2018 Es-335 and es-355 reissue question

[Bonamus]

Hi all,  what is the general view on the 2018 run of limited es-355 and es-335s out of Memphis?  (Specifically the sixties cherry versions with bigsbys , links below). They both have rosewood boards unlike the previous 355 reissues that were using rich lite. Same pickups, both appear to use hide glue.  Also guessing these were standard production line run and not custom shop since they came out of Memphis...

These come up from time to time on reverb and are usually around 4K+

i’m really interested but it’s hard to buy something like that without playing since it’d be the most I’ve ever spent on a guitar and I’d plan to keep for a long time.  Lots of good YouTube reviews for all the reissues in general but you know how that goes. 
 

Has anyone on here played/ owned these models?  Do you think they’re worth the $$$?

And does anyone know of future releases that might have an ebony board and bigsy like the classic 355s  by chance? 

Thanks all! 

Links from Gibson: 

335:  http://legacy.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/2018/Memphis/1963-ES-335TDC-Bigsby-Varitone-Limited-Run.aspx

 

 

355:  http://legacy.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/2018/Memphis/ES-355-VOS-w-Bigsby.aspx

[SteveFord]

No first hand experience but 355=ebony to me.

[Larsongs]

I own a recent 2014 Gibson Memphis ES 335 which is a great Guitar. I've owned an ES345 which was even better.. I've played several 355's which would be my choice.. Everything the 335 & 345 is & more.. Including Fit, Finish, Detail, beautiful Bling, top of the line Pickups, Electronics & all the other features..

I plan to upgrade my 335 for a 355 with Bigsby.. For me that's pretty much the ultimate Guitar....

[merciful-evans]

You're right, its a lot of money to risk on a guitar you haven't played.

Are there no local online classified ads where you are? PreLoved / Gumtree etc? You will certainly have FB Marketplace; why not look there? You may have to be patient of course.

[Bonamus]

3 hours ago, merciful-evans said:

You're right, its a lot of money to risk on a guitar you haven't played.

Are there no local online classified ads where you are? PreLoved / Gumtree etc? You will certainly have FB Marketplace; why not look there? You may have to be patient of course.

You’re right of course!  Patience is key for this one I think!  I found a great tobacco burst 335 with a bigsby at a local shop that I played yesterday that may be swaying my opinions on this and it also made me come to my senses about the importance of playing before buying 🙂 ... but it sure is easy to get caught up looking at pics of beautiful guitars online lol 

[Larsongs]

6 hours ago, merciful-evans said:

You're right, its a lot of money to risk on a guitar you haven't played.

Are there no local online classified ads where you are? PreLoved / Gumtree etc? You will certainly have FB Marketplace; why not look there? You may have to be patient of course.

Most online Retailers have 30-45 no hassle Return Policies... Plenty of time to try them out... I've bought several new Guitars that way.. The past few years it's become very hard to find great inventories of high end Guitars at Music Stores... Unless you're in places like L.A. or New York City....

I've had good luck buying a few Used Guitars on Reverb.. But, I only consider Mint or Excellent... If Sellers misrepresent Reverb sides with the Buyer...  They can return for full Refund.. Although Shipping Cost may be extra... I haven't had to Return one....

Edited September 25, 2020 by Larsongs

[merciful-evans]

2 hours ago, Larsongs said:

Most online Retailers have 30-45 no hassle Return Policies... Plenty of time to try them out... I've bought several new Guitars that way.. The past few years it's become very hard to find great inventories of high end Guitars at Music Stores... Unless you're in places like L.A. or New York City....

I've had good luck buying a few Used Guitars on Reverb.. But, I only consider Mint or Excellent... If Sellers misrepresent Reverb sides with the Buyer...  They can return for full Refund.. Although Shipping Cost may be extra... I haven't had to Return one....

 

Agreed. I've bought from online retailers also. Mostly I've been lucky too. A sensible returns policy is vital. However, the OP states looking at used from reverb and that could be trickier. 

[Bonamus]

thanks all!  Good points about the return policies and online retailers.  I am looking mostly around on reverb and there are a couple nice 335s and some black 355s on there now that do look nice, especially those 335s.  And covering the shipping back would be worth it as opposed to getting stuck with a bad guitar. Probably going to keep shopping for awhile while and hopefully find a few more to try around town.  i've bought guitars online before and it was great, probably just more nervous due to $$$ haha. thanks!

[Larsongs]

23 hours ago, Bonamus said:

thanks all!  Good points about the return policies and online retailers.  I am looking mostly around on reverb and there are a couple nice 335s and some black 355s on there now that do look nice, especially those 335s.  And covering the shipping back would be worth it as opposed to getting stuck with a bad guitar. Probably going to keep shopping for awhile while and hopefully find a few more to try around town.  i've bought guitars online before and it was great, probably just more nervous due to $$$ haha. thanks!

 

I only consider Mint or Excellent on the Guitars I've bought from Reverb as recommended by friends who buy a lot of Gear.. So far no problems.. You can Message the Sellers with questions. So far they've all been courteous..