Before I had a couple of strokes in 2004, I had a collection of 50s and 60s guitars. We used to have parties in which everyone would stay in a "listening room" while one of us would go in another room where I had some of the guitars. That person would pick one, plug it in and we'd hear the amp in the listening room. I can't tell you how rare it was for anyone to be able to tell the difference between a reissue guitar and an original when you could not see what was being played. The guitars are expensive not because they sound amazing, but because they were important in their time and are now rare. When a bunch of guitar snobs can't tell the difference, unless you're into owning a rare item for investment purposes, there is no good reason to blow the money. But, if you have it and want to invest or blow it, have at it. It can be fun, but what I realized is that there really aren't any magical instruments...only great players.
Ha you are so true there. I am a crap to mediocre at best guitar player, and as a pro sound engineer, I don’t worry about “tone” - your can change more by changing your eq or speaker or amp.For me guitars are about feel. I have played (within 3 months or so), Martin Miller’s Ibanez, Pete Thorn’s Suhr and Allen Hinds 52 esquire. They were all great guitars. The action and set up varied the most, but I felt most comfortable on the 52 esquire. Would I pay £10,000 for one? No. I would rather and am en route somewhere towards paying that in tuition fees in learning not to play the wrong notes! For the best players maybe, for me - pointless. The feel of the 52 esquire was nice, but not 10 x my son’s Tokai tele.
I own an '06 Custom Shop 335 which I bought new after trying out 50+ es335's. It weighs less than 8 pounds and sounds and plays just as well as the originals that I tried out. This type of guitar varies quite a bit from instrument to instrument, and if you look long enough, you can find a really good one for a tiny fraction of the cost of a 'vintage' guitar.
@@alanhaynes418 The old ones varied too. I wish more people understood this...to say nothing of the fact that old magnets in fifty year old guitars don't sound the same as they did new..same for other parts. next, our "heroes" didn't play old guitars, they often played whatever they could get their hands on, and sometimes it was more about cutting feedback than loving the "tone woods". haha
There are 2 places that I always go to when passing through Chicago. One is Chicago Music Exchange, truly one of the best shops in the country, and the other is Kuma's Corner on Belmont( get the Led Zep, the Mastodon & a BBQ Pork Fries to go).
@@CaptainCongeroo I have a guitar shop near my house that I first saw a write up about a true BURST Les Paul they have that is in the $500-$600K range. Any chance this ES is anywhere close to that?
I live in Chicago and sometimes I take for granted how amazing my city really is. Seeing you offer some footage of the lake front reminds me that not everyone has that. Thanks Rhett!
Had the exact same experience going there for the first time, travelled all the way from the UK, walked in and was asked what my dream guitar would be, 2 minutes later I was playing a '57 Strat. Shout out to David Azazinamini, never felt so welcome in a guitar store before!
You do realize if they can align fate, there is a better than 50% chance a person buys their dream item right? It is about sales on how things stay in business. Were they just supposed to let you wander around for hours blind?
Howard Kern Rick is a friend of Rhett who also has a channel. Former producer. Makes videos on interesting bits of music theory, things in the industry, and he breaks down popular songs and shows the theory behind them. Has just over a million subs. Many of Rhetts viewers learn of him from Rick.
Dennis Nilssen ~ Rick is great but that tuner thing is irrational. It's one of the best in- ventions for guitar players ever. Cheap, accurate, who cares about how a guitar doesn't "look right" with it clipped on? Since you have to tune every guitar to itself anyway (within normal tuning range), what's the big deal if the cheapo tuners aren't 100% perfect?. Close enough for Rock And Roll. There is no such thing as a guitar that tunes perfectly, and that's a fact.
I always keep mine clipped on the strap. I can't stand it being on the headstock. I've seen dudes wreck the nitro finish over the logo from keeping them there.
I turn up directly after - plug the guitar into a metal setting JCM - blast out “old Mac Donald had a farm” finished with crazy feedback. “Sounds good - I’ll take it” - camera pans to single tear running down the cheek.
You are the perfect demo guy. You play those notes and chords that really show off the guitar's tone. Amazing player. I am a huge fan of RUclips players, from Robert Baker to Lee and Rob and all the others that are too numerous to list. You're right there at the top. Your music is so good and I listen to all your stuff. Can't get enough. I am just a beginner with a couple guitars and a couple amps and a shit ton of pedals. I play at least an hour a day during the week and as much as I can on the weekends. Just learned my first song from start to finish (The Cars Just What I Needed without the solo) and that sense of accomplishment is what fuels me. That and my idols like you and Pete Thorn, Rob Chapman, etc. But at age 51 and starting at age 49 it's not going to happen. Wish I would have started earlier...
Made my first pilgrimage to CME in May. Tried some killer gear in the same room where you played the 335. Thanks for bringing back those great memories!
I have my own holy grail guitar but it may not be what you're expecting. It's a fender player series telecaster. Whenever I walk into my local shop, all the employees know where my sights are set. And it sounds amazing too
The ES-335 is one of my favorite guitars of all time. The one who really got my going on them though is Eric Clapton. My dad was a huge Clapton fan and me in turn becoming a huge Cream fan, his cherry finish 335 got me hooked even more. Just discovered another Clapton guitar I want last too. The list never stops growing.
John Wanderin the player that made me want to keep playing a 335 is Dave Grohl, I know he’s not the best player but musically he’s a big influence on me
Eric Clapton made his bones on Gibson guitars and in my humble opinion, he should still be playing them. I love EC but after Layla, his Strat work got weaker. But whenever he plays a 335, he sounds the way he should. I love Strats and have a couple that are my main guitars. But Eric should go back to a 335 or nice, old Les Paul. He kills on them.
The harmonics ringing out on the open chords on this one shows the quality - regardless of age - some guitars just resonate better! That one really does sound stunning
I love CME. I was just there maybe a week ago and had a great time with a 330 myself. The customer service and curation of instruments there is impeccable.
Wow, Rhett. That 335 gave me goosebumps when you strummed those first several chords. Through my phone speakers! Can’t imagine what it would have been like in the room.
You can tell when an instrument is inspiring the player. As is the case, the player is not just going troughs the motions, there is an extra spark in the interpretation. Regardless of its price tag or its real value, this instrument is inspiring you. That is a lot!
Tone is MEGA-sick! I questioned your choice of amps, but after listening, it makes sense. Where I'm surprised is there isn't scratch or fuzz when toggling with it being as old as it is. All the vintage guitars I mess with have static when toggling between pickups or adjusting the volume. They must take good care of it!
Another video where I expected either Mary Spender or Rob Scallon to make a cameo! MS loves CME! Thank you for sharing your experience, I shall have to go there too one day!
Funny right when Rhett said it is his holy grail, the dude says, "This is the best sounding guitar we have in the shop." They always say that when they know you want to buy it. Hate to tell you dude, but there is no such thing as "the best sounding guitar in the shop". It's all subjective.
@@shyankhan_ It's not about buying it right off the bat, it is about exposure. At $77k, that guitar isn't flying off the shelf. It has a limited pool of buyers. Rhett just helped them advertise it to the world for free to others.
Either that, or they Say it's the Nicest guitar we have in the Place/shop. That did not influence me, but I bought the guitar anyway, it was affordable though. 335-1986, one of the last of the Kalamazoo's bought in 1998, used for 1700.00, I got a great deal for back then. Only 2018 sold it, it was time to move it along, I was not playing it much. The last of Kalam. I did not know that when I bought it, nor did I care. I almost went back right after and thought about buying the Amp I played it thru, a early 90's bassman reissue, sounded fabluous thru it. Used to Love that Small music shop.
I decided to start learning the guitar when I was a kid, after watching Marty McFly playing Johnny B Goode. It's not the same guitar, but I can relate to your feeling. Beautiful.
The "Magic " instruments are the ones we once owned and now wish we could get hold of again...nostalgia is a powerful selling tool. One day you'll end up chasing that 2010 Memphis 335...
Love going to Chicago Music Exchange. I have bought a guitar from them, a pedal and they have set up all my guitars to perfection. Great to see my man Zack as well. Great staff, they treat you like family and will answer any questions you have. Hope next time you're in town your playing a gig. Would love to come out.
You've single-handedly made me a 335 guy. I was always into fenders, thinking of buying some LP at some point, but not really putting down any effort to it. Sometime ago I saw a video of yours regarding this amazing instrument. I searched for a bit since then and some months ago I purchased a heritage535. I tell you right now I believe than the 335 is the best electric guitar design ever. Thanks for the eye opener, I thought I should share at some point and this was a good video to do so me thins
There's absolutely no reason a man cannot own a 335 as well as others. Guitar players go thru different moods and need a different feel and sounding guitar at times. I'm looking for a nice 335 myself, but I'll never sell my Strat and my Tele. I run them thru a 73 Twin modded into a Red Tolex Head that sits on a Marshall 2x12 Red Tolex Bottom. I have 2- 8" Jensens in the Head for practice and a Vintage 30 and a Greenback in the bottom. I just need that 335 for my Jazz and I'm set.
Great video! I love the part where he pulls out the 1960 335 and says “this is the best sounding guitar in the shop.” In a music store like CME, that is saying something! Even cooler is that he wants you to play it. I’ve always wanted to have that experience in a guitar shop like that.
Been following Rhett video's for only two weeks. Gigs, home talks, visits to guitar dealers etc. All good stuff . Great to see different players. And all you guys in the comments, thanks for the info on what tunes he is playing.
You picked a good one for a Holy Grail guitar, Rhett. It helps to know that you had an opportunity to just play such a work of art. About 15 years ago my favorite shop got a 1940 000-28 in. It had been played in Grange Hall dances all over western Colorado for 20 to 25 years by a local farm wife and was in 95% of mint condition. The shop also had the woman's husband's 1948 D-28 in and it actually looked like it had been played in Grange Halls for 20 years. I got to play the 000-28 at least once a week for about 3 months until it finally sold. I asked the shop owner who bought it and he said, "My new best friend in Japan." I'm guessing it sold for about the price of a new Dodge Cummins.
I really dig your playing Rhett! When you play a cover, you’re spot on note for note. But when I’ve heard original material you have played you most definitely have a smooth originality and style of your own. You are playing well beyond your years imo.
Playing your holy grail guitar is a life-affirming moment, even if you don't get to take it home. Mine was a '59 LP Special with a factory B7 Bigsby. Glad you got to play yours, and I hope you find a way to bring it home.
Rhett, I am not a musician but got into watching Beato somehow and saw you a couple of times. Thought I'd check out your channel. I really like it. It gives a great perspective to the lifestyle of a pro (which I don't think I would like....too much downtime on gigs and too much travel in vans). I don't understand three-quarters of what you and your fellow musicians are saying, but I am mesmerized none the less. Also, I really like your gear reviews and travels into guitar stores. I think it is your enthusiasm for guitars and great gear that I respond to, along with your playing of course. Great job!
The road to financial ruin, the hunt for “that” guitar. The thing is the audience don’t care or even hear “that guitar” but you genuinely do, and I’ve been there and late at night when you’re on your own it drives you crazy. The thing is, I found my best les Paul after buying ten of em, and that includes three custom shop 58, 59s, but guess what it ended up being a Japanese tokai ls 122, beautifully looking and unbelievable quality, but man the sound!!!!!! So sometimes money and brand mean diddly squat.
A great guitar is a great guitar, period. I’ve had a half dozen Les Pauls including a ‘54 Black Beauty Custom, which I bought when I was very young in 1964, for $125.00, Yes, you read that right. That guitar was amazing. I eventually sold it for an ES 345 I really wanted. Point being: since the ‘54 I had a 60s Gold Top, ‘71 Cherry Burst, a real ‘61 Les Paul SG (which I still have but consider it an SG, really) and a ‘73 Custom. The ‘71 and ‘73 were ok and not worth keeping. Then I found an ‘82 LP with Tim Shaw humbuckers for very little money. What a great guitar. Better than any of the others except for the ‘54. It’s the guitar, not the vintage, that matters most in my opinion.
Larry Power it is. I have a 339 Gibson. Really really great. Some of the first les Paul’s were great a lot were dogs. Same with Zemaitis. I have a new metal front Japanese Zemaitis which I dare anyone to say isn’t a great guitar, and like it or not is probably a lot better than the ones Tony made himself. What these great guitars need is a great player to go with them. Buddy Hollys guitars were no better than a lot of good fenders today. It was Buddy that was great. A genius.
My wife's grandfather (stand up bass) toured with the Everly Bros. They gave her mother her first puppy when they were on the road with them as her grandmother also was a singer.
My personal goal is to find/play an *epiphone* 335 or 339 (I'm an acoustics guy), or maybe a cheap second hand Gretsch. I'm talking 500 €/$/£ here, maybe a month rent if I really lose it. But seeing and hearing your excitement over the 335 is really a blast. I feel honored to have witnessed your encounter with such a personal (for you) beast. You did it justice, and I'm just glad I got to hear you play it (and all the other ones). The only downside is your iphone mic clipping the good tones away. Cheers man.
'Hi Honey I'm home, flowers for you, just because I love you' 'oh, thank you darling, what is that on your back?' 'oh, that, thats just a guitar, lets not discuss guitars, I want to stare into your eyes as we are having dinner under candlelight'...
I visited this place when I was visiting the US (I'm from Australia) and was blown away! amaaaaaazing store... guitars and staff are great. Those rooms are so cool that you get to go in and plug into anything and just be left alone to try guitars. Can't wait to go back.
Dude! My Holy grail guitar is the Freddie King model they made a few years back. It’s a reissue of a 1960 Gibson es-345. If your reading this! You matter! 🤘🤠🤘
Rhett, I had a friend that also attended high school with The Everly Brothers and showed me the yearbook. His name was Al Carpenter. He was pretty popular in the Knoxville area. I think I remember him saying they were pretty poor and could only have one of them in the yearbook. Thanks for your video!
The States have a bit more elbow room to stretch out, lol. Hop on I-80 West there in Chicago, and 2,000 miles later, you're in San Francisco. Half of that drive is through wide-open space.
I'm so over this whole vintage craze. I mean, you realize the legendary musicians we look up to were playing new instruments and definitely not buying them relic'd lol. The amount of money people spend on old ass guitars that I guarantee no one would be able to identify in a blind test :D
For some, a story holds value. Also others may not be able to identify it in a blind test, but it could make a world of a difference in the emotions you express in that blind test 🤷🏾♂️
Oh man I remember the day when I visited CME and walked out with a 1968 Gibson SG... this is my holy grail guitar. Had to sell so mich gear for this guitar but man it was worth it.
That's about $28K more than my first house! Just about 155 payments at $500/month over 12.9 years and that baby is yours! Or sell your first cousin who annoys the heck out of ya. Great looking guitar. Maybe I can win Mega Millions and gift that guitar to Rhett... maybe.
After you finished playing the blondie, you body posture said it all. I truly felt for you. I am still marked by the Martin D45 I played 10 years ago in a now closed music store. Fine music stores are risky business.
Best guitar I ever played, for a week, was a '52 Esquire, I think that was the year. It was thirty years ago. One pick-up,faded red. But the tone and feel! The owner decided she wanted it back.
Wait a minute! I thought that Gibson Les Paul in London was the best guitar you'd played to date! But MAN! That 1960 ES-335 sounds baby! It really sounds!
I had a 60 345...burst Beautiful guitar and all original from a local old time country player, I was 3rd owner, his grandson had inherited it. Leave the Varitone switch on 1 and you have the 335 sound as it bypasses the Varitone circuit...at about half the price. Sold it in two days after a year of owning it and worrying about it becoming damaged. Priced it as a player and guy that bought it doubled the price ($20K) and it languished on Reverb about a year, then disappeared. Great guitar and glad I got to be a part of it's history, hoping it is getting used and not just hung in a safe somewhere.
As much as you know you want it, you know you don't need it! your'e a player not a collector! I made myself a harsh rule," If you don't play it live, then it has to go" and I stick by it! Love your work :-)
I also agree, the tone seemed more refined and a little sweeter. However maybe that single cut's tone isn't was Rhett was looking for. I'm sure he will have a huge problem going forward when shopping for guitars. From now on every guitar will be his second choice!
Went there a year ago when we saw Pearl Jam play Wrigley. By far one of the best music stores I’ve ever been too. Even if you tell them you aren’t planning on buying anything, they’ll still show you and encourage you to pick up and play whatever. They had a Trainwreck amp that one of the guys insisted I plugged into, just so I’d know haha. Great store and great employees.
I want to go to CME S00000 BAD, also want a really good 335/345 as well. Pretty sure I built half that store out of my Reverb fees, so you are welcome. JK
My first video course, The Tone Course, is available now. Check it out below!
flatfiv.co/collections/rhett-shull/products/the-tone-course
And now it's on Reverb for.................. $77k. I love it too, but the $$$$
I a
If I win the lottery I am buying Rhett shull this here guitar!
Did you ever get this guitar?
Before I had a couple of strokes in 2004, I had a collection of 50s and 60s guitars. We used to have parties in which everyone would stay in a "listening room" while one of us would go in another room where I had some of the guitars. That person would pick one, plug it in and we'd hear the amp in the listening room.
I can't tell you how rare it was for anyone to be able to tell the difference between a reissue guitar and an original when you could not see what was being played.
The guitars are expensive not because they sound amazing, but because they were important in their time and are now rare.
When a bunch of guitar snobs can't tell the difference, unless you're into owning a rare item for investment purposes, there is no good reason to blow the money.
But, if you have it and want to invest or blow it, have at it. It can be fun, but what I realized is that there really aren't any magical instruments...only great players.
Ha you are so true there. I am a crap to mediocre at best guitar player, and as a pro sound engineer, I don’t worry about “tone” - your can change more by changing your eq or speaker or amp.For me guitars are about feel. I have played (within 3 months or so), Martin Miller’s Ibanez, Pete Thorn’s Suhr and Allen Hinds 52 esquire. They were all great guitars. The action and set up varied the most, but I felt most comfortable on the 52 esquire. Would I pay £10,000 for one? No. I would rather and am en route somewhere towards paying that in tuition fees in learning not to play the wrong notes! For the best players maybe, for me - pointless. The feel of the 52 esquire was nice, but not 10 x my son’s Tokai tele.
@@mike_aiton There you have it. For me it's the neck. If the neck feels great, I can make the rest of it work.
I own an '06 Custom Shop 335 which I bought new after trying out 50+ es335's.
It weighs less than 8 pounds and sounds and plays just as well as the originals that I tried out.
This type of guitar varies quite a bit from instrument to instrument, and if you look long enough, you can find a really good one for a tiny fraction of the cost of a 'vintage' guitar.
Thank you for pointing this out! As a big fan of vintage guitars, I am more and more convinced that I can find my holy grail in newer guitars
@@alanhaynes418 The old ones varied too. I wish more people understood this...to say nothing of the fact that old magnets in fifty year old guitars don't sound the same as they did new..same for other parts. next, our "heroes" didn't play old guitars, they often played whatever they could get their hands on, and sometimes it was more about cutting feedback than loving the "tone woods". haha
I've played that specific ES-335. It's worth every cent. Hands down the best playing and sounding guitar I've ever played.
CME can cause you to lose hours of your life! But the bakery across the street is legit also!
There are 2 places that I always go to when passing through Chicago. One is Chicago Music Exchange, truly one of the best shops in the country, and the other is Kuma's Corner on Belmont( get the Led Zep, the Mastodon & a BBQ Pork Fries to go).
Dinkel's is the business. Great breakfast sandwiches too
Thanks for the information, guys. My daughter starts school in Chicago in the fall.
Caleb Hawkins there’s also MakenMusic. 2 great shops in Chicago. None where we live.
There is a little Thai food place close to there too it’s great
Well my friend, as its been said "If you cant be with the one you love, love the one your with." Works with women AND guitars!!
They handed that exact 335 to me when I went to CME and they said, "Just play it and don't look at the price tag"
Danthegib What does it cost?
@@nsc217 $78k
Shit! I just clicked "view replies" and spat coffee all over the keyboard!
@@CaptainCongeroo I have a guitar shop near my house that I first saw a write up about a true BURST Les Paul they have that is in the $500-$600K range. Any chance this ES is anywhere close to that?
@@nighttrain022 snip at the price :) I'll have two ... oh, and they can throw in the ES too
I live in Chicago and sometimes I take for granted how amazing my city really is. Seeing you offer some footage of the lake front reminds me that not everyone has that.
Thanks Rhett!
First couple shots look like Joe Bonamassa's house... Les Pauls and rows of Fender amps
Walls o' Pauls
That Gibson was just so magical, I'm so glad to be subscribed and watching your channel daily. Thank you so much Rhett
You have two kidneys Rhett, just saying.
Phil T. And two balls?
Two lungs
The liver regenerates itself as well its a win win
Love it
You don’t need two legs to play a guitar.
Had the exact same experience going there for the first time, travelled all the way from the UK, walked in and was asked what my dream guitar would be, 2 minutes later I was playing a '57 Strat. Shout out to David Azazinamini, never felt so welcome in a guitar store before!
Six String Tales ❤️👊
Six String Tales rip off..
At some of the price's I would welcome anybody in to
You do realize if they can align fate, there is a better than 50% chance a person buys their dream item right?
It is about sales on how things stay in business. Were they just supposed to let you wander around for hours blind?
10:16 Angry Rick Beato enters the room and rips tuner off headstock.
Dennis Nilssen guess I don’t get it
I don’t know who that is but it bothered me as well. The tuner.
Howard Kern Rick is a friend of Rhett who also has a channel. Former producer. Makes videos on interesting bits of music theory, things in the industry, and he breaks down popular songs and shows the theory behind them. Has just over a million subs. Many of Rhetts viewers learn of him from Rick.
Dennis Nilssen ~ Rick is great but that tuner thing is irrational. It's one of the best in-
ventions for guitar players ever. Cheap, accurate, who cares about how a guitar
doesn't "look right" with it clipped on? Since you have to tune every guitar to itself
anyway (within normal tuning range), what's the big deal if the cheapo tuners aren't
100% perfect?. Close enough for Rock And Roll. There is no such thing as a guitar
that tunes perfectly, and that's a fact.
I always keep mine clipped on the strap. I can't stand it being on the headstock. I've seen dudes wreck the nitro finish over the logo from keeping them there.
I turn up directly after - plug the guitar into a metal setting JCM - blast out “old Mac Donald had a farm” finished with crazy feedback.
“Sounds good - I’ll take it” - camera pans to single tear running down the cheek.
Omg lol old mc Donald had a fuckin farm lmao
You are the perfect demo guy. You play those notes and chords that really show off the guitar's tone. Amazing player. I am a huge fan of RUclips players, from Robert Baker to Lee and Rob and all the others that are too numerous to list. You're right there at the top. Your music is so good and I listen to all your stuff. Can't get enough. I am just a beginner with a couple guitars and a couple amps and a shit ton of pedals. I play at least an hour a day during the week and as much as I can on the weekends. Just learned my first song from start to finish (The Cars Just What I Needed without the solo) and that sense of accomplishment is what fuels me. That and my idols like you and Pete Thorn, Rob Chapman, etc. But at age 51 and starting at age 49 it's not going to happen. Wish I would have started earlier...
Welcome to my favorite guitar store CME! I am in Chicago area and i love going there and spending hours playing amazing guitars. Love this place.
VelezBiH you’re lucky.
Made my first pilgrimage to CME in May. Tried some killer gear in the same room where you played the 335. Thanks for bringing back those great memories!
I have my own holy grail guitar but it may not be what you're expecting. It's a fender player series telecaster. Whenever I walk into my local shop, all the employees know where my sights are set. And it sounds amazing too
Great clip. I go to Chicago every year or so, and a trip to CME is ALWAYS on the agenda.
I spent about 4 hours in CME when I visited from the UK. Some crazy good guitars in there!
Always guaranteed to be a good day when Rhett uploads a Backstage Journal!
Rhett, I was right along with you in your journey, loved the 335, I also loved the Les Paul you borrowed/played in London. Keep up the great work
The ES-335 is one of my favorite guitars of all time. The one who really got my going on them though is Eric Clapton. My dad was a huge Clapton fan and me in turn becoming a huge Cream fan, his cherry finish 335 got me hooked even more. Just discovered another Clapton guitar I want last too. The list never stops growing.
John Wanderin the player that made me want to keep playing a 335 is Dave Grohl, I know he’s not the best player but musically he’s a big influence on me
Eric Clapton made his bones on Gibson guitars and in my humble opinion, he should
still be playing them. I love EC but after Layla, his Strat work got weaker. But whenever
he plays a 335, he sounds the way he should. I love Strats and have a couple that are
my main guitars. But Eric should go back to a 335 or nice, old Les Paul. He kills on them.
The harmonics ringing out on the open chords on this one shows the quality - regardless of age - some guitars just resonate better! That one really does sound stunning
Recently found your channel and really enjoy your videos. Hearing you play these beauties has really re-awoken my love for guitars! Keep it up man!
I love CME. I was just there maybe a week ago and had a great time with a 330 myself. The customer service and curation of instruments there is impeccable.
Wow, Rhett. That 335 gave me goosebumps when you strummed those first several chords. Through my phone speakers! Can’t imagine what it would have been like in the room.
I have a 1968, the feeling of the sound is amazing. It's palpably better than the new ones.
Mark Proffitt the mind is a powerful thing lol
@Elias Yildiz you're allowed to enjoy things, you know.
You can tell when an instrument is inspiring the player. As is the case, the player is not just going troughs the motions, there is an extra spark in the interpretation. Regardless of its price tag or its real value, this instrument is inspiring you. That is a lot!
CME and Makin' Music are 2 of the best reasons to visit Chicago. The other is Lake Forest Sports Cars.
Tone is MEGA-sick! I questioned your choice of amps, but after listening, it makes sense. Where I'm surprised is there isn't scratch or fuzz when toggling with it being as old as it is. All the vintage guitars I mess with have static when toggling between pickups or adjusting the volume. They must take good care of it!
Another video where I expected either Mary Spender or Rob Scallon to make a cameo! MS loves CME! Thank you for sharing your experience, I shall have to go there too one day!
ikr i was looking for them 2
CME is my happy place. Glad you had a chance to come to town and check it out. Go Cubs!!
Funny right when Rhett said it is his holy grail, the dude says, "This is the best sounding guitar we have in the shop." They always say that when they know you want to buy it. Hate to tell you dude, but there is no such thing as "the best sounding guitar in the shop". It's all subjective.
the guitar is like 80k i don’t think they thought rhett was gonna even come close to buying it
@@shyankhan_ It's not about buying it right off the bat, it is about exposure. At $77k, that guitar isn't flying off the shelf. It has a limited pool of buyers. Rhett just helped them advertise it to the world for free to others.
Subjective? You've never met my wife!
If he said the 350 was his holy Grail of a guitar cat would have said it's the best sounding in the shop.
Either that, or they Say it's the Nicest guitar we have in the Place/shop. That did not influence me, but I bought the guitar anyway, it was affordable though. 335-1986, one of the last of the Kalamazoo's bought in 1998, used for 1700.00, I got a great deal for back then. Only 2018 sold it, it was time to move it along, I was not playing it much. The last of Kalam. I did not know that when I bought it, nor did I care. I almost went back right after and thought about buying the Amp I played it thru, a early 90's bassman reissue, sounded fabluous thru it. Used to Love that Small music shop.
I decided to start learning the guitar when I was a kid, after watching Marty McFly playing Johnny B Goode. It's not the same guitar, but I can relate to your feeling. Beautiful.
when I went to cme I played a 60s Gibson 335 and it was the best guitar I ever played
The "Magic " instruments are the ones we once owned and now wish we could get hold of again...nostalgia is a powerful selling tool. One day you'll end up chasing that 2010 Memphis 335...
Love going to Chicago Music Exchange. I have bought a guitar from them, a pedal and they have set up all my guitars to perfection. Great to see my man Zack as well. Great staff, they treat you like family and will answer any questions you have. Hope next time you're in town your playing a gig. Would love to come out.
Thats one of the nicest sounding guitars ive ever heard. Just the perfect blend of grit and warmth
Sad thing is that guitar is going to end up in some collector's store room and never get played again...
Not so sure. Lots of guys with money play what they buy. They may not be playing out 6 nights a week, but they are playing and enjoying themselves.
No one is playing a 77 thousand dollar guitar out at a bar
Keith Richards could buy it I suppose.
@@foxxygearreviews7754 ...or Darryl Hall.
That isn't sad. After some twenty years or so it will be back on the market, in a good condition and ready for new guitarists to play.
You've single-handedly made me a 335 guy. I was always into fenders, thinking of buying some LP at some point, but not really putting down any effort to it. Sometime ago I saw a video of yours regarding this amazing instrument. I searched for a bit since then and some months ago I purchased a heritage535. I tell you right now I believe than the 335 is the best electric guitar design ever. Thanks for the eye opener, I thought I should share at some point and this was a good video to do so me thins
There's absolutely no reason a man cannot own a 335 as well as others. Guitar players go thru different moods and need a different feel and sounding guitar at times. I'm looking for a nice 335 myself, but I'll never sell my Strat and my Tele. I run them thru a 73 Twin modded into a Red Tolex Head that sits on a Marshall 2x12 Red Tolex Bottom. I have 2- 8" Jensens in the Head for practice and a Vintage 30 and a Greenback in the bottom. I just need that 335 for my Jazz and I'm set.
Babe I’m gonna leave you gave me chill bumps yo!
Great video! I love the part where he pulls out the 1960 335 and says “this is the best sounding guitar in the shop.” In a music store like CME, that is saying something! Even cooler is that he wants you to play it.
I’ve always wanted to have that experience in a guitar shop like that.
The '60 ES335 plugged directly into the milkman is all the tone you need. Gorgeous sound and cool vibe!
Been following Rhett video's for only two weeks. Gigs, home talks, visits to guitar dealers etc. All good stuff . Great to see different players. And all you guys in the comments, thanks for the info on what tunes he is playing.
I love when you play Green River. Really shows off the guitar-amp combination. Love Milkman amps too. Was that a 20w Creamer?
You picked a good one for a Holy Grail guitar, Rhett. It helps to know that you had an opportunity to just play such a work of art. About 15 years ago my favorite shop got a 1940 000-28 in. It had been played in Grange Hall dances all over western Colorado for 20 to 25 years by a local farm wife and was in 95% of mint condition. The shop also had the woman's husband's 1948 D-28 in and it actually looked like it had been played in Grange Halls for 20 years. I got to play the 000-28 at least once a week for about 3 months until it finally sold. I asked the shop owner who bought it and he said, "My new best friend in Japan." I'm guessing it sold for about the price of a new Dodge Cummins.
My Holy Grail is a '59 ES 345 but, that one will do ! Congrats on playing your dream guitar Rhett ,I hope you get it sometime soon !
Just got my Holy Grail last month - 1960 ES-355 (Cherry) with Bigsby of course.....
@@IrishBog Congrats ! Mine is a '59 for my birth year is yours ?
Todd Flowers Nope born in 1969 - still I’d rather have a 60 than a 69 :)
@@IrishBog That's cool .Most of the '59's are out of my reach as are a lot of '60's but I can dream ! :-)
I really dig your playing Rhett! When you play a cover, you’re spot on note for note. But when I’ve heard original material you have played you most definitely have a smooth originality and style of your own. You are playing well beyond your years imo.
''so it's a players guitar'' every guitar should be a players guitar.
Playing your holy grail guitar is a life-affirming moment, even if you don't get to take it home. Mine was a '59 LP Special with a factory B7 Bigsby. Glad you got to play yours, and I hope you find a way to bring it home.
Love Chicago Music Exchange!!
7:57 and 8:52 - The Doors - Riders On The Storm - slightly changed organ part after first chorus. You're welcome :)
Amateur...
A REAL guitar player has his girlfriend buy it for him...
That's how I got my Tele.
She's my wife now lol
A real guitar player sells his girlfriend to pay for the guitar
My wife buy me a motocycle once but not the price or the 335 I think lol
@@heritagecherrysunburst7638 The girlfriend or the guitar?
Rhett, I am not a musician but got into watching Beato somehow and saw you a couple of times. Thought I'd check out your channel. I really like it. It gives a great perspective to the lifestyle of a pro (which I don't think I would like....too much downtime on gigs and too much travel in vans). I don't understand three-quarters of what you and your fellow musicians are saying, but I am mesmerized none the less. Also, I really like your gear reviews and travels into guitar stores. I think it is your enthusiasm for guitars and great gear that I respond to, along with your playing of course. Great job!
The road to financial ruin, the hunt for “that” guitar. The thing is the audience don’t care or even hear “that guitar” but you genuinely do, and I’ve been there and late at night when you’re on your own it drives you crazy. The thing is, I found my best les Paul after buying ten of em, and that includes three custom shop 58, 59s, but guess what it ended up being a Japanese tokai ls 122, beautifully looking and unbelievable quality, but man the sound!!!!!! So sometimes money and brand mean diddly squat.
Japanese craftsmanship from those days is unmatchable. I hear tokai's are killer.
Yamaha FG-300 here, made in Japan in 1971, a copy of Gibson Hummingbird, basically. Look no further, man. Ticks every box for me.
Unfortunately yes, most people in the crowd, unless they play, don’t care about tone or what guitar it is.
A great guitar is a great guitar, period. I’ve had a half dozen Les Pauls including a ‘54 Black Beauty Custom, which I
bought when I was very young in 1964, for $125.00, Yes, you read that right. That guitar was amazing. I eventually
sold it for an ES 345 I really wanted. Point being: since the ‘54 I had a 60s Gold Top, ‘71 Cherry Burst, a real ‘61 Les
Paul SG (which I still have but consider it an SG, really) and a ‘73 Custom. The ‘71 and ‘73 were ok and not worth
keeping. Then I found an ‘82 LP with Tim Shaw humbuckers for very little money. What a great guitar. Better than any
of the others except for the ‘54. It’s the guitar, not the vintage, that matters most in my opinion.
Larry Power it is.
I have a 339 Gibson. Really really great. Some of the first les Paul’s were great a lot were dogs. Same with Zemaitis. I have a new metal front Japanese Zemaitis which I dare anyone to say isn’t a great guitar, and like it or not is probably a lot better than the ones Tony made himself. What these great guitars need is a great player to go with them. Buddy Hollys guitars were no better than a lot of good fenders today. It was Buddy that was great. A genius.
My wife's grandfather (stand up bass) toured with the Everly Bros. They gave her mother her first puppy when they were on the road with them as her grandmother also was a singer.
You ever play Smoke on the Water on a $70k guitar?
I did on a 35k 54 strat ! i'll usually skip the rhythm and just play the solo ! You never hear the solo in a music store !
Stairway to Heaven
My personal goal is to find/play an *epiphone* 335 or 339 (I'm an acoustics guy), or maybe a cheap second hand Gretsch. I'm talking 500 €/$/£ here, maybe a month rent if I really lose it.
But seeing and hearing your excitement over the 335 is really a blast. I feel honored to have witnessed your encounter with such a personal (for you) beast. You did it justice, and I'm just glad I got to hear you play it (and all the other ones). The only downside is your iphone mic clipping the good tones away. Cheers man.
'Hi Honey I'm home, flowers for you, just because I love you' 'oh, thank you darling, what is that on your back?' 'oh, that, thats just a guitar, lets not discuss guitars, I want to stare into your eyes as we are having dinner under candlelight'...
Visited CME after I graduated Naval Basic Training in Great Lakes. Easily one of the best days of my life. ❤️
A prediction: Rhett will never buy a house
I hope you're right. It would show his priorities were correct.
Given his age and statistics, I'm guessing you're right.
No he will buy two
He’s got parents with money I think
Owning a house is def a bigger money pit than a guitar. 🤣
I visited this place when I was visiting the US (I'm from Australia) and was blown away! amaaaaaazing store... guitars and staff are great. Those rooms are so cool that you get to go in and plug into anything and just be left alone to try guitars. Can't wait to go back.
Dude! My Holy grail guitar is the Freddie King model they made a few years back. It’s a reissue of a 1960 Gibson es-345.
If your reading this!
You matter!
🤘🤠🤘
That big sigh at 8:37... man, I know them feels! That's the sigh of "I want this so bad but there literally is no way for me to have this guitar".
What about that ES-350? I have one, but from the late '70s. It was my first "jazz" guitar.
This is the model that the great Barney Kessel played.But he painted out the Gibson logo on headstock.
Rhett, I had a friend that also attended high school with The Everly Brothers and showed me the yearbook. His name was Al Carpenter. He was pretty popular in the Knoxville area. I think I remember him saying they were pretty poor and could only have one of them in the yearbook. Thanks for your video!
It's so interesting to see how big a guitar shop is in the US compared to London.
The States have a bit more elbow room to stretch out, lol. Hop on I-80 West there in Chicago, and 2,000 miles later, you're in San Francisco. Half of that drive is through wide-open space.
Alec Pacheco they’re nowhere near most of us though. Our major city has zero guitar stores.
I'm a drummer and still watch the shop tour vids. Good stuff. Always keep reaching for the stuff you can't have. Hard work will make it happen.
I'm so over this whole vintage craze. I mean, you realize the legendary musicians we look up to were playing new instruments and definitely not buying them relic'd lol. The amount of money people spend on old ass guitars that I guarantee no one would be able to identify in a blind test :D
I buy old guitars because I like them and I don't want to give Gibson my money, but I hate reliced guitars.
For some, a story holds value.
Also others may not be able to identify it in a blind test, but it could make a world of a difference in the emotions you express in that blind test 🤷🏾♂️
The whole vintage craze started in the 70s since quality in manufacturing started to sink and people were looking to older 50s-60s guitars to use
Love Chicago Music Exchange been there and I’m sure I will go back some day soon! ✌🏻🎸🙏🏻👍🏻👍🏻
70k for an old piece of wood with electrical bits on the inside. Sounds really good though 😂
That guitar was just gracious enough to "let" you assist in helping it sing. That sounded so effortless; what a find.
Sounds incredible! My holy grail is quite similar but a 63 with a bigsby and in cherry.
Bigsbys are gross
Ew. My first thought about the bigsby. Lol who wants half a trem?
Oh man I remember the day when I visited CME and walked out with a 1968 Gibson SG... this is my holy grail guitar. Had to sell so mich gear for this guitar but man it was worth it.
sounds good..... doesnt sound $70,000 worth though.... maybe $7000...
You are paying for more then the sound
@@allensaunders449 What else would you pay for with a guitar?
@@counterfeit1148 Playability? Aesthetics? Build quality?
No guitar is really worth more than $1500 IMO. Just about any guitar can sound / play fantastic with a good set up and a few upgrades.
@@andyk9735 Yeah let's forget what I said, that was pretty stupid of me
7:17 Thank you Rhett....that riff, the sound of the 335 has made my week...a bit more pleasant.
Joe N where have I heard that from??
Ccr green river
but it's only $77.5k, you can afford it Rhett ;-D
Rhett says a few months ago "me and my wife r saving to buy a house" well bud looks like that house is gonna have to wait a little longer
That’s $17,500 more than my first house? My 2009 LP Studio faded for $650 will have to do...but dang that’s sweet!
Ben Logan nothing wrong with a studio faded mate, got mine for £600 and it kicks ass, love it to bits
That's about $28K more than my first house! Just about 155 payments at $500/month over 12.9 years and that baby is yours! Or sell your first cousin who annoys the heck out of ya. Great looking guitar. Maybe I can win Mega Millions and gift that guitar to Rhett... maybe.
Why the 0.5 at the price. I dont get it. 78k anyone with the money isn't gonna care about 500 bucks
After you finished playing the blondie, you body posture said it all. I truly felt for you.
I am still marked by the Martin D45 I played 10 years ago in a now closed music store.
Fine music stores are risky business.
Holy grail you say? "Bring us a shrubbery..."
...and play the mightiest riff in the forest with....A HERRING!
NEE
NEE
It.
I'll have you for that!
The carve on the top of this 335 is amazing! I found the best Gibson's in my lifetime working in Chicago music stores. The 70's.
"that's my grail guitar" "'-ITS the best sounding guitar we have in the shop" OK BUD you pass cheesy salesman 101 with a B+
Best guitar I ever played, for a week, was a '52 Esquire, I think that was the year. It was thirty years ago. One pick-up,faded red. But the tone and feel! The owner decided she wanted it back.
Can go to London, but doesn’t have much money because of the fuzz pedal he bought there
I was just thinking the same thing.
The fuzz pedal would be way overpriced in London anyway (I’m English, so I know)
Minamoto Shunko the trip to London wasn’t $77,000 plus tax. And I just saw this so that’s why I’m a month late.
if you don't want to get ripped off don't buy pedals where Jimmy Page bought pedals
My dream guitar is a “The Les Paul” From 1977. One of the few les Paul that I would say are better than the standards from 58 to 60
what´s the song he starts playing at 8:09
Francisco Arguelles Sound's like When the music's over by The Doors
Ya! The ES-335 with the natural blonde color is beautiful! It sounds lovely too.
Well, he didn't mention the price in the video but I just found this guitar still listed on Reverb by CME... $77,500 😳
Wait a minute! I thought that Gibson Les Paul in London was the best guitar you'd played to date! But MAN! That 1960 ES-335 sounds baby! It really sounds!
7:59 what song are you playing? Or is it just some chords you play?
Sounded like the intro to Where Its At by Beck
sounds like rory gallgher "I CARNT BELIEVE ITS TRUE"
I buy my strings from CME but I've never seen the place. Thanks for the tour and the great sounds. Good luck in your quest for the holy grail!
What is the song at 8:00? It’s driving me absolutely insane...
SAME ISSUE!!!
reni3 I just want to learn it but I cant find it :(
It's that Beck song about turntables and microphones.
Where’s it at
Sounds like Riders on the storm, by the Doors
I had a 60 345...burst Beautiful guitar and all original from a local old time country player, I was 3rd owner, his grandson had inherited it. Leave the Varitone switch on 1 and you have the 335 sound as it bypasses the Varitone circuit...at about half the price. Sold it in two days after a year of owning it and worrying about it becoming damaged. Priced it as a player and guy that bought it doubled the price ($20K) and it languished on Reverb about a year, then disappeared. Great guitar and glad I got to be a part of it's history, hoping it is getting used and not just hung in a safe somewhere.
As much as you know you want it, you know you don't need it! your'e a player not a collector! I made myself a harsh rule," If you don't play it live, then it has to go" and I stick by it! Love your work :-)
The single cut hollowbody sounds better.
i thought so too. looks cooler too.
I also agree, the tone seemed more refined and a little sweeter. However maybe that single cut's tone isn't was Rhett was looking for. I'm sure he will have a huge problem going forward when shopping for guitars. From now on every guitar will be his second choice!
Went there a year ago when we saw Pearl Jam play Wrigley. By far one of the best music stores I’ve ever been too. Even if you tell them you aren’t planning on buying anything, they’ll still show you and encourage you to pick up and play whatever. They had a Trainwreck amp that one of the guys insisted I plugged into, just so I’d know haha. Great store and great employees.
As soon as you played that guitar, I understood your excitement because DAMN!
Ah c'mon Rhett practically every great guitar you play is the perfect one for you!!
Remember that Les Paul in London.?
Get a grip man.
That Everly J-180 is so stunning and sounds amazing. That is my dream acoustic!
It always makes me giggle when people say $8k for a "player" grade guitar.
You think that's something, try checking out high end used drums.
Thanks for sharing, that 335 was awesome, I’ll be sure to visit the CME next time I’m in the Windy City 👍🏻.
I want to go to CME S00000 BAD, also want a really good 335/345 as well. Pretty sure I built half that store out of my Reverb fees, so you are welcome. JK