CS 356 - Anyone have one?

[scooter]

I am looking at picking up either a es 339 or a cs 356? I have played a 339 and I really like them, however I have now discovered the CS 356 and dont have access to one. Is there anyone here who has put some time on one and can give me an impression of how they sound and play?

[b3hollow]

I do not have one yet. But I will have one in the near future. My thought for purchasing one is that I have always liked the tight compressed sound of a Les Paul. Along with its incredible sustain. But I also like the woodiness of an ES-335. So I am hoping this has the best of both worlds.

The light weight and comfort are also a big factor for me. Being that I mostly play a martin acoustic. I am a little concerned about the slim-taper neck profile. Hoping that it has a little more thickness to it than the current US 335 slim-taper profile.

[mmcquain]

Yes, there are a few of us on here with CS-356's. My 2004 "Wildwood Edition" (limited run made for Wildwood Guitars
in CO in honeyburst with the 60's neck) 356 is my "keeper"! I love the Classic 57 pickups in here (also loved those
pups in a Les Paul I used to have).

I feel she is the best cross between a Les Paul and an ES-335. This is due to the solid center block/back/sides
(I think it helps with the sustain). You could maybe think of it an being very similar to a Les Paul Florentine
(both have f-holes). I tend to think of the ES-339 as a baby-size ES-335. They are nice but are a completely
different make of guitar (laminate vs. solid). I've played on several but have never found a reason to
buy one since my 356 does it all for me.

There is also the CS-336, which is basically a 356 without some of the "bling" upgrades. Think of it as the
difference between a Les Paul Custom and a Les Paul Standard - ebony vs. rosewood board, different shape
inlays on board and headstock, etc. Otherwise, both are very similar (except for price!).

Tone-wise, the CS-356 can give me the "growl" (or "honk") of a Les Paul with plenty of bite, and yet it can also
get some of the "woody" tones you think of with a 335. Heck, if I play up near the bridge and tweak my amp just
right I've had people say it sounds a little like a Tele!

Here's some pics of my 356 (named "Audrey") and then some other pics for comparison. Hope this info helps you in
your search (or at least feeds your GAS) LOL.








Audrey was actually featured on Premier Guitar magazine's website and in their year-end issue of the print magazine:

http://www.mcquain.com/LesPaul/Premi...1%20Guitar.jpg

http://www.mcquain.com/LesPaul/Premi...Dec%202010.jpg

And here's some other pics of CS-336 and CS-356 guitars for your reference
(I wish I owned some of these babies... really like Tommy Shaw's blue CS-356!):



A CS-336 special ordered in blue...



10th Anniversary CS-356...

[Harpozep]

Nice set of pics, and I'm sure a fantastic 356 Mike!

But let us not forget the overlooked child in the 3xx solid wood semi-hollow world, the 346. Here's mine:


One of the differences with the 346 is the contoured back or belly cut:




Another difference is the straight-pull headstock:


Also, for ease of electronic work, the 346 offers access like a Les Paul.

[mmcquain]

Thanks!
And yes, that 346 is sweet. I would love to try it out as I think I'd really like the body shape (no more digging into my side!) and being able to get to the wiring would be a LOT easier than any of the models you have to go thru the f-holes.

[calvin1]

those are beautiful guitars

[scooter]

Thanks Guys. I am going to make a few calls this weekend to see if any of the big guys in the City have one around to play, am needing a break from the norm and I think one of these may just be the ticket.

[SmokestackElRopo]

Beautiful guitarz guys love em. When I grow up I'm gonna get me a 346. I have never seen nor heard of one before. Congrats gents

[PunkerJon]

My local shop has a CS 336 in tangerine sunburst that would have been mine long ago if it were vintage sunburst.

[b3john]

Originally Posted by scooter

I am looking at picking up either a es 339 or a cs 356? I have played a 339 and I really like them, however I have now discovered the CS 356 and dont have access to one. Is there anyone here who has put some time on one and can give me an impression of how they sound and play?

If you like the smaller (LP-sized) semi-hollowbodies, then you owe it to yourself to check out all four versions.

The 339 and the 359 have the laminated tops (like the 335). The 339 is dressed out more like a standard (dot markers, holly headstock inlay, rosewood board), where the 359 is dressed out like a custom (block markers, split diamond headstock inlay with headstock binding, ebony fretboard, etc.).

The 336 and the 356 have the one-piece mahogany backs+sides and maple tops. Same as above, the 336 is dressed out like a standard where the 356 is dressed out like custom.

[Electric Funeral]

I think for people looking for a 335 in a smaller package, the cs 336 and cs 356 will disappoint, as when I've tried them they are more like hollow les pauls. Still sound great, and more unique in a way but the es 336 and es 356 will give you more of that es 335 vibe.

[db3266]

I've got a CS-336. I love it.





It goes very nicely next to my LP

[efria]

I had a 336 - was a good guitar. It's gone and I have a 335 now - it's a GREAT guitar!

[mmcquain]

Here's a couple of 356 pics I'm posting on behalf of Muggsy (who is having trouble posting here due to PC security issues).
Anyway, he has some very nice guitars and I thought you may enjoy seeing his very sweet 356 (with Bigsby!)...

[b3john]

Originally Posted by Harpozep

Also, for ease of electronic work, the 346 offers access like a Les Paul.

I'd sure like to have that on my 339, though I can only imagine how tricky the retrofit would be...