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CS356 - Old v New


Neilh

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Have been considering buying a CS356 or CS336 and in process wondered whether the earlier manufactured ones were more desirable than those made recently, or if there were years which were better or worse than others.  Are they all the same structurally and electronically over the years

Thoughts, anyone?

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Hi Neil,

I have a 2004 CS-336 custom one-off. It's pictured in the other thread you replied to. As far as I know nothing has changed over the years except for a few more recent years when Gibson had the wood import legal problems and were using Richlite fretboards instead of rosewood or ebony. I don't remember which years may have had Richlite fretboards but I would stay away from those. Who wants a plastic fretboard? Also might affect resale value.  All the older ones have the slim '60's neck profile. Around 2010 there were options to get a chunkier '59 neck and there was a signature model (don't remember which artist) that had a much chunkier neck. Otherwise construction and electronics are the same over years. They are great guitars. Good luck in your quest.

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9 hours ago, JO'C said:

Hi Neil,

I have a 2004 CS-336 custom one-off. It's pictured in the other thread you replied to. As far as I know nothing has changed over the years except for a few more recent years when Gibson had the wood import legal problems and were using Richlite fretboards instead of rosewood or ebony. I don't remember which years may have had Richlite fretboards but I would stay away from those. Who wants a plastic fretboard? Also might affect resale value.  All the older ones have the slim '60's neck profile. Around 2010 there were options to get a chunkier '59 neck and there was a signature model (don't remember which artist) that had a much chunkier neck. Otherwise construction and electronics are the same over years. They are great guitars. Good luck in your quest.

The raid was in 2011. So right after that came the sawdust and resin countertops, I mean fretboards. I think once the Canadian candy and jeans maker was interim CEO they were allowed to use real wood again. 2015 Henry was still there cause that was the dumb 0 fret thing and the Les Paul scribble on every electric model. 2018 or 19, H got the boot.

Edited by Sgt. Pepper
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Thanks Sarg. A little cryptic but valuable. The CS356 I have eye on is 2011, and says Ebony fretboard ...phew! So that would seem legit.

Nut width is 1.7 inch which might give clue as to neck "chunkiness".

It's expensive for an Aussie, from Guitarchimp which seems a reputable seller.

A bit of a risk buying unplayed, unseen unheard. But did get my Les Paul 25/50 Anniversary model from El Paso on ebay private sale, and that was WAY beyond expectations.

Thanks for help.

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17 minutes ago, Neilh said:

Thanks Sarg. A little cryptic but valuable. The CS356 I have eye on is 2011, and says Ebony fretboard ...phew! So that would seem legit.

Nut width is 1.7 inch which might give clue as to neck "chunkiness".

It's expensive for an Aussie, from Guitarchimp which seems a reputable seller.

A bit of a risk buying unplayed, unseen unheard. But did get my Les Paul 25/50 Anniversary model from El Paso on ebay private sale, and that was WAY beyond expectations.

Thanks for help.

Nothing cryptic.

Richlite is used extensively in countertop and cabinet making. It wasn’t just something Gibson invented cause it could no longer use real wood for fretboards.

The Guy (a Canadian) who took over after Henry was excused was a bigwig with Mars Candy in England, and then the CEO of Levi’s.

The 2015 Gibson electric guitars had Les Paul scribbled on The headstocks. And a metallic sticker under the lacquer on the back of the neck. It’s all true. Look it up.

Edited by Sgt. Pepper
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On 11/1/2024 at 8:40 PM, Neilh said:

Thanks Sarg. A little cryptic but valuable. The CS356 I have eye on is 2011, and says Ebony fretboard ...phew! So that would seem legit.

Nut width is 1.7 inch which might give clue as to neck "chunkiness".

It's expensive for an Aussie, from Guitarchimp which seems a reputable seller.

A bit of a risk buying unplayed, unseen unheard. But did get my Les Paul 25/50 Anniversary model from El Paso on ebay private sale, and that was WAY beyond expectations.

Thanks for help.

Hi Neil,

All will have the same nut width 1 11/16". The chunkiness is the other direction rounded side to fret board. The height at the first fret and 12th fret will yield the neck profile. 60's profile thinner, 50's thicker.

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