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It is what it cost originally. A full size semi-hollow thinline archtop.

Wow, you are the first person I recall that does not like that nitro smell. I would think the new ones don't smell any different. The smell will go away, yes faster with exposure. Case (leave empty and open some time) and all.

If the '59 VOS Reissue you refer to is the 2016, I can tell you Gibson had it spec'd as a "Soft C" neck, .855 at the first fret. Though I've seen them listed for sale with first fret measures from .850-.950. If you don't already know this, the 2016 '59 Reissues are generally very highly regarded as being some of the best Gibson has ever produced.

I believe it is ES (obvious) ,D - standard model, SR color (sunrise burst?), CH - chrome hardware, 1 is an insignificant number. The s/n probably has the year in it.

Gibson has been less forthcoming with detailed specs the last couple years, so it is harder to compare exact specs. Yes, pups are supposed to both be MHS, but w/o exact specs, hard to compare. Both should have Memphis Tone Circuits, but the Reissue specifically specs matched 550 pots and bumblebee caps, unknown in the 2018. But I personally expect most of the difference you observe is the variation from guitar to guitar, even within the same model. 335s are known for having a relatively wide variation and I'd think the 330s would be similar. Thus the importance of actually playing them before you buy if at all possible (or have a good return policy). Not so much a case of getting a bad one as it is that some are just better than others. I also believe the reissues get better wood and more attention to detail, things that generally don't show up in specs. Non-reissues rarely beat reissues. But still a lot comes down to preference anyway. And the neck profiles are usually very subjective.

What's so hard to believe? If it is still relevant, then it doesn't matter how old it is. In this case it is indeed still relevant. So why do you feel the need for sarcastic criticism?

I don't see where that is an issue one way or the other. It could also be said that hand written is better as a sign these are hand made and finished. All depends how you want to look at it. It certainly can't be compared to a quality issue. You're missing the boat being caught up in petty details. It has been said numerous times by very knowledgeable owners that the recent years ES models, especially upper level ones like the reissues are some of the best Gibson has ever made. You don't have to go way back.

Both. I have examples of both that I bought new.

I have them in a 2015 SG Special, and really like them in the SG. I have, and was more used to SG with 490/498 pups. I bought the 2015 new dirt cheap (including the hardshell case), and figured with it being a "lesser" SG, I'd just flip it. But I like the sound, quality, and feel so much I kept it.

Okay now?

Good call: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/DSDCCTEBCH--gibson-midtown-custom-ebony

I think the only thing that matters is what is important in the long run. Too many people get wrapped up in what is in front of their nose and ignore what really matters in the long run. Way down the road when you look at a nick/mar/crack, would you think "oh that (still) bothers me because I didn't put it there", or "oh that's fine because I put it there"? Or would you do what I pretty much do, and forget it is even there? If so, what's all the fuss about? Now if you look at it way down the road and think "OMG!!", then sorry, I can't help you.

Hey didn't you hear that anyone over 30 looks stupid playing them? They don't know we don't give a Flying F. Did you say pointy guitars? If you ever swing one of these things around, you'll find out why they call them shredders!

Still only a guess, but I think you're right about "just stamped a 225T". I think this was more likely to happen with the first ones. I don't think this was much of a concern when they were making them. It's not like a different model altogether was stamped.

Hey, welcome to the club. I'm there myself. Forums are not a perfect form of communication. Now get off my lawn! I thought maybe you might be jumping to conclusions going for new tuners as the Grovers are not bad tuners. You said this is your first Gibson, and they routinely have poorly cut nuts that can bind and cause tuning issues. And it wouldn't be hard to find someone who has played all their life that still have tuning issues because they don't string their guitar properly. From all I can tell, locking tuners will not be any better for stability than a proper stringing. That said, I like them because I'm not the greatest at stringing and it helps me! Rock that Explorer!

I'm sorry, I though inferred in my answer was a suggestion to use some sort of a bumper on the nut end. I'm afraid to say this, but I'm glad I'm not that concerned about nicks and scratches. It is not a matter of not caring at all to the point of careless handling and care, but those are harmless things that come with use and age anyway. I find other things far more important to me to spend my time and energy with. I understand there are those greatly concerned about visual flawlessness. Fine for them, but I'm glad that's not me.

I'm not surprised you have never "found it necessary". That's why I was questioning your suggestion. That is an "easier said than done" suggestion that can easily not be a good suggestion. Without personal experience, how can you consider that a good suggestion? Especially being sure he will win? That seems to lack your smattering of common sense. Sorry, but I disagree that it is anything close to a good suggestion in this case.

Hey, I'm just following *your* lines. You have lines with only 2 points.

It wouldn't be insulting if you gave us that info to start with. With no idea of your experience, you start at square one. You're the one with the problem asking for help, if you don't like the answers, maybe you should be a little more specific and less critical of the answers.

Court proceedings? Really? You've been reading too many forums I'm guessing. So how did your case work out for you?

You do know how to properly string a guitar? And to stretch new strings? Check the nut for binding? Should not have a problem staying in tune.

Any 2 points always line up........

This indeed has been an ongoing problem with the LP pickguard bolt and nut. Gibson should have figured out how to attach some sort of bumper by now. FWIW, this was addressed with the 2015 models (and possibly others) with removable pickguards. Being removable, there is no bracket to start with. But to keep the look authentic (( guess) there is still a hole in the pickguard and a bolt used, but the end of the bolt has a nice bumper on it to keep the bolt from indenting the body.

My EPI Limited Edition Riviera Custom P93 Blue RoyaleRivera P93 works like this: The bride and neck pups are controlled by a typical 3-way switch just like a 2 pup model. The middle pup works independently just with the volume control. Simple and versitile.

It appears to me that Gibson can't get sales to sustain the small semi hollow models, even though they keep trying to reinvent it. First the 137, then the ES-LP, now the 235. They even claim the 235 to be an instant classic. Didn't happen before, so I don't see it happening now.