Gibson vs. Yamaha

[RZ]

I have an opportunity to purchase a new 2001 Memphis Gibson ES-335
with a cherry figured-maple body, or a new Yamaha SA2200( a 335 clone) for
about $400 less than the 335, both from different guitar shops on either
side of the country. I'd be buying sight unseen, but I have seen pictures of
the guitars, and I've read the reviews at Harmony-Central, and Epinions.
Gibson's quality control has been questionable lately, but they say that's
because every one of their guitars is hand-made. I've been told their
guitars hold on to their value better than the imports and will even
appreciate with age, if looked after. From the reviews, the Yamaha sounds
like a pristine instrument (ebony fingerboard, real mother-of-pearl inlays,
alnico humbucker pups are coil-tapped, more variety of sound available,
flawless construction, etc.) however they depreciate quicker than the
Gibson.
So my question is,will the extra $400 investment to purchase the Gibson be
worth it? Have you had any experience with either of these guitars? Are a
few file marks on the fretboard of the Gibson a reason to pass on it, in
favor of the Yamaha?

Any opinions, and sage advice are appreciated.
thanks

[Frank McVey]

Post by RZ
I have an opportunity to purchase a new 2001 Memphis Gibson ES-335
with a cherry figured-maple body, or a new Yamaha SA2200( a 335 clone) for
about $400 less than the 335, both from different guitar shops on either
side of the country. I'd be buying sight unseen, but I have seen pictures of
the guitars, and I've read the reviews at Harmony-Central, and Epinions.
Gibson's quality control has been questionable lately, but they say that's
because every one of their guitars is hand-made. I've been told their
guitars hold on to their value better than the imports and will even
appreciate with age, if looked after. From the reviews, the Yamaha sounds
like a pristine instrument (ebony fingerboard, real mother-of-pearl inlays,
alnico humbucker pups are coil-tapped, more variety of sound available,
flawless construction, etc.) however they depreciate quicker than the
Gibson.
So my question is,will the extra $400 investment to purchase the Gibson be
worth it? Have you had any experience with either of these guitars? Are a
few file marks on the fretboard of the Gibson a reason to pass on it, in
favor of the Yamaha?
Any opinions, and sage advice are appreciated.
thanks

Our lead guitarist imported his Yamaha (SA 1000 or 1100, I think) from the
US and swears it's the best neck he's ever played. He gets a terrific sound
from it (goes through a Fender DeVille). There's a review of the 2200 here:

http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/Yamaha/SA2200-01.html

HTH

Frank


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.742 / Virus Database: 495 - Release Date: 19/08/2004

[Steelgtr62]

Yamaha guitars are well made but like all the imports they are finished with
polyurethane, which is great for Skydrol leaking jets but sucks for musical
instruments.

Even though Gibson QC has sucked at various times, a Gibson is still a Gibson
at resale time and a Yamaha is a Yamaha. They are tough to resell. Gibson and
Fender are usually easier.

A lot of Yamahas are fine instruments but I would rather have a Gibson
usually. Many Yamahas are laminated wood where the Gibson is a solid piece.

[David O'H]

Post by Steelgtr62
Many Yamahas are laminated wood where the Gibson is a solid piece.

All Gibson ES335s are laminated.

Dave O'H

[PES949]

If you can afford the Gibson, go for it. It will hold its value better than the
Yamaha. Check selling prices for these used on eBay or try the e-opinions web
site.