Wmachine

Construction is what was being addressed. I have both and am familiar with differences from the playing both. Back to the OP, Gnappi, you say you prefer the '57s over the MHS. That's the first time I've ever heard MHS pups described as "shrill". Usually the criticism is that they sound muddy, but that has been said as opposed to Burstbuckers in 335s (not my take on them, however). So are you saying you actually prefer the Studio? To the OP, to me, my ES-LP Studio (not a II) is relatively lifeless. Not so much from the '57s, they seem to be fine, but the guitar itself. It sounds okay, but that's it. And "quality" is decent, but nothing to do with that. By contrast, my ES-335 Studio sounds great (same '57 pups). Not as good as my higher end ES-3x5 s, but still impressive for the Studio model. I don't get that from the ES-LP Studio. It just doesn't bring anything to the table that is isn't covered better by an ES-3xx or a Les Paul. Just my take on it.

Fine if you call that a "not like a 335". But they both are "semi hollow with a center block".

There are definitely legit ME serial numbers. I think there are other threads on here about that.

Are you sure you mean to say that? I know that you know these models, but they are semi-hollow (Gibson calls them semi-solid) with a center block.

You're kidding. If they were on a forum today: Les: I'd play it more, but this thing is just too heavy. Mary: How do you like this burst? Does it make me look fat?

And me too, on both counts. OP, sounds like you have way to much experience to expect anything new out of your"Gibson LP Studio vs Epiphone LP" question. It will always be answered by those on both sides. Far too many of both to generalize, and the only one that matters is the one you get. If you are lucky it will grab your heartstrings. If you add perseverance to the luck, it will grab your, well, you'll find out.

Actually, that is just a EU website, not a store. It still may be helpful, though.

It does look like the seller is trying to be honest sending a pic that clearly shows significant fretboard wear. I'd be concerned about fret wear too. Personally, I'd pass. Especially if looking for a 335.

Sorry, but this is a forum. Responses are not mandatory. No views = no interest. You can try another forum.

Yes, he was extremely careful about the finish on his guitar. Right before he smashed it.

Do you mean a 2017 model or 2017 date made? Not the same thing. If it is a 2016 model made in 2017, it has 57 classics..

Great story! Really a "meant to be". Very little difference between the Pro II and my Pro 3T. Interesting that the Pro II came 2 ways, one with a "'60s" neck and one with a "'50s" neck. Gibson should have done that more often! The Pro 3T used '57 A3 pups, and they added "coil selection" to use with the coil split.

I think more common, but still not that common are the Gibson branded Kahlers, like on my '79 Explorer here: '79 Explorer

That should be a 2017 and also should be an outstanding ES-335 model. Generally the reissues are really good. But as with all models really, there is some variation and there are "good ones" and "bad ones". Play it before you buy it if you can.

Yes, Trad Pros were dealer ordered, most if not all were GC/MF. The offerings were a real mess. I mean what specs were with what models, not the guitars themselves. Seems most were really great Gibsons. But trying to figure out the specs is almost impossible. Besides the II, III, and IV, there were others like the 3T, which I have and like a lot. To make matters even worse, the GC/MF ads were not 100% accurate. When questioned, GC/MF said all the ad print/specs come directly from from Gibson. But wait, there's more! There were variations that came of exactly the same model with the same specs. Especially in 2015. And Gibson is no help sorting that all out. Not that it really matter a whole lot, they were still mostly the same. My bought new 2015 Heritage Cherry Trad Pro 3T came with a flame top, Classic '57 A3s, locking Grovers, blank TRC, exceptionally smooth satin sides, back, and neck, push/push coil splits, coil select, and adjustable up to 10db boost. Long story, but it took 3 times to get a good one, and it is really great. Bonus that the "A" top was pretty exceptional too. My TP 3T

Nice Studio, but this is a thread for Traditionals.

Well guess what Tom? Gibson webpage......brought back previous years models Reference material returns. Under "support" is "Gibson Guitar Specs (2015-2019)" http://legacy.gibson.com/ Pages are now titled "Gibson Legacy Archive" I notice they've wiped off the prices. But glad to see it back.

To cut to the chase here, call, email, or contact Gibson online. Give them you s/n. They will give you at least some basic specs including what pups are in it.

You need to read more carefully. I said "past models". Please quote me correctly. The specs are all available through all authorized dealers when they are new, no matter where. Why do you think they are obligated to have them on their webpage? Especially when they are no longer available. I think it is in their best interest to do that, but that doesn't mean they have any obligation to. Same with the serial number. It is a unique number to a guitar. It does not have to mean anything more just because you want it to.

MarriottLuvr I'm sorry your thread got trampled all over. Unfortunately, that's what happens with online forums. Of just about all types of forums, unfortunately. They quickly become little more than social clubs, with little resemblance to a true forum. It is much more like walking into a bar where the conversation is directed by anyone who talks the loudest. It is more about getting ones ego stoked than any genuine desire to partake in the topic. And they want so bad for you to be as impressed with their idea of how clever and witty they think they are. If you really want continue to cover your topic, the best advice it to totally ignore them. They are just desperate to engage you to bring you down to their level. Just ignore them and continue."Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig."

Yeah, that's just how it came off. Objectivity at its best.

It is great to have a thread like this with a truly objective look at a useful innovation, like it or not. Especially when at any time one has the option to "opt out". You're not committed forever. If one doesn't like it, fine, don't use it. Nobody has to justify not wanting it. To say that it is "ticking time bomb" is just more bias against it. Of course it won't last forever. A car engine is not called a ticking time bomb, it is just something that can be replaced when it "wears" out. The G-Force doesn't, and probably shouldn't need to be repairable, just replaceable like any other modular component as is being done nowadays. I'm along for the ride with my 2015s that have them. As long as they work decently they stay. I may replace some and keep some. It is pretty cool to use them. I expect that like most electronics, they will get better and cheaper over the long run.

I think you're softening depth of the hysteria about the 2015 models, not limited to G-Force, the "outrage" was extended to the neck, LP sig, and hologram. The vast majority of the comments were *not* of an appropriate "not for me" nature, but all sorts of nasty negative comments directed at those features. Besides being egocentric, I found the most disturbing were the totally disrespectful descriptions of Les Paul's signature. Pretty shameful bashing coming from a lot of narrow minded people.People did have a choice. There were other model offered during the year w/o the any of those features. The hysteria was totally uncalled for. What a bunch of babies.

^This all^To further explain, that "Custom Shop" was actually referring to the "Custom Shop Series", literally just Custom Shop in name only. They were all made in Memphis, and there was never a "Custom Shop" in Memphis. A marketing ploy that was unfairly and I'm sure intentionally misleading.That all said, quality-wise they were actually really good. Many of the original employees of the Memphis facility were brought from the Custom Shop in Nashville as they needed skilled experienced employees for the ES production. So even though those 339 Custom Shop Series were not true CS, the quality is right up there! Also note that as ES production returns to Nashville, the higher end ESs are (as reported by Gibson) going to be made in the Custom Shop and the rest in the Gibson USA shop. (For example ES-335 standards are going to Gibson USA and ES-335 reissues are going to the Custom Shop)

If the claim it is some kind of "breaking in", that's the sorriest attempt to justify it I've heard yet. It does nothing to break in a guitar. Nice to be in some rational company here. I see the problem to be that someone wants to buy what is earned. They are pretenders that want the end without taking the trip. They want to look like they did something they didn't do. Real wear is cool. That's why they want it. Fake wear is damage, but nobody wants to own up to it. They'd rather live in a fantasy.The only trouble is, the market get flooded with broken dreams competing with real, tangible experience.