Reputable Guitar Dealers

[IndyWS6]

I'm looking to buy an ES-335. Specifically, a 50th Anniversary '63, a Joe B signature or something similar from the custom shop. I drew a blank at the local Guitar Center and Sam Ash stores (no surprise). Sweetwater is a 90 minute drive and I'll be heading there later this week to look at the one in the link below. The reality is that I'll likely have to buy something without being able to play and inspect it first. Considering Gibson inconsistencies and occasional quality questions, who would you trust? Pictures don't always tell the whole story and accurate and honest descriptions are critical - regardless whether it is new or used. Suggestions?

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/HS35P0VSNH-13

 

[jwhitman]

Just did a bit of research on that '63. Guitar Center does not stock them in store, other wise I'd offer my assistance in locating one. We have them in our warehouse, and quite frankly, they are boxed up in the case and it'd be a game roulette to order one. I've done it before with good luck, but personally, I couldn't pull the trigger on a high end piece without hands on time either.

From what I hear, high end places like Wilcutt's, Wildwood, Dave's etc have expansive libraries of pictures there and hire gear whores such as ourselves. Might want to have a browse there and see if any in their galleries catch your eye and give them a call after the holiday.

For reference, Wildwood seems to have a pretty large collection of Semi Hollows with good pictures at the link I've attached below.

http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/electric ... owbody.htm

 

[bpetersen]

Rockin Robin in Houston Texas. www.rockinrobinguitars.com

 

[esizer]

Give Arend Raby a ring at Sweetwater. They have pictures of the exact guitar you are buying, along with weight and serial number. They also have a tech go through and set them up before they ship out. Plus...FREE CANDY!!!

 

[Gadzz]

I've had good luck at Sweetwater! Got a Gibson Golden Axe Explorer and a SG Bass also a bunch of pedals etc.... All delivered better than expected.

 

[IndyWS6]

Just did a bit of research on that '63. Guitar Center does not stock them in store, other wise I'd offer my assistance in locating one. We have them in our warehouse, and quite frankly, they are boxed up in the case and it'd be a game roulette to order one. I've done it before with good luck, but personally, I couldn't pull the trigger on a high end piece without hands on time either.

From what I hear, high end places like Wilcutt's, Wildwood, Dave's etc have expansive libraries of pictures there and hire gear whores such as ourselves. Might want to have a browse there and see if any in their galleries catch your eye and give them a call after the holiday.

For reference, Wildwood seems to have a pretty large collection of Semi Hollows with good pictures at the link I've attached below.

http://www.wildwoodguitars.com/electric ... owbody.htm

Thanks - I appreciate the info. I'll do some research at the mentioned locations and see what I can find.

I'm willing to take a chance on a sub $2,000 guitar (so long as there is a decent return policy) but when it gets to $4K and $5K, I get a lot pickier - and either want a hands-on inspection or to be reasonably assured that the dealer is as picky as I am. Not living on the coast (or in Nashville) makes this a touch more difficult...

 

[IndyWS6]

Rockin Robin in Houston Texas. http://www.rockinrobinguitars.com

Thanks, man. I'll take a look...

 

[IndyWS6]

Give Arend Raby a ring at Sweetwater. They have pictures of the exact guitar you are buying, along with weight and serial number. They also have a tech go through and set them up before they ship out. Plus...FREE CANDY!!!

Already have a Sales Rep at Sweetwater. They know me quite well It's a 90 minute drive to their warehouse for me so I'm heading there tomorrow or Monday...

As far as the candy goes, they're slipping a bit. Last two orders had no Bit-O-Honey. I mean, seriously, what the hell? The last time that happened I told my rep and he sent me a whole bag in the mail

 

[johnpace2]

Give Arend Raby a ring at Sweetwater. They have pictures of the exact guitar you are buying, along with weight and serial number. They also have a tech go through and set them up before they ship out. Plus...FREE CANDY!!!

+1 Arend always gives a discount. When I call SW and he's not available, I never get a discount (so I don't bother).

 

[BackCrack]

Mark's Guitar Loft has a couple Custom Shop 335's, and he has stellar customer service.

 

[IndyWS6]

Give Arend Raby a ring at Sweetwater. They have pictures of the exact guitar you are buying, along with weight and serial number. They also have a tech go through and set them up before they ship out. Plus...FREE CANDY!!!

+1 Arend always gives a discount. When I call SW and he's not available, I never get a discount (so I don't bother).

That's odd... I've always been able to get some kind of a discount on everything other than normal supplies and small ticket items. My Sales Rep treats me pretty well. When he's not in I work through his assistant...

 

[IndyWS6]

Mark's Guitar Loft has a couple Custom Shop 335's, and he has stellar customer service.

Thanks...

They have a 2008 that looks interesting...

 

[jwhitman]

Thanks - I appreciate the info. I'll do some research at the mentioned locations and see what I can find.

I'm willing to take a chance on a sub $2,000 guitar (so long as there is a decent return policy) but when it gets to $4K and $5K, I get a lot pickier - and either want a hands-on inspection or to be reasonably assured that the dealer is as picky as I am. Not living on the coast (or in Nashville) makes this a touch more difficult...

I completely understand. Outside of my own store, my area is desolate for gear. Even my own GC is limited as we don't have a Platinum room and only carry core inventory.

 

[esizer]

Give Arend Raby a ring at Sweetwater. They have pictures of the exact guitar you are buying, along with weight and serial number. They also have a tech go through and set them up before they ship out. Plus...FREE CANDY!!!

Already have a Sales Rep at Sweetwater. They know me quite well It's a 90 minute drive to their warehouse for me so I'm heading there tomorrow or Monday...

As far as the candy goes, they're slipping a bit. Last two orders had no Bit-O-Honey. I mean, seriously, what the hell? The last time that happened I told my rep and he sent me a whole bag in the mail

This is unacceptable

 

[gibson08]

Make sure you try a Rusty Anderson model, pretty nice. Skoora has one for sale in the classifieds, coolest looking 335 I have seen. Good Luck!!

 

[IndyWS6]

Make sure you try a Rusty Anderson model, pretty nice. Skoora has one for sale in the classifieds, coolest looking 335 I have seen. Good Luck!!

Thanks - I saw it. Not a big fan of the natural finish. I'm looking for a "vintage" or "Tabaco" burst...

 

[skoora]

Make sure you try a Rusty Anderson model, pretty nice. Skoora has one for sale in the classifieds, coolest looking 335 I have seen. Good Luck!!

Thanks - I saw it. Not a big fan of the natural finish. I'm looking for a "vintage" or "Tabaco" burst...

Did you ever try the "Fat neck" 335. The ones I saw came in a really nice "antiqued" tobacco burst. Would also be a fair bit less than the '63 I think. The neck was killer for sitting down playing but for me was a little thick for when I was standing up.

 

[IndyWS6]

Make sure you try a Rusty Anderson model, pretty nice. Skoora has one for sale in the classifieds, coolest looking 335 I have seen. Good Luck!!

Thanks - I saw it. Not a big fan of the natural finish. I'm looking for a "vintage" or "Tabaco" burst...

Did you ever try the "Fat neck" 335. The ones I saw came in a really nice "antiqued" tobacco burst. Would also be a fair bit less than the '63 I think. The neck was killer for sitting down playing but for me was a little thick for when I was standing up.

Haven't seen that one - will do some research. Thanks

 

[chunktone]

Make sure you try a Rusty Anderson model, pretty nice. Skoora has one for sale in the classifieds, coolest looking 335 I have seen. Good Luck!!

Thanks - I saw it. Not a big fan of the natural finish. I'm looking for a "vintage" or "Tabaco" burst...

Did you ever try the "Fat neck" 335. The ones I saw came in a really nice "antiqued" tobacco burst. Would also be a fair bit less than the '63 I think. The neck was killer for sitting down playing but for me was a little thick for when I was standing up.

Haven't seen that one - will do some research. Thanks

I would contact Guitar Center Nashville, and ask for Tony Higbee. He runs the Platinum room. They have a nice sellection of higher end Gibsons. Tell him what you're looking for, and if they don't have it, I'm sure he can get it for you.

 

[IndyWS6]

Make sure you try a Rusty Anderson model, pretty nice. Skoora has one for sale in the classifieds, coolest looking 335 I have seen. Good Luck!!

Thanks - I saw it. Not a big fan of the natural finish. I'm looking for a "vintage" or "Tabaco" burst...

Did you ever try the "Fat neck" 335. The ones I saw came in a really nice "antiqued" tobacco burst. Would also be a fair bit less than the '63 I think. The neck was killer for sitting down playing but for me was a little thick for when I was standing up.

Haven't seen that one - will do some research. Thanks

I would contact Guitar Center Nashville, and ask for Tony Higbee. He runs the Platinum room. They have a nice sellection of higher end Gibsons. Tell him what you're looking for, and if they don't have it, I'm sure he can get it for you.

Maybe - but now we're back to the "trust" thing. Namely, would you trust him to completely and accurately describe a guitar to the point that you would buy it without being able to play it? Not being able to be hands on with a $4K - $5K purchase is a bit intimidating for me. I'm not Steve K

I've been sick (Bubonic Plague?) and haven't made it to Sweetwater yet. I hope to do that on Monday to see if I can get something local. If not, it's probably "buy and hope for the best"