ES-335 vs. Lucille

[djlogan33]

Yesterday I went to da BIG Columbus, Ohio Guitar Show'

I saw a nice red used Gibson “Fat-Neck” ES-335, for $2500 and a nice used Gibson “Fat-neck” Lucille, for $1800.
All Lucille’s have “Fat 50’s necks”.


I know people preferences to certain guitars, like many other things, are subjective versus objective.
I have trouble understanding why the Gibson ES-335 is normally more expensive (new & used) and often preferred over the Gibson “Lucille”.


Some of the differences:
• ES-335 – F-holes ------------------------ Lucille -no F-holes (I think F-holes are ugly)
• ES-335 – ’57 Classic pickups ----------- Lucille - 490R & T pickups (I think 490’s sound much better)
• ES-335 – thin 60’s neck ---------------- Lucille – thick 50’s neck (thicker neck better)
• ES-335 – regular Stoptail tailpiece --- Lucille – TP-6 tailpiece (TP-6 has fine tuning)
• ES-335 – nickel hardware ------------- Lucille – gold hardware (gold better looking)
• ES-335 – single jack on top ----------- Lucille – 2-jacks stereo on the side(better on the side plus directing each pickup to different amps, sounds really cool)
• ES-335 – Dot inlays --------------------- Lucille- Pearl block inlays (Pearl better looking than dots)
• ES-335 – No Varitone switch --------- Lucille – 6-position Varitone switch (many different tones)
• ES-335 – more $$$ --------------------- Lucille – less $$$ (?????)


IMO, my Bigsby Lucille below is the ultimate-ultimate ES-335-Lucille.

Comments?

 

[Phoenix59]

• ES-335 – single jack on top ----------- Lucille – 2-jacks stereo on the side(better on the side plus directing each pickup to different amps, sounds really cool)
• ES-335 – Dot inlays --------------------- Lucille- Pearl block inlays (Pearl better looking than dots)
• ES-335 – No Varitone switch --------- Lucille – 6-position Varitone switch (many different tones)

These particular features are because Lucille is based on a 355, not a 335.

 

[Benjammin]

+1, Lucille is a modified 355 design. and for that price I would jump on it

 

[djlogan33]

+1, Lucille is a modified 355 design. and for that price I would jump on it

============================================
I knew "Lucille" was a modified and improved ES-355,
which was an modified and improved ES-345,
which was a modified and inproved ES-335.

My point was that I am surprised that a used base line ES-335 has more resale value than a used "Lucille".

 

[Benjammin]

alot of variables affect the price of used gear, 2 random pieces isnt much to go on. The "Fat Neck" is a special variation, which makes it more expensive than other 335s, and that "Lucille" is a signature model is going to keep alot of people away, not everyone is going to want the name or the special features (or a bigbsy which isnt stock on the Lucille either)

The 335 is an iconic guitar in alot of peoples minds, and Gibson cashes in on that fact, simple supply and demand, with a touch of corporate greed. Most people complain that their favorite guitar costs so much, you should be happy yours is so much more affordable

The MRSP on the Lucille is $4,449, same price as the Trini Lopez signature model, Which is only $10 more than the Epiphone Revolution Casino ($4,436). the Larry Carlton 335 is $5,268, which is less than the "59 Dot Neck" 335, the "50th anniversary" 335, and the "63 Block Neck". The prices are all over the place, with very little rhyme are reason it would seem

 

[guysmiley]

I really think Lucilles are over looked. Great features for some many types of music, even heavier stuff.

 

[djlogan33]

alot of variables affect the price of used gear, 2 random pieces isnt much to go on. The "Fat Neck" is a special variation, which makes it more expensive than other 335s, and that "Lucille" is a signature model is going to keep alot of people away, not everyone is going to want the name or the special features (or a bigbsy which isnt stock on the Lucille either)

The 335 is an iconic guitar in alot of peoples minds, and Gibson cashes in on that fact, simple supply and demand, with a touch of corporate greed. Most people complain that their favorite guitar costs so much, you should be happy yours is so much more affordable

The MRSP on the Lucille is $4,449, same price as the Trini Lopez signature model, Which is only $10 more than the Epiphone Revolution Casino ($4,436). the Larry Carlton 335 is $5,268, which is less than the "59 Dot Neck" 335, the "50th anniversary" 335, and the "63 Block Neck". The prices are all over the place, with very little rhyme are reason it would seem

===================================================
I bought my two near-mint used Lucille guitars on eBay for $1600 & $1700.
IMO, that’s one hell of a good price for such a good sounding, good looking and versatile guitar.

U can buy nice used Gibson Lucille guitars on eBay for $1700-$2000 any day.
The “B.B.King signed” Lucille guitars like mine are going for around $7000-$9000.

My modified “Bigsby” Lucille is best sounding and versatile guitar I have ever played.
With the 6-position Varitone switch, it can be made to sound very similar to a Strat and Tele.

 

[The Refugee]

Personally I prefer the normal tailpiece, and gold hardware does look better at first to me but as it ages... meh.

Dot inlays vs block is subjective, as I'm sure there are some who love simplicity and don't care for the block inlays.

Personally I would jump on the Lucille at that price, or try to find a used ES-359 (my latest GAS, darn split diamond headstock )