Advice on a CS 336

Bob H. · Nov 1, 2020

I’m seriously looking at a CS 336. I’ve played one a couple of years ago and passed. But it’s stayed on my mind. Any experience regarding the sound, feel, uses, pluses, drawbacks would be appreciated.

Bob H. · Nov 3, 2020

No One...?

Guitar Whiskey · Nov 3, 2020

I played a few when they first came out. Not a bad guitar but from my perspective they don't really do the 335 thing exactly like a 335 and they are even less like a Les Paul. I'm more in the vintage camp so for me they did not equate to something I really want or need.

crashbelt · Nov 4, 2020

I had a CS356 which I think is the same as a CSS336 with upscale cosmetics.

Great guitars - bit of a cross between a 335 and a LP.

Sold mine as I'm vintage only now. But I gigged the 356 for a bit and was never disappointed for blues/rock stuff.

I'd be happy with a 336 if it feels and sounds good for you.

clayville · Nov 13, 2020

Catching up to this a little late. I love my CS356 (same as CS336, but with more bling) and have since the day I got it new in 2003. The size and comfort is what drew me initially, but I find it to be a really versatile guitar and I play it more than any other. To me, it seems to have a sound that's a bit more scooped than the typical midrange hump of a 335 or to a lesser extent an LP - just by twiddling the knobs I can get warm and woody on the neck or almost Tele-like brightness on the bridge and most things in between. The stock 57 Classics sound great to me, and I've kept mine bone stock. It's a great blues guitar, just fine for the 'classic' rock I want to play, and will clean up well for darker 'jazz' or brighter funk.

It's an in-between sound though, and you won't get all the way to LP grind, mids-heavy 335, or a woody jazz box. But I don't miss what it's not when I'm playing it (if that makes any sense) and I get close enough for my needs.

Most of the folks that didn't get on with them seemed to be trying to hit a sound specific to other models and falling a little short. Some guys complain about the relatively small space between the lower bout and the neck - but somewhat limited access to the highest frets if you have large hands hasn't been a deal-breaker for me. And then there are folks who just don't like the 60s Slim Taper neck profile that most of these have. Again: not an issue for me, but those are the pitfalls some players cite.

For what's it worth, this old take of mine over a JamZone track here at the LPF gives a decent sense of just how versatile they can be (there's a little Open G Tele towards the end, but all other guitars are my CS-356)
https://soundcloud.com/clayville/autumnleaves-1

Bob H. · Nov 13, 2020

clayville said:
Catching up to this a little late. I love my CS356 (same as CS336, but with more bling) and have since the day I got it new in 2003. The size and comfort is what drew me initially, but I find it to be a really versatile guitar and I play it more than any other. To me, it seems to have a sound that's a bit more scooped than the typical midrange hump of a 335 or to a lesser extent an LP - just by twiddling the knobs I can get warm and woody on the neck or almost Tele-like brightness on the bridge and most things in between. The stock 57 Classics sound great to me, and I've kept mine bone stock. It's a great blues guitar, just fine for the 'classic' rock I want to play, and will clean up well for darker 'jazz' or brighter funk.

It's an in-between sound though, and you won't get all the way to LP grind, mids-heavy 335, or a woody jazz box. But I don't miss what it's not when I'm playing it (if that makes any sense) and I get close enough for my needs.

Most of the folks that didn't get on with them seemed to be trying to hit a sound specific to other models and falling a little short. Some guys complain about the relatively small space between the lower bout and the neck - but somewhat limited access to the highest frets if you have large hands hasn't been a deal-breaker for me. And then there are folks who just don't like the 60s Slim Taper neck profile that most of these have. Again: not an issue for me, but those are the pitfalls some players cite.

For what's it worth, this old take of mine over a JamZone track here at the LPF gives a decent sense of just how versatile they can be (there's a little Open G Tele towards the end, but all other guitars are my CS-356)
https://soundcloud.com/clayville/autumnleaves-1

Thanks for the response - and nice clip. I just bought a well played 2006 Black CS 336 with Bare Knuckle Mules p/u's. Hasn't arrived yet but I'm looking forward to it.

clayville · Nov 22, 2020

Any Honeymoon impressions yet?

Bob H. · Nov 24, 2020

clayville said:
Any Honeymoon impressions yet?[/QUOTE

Yes. It’s a wonderful guitar. Worn and played hard but great feel and sound. Needs a tune up, but excellent sounding, older Bare Knuckle Mules and upgraded RS Harness.
It gets that airy wood tone like a LP but more so.

Bob H. · Nov 26, 2020

Advice on a CS 336

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