• Guys, we've spent considerable money converting the Les Paul Forum to this new XenForo platform, and we have ongoing monthly operating expenses. THE "DONATIONS" TAB IS NOW WORKING, AND WE WOULD APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS YOU CAN MAKE TO KEEP THE LES PAUL FORUM GOING! Thank you!

Any vintage ES-355 love?

Progrocker111

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2003
Messages
4,013
Are 355s noticeably brighter than rosewood counterparts 335s and 345s? Is here the same analogy than in case of Les Paul Standards vs Customs?
 

RAB

Active member
Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Messages
2,122
Here is my '60, original stop-tail, long-guard, PAFs and 59 FON & neck profile.
355realvintage01.jpg

MAMMA MIA! LOVE IT! :salude:jim
 

RAB

Active member
Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Messages
2,122
Are 355s noticeably brighter than rosewood counterparts 335s and 345s? Is here the same analogy than in case of Les Paul Standards vs Customs?

My humble opinion, having owned a number of 355 and LP Custom models is the ebony fingerboard does impart more treble and brightness...:peace2
 

RAB

Active member
Joined
Mar 17, 2005
Messages
2,122
Maybe it's the Bigsby or the PAFs or the neck wood, but my 60 355 was not noticeably brighter or more trebly than any of the half dozen reissue and Historic Makeovers ES-335s I've had. In fact, the brightest 3 of the group were all reissue stoptail ES-335s, a 2009 and 2010 being the two brightest. What my 60 had was a much more musical voice and 3D, dynamic tone, and I've since sold all my ES-335s. I think I'd have to compare to a 60 Bigsby'd ES335 though to be sure on all this.

The Bigsby and Grovers on many 355s do add some weight and sustain. Given my 355 has a factory stop TP and Kluson waffle backs it is lighter (an even 8 lbs) and is a fairly bright guitar but also has great depth and "phatness" as the younguns' might say! :dude:
 

gcat

Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2012
Messages
74
10153677_726080794145540_6871294494027289945_n.jpg


My humble contribution, '67 ish. Old refin & changed parts. 8.0 lbs, and it gigs steady.
 

57gold

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 14, 2005
Messages
692
My 1959 with her similarly aged sisters in ESness!

image_zpscbefc14a.jpg


Nope, never had a Varitone ring, no evidence of it on the top. Neck is flatter than the other two, kinda 1960ish, double whites that are strong.
 

treyrab

Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2016
Messages
57
Some truly amazing guitars in here! I finally got my first 355.....So yes, I have some 355 love to share :hank1960 vintage.

B6GkhhImbjUG1ciJR-gsB0aJ74Gy9PQ60NF-GtTryYRWt0mygZDNNhfxktlMIcP1vLfJwNcymdu-EVydPdehLCRVQvroPqsTbIlsaTs_6ZHQ45VOTescmz0AOwCtz5A4X4iQt6T6twQ=w2400
 
Top