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Historic 335 question


The RW

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  • 4 weeks later...
Could someone tell me about the differences between the Historic 1959 RI ES335 and the ES335 Fat Neck?

I can only speak to the slim neck side of 335s but I would guess this also applies to the fat neck guitars.

 

I played several slim neck Memphis 335s at Guitar Center and though I liked the general sound and handling I was underwhelmed by the overall feeling of the guitars.

 

I took the leap and special ordered a 1963 Historic 335 and it is an incredible instrument. The attention to detail, finish quality and initial set-up are in a totally different league on the CS (Nashville) guitars. I actually think they are a bargain...

 

If you have the financial wherewithal do yourself a favor and get the Historic.

 

It's as they say, the money will be long forgotten when the quality will still be appreciated - every time you pick it up to play.

 

Cheers, Oliver

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I can only speak to the slim neck side of 335s but I would guess this also applies to the fat neck guitars.

 

I played several slim neck Memphis 335s at Guitar Center and though I liked the general sound and handling I was underwhelmed by the overall feeling of the guitars.

 

I took the leap and special ordered a 1963 Historic 335 and it is an incredible instrument. The attention to detail' date=' finish quality and initial set-up are in a totally different league on the CS (Nashville) guitars. I actually think they are a bargain...

 

If you have the financial wherewithal do yourself a favor and get the Historic.

 

It's as they say, the money will be long forgotten when the quality will still be appreciated - every time you pick it up to play.

 

I totally agree . I received my 335 1963 block reissue in May . Its an amazing instrument and with lots of attention to detail .

 

Cheers, Oliver[/quote']

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I can only speak to the slim neck side of 335s but I would guess this also applies to the fat neck guitars.

 

I played several slim neck Memphis 335s at Guitar Center and though I liked the general sound and handling I was underwhelmed by the overall feeling of the guitars.

 

I took the leap and special ordered a 1963 Historic 335 and it is an incredible instrument. The attention to detail' date=' finish quality and initial set-up are in a totally different league on the CS (Nashville) guitars. I actually think they are a bargain...

 

If you have the financial wherewithal do yourself a favor and get the Historic.

 

It's as they say, the money will be long forgotten when the quality will still be appreciated - every time you pick it up to play.

 

Cheers, Oliver[/quote']

 

I totally agree . I received my 63 block reissue in May . Its an amazing instrument with lots of attention to detail .

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probably depends on the guitar

 

I just got a 335 Fat Neck, and actually thought it was a Historic

till I heard the price

 

I had been looking for a 335 for some time, but didn't like the

run of the mill GC one's that sell for about $2500

 

I picked up the Fat Neck at my local dealer, it was unmarked

but Antique Red, with a Fat Neck, I thus thought it was a 59

reissue

 

Very very full and woody sounding, not tinny like others I've played

Can't find a single flaw on the fit and finish

I thought "if I can get this in the low 3k range I'll do it

turned out to be in the high 2k range

 

I live it, sounds better than some Historics

Finished just as well

 

I'm usually a Custom Shop snop, like I am with Fenders

but, this 335 Fat Neck is a winner and a half

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as an update, I had the fine opportunity to spend the afternoon with

 

2- 63 Historic reissues , 1 - 59 Historic reissue and 1 - regular 335 (not Fat Neck)

 

for starters, I can see why the fit and finish is considered better on the Historic reissues

Mind you, I have no issues with the fit on finish on my Fat Neck

But the frets on the Historics seemed polished,and the necks were finished flawlessly

 

The Historics had smaller neck shapes ,and diff shapes, one of the 63 was almost

soft V, and the necks almost felt pre-broken in. Maybe rolled edges, maybe frets

smoothed down a little more near the edges

 

While I applaud the smooth edges and broken in feel, I actually prefer

to not have that. Even on Fenders I am not a fan of the rolled edges

preference thing

 

Gotta say, I really like the the tone of my Fat neck the best

 

one of the 63s rang out really nice, and smooth, but thinner

sounding

 

the 59 Historic had a bum low E string, so was diff get a good full sound

the 59 had even smoother "worn down feeling" frets

very comfortable, if you like that

 

Guess I'm lucky I stumbled across one that really hits me tonally

and has the perfect neck for my taste

 

couldn't see paying almost 2 grand more for a Historic 335

(even though I do with Les Pauls, and Fenders)

 

then again, if one hits me tonally...the workmanship is top notch

 

cheers

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