Kylef Posted February 19, 2012 Posted February 19, 2012 I have a Gibson ES-355 Custom RI that I love, probably my number 1. However, I have always liked the look of the varitone switch, rather than its uses. I have had a 355 in the past with a varitone, I didnt mind it, but never really used it. Would it be wise to strip a varitone switch, not wire it in, but just have it sitting there? I have always preferred the look of 355's and 345's with a varitone switch....the more gold on a Gibson Semi the better for me! Here she is: Am I wasting my time for something used as cometic use only?
Guest EastEnder Posted February 19, 2012 Posted February 19, 2012 Moustache on a Mona Lisa. — And the Bigsby's the beard. There are aftermarket Varitones available with the numbered plate, although I've seen them only in black and numbered 1-5. http://bigdguitars.com/varitone.html You'll cry when you drill the hole. Respectfully.
JimR56 Posted February 19, 2012 Posted February 19, 2012 I've had two 355's over the years- a '65 and a '61. They both had vartitones, which I never liked (neither the function nor the appearance). I used to dream about getting a mono model (a vintage one, long before they were reissued), which were hard to find and cooler looking (imo). I wouldn't do it. If you're really disappointed every time you take the guitar out that it doesn't have a varitone, maybe you should consider trading for (or selling yours and buying) a model with a varitone. Probably not practical, but I also wonder if there's any way to attach just a ring and the knob without drilling a hole. A facade, as it were. If there was some way to do that which wouldn't mar the finish underneath (allowing it to be removed and leave no blemish), maybe that would be a solution...?
Searcy Posted February 19, 2012 Posted February 19, 2012 No no no no no no no no no no no no no no No fake varitone switches! NO!
charlie brown Posted February 19, 2012 Posted February 19, 2012 Well, I'm one of those folks, that likes the Varitone! So, IF I were in that situation, I'd just add a functioning Varitone, and USE it! Otherwise, why bother??? CB
Notes_Norton Posted February 19, 2012 Posted February 19, 2012 I'd wire it in. It's not difficult to do, and even if you only use it once in a while, it will give you something other than looks. I put a Varitone on my Faux-LP with P90s and used it on a few songs. It didn't work for everything, but what it worked for it worked well. But then, I'm certainly not against bling for bling's sake. Why not?
JellyWheat Posted February 19, 2012 Posted February 19, 2012 Would it be wise to strip a varitone switch, not wire it in, but just have it sitting there? I have always preferred the look of 355's and 345's with a varitone switch....the more gold on a Gibson Semi the better for me! Am I wasting my time for something used as cometic use only? I'm gonna say this once, and only once... NO !!! for chrissakes! [Now go to your room and learn to play that thang!] J/W
sok66 Posted February 25, 2012 Posted February 25, 2012 Just say NO. Ditto, NO Varitone! I've never found a single useful tone out of them, could never figure how it got out of the development lab back in the 50s. BTW, that 355 is SWEET!
Guest EastEnder Posted February 25, 2012 Posted February 25, 2012 ...could never figure how i got out of the development lab back in the 50s. Bars on the windows? Sorry — couldn't resist.
brundaddy Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 If you think it would look cool ... DO IT. Get as freaky and beastly as you wanna be. Hell, just glue one on and see if you like it.
badbluesplayer Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 It WILL devalue the guitar. Maybe only slightly.
Notes_Norton Posted February 26, 2012 Posted February 26, 2012 Devaluing an instrument is in the eyes of the owner. I've never worried about it myself. I use my instruments, and play them until they are worn. I have only one collectible, and it got that way by lasting a long time without wearing out. In the saxophone world, there is a thing about original lacquer (the lacquer doesn't affect the sound enough to hear). I've always relacquered my horns when they got grungy looking. I could care less. By the time I trade them in they are pretty worn out anyway. On the other hand, if I were to buy an instrument for an investment, instead of to perform with, I'd probably keep it in a case in a humidity controlled room and try to keep it in pristine condition. But IMHO that would be as big of a sin as turning a saxophone into a lamp. Musical instruments are made to make music. But that's just me, YMMV
ES345 Posted March 10, 2012 Posted March 10, 2012 I have had my 345 since i bought in new in '62, I use the varitone, but I play through two amps, so I am a supporter of the varitone, but, I would advise againt adding one for cosmetic purposes, if you aren't going to wire it up, forget about it you will add more wt to the top, not improve your tone, probably lessen the top vibration etc, i think it is a bad idea.
brundaddy Posted March 10, 2012 Posted March 10, 2012 I agree with Norton, and I'll add that it's YOUR guitar, and YOUR life. So don't even wonder about anyone's opinion but YOURS. Do it if you want to, or don't do it if YOU don't want to.
Pin Posted March 11, 2012 Posted March 11, 2012 Well, I'm one of those folks, that likes the Varitone! So, IF I were in that situation, I'd just add a functioning Varitone, and USE it! Otherwise, why bother??? CB Yep, varitone is great and if you have one it should work.
Kylef Posted April 10, 2012 Author Posted April 10, 2012 The guitar is my pride and joy, I am actually thinking of going down the route of putting one in AND wiring it up. I just cant find somewhere that will, or even sell me one. Found a varitone switch, but cant get the gold ring. Anyone?
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