335 Labyrinth, some help please

[Phatfrank]

I've been without an ES for a few months now and am starting to show severe withdrawal issues. I'm really keen on a '58 VOS Natural 335 at the local store, but it's just a tad bit expensive. Meanwhile, a 2006 "Gibson ES-335, 1959 DOT Reissue, Limited Edition" was listed recently here, but I am really struggeling to understand the variations of the 335. I've searched for other threads on this guitar model, but am none the wiser.

Anyway, the serial is 62536XXX, which - according to the seller - makes it a Nashville guitar from the ES335 ST/DP series (or rather built in Memphis and checked/finalized at Nashville). He also claims that this guitar has an orange lable with handwritten serial no and model descriptions in the soundhole, which sets it apart from "normal" 335s. The guitar has Grovers and a standard case (correct me if I'm wrong), and to me it looks like a bog-standard 335 from the pictures. Any ideas? The guitar is priced between a std 335 and the VOS.

Thanks!

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[Cliff Gress]

Can't help you too much, but my 2013 Memphis made 335 has a hand written orange label. I don't think that designates anything special. Mine isn't. Same Grovers.

 

[SkyPalermo]

Ok here's my take.

This guitar has been built in Memphis in 2006 (the case is definitely not Nashville, I also assume it has a serial number on the back of the headstock). The Guitar Dater sites usually don't get this quite right, they always say guitars are from Nashville.

I would not blind-buy it / you need to look at it in person. The pre 2011 - Memphis guitars do not have a great reputation (in fact Memphis is still considered to be a mixed bag by a lot of people). The reason being is that pre 2011 Memphis guitars have a tiny neck tenon, something which is considered as structurally inferior to the period correct tenons that came with all Memphis guitars from 2011.

Having said that, it might make zero difference to you if you really love the guitar and the price is right.

Personally I wouldn't buy into that 'special edition' talk. Ok, it's black but that doesn't really make it a collector's item. I would compare what other Memphis 335s of that year go for on eBay, and make an offer in that ballpark if you like it...

 

[Shakey]

not sure about that black 335, but in the vos line they follow Cora in years specks, like you'd expect from an r7/8/9/0 les Paul example. The big difference is next profile, neck angle, neck binding, pick guard length, inlays and horn shape. 58 should be dots , shallower neck angle, mick mouse ear horns, no binding, long guard and s thick neck. 59 normal neck angle, long guard, dots, 59 profile neck, Mickey Mouse ears and a blind neck. 63 has blocks, short guard, thinner 60's neck, pointier horns.

i think the 63ri is the only guitar in constant production with the other vos models produced in more limited numbers and commanding a higher premium for w/e reason.

As to that black 335, no idea sorry.

 

[Phatfrank]

Thanks guys, pretty much sums up my thoughts. Seems to me to be a bog standard memphis 335, think I'll pass and have a closer look at that beautiful '58 VOS.

 

[zoommutt]

'58 is so nice.

 

[JLee]

Chicago Music Exchange is blowing out “floor models”. They are being offered on their website and through Reverb. I am awaiting a ‘63 ES-335TDC that I scored for under $2200 shipped.

 

[AA00475Bassman]

My Memphis 335 & 345 have hand written labels . I think this is standard .

 

[localguitarist]

I've been taking some guitar lessons in San Jose area and have been looking at my next guitar to pick up. The Labryinth has been on my mind and am excited to find other people passionate about it.