New Gibson ES-359 model...

[mmcquain]

I just got the new GC flyer in the mail and it is showing the ES-359 (page G06) for $2999.99. I was in GC last week and didn't see any in stock but they may be actually getting them in soon. I really want to try one out and see how it compares with my CS-356. The 359 looks really sharp IMO. Anybody tried one yet?

[blkjazz]

It is a shame that most shops in my area don't carry very many truly upscale guitars. You would think that, at least national places like Guitar Center would have a 359 around. The local GC here does not even have a 339 in the store let alone a 359. Or a CS 356. Or an L 5.

I have decided that I'm going to Memphis at some point and play a 359 there. It seems lioke some local stores there have them. It is a very nice guitar. It has everything I want (Grovers should be on every Gibson over $1,000) and nothing I don't. That said, for $3000 I want to touch the guitar BEFORE I buy.

[FennRx]

my GC sucks....prolly moreso thatn other GCs.

i want to play an ES-339 (the ES-359...and the 345 and 355 and so on) so bad, but they wont get one without me ordering it...and if i order it, its considered a "special order" and i have to buy it, even if i dont like it. apprarently the 30 day return policy only applies to guitars they have in stock. i hate GC.

[mmcquain]

Well I finally got to play the ES-359 and have to say that it reminds me a LOT of my CS-356. The neck felt a little different (my 356 is a true 60's neck I think and the the 359 is the 30/60 profile). But the sounds were very similar (both have Classic 57 pickups). The look and build quality of the 359 were nice (what you'd expect from a Cusom Shop guitar). The Tampa GC has one in stock in vintage sunburst with a decent flame top. If I had the money, I would consider it to go along with my 356 (as a backup really) but since I have no money... no chance of that happening!!!

[blkjazz]

I am attracted to the ES 359 mostly because of the Grover tuners. I like the CS-356 even better but cannot justify paying that kind of money for inferior tuners. I do not understand why Gibson continues to use the old Kluson tuners on Custom Shop guitars. I can understand it I guess on reissues but for everything else it just does not make sense.

[FennRx]

99% of the time, its not the tuners. it's usually the nut. i have used the klusons on every gibbie i have owned and once properly setup, i havent ever had a problem.

[Harpozep]

Thanks for the head's up on the new Gibson. Back to laminated sides and back though I guess since it is a dressed up 339.

[blkjazz]

FennRx, you might be correct but I have not had any nut problems with any guitars. My 335 came with Grovers and I have never had any intonation problems with it. I switched out the Klusons on my '63 ES 175 for Grovers in 1973. It simply would not stay in tune before I switched. After the switch I have not had that problem. I had a '74 Les Paul Custom that I basically gave away because I was so sick of the tuning problems. It had Klusons. Was it really the nut? Maybe, but I rather doubt it. Strings slipping seems like a problem with the tuners to me but I'm certainly not a repair expert. I just play guitar. For me Klusons just don't cut it.