Robben Ford Discussion

AndyR · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 10:10 am Post subject: 335 Clones?

I'm considering purchasing a 335 clone, and am looking at the Washburn HB35, Epi Sheridan, and possibly the Ibanez AS193.

(I haven't played any of these yet, just my buddy's Gibson ES335.)

The Ibanez looks nice, but the other 2 are several $$$ cheaper.

Any info on these, or any good 335 clone in the $600-700 range is appreciated!

Andy

Aeolian · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 10:43 am Post subject:

Some folks talk them down, but I personally find the Epiphone dot neck copies to be closer to my mid eighties 335 than any of the others. The Sheraton is a different beast, has an Epi neck profile (very narrow at the nut) , maple neck, large inlays, and a brighter sound. The Ibanez is a well made guitar but sounds a bit drier and brighter to me.

Course, no two real 335's are the same and many are quite different. It's the most variable guitar I've ever heard.
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marinblues · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 12:08 pm Post subject:

I have a Japanese Tokai copy and I am very pleased. Unfortunately, it's above the price range you indicated. There are Korean Tokai models which go for less and are supposedly not bad (by all means on par if not better than the other brands you mentioned).

I would eventually recommend a pickup change on either of the guitars you mentioned.
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juspasinby2003 · Senior Member Joined: 18 Dec 2003 Posts: 255

Spend a few hundred more and get the Heritage 335. It is a dead on copy of the 335 in every detail (except the headstock, of course), and they are quality, heirloom guitars, with beautiful nitro finishes and excellent build quality. Compared to the price of a 335, it's a no brainer. You'll probably spend as much on one of the others after you change the pickups and otherwise modify it to your taste.

Bill Morgan · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 9:30 pm Post subject: 335-ish guitars

If you can find an Orville or Orville by Gibson, they are essentially the same thing as a 335 at a significantly lower price. The Orville brand was Gibson's answer to Fender Japan back in the 80's. The Orville guitars are pretty much identical to the regular Gibson line except that the guitars were made and sold only in Japan. The Orville by Gibson line was the high end line, with (I believe) the guitars being built in Japan from US made parts. I recently bought a 335 myself, and was extremely tempted by an Orville 335 that I found for about 1/3 the cost of the 335 that I eventually bought. I think if it had been an Orville by Gibson, I probably would have bought it. You can sometimes find these guitars on eBay. There is a guy here in Tokyo who hunts down guitars like these (and the Tokai's, etc.) and sells them on eBay. It would be worth taking a look as these guitars are really very close to the Gibsons.

Bill

frank0936 · Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 7:19 pm Post subject: 335 clone

I have owned three Washburn acoustic guitars and used them professionally for about 10 years. I still have two of them(I got rid of a twelve-string because I wasn't using it much). I have played the HB35 once. I didn't like the feel of it, but the sound was okay. I own an Ibanez AS80. I bought it used for $300. I have been very pleased with it. It's not a Gibson-nothing else is. There are some better 335 copies(for lots more money), but they are 335 copies. Still, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Ibanez.
Frank

BlueRunner · Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2004 9:32 am Post subject:

I visited the Gibson factory last year, and was tempted to buy one of their thin hollows right on the spot, but as other folks have pointed out, but for the "mojo" of a guitar made in Memphis by a traditional American brand, they are a bit pricey. I played one of the Heritages in a shop a few months ago, and it blew me away. Much more reasonable price, beautiful workmanship, excellent sound, and .... they're made right there in the old Gibson factory in Kalamazoo. What more could one ask for? (Except maybe to win the California Lottery this next Saturday night, and then invite Gene Baker to come live with you for a year or two and build you a couple of guitars.)
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AndyR · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 4:17 am Post subject: Thanks for all the great input!!!

So I promptly went out and bought a new G&L ASAT Classic!

Here's a pic:
http://www.gguitars.com/images/gl24152/gl24152_1a.jpg

Played one at the store, and it's pretty schweet! Gotta wait 3 weeks or so for delivery.

Guess I'll get the 335 clone next time!

Very Happy

Andy

marinblues · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 6:24 am Post subject:

ASATs are beautifull guitars. Have you tried the hollow version as well? it really sings.

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