreciated Rodney! Stay safe...👍

[@rodneykuhn249]

@@JimmyStewart1 No problem at all. And I love the Grote guitars. Theyre great, well, for me when they have lefty versions. I bought the cherry red lefty 335 style like what you got last year and the tune o matic bridge needed to be raised, but, that was it. Other than that, it played like a Gibson! Its amazing what you can get from China! But yes, "You call that a knife? Thats not a knife.. I got your knife, right here LOL!!!

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@rodneykuhn249 That cherry 335 Grote you got last year had humbucker pickups correct? I don’t recall seeing P90’s in the earlier models of their 335. Correct me if I am wrong, but thought those had humbuckers like my Firefly 338’s....

[@traileater]

@@JimmyStewart1 omg i emailed them about the LP models, they just posted 2 on the website. They are terrible looking imo! The horn is ummm...yuk, and the headstock too. For $100 more to boot. Next....

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@traileater Oh well....can’t win them all. I will keep an eye out...👀

[@davidlalremruata]

If I spent as much energy and time trying to find points to praise, how would I fare?

[@JimmyStewart1]

Not sure what you mean here David, but I appreciate you stopping in. The Grote is actually one of my favorite 335 styles.

[@davidlalremruata]

@@JimmyStewart1 I think I meant to say, are there plenty of points that we would have a hard time not praising because they're so surprisingly good n welk made? I enjoyed your vdo immensely.

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@davidlalremruata Now I get it! 😎 Appreciate your definition…thanks again for stopping in to the channel! Glad you enjoyed it! 👍

[@rayfromvegas]

What do you expect for $200?

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@rayfromvegas Hi Ray….thanks for watching and commenting. This Grote actually exceeded what I expected. Truly appreciate your stopping into the channel! 🎸👍

[@hegonefishing9122]

Rebranded firefly???

[@JimmyStewart1]

Nope....they are similar but totally different guitar. Thanks for watching and commenting! 👍

[@hegonefishing9122]

So bummed they are no longer making 338 LH, I contacted guitars garden via email.

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@hegonefishing9122 Yeah, they did a couple of batches a couple years ago, but limited numbers and colors as they did not sell well.

[@hegonefishing9122]

Guitars garden is checking into any still lying around in chinese wherehouse, but also said not to get all hopefull...

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@hegonefishing9122 Let’s hope!! 👍👍

[@daveNzosy]

Too bad. 335s are a real PIA to work on electronically. The first thing I'd do is loosen the nut on the switch and see if that brings it back to life. Sometimes if cheap switches and pots are screwed down too tight they short out somehow. Anyways, I hope it's just something simple like that...

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting! Yeah, it’s not fun digging electronics out of F holes...😎 First I will remove the switch and see if there is anything obvious with the switch or wiring. Could be just a loose wire, bent post, whatever. If not, then I will just replace the switch and go from there. I hope it’s simple as well, but if not, on the bench it goes! Thanks again, and stay safe! 👍

[@UNKUHNOODLES]

Oh man; BUMMER!!!! I woulda smashed that junker into the wall... You're a true gentleman Jimmy!!!!

[@JimmyStewart1]

Ha..ha..🤣 Now, now...sometimes this stuff happens...this is why I don’t edit or “re-produce” my reviews...it is what it is. Not a huge deal...just a pain while you are planning on doing a demo. If I didn’t like the guitar, I would send it back, but I will simply fix it and make it right! Thanks so much for watching and commenting....👍

[@craigjacob3704]

Looks like a old USMC Kbar

[@JimmyStewart1]

It is a Kbar....😎

[@peterdvideos]

Wiring problem on the new 335? No problem, just.... Oh crap.

[@JimmyStewart1]

Ha! I will dig out the switch and fix or replace... thanks for watching and commenting! 👍

[@lukedadrift1980]

If i could do it over again i wouldve bought this Model instead of the Firefly version Grote puts more quality into there products than Firefly

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting Luke! I really enjoy this model from Grote myself as well. I have a number of both Grote and Firefly guitars, and honestly I enjoy them all. Any manufacturer of budget guitars can be a bit “hit and miss” on a specific guitar you may receive on your end. Once the guitar leaves the manufacturer and gets shipped, no one actually gets to see it again until the buyer receives it. Lots of things can happen during shipping, storage, ect, and QC at the factory is one of the things that most budget guitar brands tend to lack to save $$ and keep the price down in the end. I think the build quality of these guitars is pretty compatible in most cases, while some models from different manufacturers tend to stand out. Thanks again for stopping in to the channel and sharing your thoughts! Much appreciated! 👍🎸

[@almost401]

You look like Larry David!

[@JimmyStewart1]

Don’t know if that’s a good thing or bad thing....😎 Thanks for watching and commenting however! Appreciate your stopping in! 👍

[@almost401]

@@JimmyStewart1 definitely a good thing! Either way, you make great content! I just purchased a left handed grote 335, im waiting for it to show up now!

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@almost401 Ha...ha!! 🤣 Nobody’s ever said that, but yeah...I guess I can see the resemblance. Appreciate your stopping in and watching...don’t be a stranger to the channel and let me know how you like your Grote “lefty” when you get it! Keep safe, and thanks again! 👍

[@sixstrings4568]

Every time I hear Grote I think of an old Groot. 🤦

[@JimmyStewart1]

Ha! Yeah, you would think a better name could have been chosen, but I guess they had their reasons. Thanks so much for watching and commenting! 😎👍

[@Luckyrider1958]

it's pronounced Sa-PEE-lee...... a ribbon patterned mahogany

[@JimmyStewart1]

Hey…thanks! Being from Bean Town, I find it nearly impossible to pronounce anything correctly….🤣🤣 Thanks for watching and commenting! Appreciate it….I will practice pronouncing it, but can’t guarantee anything. 😎

[@Luckyrider1958]

@@JimmyStewart1 retired Cabinet maker,, and worked with it before is all, or I wouldn't know how to say it either! LOL!

[@JimmyStewart1]

@@Luckyrider1958 That’s great Gilroy! I certainly appreciate knowing now!! Thanks again for taking the time to help inform…hope to see you around the channel more! 👍

[@izzydeguy184]

this, is a review..

[@JimmyStewart1]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting Izzy DeGuy!! Truly appreciate your stopping in to the channel! 🎸👍

[@tomberlied7260]

That was painful!

[@JimmyStewart1]

Well….I like to show what a inexpensive guitar is like right out of the box…sometimes you get painful…😎 however after a little work, the guitar has become one of my favorites. If you are referring to the actual “video” being painful….well again, I could have edited all the issues, but I didn’t. Sorry for the pain, but thanks for watching!

[@concernedoldandwisepatriot2650]

Put me to sleep. My time is too precious for the nonsense.

[@JimmyStewart1]

Sorry…thanks for stopping in..👍

[@jimmyz2098]

@@JimmyStewart1 Jimmy - This is just another reason why we love you. So much positive energy.... even in dealing with a miserable, unhappy negative-energy drain. LOL You're the best. I really enjoy your vids. I wish a I had a Friend like you - close by, that loved cheap guitars and tinkering, like I do.

[@DougHinVA]

a waste of time.... there are much better made models at that price and less. Especially the IYV from VietNam and NOT communist China....

[@JimmyStewart1]

I only had the one Grote, the Jazz box and it was a good buy, and different from the rest out there. When I saw Grote had a 335 style in this type of finish, and dual dog ear P90’s it hit a special interest in me. Yes, it’s got the switch issue, but that’s a fairly easy fix. Everything else on the guitar was done quite well...no glaring issues which can occur on any budget guitar, or any guitar for that matter. The IYV’s that I bought (I have 4 of them) did not come without a couple of issues as well, but again they all were very good “bones” wise with good necks, bodies and pups. Thanks for watching and commenting, much appreciated! 👍

[@MrJavasan01]

Doug H - you do realize that Vietnam is a communist country right? If your dislike of a guitar is based on politics, then you need to brush up in your knowledge a bit mate.

[@jimmyz2098]

It is apparently a waste of time for you. But not for me.... and not for Jimmy. And apparently.... not for a bunch of folks who have watched this, and commented. In fact, I am interested in picking one of these up. Totally different looking finish on this guitar, and the P-90s are cool. I find it interesting.

[@DougHinVA]

@@MrJavasan01 No.... Viet Nam is South and North Viet Nam and North is the communist controlled side since the Viet Nam war ended...

[@johnwest9179]

Dude just play the fucking guitar please

[@JimmyStewart1]

Well, at least you said please….