why are the new 335s

[RS1976]

heavier than the classics?

[jamester]

I've investigated this myself, having owned a few of each over the past couple years...

 

Two definite factors are the difference between Kluson and modern Grover tuners, and the difference between the aluminum and zinc tailpieces. I assure you - from experience - that the combination of these factors changes not only the weight significantly but also the note attack and overall tone of the instrument.

 

By replacing my Dot's tuners and tailpiece I shaved over half a pound off, as well as improved the tone. The tonal improvement may be my opinion, but the weight difference is a fact. Personally I like the look of the Kluson-style tuners way more than the Grovers as well.

[sok66]

Got to agree that the Klusons match up better with a 335 than heavy Grovers. The originals did have aluminum tailpieces, which seems to be what the vintage mavens have all discovered makes a difference in tone vs later production. Also, a number of the reissues will have solid center blocks, rather than having a wire channel cut out under the bridge pickup. Makes fro a major difference in tone, but still no consensus. Some guys like the open wire channel better.

[vincentw]

Interesting speculations regarding the weight of Grovers and the heavier tailpiece causing the newer 335s to be heavier than the Reissues and/or vintage 335s, especially since the newer 335s have a weight relieved centerblock and the older ones (and Historic Reissues) do not. Not sure I can follow you guys on this line of thinking.... have we tried out all the 335s and A/B'd them with all the Historic Reissues and vintage 335s ever produced? A difficult theory to test indeed.