Gibson Custom vs Murphy Lab 335

[E.M.]

Question for the forum: I'm interested in either a regular Gibson Custom Shop ‘59 reissue ES-335 or a Murphy Lab version. The Murphy Lab is about $2k more than the regular Custom Shop model. Should I save the money and go with the regular CS or pony up and get the Murphy? Both guitars are at shops far from home so I cannot do a sound comparison. Both guitars have the same specs minus the Murphy Lab treatment.

 

[renderit]

Tough call.

Depends on what YOU want.

I'd probably save the money and go that way.

But the Murphy's are fine too.

335's are great fiddles and you will love either.

I have a CS "no binding" 58 which has the greatest 3D "velvet" grain and a few blisters and a 59 lemon burst limited issue.

I wouldn't trade either for a Murphy.

 

[Red Rogue]

I also own a '58 Reissue Memphis 335. Recently, after a looong time, I went to a big store to check out what they have in store. As a 335 fan I also checked the '64 and '59 335. Both were ML Light Aged models. Both nice guitars! As I returned home, I strummed a few chords on my 335 and was cured! There was nothing to justify the price of 6700€ for a brand new (even aged) 335.
There was nothing "more" in the ML.

Buy a regular '59 and age it by your playing! They are made to make music!

 

[goldtop0]

Go with a CS they're fine guitars, save yourself some dough.

 

[Any Name You Wish]

If you haven't already, get the neck measurements of both, that may make the decision easier. Otherwise if you are the type that holds on to guitars for a long time then get the regular custom shop, they age beautifully.

 

[E.M.]

Thanks for the feedback. I will likely go with the regular Gibson Custom.

 

[latestarter]

I’ve had all manner of CS, vintage and ML 335’s. I currently have a 64 ML. Although it’s a fantastic guitar I’m sure a non ML 64 would have been equally great.

There’s more between individual guitars than there is with the ML/CS comparison.

Best wishes.

 

[Señor Verde]

I haven't owned, but have played both, I would pass on the Murphy, unless I got a screramin' deal on it, like, the price of a non-Murphy.