Wmachine
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Posts posted by Wmachine
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21 hours ago, PrairieDog said:
Huh. it doesn’t help that Gibson switches things up. I’d be really interested if you have a good modern source. I’ve been using the old model ID post threads here and some rather dated online guides. As always, Just calling/writing Gibson is the most reliable.
Sorry, but the good modern source is me. Look up the model number on Gibsons that have a Maestro or a Bigsby or Floyd Rose and you will see a different letter for each one of those after the hardware type. Gibsons rarely have them, and the H coincidentally could be hardware, but think about it. There is no need to put anything after the hardware color code. An H would be redundant, Something not done with codes. The last digit being the market built for is something Gibson does not specifically address. But the majority is made for the US market and logically 1. I've studied a lot of model numbers. I have a Flying V that was made for the Japanese market with the number 2. Along with every other 2015 V that had the model number available. Enough research pays off. No guesswork needed.
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3 hours ago, PrairieDog said:
Model numbers are a code, and can be a bit of a game to decipher. my take it’s saying ES 339, the second 9 is tricky (could it be a g?), but the L is probably for laminate, C could either be the neck shape, it has a C neck, or CB for the burst color, then it looks like NH=Nickel hardware, and 1 for 1st quality. I’m not familiar with all the burst names, but think something like cinnamon burst, or coffee burst, etc. Gibson should be able to tell you if you call them.
It’s a sweet one!
NH is not Nickel Hardware, N is nickel hardware. H is for hardtail. 1 is not 1st quality. 1 is made for domestic market.
Do contact Gibson, they can verify. Except they won't tell you what that last digit is, Does the orange label say Memphis or Nashville?
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19 hours ago, muzicman52 said:
When I posted this question I wasn't expecting the subject to change to car parts. Seems I've misplaced my expectations on receiving real suggestions for acquiring cases. I'd appreciate some positive input instead of criticism from what a person thinks about my expectations. I'm looking for guitar cases... GUITAR CASES!
So you can't understand that the subject didn't change to car parts? That was to explain why Gibson won't do it. And there was a suggestion in that same response, so it looks to me like you got your feelings hurt and didn't read the whole post. This is supposed to be a forum. Methinks thou protesteth too much.
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23 hours ago, PrairieDog said:
Most people aren’t still driving their 69 Galaxies. Gibson is well aware they built guitars that people are still curating a hundred years later, and they know there is a thriving trade in vintage instruments that need replacement cases. They are missing a large market opportunity in not offering a hybrid predesigned/M2M case service. Square cases with foam inserts that would fit the specs of the most common vintage guitars.
I don't think you're in the real world with your expectations. I think you under estimate the need for 69 Galaxy parts and over estimate the need for the ES cases. There are numerous places to buy tons of reproduction parts for the Galaxy. So the market for them exists. And if there was enough demand for Gibson to supply the cases, they would. You think they are missing out, but they obviously don't. They case idea is good for a case manufacturer, not for Gibson. Gibson doesn't make cases, and never did.
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7 hours ago, muzicman52 said:
I ordered two(2) ES-335 Modern Hardshell Cases hoping to replace the original cases I have for my '75 ES-335 & '81 ES-347. Unfortunately, they will both have to be sent back because none of the guitars fit... NONE. It's kind of sad that a company like Gibson doesn't think or care about products that were manufactured prior to their moving to Nashville. Will Gibson ever offer cases for their vintage guitars? Aftermarket cases are in the same boat, these guitars just don't fit. Does anyone out know of a source that carries cases that fits these types of guitars, vintage ES models?
Sorry, but it is not so much why they don't care but why should they? They are an OEM. Ford doesn't carry parts for your 1969 Galaxy either. You have misplaced expectations. It won't be easy, but you can start with shopping by case dimensions.
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I think the best you can do is the nut width measurement. You can add the depth of the neck at the first fret. Won't tell you exactly, but should get you close. Yes, they vary considerably.
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Thanks for sharing. I have a 2016, not sure if this is the same, but I do appreciate getting it regardless,
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I do have both. 2015 both. I thought the Special would bring a little more to the table than the Special. But honestly, to me it doesn't. Kinda defies logic, but the 2nd pup just doesn't give it more usable versatility. I'll take the Junior over the Special all day long. It wouldn't kill me to give up the Special.
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Simple. Email or call Gibson. The only way to be certain.
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Contact Gibson.
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A Gibson V is one book I want in my library. And I have a nice one. New Gibson offerings leave me cold. I have more than I need now, so I'm just an observer of new Gibsons. Thankfully.
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Congrats! New?
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10 hours ago, JO'C said:
I'll toss another monkey wrench into the fan and add to the confusion. My 2008 Larry Carlton ES-335 from the Memphis Custom Shop:
Custom Shop S/N and decal on back of headstock, Custom Shop case, Custom Shop COA. Orange sticker inside the upper f-hole says Gibson Memphis. Newer Larry Carlton's switched over to become Gibson Memphis and the serial #'s start with ME instead of CS. I'm pretty sure this also happened with the Warren Haynes signature ES-335 also. Ah, the mysteries of Gibson's inner workings.
You are not throwing anything, you're just not paying attention. Your guitar did not come from the Memphis Custom Shop. There was never EVER a Custom Shop in Memphis. Got it? As I already explained, what you have is what I explained is a "Custom Shop Series" model. You're not showing me anything I've not already seen and researched. Apparently Gibson brainwashed you too. Honestly, I fully understand why you think it is from a "Custom Shop". Who wouldn't But it is nothing more than dishonest marketing by Gibson. Pretty sad, but true.
So come on guys, let's knock it off about a Custom Shop in Memphis and learn the real truth about these Memphis models. Sadly this will start up all over again here in probably less than a year.
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15 hours ago, IanHenry said:
I've checked what Gibson e-mailed me when I bought the Guitar "ES-335 Plain in Cherry finish, nickel hardware, made in 2010 in Memphis US as part of the Custom Shop series.".
So yes, contrary to what I thought, it must be of the Custom Shop Series, but I haven't a clue what that means.
I'm glad you asked, I'll tell you what that means. Thanks for confirming what I've been trying to say. There were number of models that were "adorned" with numerous references to Custom Shop. Some had the just the word "Custom" used. Some had "Custom Shop" right on the neck of the guitar. They announced that those models were part of the "Custom Shop Series" They were simply models that were supposed to be a cut above the standard models. Gibson had to know there was going to be misunderstandings about that, and I'm sure they wanted that. You will find little to no info out there about the CSS, again that had to be intentional. So we're all now having to pay for Gibson's indiscretions. Sad thing is that they are really great models and don't need any false hype. But they are "Custom" in name only.
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12 hours ago, IanHenry said:
My ES 335 came with one and I don't think it was from the "Custom Shop Series".
What was the year and model? I wouldn't be surprised if it was not one of the CS Series. Things were pretty loosey goosey with Gibson regarding all this Memphis Custom web they were spinning. Probably got confused themselves,
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12 hours ago, IanHenry said:
Yes, but true Custom shop guitars are only built in Nashville, it's just that Gibson in their infinite wisdom supplies Custom shop COA's with the, now-defunct Memphis factory, I hope this helps.
The only "Custom Shop" COAs issued with Memphis built ES guitars were for the relatively short lived "Custom Shop Series" models.
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Since we're on the subject, I bought an ES-175 from CME at the end of their great Gibson Memphis warehouse blowout sale. Turns out it was misidentified by Gibson at the factory. All the box labeling, paperwork and the COA misidentified the model. The s/n was correct, though. It was clearly a '54 reissue, but was identified as a '59 reissue. I provided Gibson proof that the COA was wrong, but though they did admit it was wrong, they would not give me a corrected one. They used the excuse that since those warehouse guitars were sold without Gibson Warranty, they wouldn't do it. Sounded more like BS than anything else. But really didn't matter to me, I printed out the long series of emails in which they admitted what the correct model is. Put that along with the box labels with guitar for any future reference. The guitar is absolutely amazing and was a steal of a deal.
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6 hours ago, slash7 said:
The headstock doesn't touch the floor, it's inches away from it. And the guitar doesn't move even a millimeter...
Even if it doesn't touch the floor, it can still be trouble. It should have neck support 2 places with good neck contact to both. And not be able to move in the case at all. I've seen far too many "correct original" cases with bad fits. Even Fenders and Gibsons. Fine for home store, but heaven help you if it ever takes a big hit in just the right place.
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I would continue to call and and write Gibson, just give them the serial number and ask them for what year and model it is, and for specs. This "Hand Select is something new to me, and I never saw a label like that. As wonky as it looks, I guess it is legit as I did find another one. Hand Select Don't know why you think your s/n is wrong. Looks totally right for 2017, though not a 2016. Could also be a 2016 model made in 2017.
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So what is the serial number? And what makes you believe it is a "Hand Select"?
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4 hours ago, jdgm said:
NH = nickel hardware?
Not quite.
Look like it could be VS for the color, I'm only guessing that could be Vintage Sunburst.
N is nickel hardware
H is hard tail
1 is for made for domestic market.
Contact Gibson, they can tell you for sure.
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Contact Gibson and stop wasting time guessing. The know what it is and should tell you.
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4 minutes ago, Backalleyblues said:
Very well could be, TBH. Interesting that it came with a TKL made case with "Gibson Custom" silkscreened on the lid... regardless a great guitar!
And that's the point that shouldn't get lost in all the Memphis/Custom talk. Memphis made really great guitars there over the years. That's what really matters,
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23 hours ago, Backalleyblues said:
I’ve got a similar issue/question with a 2007 335 I picked up today. It looks like your standard 335 but has a 60s slim taper neck, 57 classics, stock Grover tuners and a flame top under the cherry finish. To top it all off, it has “Custom” engraved on the truss rod cover, and the code is ES-DT335 on the label (Memphis). Was this guitar part of a special run for a retailer like GC, Sam Ash etc? I bought it because it’s a fabulous guitar that I got below market, but I am curious about its backstory. Thx in advance!
I don't think the aforementioned "Custom Shop Series" went that far back. My guess is that your truss rod cover was replaced post factory.
NGD: ES-339...9? And it's a Custom Shop? I'm confused.
in Gibson ES
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You're fine. But I will tell you something you should know. The guitar is legit and really a great ES. But it is not a Custom Shop guitar. Gibson was intentionally being misleading at the time and we are still having to deal with their marketing shenanigans to this day and will probably forever.
First to explain, there was never a Custom Shop in Memphis. So any guitar made in Memphis, including yours is not a Custom Shop guitar. Yes, despite that some have Custom Shop COAs, Custom Shop cases and even say Custom Shop right on the guitar. How can that be? During a few year stretch back when your guitar was made, Gibson marketing decided to market certain Memphis models as "Custom Shop Series" models. This info was obscure in their marketing info and remains obscure to this day. They eventually abandoned this totally misleading marketing deception. But the damage was already done. Note that all Memphis models came with COAs. but there are a few different versions of Memphis COAs.
That all said, there was really no reason for Gibson to try to oversell any ES models. They were great guitars in their own right. A big step up from Gibson USA levels. Their top models did rival Nashville Custom Shop quality.