Barry Posted January 12, 2009 Share Posted January 12, 2009 Can anyone tell me the difference between these two guitars, specifically the necks? I have played a 137C & liked it a lot. The neck was a bit thicker than I prefer. From what I am reading, it seems the HRF may be a bit smaller; however, I cannot find one to do a test run. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanC Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 I'm not going to be that helpful but I also had the same decision to make that is an ES-137C vs a Howard Roberts fusion. I bought the ES137C because it seemed to be a bigger semi acoustic and the one I bought played really well. Why did I like it? Because it sounded great without an amp - quite loud and I liked the big neck. Also the varitone switch gives lots of tone options. Also the Custom featues look great - ebony fretboard, diamond head, gold hardware etc.I play mostly a softer jazz style and I liked the 137 for this. However the ES 137C would also be a great blues guitar. I did play a Howard Roberts but in the end I just preferred the overall package of the ES 137C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share Posted January 13, 2009 Thanks Alan, Did you find much difference in playability or range of sound b/w the two? I do understand the acoustical aspect with the 137 being a plus. Was the HRF that much different? I am guessing from what you are saying is the HRF is a smaller body instrument, is that correct? Again thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KSG_Standard Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 I have an ES-135 (picture posted in other threads) and it has the same neck profile as the 137c, it's called a '59 rounded, not as fat as the '50s neck not as slim as the '60s neck. It's profile is very much like the '59 les paul. I have no experience with the HRF. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanC Posted January 13, 2009 Share Posted January 13, 2009 I didn't make it that clear that my ES 137C is a Custom not a Classic. Also I note that the Gibson Website has been updated and there is now no reference to 137 Customs or Howard Roberts fusions??? Not sure why. Regards, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brundaddy Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I have an ES-135 and it has a '59 rounded neck. My 135 has a fat 50s neck' date=' but my 175 and 137 custom both have the 59 neck. But back ot, you [b']really[/b] shouldn't go on what anybody tells you about which guitar is better. You simply have to play them both and decide which is better for you. For me, I go with feel, then sound, then cosmetic features (inlays, binding, gold, etc). The HRF is slightly more compact & the cutaway is subtly different -- I never played one though. I don't know if it has a center block either. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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