wheels105 Posted September 3, 2011 Share Posted September 3, 2011 Hello people, I am looking into buying either a Gibson ES-355 VOS w/Bigsby in Antique Faded Cherry or a Gibson ES-355 w/Bigsby in Antique Red. Looking at the specs on various websites I can't see much difference apart from the colour and finish. Just looking for a bit of a comparison to make a decision eather way. Thanks for any help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71Darkhorse Posted September 4, 2011 Share Posted September 4, 2011 Hey man, By your description, the only differance between the guitars that you're considering is the color? Either the antique cherry or vintage red? If this is the only differance between the two guitars the only consideration is personal preferance of the subtle differance between the colors. There's no right or wrong answer, just your preferance. Both are beautiful. I have a 2007 ES 355 with Bigsby. The two differant color variations confuse me, but mine has the more claret translucent red coloration. She's a beautiful looking guitar, but i prefer the tone and simplicity of my ES 335 now. The differance between the 335 and 355 is largely cosmetic. The 355 is visually and physically heavier as the Bigsby adds physical weight whilst the luxurious appointments adds 'visual weight'. The 'upgrades' the 355 boasts over the 335 is the Bigsby, triple ply binding, large bound headstock, block inlay ebony fretboard and gold hardware. Both guitars are awesome; the right one for you simply relates to your personal taste Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71Darkhorse Posted September 4, 2011 Share Posted September 4, 2011 Further to my last post, the 'VOS' is just a finish option and will have no impact on tone. VOS stands for 'vintage origional spec' and is really just a subtle aging of the guitar. The finish has a mild rubbed back look and the hardware will have mild tarnishing to it. I have two guitars with the VOS finish and really prefer that look. To me, it just adds a little bit of character which will be built upon from personal use. Again . . . it's just cosmetic and a matter of personal preferance. Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheels105 Posted September 5, 2011 Author Share Posted September 5, 2011 Thanks for the reply I'm going to check them out tomorrow to see which I prefer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71Darkhorse Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 Excellent. Good luck and lets know how you go and which one you buy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheels105 Posted September 7, 2011 Author Share Posted September 7, 2011 Tried both guitars out and decided on the VOS version. I think they have the same pickups but the VOS sounded a lot better for some reason. I also like the look of the VOS more than the standard 355. Thanks again for the info. Andy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wheels105 Posted September 8, 2011 Author Share Posted September 8, 2011 Here's a few pics of my purchase. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
71Darkhorse Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Hey Andy, Congratulations on your purchase mate. Your new guitar looks HOT! Nice choice I really love the VOS finish on it. If you've got some close ups i'd love to see them. Funny thing, my 355 & 335 both supposedly have 57 classic pickups mounted in them, yet sound VERY differant to each other. Not sure what the story is with that. Here's a pic of my 355 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunburst PB Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 I am partial to the gloss finish although both guitars are real works of art when it comes down to it. You're lucky to own a work of art that also has killer tone! I just ordered a figured maple ES-355 without the Bigsby but with a TP-6 instead in Vintage Sunburst. I should have in a few months and will post pix when I get it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.