OT: Gibson 333 (Real or Fake?)

[Dopp238]

There's a dude selling his Gibson ES 333 for $800 on craigslist by me. I feel like that's just too good to be true. It's obviously a stripped down version, but I don't need the frills. I just want to know if you guys think this thing is real or not.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/ ... 57644.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Wired]

Looking at the photos I would say its a reasonable price. Especially with the case which looks like a form fit Gator/SKB, not a flight case, but just as good if not better than the Gibson ones.

The reason why I say its reasonable and fair price is because its one of the faded models. These had the same pickups as the SG Special and LP Studio (490's).

They were around $1400 CAD new.

They are also easier to mod that the normal 335's as they had a electronics access plate instead of a solid back! One thing I loved about it was that access. They did have an issue with sharp frets.

So I'd go for it, they are a great guitar for a price! Compared to a "gloss" 335 you will find this has a more "worn" in feel. It's pretty much the SG Satin Special of the 335 series.

Oh , they also shipped with a gig bag.

[bclaire]

I'd say it's real, but me personally, I don't think much of those... have you ever played one of the faded satin finish ones?

[Wired]

I'd say it's real, but me personally, I don't think much of those... have you ever played one of the faded satin finish ones?

not as nice as the gloss one, but they are still a great guitar.

[Dopp238]

Well, I've got an EPI 335 that has the faded finish... The finish doesn't bother me, I just didn't think that semi-hollow Gibsons usually dipped down that far in price. I really want a 339, but I don't have 2k to spend on a guitar right now. I'll prolly go play it and see how it feels. Thanks guys!

[jord123]

I had a 335 satin. 2008 model, mine actually came w/57's. the finish was fine but I couldn't keep the thing in tune to save my life. plus it was too muddy a guitar for orange amps. at least the rocker.

[tugartheman]

I have a 333 in brown. Great guitar!!! I love mine, and would buy another one in a heartbeat. Of course I've played mine long enough that it has a gloss finish naturally now. 800 is a way more than reasonable price for one as well.

[TattooedCarrot]

Its real, and resonably priced. I have owned three of them myself, and currently still own a brown one. They make great modding guitars and tend to look really old if you make a few changes.

Here's mine with Duncan Antiquities and an RS kit, CTS pots, paper in oil caps, lightweight tailpiece, etc.

[baytamusic]

Its real, and resonably priced. I have owned three of them myself, and currently still own a brown one. They make great modding guitars and tend to look really old if you make a few changes.

Here's mine with Duncan Antiquities and an RS kit, CTS pots, paper in oil caps, lightweight tailpiece, etc.

That picture makes it look way better than that other one in the listing.

[TattooedCarrot]

They don't look great stock, but a few minor changes make all the difference. The cool thing is they are still pretty much a 335, and even have neck binding (unlike the 335 faded). I also think the rear control panel is a plus because it makes modding the electronics and pickup swaps easy. You're not going to touch a comparable 335 anywhere near $800, and I bet with cash in hand you could do even better. The fact it comes with an aftermarket case also adds to the bargain.

[TattooedCarrot]

Here's another brown one I used to own, this is a different guitar than the one above. This one had Duncan Seth Lovers in it.

[baytamusic]

The pickguard really makes it look better to me. Nice guitar!

[OrangeJuicer]

Nice guitar !!!

[Dopp238]

Its real, and resonably priced. I have owned three of them myself, and currently still own a brown one. They make great modding guitars and tend to look really old if you make a few changes.

Here's mine with Duncan Antiquities and an RS kit, CTS pots, paper in oil caps, lightweight tailpiece, etc.

The big difference is your guitar has a nice cream binding all the way around the guitar. The one that's for sale doesn't have that and I feel that's the selling point for me. Adding a pickguard and different p/u's makes a WORLD of difference but what really sets it apart is the binding all around the body.

[TattooedCarrot]

The big difference is your guitar has a nice cream binding all the way around the guitar. The one that's for sale doesn't have that and I feel that's the selling point for me. Adding a pickguard and different p/u's makes a WORLD of difference but what really sets it apart is the binding all around the body.

All 333's have the same double bound cream binding, you just can't see it as well in that shitty cell phone pic posted on Craig's List. It looks more yellow on mine, not sure why, they normally look like the second picture I posted. Its the faded 335 (that replaced the 333) that does not have neck binding.