Semi-Hollow Recommendations please

[syo]

I am new to this fine group. I happily found this forum a week ago while seeking information on new (Chinese made) Hagstrom Viking.

I have decided that I finally must have semi-hollow body.
Off and on I've thought about getting an ES-335 but always wind up getting something else.
I loved playing my teacher's 60's ES-335 years ago but have not found any of the newer models I played on had quite the same vibe.

I recently read some very good reviews of Edwards 335 model and was first considering this. Then I came across the new Hagstroms and thought they looked interesting too. Now I'm liking the idea of the the ES-339 (for the smaller body)...

I came across SunValleyLaw's happy review of his Viking. I'm wondering how this would compare to the Edwards and the 339.
Any of you with thoughts/experiences/comparisons regarding any of these guitars?

Thanks!

[t_ross33]

+1 on the Viking. The Ibanez Artcore series gets good reviews and they have a variety of semi-hollow models.

I really like my Washburn HB-30, good bang for the buck.

Ya just have to play everything you can get your hands on and pick the one that speaks to you. :AOK:

[just strum]

The Viking has received some high marks from people here and although I have not played one, I trust the reviews of the people here.

Another option is the Epi Dot. I have one and it's my favorite guitar, followed by the Epi Widkat.

[sunvalleylaw]

Syo, you already found my Viking review, and I continue to really enjoy this guitar the more I get to know it. I think it is a great value. Spud also really likes his, and I link to his Viking Deluxe thread in my review here.

http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=9125

Oldguy of this forum told me he thinks my Viking sounds a bit like a good old ES-355, http://elderly.com/vintage/items/40U-4161.htm I think the tailpiece on the Vik, which is a little like a 355, without the tremelo, gives it it's own twist that I personally like. I have never seen a 355 myself, and no nothing of the ES-339s so can't help you there, but thought I would throw that out there.

[markb]

Have a look at the new Chinese made Hofners too. The Verythin (http://www.hofner.com/gab/en/phpshop/43/page,shop.product_details/flypage,shop.zupf_flypage/product_id,174/category_id,100/) looks great and no longer has the weedy pickups that used to be the bane of Hofners.

[Spudman]

One of the things that makes the Viking so great is that they simply have an amazingly comfortable and fast neck. Plain and simple. Every time I pick it up and play I go "ahhh."

[BluesHowler]

I have a Ibanez AS73B and this guitar is awesome. The quality of workmanship is top notch and the sound is great. I'm a beginner player but have several friends that play everything from country to several styles of metal and all of them like this guitar.

I lowered the action from the original setup just a bit even though the setup at purchase was very nice.
http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/regular/8/5/4/527854.jpg

[syo]

Ya just have to play everything you can get your hands on and pick the one that speaks to you. :AOK:

Yes, I am sure you're right. It is unfortunately rather difficult, where I live, to get access to very many of these guitars. I will be going to NAMM in Jan. where I can try just about anything (except the Edwards). Problem is I don't feel like waiting until January as this is a total impulse buy.


One of the things that makes the Viking so great is that they simply have an amazingly comfortable and fast neck. Plain and simple. Every time I pick it up and play I go "ahhh."

Yes, Spudman, all this talk about the great Hagstrom necks is what originally peaked my interest.
By all accounts, Hagstroms seem quite good and cheap enough to justify my impulse to buy immediately. My only exposure to them was at a trade show. I was actually struck by how great they looked but I wasn't thinking about buying then so I didn't try one out...:thwap:

[Spudman]

This is the Deluxe without a pickguard.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w149/srspud/Guitars/Viking015.jpg

[Ch0jin]

At the risk of sounding predictable....

Maton BB1200. I am constantly amazed at how good mine is.

You mentioned a smaller body would be preferable, well the BB1200 is roughly the same size as a Les Paul, so loads smaller than a 335 or a Gretsch.

Plus they are hand crafted rather than mass produced and most importantly, if you get one, I won't be the only person here talking about them :)

Pics in my profile or at maton.com.au

[Ch0jin]

This is the Deluxe without a pickguard.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w149/srspud/Guitars/Viking015.jpg

Wow. +1 for sans pickguard. Thats a very nice looking guitar Spud.

[syo]

This is the Deluxe without a pickguard.
http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w149/srspud/Guitars/Viking015.jpg

Wow that looks great! Very nice figured top. Thanks for putting it up.

I really do like the looks of the Vikings. My only concern I think is the made in China thing. Don't get me wrong, I actually do quite alot of business in China and find excellent quality in many products. But to date I have not found a MIC guitar that I wanted to own. Always found some issue with them. But as I read of the Hagstroms that they are a combination of Chinese, American and other parts, perhaps this makes a difference (along with solid quality control).

I am not so much looking for a great guitar for the money but a really good guitar, period. Of course, I like saving money and the Hagstroms are certainly inexpensive. Perhaps I should suck it up and wait for NAMM to try them out.

Of course if I make an impulse buy now, I can always make another more informed purchase next month. My wife would love that...

[sunvalleylaw]

I loved playing my teacher's 60's ES-335 years ago but have not found any of the newer models I played on had quite the same vibe.

Thanks!

Re-reading your question, I noted this phrase. I would suggest you read the Guitar Player review linked via pdf toward the bottom center of this page:

http://www.hagstromguitars.com/viking.html

It compares the Vik and an ES-335 directly, and I thought you might find the author's findings interesting. Also, there are clips posted there, and a link to a vid that gives a good demo. You may have found the above already, since it was linked in my review, but I thought I would call your attention to it because of your statement above. Happy shopping!

[syo]

At the risk of sounding predictable....

Maton BB1200. I am constantly amazed at how good mine is.

You mentioned a smaller body would be preferable, well the BB1200 is roughly the same size as a Les Paul, so loads smaller than a 335 or a Gretsch.

Plus they are hand crafted rather than mass produced and most importantly, if you get one, I won't be the only person here talking about them :)

Pics in my profile or at maton.com.au

The Maton looks beautiful and I do like that smaller body size. Also tired of
giving my money to the big corporate machine. hmmm...

Must say, I looked up the price and saw one listed at $3,400 which is beyond my impulse buy threshold. Then I noticed that it was Australian dollar and not US. With the currently strong yen, I could do this one. But then I would remove your distinction of being the sole Maton spokesperson. Would that be ok?:D

Pehaps more research is needed. Thanks!

[sunvalleylaw]

Just for cross referencing, this thread had some good thoughts too, back when Elavd was shopping:

http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=3276

[syo]

Just for cross referencing, this thread had some good thoughts too, back when Elavd was shopping:

http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=3276

Thanks for pointing me to all the very relevant threads svl. Much appreciated.

Yes I read the Guitar Player review, watched a video review too from one of the mags. This review in particular sounded great. In fact it almost sounded to good to me. That's why I came seeking info from real people with real experiences. You (and others) seem very happy with yours so I am indeed interested.

[Ch0jin]

The Maton looks beautiful and I do like that smaller body size. Also tired of
giving my money to the big corporate machine. hmmm...

Must say, I looked up the price and saw one listed at $3,400 which is beyond my impulse buy threshold. Then I noticed that it was Australian dollar and not US. With the currently strong yen, I could do this one. But then I would remove your distinction of being the sole Maton spokesperson. Would that be ok?:D

Pehaps more research is needed. Thanks!

Hi Syo,
You will be able to get them cheaper than the retail price quoted. I had my Maton solid body made to order and I paid several hundred dollars less than retail just by asking the dealer. They are quite rare though (less than 200 made so far) so trying to get one second hand might be hard. That said, mine was second hand :)

I certainly don't mind losing my distinction as sole Maton spokesperson either, I have no affiliation with the company at all, I just think these guitars are fantastic so I spread the word.

[syo]

I have no affiliation with the company at all, I just think these guitars are fantastic so I spread the word.

I had no doubt that you were nothing more than a pleased Maton owner kind enough to help out an semi-obsessed, semi-hollow body seeker. Thanks again. I'll definitely try to find out more about them.

[Lev]

I've been seeing some great reviews of the new Gibson ES-339, it's basically a smaller ES-335 and quite a bit cheaper too (although still double the price of a Viking). If budget was not an issue I'd go for the 339, if budget is important then the Viking all the way....

Check the review of the 339 here:
http://www.musicradar.com/gear/all/guitars/electric/hollowbody/es-339-175066/review

[Bloozcat]

Given that you're in Japan syo, I'd be looking at the Japanese made Edwards guitars, like the E-SA-125 LTS.

Edwards guitars are not easy to get here in the US because of trademark and patent infringement issues with Gibson. The guitars are so close in appearance and construction to Gibson (some say better), that Gibson won't allow any to be imported here.

Just a thought...

I've heard many good things about the new Hagstrom line since they've worked the bugs out of the earlier models that were first imported. I know that I loved the neck on my original made in Sweden Hagstrom Swede, and if the necks on the new line of Hagstroms are anything like the old ones, they'd be a joy to play. Hagstrom has always been known for their fast play necks.

I own an Ibanez AS 73 in the cherry finish, and I like the guitar a lot. But, I would classify that guitar as a good guitar "for the money," rather than just a great guitar out of the box. I did dress the frets, replace the plastic nut with bone, and re-wire the guitar including the installation of a pair of custom humbuckers. It sounds like a really good ES-335 now, but it took some time, money, and effort to get it there. That's not something you should expect to have to do to a "really good guitar, period," as you phrased it.

[syo]

Hello Bloozcat.
Although I have not been able to find an Edwards E-SA-125LTS in a shop around here to play, that's exactly the model I've been looking to try out. Yes, I've heard that they are generally put together better than the Gibsons they are copying. The main structural difference seems to be that the Edwards are carved solid maple and the Gibsons are laminate.

Would love to hear if anyone out there has played one.

[syo]

Oh and here's a look from their website. Looks pretty good:

http://www.espguitars.co.jp/edwards/sa/E-SA-125LTS.html

[Bloozcat]

I was looking at that ESP/Edwards site this morning...

If anyone this side of "the pond" has one, they probably ordered it from Japan. Although, it may be available in Canada from some distributors. Some of our many Canadian fretters may have tried one out.

I've heard nothing but praise for the Edwards guitars.

[Brian Krashpad]

I'd just echo Strum's mention of the WildKat. Syo has said he likes the more compact body size, and it has that. However, the WildKat is more like a cross between a Gretsch and a Guild Blues 90 than it is a 335/339. The construction is a hollowed-out mahogany body rather than a laminate construction like 335's or Gretsches.

I really enjoy mine but have not had the opportunity to gig it yet.

[Lev]

this clip has me seriously gasing fror one of those Hagstrom's. The bridge and headstock were putting me off slightly but I think they could grow on me...

Azci7D9pPEQ

[Brian Krashpad]

this clip has me seriously gasing fror one of those Hagstrom's. The bridge and headstock were putting me off slightly but I think they could grow on me...



Never had a prob with the headstock myself. If by bridge you mean to include tailpiece, I second that emotion. Simply put, harp/trap tailpieces are a pain in the ***. I have one on my Ric 620 and previously had one on a DeArmond M-75. Forget about anything approaching a quick string change.

Not a deal breaker by any stretch, but still a bit of an annoyance.

[syo]

Well, I just placed an order for the Edwards 335 clone. Got it wholesale and won't have to ship it too far. Plus, I guess I like it.:D I'll know for sure of course after I get my hands on it.

Still interested in some of the recommendations some of you offered. Most notably the Maton BB1200 and the Hag Viking which I'll try out when I come the the states in Jan. Still up for the Gibson 339 too but for $2,000 I think I'd better try one first.

Thanks all for the kind suggestions/help. I'll make sure to come back again when I get my next gas attack. Probably in a few weeks...

[Katastrophe]

Uhhhhh... So you're not gonna stick around?:thwap:

What about pics and a review of the guitar when it comes in?

I don't think anyone here owns an Edwards (besides you), and it would be cool to get your thoughts on what we're missing!

[syo]

Uhhhhh... So you're not gonna stick around?:thwap:

What about pics and a review of the guitar when it comes in?

I don't think anyone here owns an Edwards (besides you), and it would be cool to get your thoughts on what we're missing!

Sorry if I didn't make myself clear. Re-reading my post it appears that I just use you all for my gear recs and then piss off. I meant to say that I intend to consult this fine forum before making any gear purchases that cost more than, ...say... a V-Pick. Out of my respect for the fretter's collective wisdom. :master: I am quite happy visiting here everyday and chiming when it seems right. Perhaps I should look into some english lessons too...

Of course I am sticking around. This is the only place I know of where I
find my addiction validated.

One of the factors (albeit a small one) that pushed me towards the Edwards was the fact that no one here seems to have any experience with them. And yes, I intend to post pictures and give my review.

whew...:D

[tot_Ou_tard]

One of the factors (albeit a small one) that pushed me towards the Edwards was the fact that no one here seems to have any experience with them. And yes, I intend to post pictures and give my review.


I dunno why, but I like that reasoning.

[syo]

I dunno why, but I like that reasoning.

Just trying to pull myself out of the ditch by ingratiating myself to you all;)

[Bloozcat]

Just trying to pull myself out of the ditch by ingratiating myself to you all;)

Just remember syo, after you've had the chance to play that Edwards a bit, you're going to be the authority and we'll all be waiting to hear your review and comments on the guitar. And I might say that there will be at least one here who is envious...;)

[Katastrophe]

Of course I am sticking around. This is the only place I know of where I
find my addiction validated.


whew...:D

If we're good at anything here, it's gear addiction validation. :D Prior to joining here, I was content to wail away on my ESP and Crate amph. I bought a Strat because of this place, and now want a new amph. And a new Gretsch. And a new Telecaster. and a new 335 style. And a new LP style. And a few pedals.

Sheesh. Now I've validated my own gear addiction!:D

Anyway, glad you're sticking around and I look forward to many more posts!:AOK:

[syo]

Anyway, glad you're sticking around and I look forward to many more posts!:AOK:

Thanks Kat.

Along with the gas support it has also been great to read (and hear) what other players are up to. And I like that people here are not ripping each other to shreds. Quite the opposite. Happy to be here.

[oldguy]

Yes, we will be happy to know how you like that new guitar once you have a chance to play it for some time.:AOK:
And then you will be the one we will listen to for your expertise on the Edwards. With some coaxing, you will have more people here wanting one.:D

[syo]

Well my new Edwards just arrived! A definite advantage to living in a country smaller than California is that deliveries often take only a day to arrive after ordering. Just cracked it open (umm... the case) and it looks great. Can't wait to play it but I'll have to til tonight. I'll post a proper report with pics and impressions after a few days/week of play time.

What a nice day. It's mid-december but unseasonably warm and sunny. Beautiful blue sky outside too. And, oh yes, there's a new guitar sitting in my studio.:D

[Spudman]

Congratulations...but you know...pics or it didn't happen.:)

[syo]

Congratulations...but you know...pics or it didn't happen.:)
Fair enough. I'll shoot it on my famous couch next to my Gibson Fireburst Studio and my beer girls just so you know it's really mine.;)

(And in case you missed the above referred to thread)...

http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?p=111870#post111870

[Spudman]

Fair enough. I'll shoot it on my famous couch next to my Gibson Fireburst Studio and my beer girls just so you know it's really mine.;)

(And in case you missed the above referred to thread)...

http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?p=111870#post111870

Oh boy! I can hardly wait. Can you take the picture with them all standing up?;)