Does Memphis get a bad wrap?

[geddy402]

Reading a few posts on here and there seems that Memphis gets a bit of a bad wrap. I understand that people would be upset over quality issues, but are there other things that separate Memphis from Nashville. I have a Memphis 1959 335 that I really like and I don't think it is any less of a guitar than my R9. Any opinions in this? Thanks!

 

[trapland]

I hope they are as well made as R9s. I have a new 1959 reissue ES-175 being delivered tomorrow.

 

[VictorB]

I played an ES Les Paul at the Philly show.

Workmanship was sloppy, it was neck heavy, and felt... Odd.

 

[P-Nutz]

I have a new Memphis 339; I also owned a '70 335TD, which I bought in '79 as my first "real" electric guitar ...

On both, fit, finish, quality and playability were excellent ... the pups on the 339 are not my faves, but they do what they do, and I dial it in as necessary ...

 

[afjungemann]

I seem to see more love for the Memphis shop. Especially since the 2015 line up. I personally like Memphis made gibsons a little more but that is without any science or research to back it up.

 

[Slick]

I bought a brand new ES335 Dot in 2008. I went with the intention of getting an R8. I tried 2 R8s and chose the best one then out of interest asked to try the 335 on the wall as I liked the look of it. The 335 totally smoked both R8s in feel and sound and the quality was immaculate. I went home with the 335.

 

[Paul46]

I have four Memphis ES semis and the ONLY issue I've had with any of them was a slightly wonky truss rod cover.

If I had to nit-pick I wish they'd finish the inside edges of the f-holes properly.

 

[Standard]

2014 es 335 here, I freaking love it. Quickly jumped into the number 1 spot and has stayed there for months.

 

[trapland]

Yikes! The UPS driver was just here and told me he couldn't find my new Es-175! It's supposed to be on his truck, shipped 2 day air.

I've owed both an ES-Les Paul and a Memphis ES-339. I didn't get along with either for different reasons. The ESLP had a knack for damping certain notes severely. A#\Bb and a couple others would just die no matter what string or octave. I also thought the MHS pickups were dull and lifeless. The neck was excellent though, much like an R9 and not heavy. The 339 had 57 classics, which I don't love, changed the pickups and it sounded very good, but I must couldn't learn to love the 30/60 neck. Flat with big shoulders ain't pretty.

I really gambled on this ES-175 with my track record with Memphis, but I just can't help but love the look and IDEA of a 59 reissue ES-175. Hope it gets here in one piece.

 

[bum]

Memphis 335 here, love it

 

[Heppe]

I got a 2012 335 last year, I think it's a very well made guitar no flaws or issues.

 

[if6was9]

I got a 2014 ES-335 satin last year. Plays great, sounds great, and looks great. It's just all around great!

 

[GS1]

2015 ES-335 satin here, pretty dang amazing. Super impressed all around.

 

[geddy402]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. Like I said I like my 335 but I've been really starting to thinking about pursuing a vintage 335/345. If I did it would mean I would have to sell the Memphis, which I'm hesitant to do because I haven't played a vintage 345/335 and don't know how much better they are.

 

[budg]

I have a 12 335 Dot that is flawless . I had 3 Les Pauls and this is the only Gibson that stayed. I think Memphis made guitars have been pretty good for several years . I bought a 10 Dot that was a POS and had to be sent back. Had a couple of dogs from Nashville too.

 

[nitrodave08]

'14 ESLP flawless

 

[74JMP]

never found an es335 I got along with, there was one about 25 years ago but could not get the cash together. one day at Sammy Ash I picked up a 2009 that was used but still mint almost unplayed......came back a month latter and bought it, I could not get it out of my mind. only on the net did I hear Memphis is not as good as ? F#$% internet logic buy with your ears.

 

[loneguitar]

No complaints with either my 335 or 345 Love 'em.

 

[zakk_attack]

2014 ES-335 Lemonburst, Memphis made. Flawless, and lovely sound.

 

[Pappy58]

I'm not sure where the bad rap thing comes from. I've had many memphis git's from a early ES-333 to my current Warren Haynes sig 335. This the satin 2012 335 Dot I sold to a buddy are two of the finest semi's I have ever played, including the 67, 71 and 77's I have played extensively. ...but at the end of the day it's all subjective...some folks think asian models with photo flames and poly are high quality!