So it was my birthday recently and it happened to coincide with a new guitar! A gibson ES 355. I've been after one for years having previously owned a 335, 345 and 330. I love ebony boards and finding one that didn't have richlite was very tricky. I know some find it too blingy but I love the gold hardware, inlays and custom headstock. It made me wonder if anyone else has been through tons of guitars because of small details? I mean my previous semis were all great guitars, they just didn't have the features of the 355.
Little demo here:
Comments
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
My website: Guitar Practice Zone
And Django Reinhardt style band
Lovely guitar and fantastic playing too.
Have always wanted a 355 but my current 345 reissue is probably the closest I'll ever get. Funnily enough the richlite wouldn't put me off a 355 and I'd like rosewood if it's dark. I have an ebony board Yamaha SA2200 and reckon that at least half the time you're actually playing on an inlay (although I understand that the main contribution to the tonality must be from the board as a whole, otherwise you'd get every other fret sounding different!).
Love the bright sound of yours and the lack of varitone is probably seen as a positive by most. I'm a bit sick and twisted in that I like the look and (some of the) sounds that the chicken-headed monstrosity makes. It's not a deal breaker though and it's absence must keep the weight down (a little bit).
Anyway enjoy. They're the best guitar in the best colour (although I've a soft spot for the look of the 1970s walnut finish 355s too).
And your playing really does it justice.
Re: the varitone. I liked it on my 345, but yes it would add weight. It would complete the guitar. It's odd that Gibsons reproductions rarely include it on 355 but always on the 345. Certainly like the look of the varitone.
My website: Guitar Practice Zone
And Django Reinhardt style band
https://instagram.com/p/BdxZ-TMjGeF/