Elmer Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 I bought this ES175 (you know, the one with the little cracks). I was so disapointed that I am going to exchange it for a GIBSON ES359 VINTAGE SUNBURST with golden hardware and extra big mother of pearl inlays...I post a pic as soon as I have it. (I will first totally examine it at the store...TOTALLY, see if I like the golden hardware...always prefered silver colour...so need to check that etc etc. I can pick it up Friday. For some reason...I started to fool my self that the cracks where belonging to "my" guitar etc...but I started to dislike all of it. The cracks, the natural blond colour, the way it played...pitty but it is what it is. So now the question: The ES175 is a reissue(2010) and the ES359 is a Vintage(2008). What is the big difference between reissue and vintage? Is the Vintage more "original" does it got more value at the long term...say in 15 years from now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjmwrx Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 It's not vintage as in old. Being a 2008, it's still relatively new. The Vintage in the description is for the finish. Will have a figured top with a Vintage sunburst finish like this: The above is an 2006 Figured ES335 in Vintage Burst. The re-issue's are more true to the Original build Gibson performed back in the day. While the others are standard production models. The new ones made today are still fantastic Guitars. The re-issues do seem to re-sell for a bit more than standard production. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Oops, double post - see below. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Elmer - Be sure to do your homework on the 359, as it's a completely different animal compared to the 175. It is a slightly fancier spin off of the 339, which was first released, If I recall correctly, in late 2007. The 339 originally sold in the US for $1799, and now sells for $1999. The 359 came along about a year later & was considerably more expensive, but the upgrades were minimal. It does not have much separating it from the 339, so this may impact it's future resale value, and there is no true vintage connection (as there is with the 175, which is an established Gibson classic model). The 339 & 359 are small bodied versions of the 335, and have a solid center block. Nineteen frets clear of the body is nice, and they can be very versatile instruments, but selling price is far below the 175, so this is not an even trade situation. The 175 is rarer and would represent the greater long term value. Also realize that gold hardware often will tarnish quickly, so if that bothers you, it's a consideration. I have a '09 339 (nickel hardware), and the workmanship is first rate. But some of the early examples of the 339 (and possibly the 359 as well) had quality control issues. Sorry, but I can't remember what they were. When you go to look at this instrument, I would question why this guitar is still in your dealer's stock, if indeed it is new and an '08 model. Look it over very carefully for workmanship & structural issues. And remember, this does not represent an even trade. You have the higher value instrument in your hands right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elmer Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share Posted February 28, 2012 I called the dealer, I go Friday to the shop. He has got a ES175 Sunburst (reissue) aswell...so I can try and check both...he also has got some more stuff...GIBSON ES330 VOS VINTAGE CHERRY WITH BIGSBY, GIBSON L5 CES NATURAL (over my budget :)), GIBSON ES137 CUSTOM HERITAGE CHERRY SUNBURST...also couple of GRETSCH...so I going to take my time and by reading stuff here on the forum and ask my questions and search the internet, I am much more prepared. Allthough I am 43 I was blind the first time, because for the first time in my life I was holding a real gibson ES175...been there done that now :) I will be carefull. All tips and trick are welcome of course! Thanx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted February 28, 2012 Share Posted February 28, 2012 Okay, now you're talkin'! Definitely give that ES-330 a spin. I hear this new model has kind of a chunky neck, but if it fits you, it might be the best of the bunch. 330s can deliver one of the sweetest tones on the planet. I'm fortunate enough to own a 330L, and it's a keeper. Best of luck & have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rock and Reel Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 I'm afraid Elmer is getting a poor trade and he won't be happy without an ES-175 Antique Natural. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EastEnder Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 I'm afraid Elmer is getting a poor trade and he won't be happy without an ES-175 Antique Natural. With all due respect to Elmer (and without wishing to sound at all condescending), I think that Elmer has yet to fully think through what he really wants. It happens to all of us on occasion. Get the refund, take a break, and look long and hard at all options (advice I should have taken myself throughout my long guitar-buying history). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjmwrx Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 With all due respect to Elmer (and without wishing to sound at all condescending), I think that Elmer has yet to fully think through what he really wants. It happens to all of us on occasion. Get the refund, take a break, and look long and hard at all options (advice I should have taken myself throughout my long guitar-buying history). +1. Give some time to shop. Elmer, you have better info now. I would have to agree as well, it's not quite an even trade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EastEnder Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 ...it's not quite an even trade. Not even close — in any respect. Besides, it's apples and oranges. Respectfully, EE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elmer Posted February 29, 2012 Author Share Posted February 29, 2012 Thanx, really appreciated. That the trade is not fair I know...just look at the price and that makes sence. If I went for the ES359 I get a part of the maney back too (1500USD) ES175 was around 5k USD and the ES359 3500USD so...the deal is fair money wise. But now at least I have played on an ES175...It felt really good in my hands but I think the one I had in hand had serious problems, not only the little cracks. It played fine, it sounded ok...untill I played more I started to hear things, feel things that where not OK. The screw of the switch came loose while playing and trembled when playing an F. If I played at the 12th a (flagolet .. overtone, dunno the name) something else made a buzzing sound), after a few hours of playing on it I realy had it and phoned the store. I suggested to come over and test other guitars. Now I know there is also a sunburst ES175, so I going to sit there on Friday all day, and test the guitars. I want something that sounds Jazzy - bluezy and plays really smooth, I want an archtop, and now I going to listen very carefully to the difference between full hollow and semi holow...maybe I even play some les pauls...why not. I can sit there whole day. The service I get there is excelent (Keymusic is the name of the store, you can check there web on the net) BUT WAIT LONGER THEN FRIDAY??? NO WAY! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 At USA prices, the natural finish 175 goes for $3899, the sunburst goes for $3499. Gibson's newly released 330 is a recreation of the highly sought after 1959 model. The red version with Bigsby your dealer has in stock sells for $3399, so a trade with some cash back might be a doable and reasonable thing. Elmer, if you happen to like this guitar, it should hold it's value very well. This is in part due to the 330's clone, the Epiphone Casino, and it's connection with the Beatles. I do agree that you seem to be floundering a bit right now, since the guitars you mention are so different from one another. But the combination of a thin hollowbody with P90s is something special, and definitely worth a spin around the block, if nothing else, just to establish a frame of reference. Fwiw, Paul still plays his original Casino regularly, and says if he could have only one guitar, that's the one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badbluesplayer Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Alright Elmer!! Sounds like you have some good options. Keep us posted on what you decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CR9 Posted February 29, 2012 Share Posted February 29, 2012 Good luck Elmer. It is a hard decision to make. You have narrowed it down some. After you find a few that you like and they have the neck you are looking for, step back and have someone else play them for you so you can concentrate on the tone. I find it easier to listen to the finer points of a guitars tone when I am not trying to play it. A side by side demo with the same amp and settings can be beneficial so you can pick out all the finer nuances that you would miss when playing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elmer Posted February 29, 2012 Author Share Posted February 29, 2012 Good luck Elmer. It is a hard decision to make. You have narrowed it down some. After you find a few that you like and they have the neck you are looking for, step back and have someone else play them for you so you can concentrate on the tone. I find it easier to listen to the finer points of a guitars tone when I am not trying to play it. A side by side demo with the same amp and settings can be beneficial so you can pick out all the finer nuances that you would miss when playing. That I did not thought of...Gonna certainly ask the guy of the store to play!. Nice one cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elmer Posted March 2, 2012 Author Share Posted March 2, 2012 Here I am with my brand new ES175 reisue sunburst...no cracks, no buzzing, no dry fretboard...played an hour on it, looked at every detail, sniffed it (when they did not look I even tasted it...nah...but almost). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eljay Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 love a story with a happy ending. good on ya, elmer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest EastEnder Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Congratulations, Elmer. Good choice and a beautiful 175. Play it in good health. EE Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjmwrx Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Very Nice! Enjoy! Looks like they took care of you well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elmer Posted March 2, 2012 Author Share Posted March 2, 2012 Thanx...now I am searching this forum for maintenance tips and tricks. I need to oil the fret board once in a while and once in a while I want the fingerprints of this beautifull body...but I will find that, Im sure it is here some where. If I don't find it I start a new topic :) I AM SO ENORMOUSLY HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY... Thank you all for the very good advice!. I also played on the ES359...and what a nice (cute) guitar!, very sharp attack, ZZ-top blues sound, but also very Jazzy...maybe this will be my next, or a good accoustic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badbluesplayer Posted March 2, 2012 Share Posted March 2, 2012 Very nice. The top is really pretty. I love the sunburst 175's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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