335 Questions 2001 Flame Top vs new plain top??

[Rock-On!!]

I don't know much about the changes/differences between a 2001 and a 2009 335.

I am looking to buy and have a decent budget and need some feedback.

Both guitars are priced the same, one is a new plain top 335 and the second is a 2001 mint flame top.


2001 Flame

Click




Or an New plain top

Click


If you were evaluating the two which would make the most sense for the money and why?

Thanks,

 

[roadhog96]

That second picture of the plain top looks like it could be either a new 50 anniversary 335 or a 335 fat neck. Either one would be a little nicer than the flame top because they are a little closer to the original models in specs. I have the flame top version myself because I got a fantastic deal on it and the fit and finish was superb. Flame tops go for less new. Now with the upgraded RS electronics it sounds killer. There wasn't enough differences to justify the price difference in my mind.

 

[TomGuitar]

I am guessing that you do not have the opportunity to play them first?

If that is the case, it's a very tough question. I am not a big fan of flame on 335, but that one is quite nice, not over the top, pretty subtle.

Re: the years, I have played examples of both years that were really nice guitars and examples of both that were not.

The flame top is obviously at Lark Street. The photo gives it away. I have purchased several guitars from Buzzy that were very fair prices and exactly as described, after speaking with him at great length regarding a couple of them. He ranks quite high on my list of honest dealers. To be fair, there are others who do not share my opinion. But talk to him. I am sure he will give you an approval period and a return option if you are not happy with the guitar.

I guess this wasn't much help, now, was it?

 

[Rock-On!!]

TomGuitar
Yes, I will have to buy without playing.
I have talked to Buzz about the flame top and he claims it is a good one, for what ever that's worth?


roadhog96
The plain top is just the standard base Memphis model.

Flame is not a big deal for me,
but this one is for my son and he would like a flame top if I can find one for close to the same price as a new plain top.

 

[TomGuitar]

Rock-On, I think it's worth something. He has in the past steered me away from instruments he had that he told me were not good ones. It may have been because I have bought some pretty expensive stuff prior from him, but I choose to believe it is because he tells the truth. Who ever really knows?

 

[roadhog96]

TomGuitar
roadhog96
The plain top is just the standard base Memphis model. QUOTE]

Well the picture you posted is not the base Memphis model, it is a plain top model just not the one your refering to. Those tuners, knobs, switch tip, pick guard are standard feature for the 50 anniversary 335 or a 335 fat neck not the standard Memphis model.

 

[TommyTouch]

The '01 Flametop 335 will have a '60s slin taper neck. Some of the '09s have slim neck carve and some have fat neck. Ask about the neck carve on the '09

 

[Rock-On!!]

Well the picture you posted is not the base Memphis model, it is a plain top model just not the one your refering to. Those tuners, knobs, switch tip, pick guard are standard feature for the 50 anniversary 335 or a 335 fat neck not the standard Memphis model.

My bad.
I went back and changed the pic..

Tommy,
Buzz described the neck as not as chunky as a R9, but certainly not 60's slim taper.

 

[roadhog96]

I forgot to mention the most important reason I went with the Memphis Flame 335, besides all the other reasons I mentioned, the neck felt the best to me. The neck size is important and a 60's slim taper feels right for me. I don't have huge hands like some. Same reason I went with my 68 Custom RI in stead of a standard Custom, neck size. I was use to playing slim C shaped Strat necks. I would definitely check out the neck sizes first especially if it's for your son. The Memphis Dot 335 has the 60 Slim Taper.