CS 336 ...your thoughts please?

[Edward]

CS 336 ...your thoughts please? - UPDATED

Hi all,

With regard to the CS-336, which if I have it right in my mind started in 2002 after the ES 336 (?), may I have your thoughts on this solid-body-that's-been-carved-out model? What kind of pups are in it? Current ones seem to have Classic 57s, but I've read conflicting reports on what the earlier CS' were loaded with?

FWIW, I love LPs and have a lovely Standard and LPC. I have tried lam-and-blocked semis and full hollows and found that while they are neat and have their own cool thing going on, they are not really my tone. Hence, this "hybrid" animal appeals to me ...at least on paper. None I've ever come across to actually try out either. So help a forum brother out: what are your thoughts on this guit? BTW, since I use my LPC as my go-to live guit, I may be considering letting my 05 Faded Standard go --which I love, but am wondering if this CS may give me "enough" of a Standard tone while adding its own thing? I guess I'm looking for a bit more tonal differentiation between the two Gibbys without straying too far from the farm
Your experience and opinions most welcome!


Edward

 

[captaincanada]

I have a 2005 CS-336 flametop, and it was stock with 57 classics, which I eventually changed to Antiquities. My main gigging guitars are Les Pauls, but the 336 gets used some too, especially when lighter weight is important (like long, hot, outdoor gigs).

I would say that the 336 has a tone that is similar to a Les Paul, but not as tight. To my ears it's closer to a Les Paul than to an 335. I would ask what type of music you play and what kind of amp and gain you prefer? For higher gain situations, I would rather have a Les Paul, but for most situations the 336 can cover everything the LP does, but with an airier tone. I hesitate to say much more about the tone differences because words can only go so far in describing sound. I might generalize and says it's 60% Les Paul, and 40% 335...

 

[Cogswell]

I love mine. I've had it too long to compare to a Les Paul; it is definitely a guitar that has its own voice & the only similarity to my ears is the fact that it has humbuckers. Very crisp & airy sound.

 

[ZZ Not]

I would have to agree with the others although my experience is limited as I did not have my CS-356 that long (circumstances forced the sale). Mostly LP in tone but no doubt woody 335 sound as well. Definitely make an effort to check them out as they are great all around guitars.

Captain Canada, that is a real beauty you have there.

 

[captaincanada]

:salude Thanks ZZ Not, it's definitely my prettiest guitar

 

[Cogswell]

Here's a big 'un of my 336:

 

[ZZ Not]

That's a stunner there, Cogs. Like the knobs too. What PU's do you have in it?

 

[Cogswell]

Wolfetone Legends! I like yours, too. So many of these had ruler-straight flames. I like a little wiggle.

 

[class5lp]

These guitars are just incredible. Tone can't be compared to a 335. The way they are built is totally different. They do have 57 classics in them ( my fav stock pup) and sound so sweet. These guitars are very close in tone to a Cloud 9 Les Paul and are built in the same way. Wildwood guitars just got a few of these with real nice tops. I bought one but have not got it yet. To me this is the perfect all around guitar and most versatile. My problem with a 335 is the body is too big and they are too heavy. Mostly they are too heavy cause I do like the 330. Although Wildwood has some 60 reissue 335's they just got in and they are weighing in around 7 1/2 pounds and I'm very curious about these. I don't like the 356's though. Too much flash and over the top.

 

[Gitfiddler]

If you'd like opinions on the 336, check out John Herrington's website. That's his main axe on many of his tracks.

I've owned a 356 Bigsby since '03 and just last year found a used stoptail version. Other than the trim upgrades, they are the same as a 336. Both came with '57's, they sound different from each other, but still sweet. I have no plans on p'up swapping. "If it ain't broke...".

The only recommendation I'd give you is to try for an in hand demo to make sure you get on with the neck profile. Most are slim taper. My stoptail is on the slim side and the Bigsby was ordered from Custom Shop with a fat '59, more my preference. You can't go wrong with either in the tone area. Good hunting.

 

[eljayski]

cs-336 is a slightly-off-the-beaten-path delight. i love mine!

 

[Edward]

Thanks for all the opinions all! I'm looking at an 02 ...would that be a 60s neck? And that's a straight 60s neck, not a 30/60 right?
BTW, killer pics here guys ...this is not helping retrain me

Edward

 

[Edward]

OK, so I just pulled the trigger on this! I am so ridiculously thrilled and can't wait till she arrives. Anyone care to help me pre-celebrate! I hope she makes a lovely addition to my Standard and LPC Gibby family







BTW, huge thanks to mmcquain for planting this thought into my head years ago. Took me a while, but well worth the wait if ya ask me.
:salude

Edward

 

[Dan Silverman]

You are gonna have fun! Congrats!!!

 

[mmcquain]

BTW, huge thanks to mmcquain for planting this thought into my head years ago. Took me a while, but well worth the wait if ya ask me.
:salude
Edward

Glad to be an "enabler" :rofl:laugh2:
Sweet looking guitar... I think you'll love it. I look forward to hearing a full report once you've had it in your hands for a while. CONGRATS!!!!

 

[slidejules]

Great to see 336s get a mention... I love mine (won't bother posting a pic as it's more or less identical to captaincanada's up in the 2nd post... sweet looking axe, only thing is I took the pickgaurd off) - it certainly gets more playtime than any of the other guitars I have... And like everyone else I definitely think it has it's own thing going on, sounds quite unlike any other guitar I have. Here's a clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqoSFBfg_Rg

I like "airy" as a way to describe the tone... it's a nice way to put it...

 

[Cogswell]

very nice!

 

[Edward]

...Here's a clip.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqoSFBfg_Rg

I like "airy" as a way to describe the tone... it's a nice way to put it...

Monster playing there ...just loved that! :salude
And indeed, nice open tone there: clarity with thick yet defined warmth!

And some seriously gorgeous flame tops there ...wow!

Thanks for the kudos, gents. Tues is the day ...eagerly awaiting big brown to arrive

Edward

 

[BarryG]

They are great guitars. I'd say more consistent than a 335.

 

[mmcquain]

Great to see 336s get a mention... I love mine... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqoSFBfg_Rg I like "airy" as a way to describe the tone... it's a nice way to put it...

To quote Ronnie Van Zant, "sweet guitar" :dude: