in the ways it's different from the 335/355 I prefer the SA2200: the slightly sharper horns are fantastic. I also like the less-flashy but straighter, narrower flame they go for.
Your AB comparaison part playing the same lines was absolutely brillant. You are a great guitar player. Interestingly, it looks and sounds like you are (ever so slightly) fighting the Gibson (your own guitar, no less) a bit more than the SA2200. I reckon the SA2200 plays like the proverbial butter. The Yamaha has ebony board and real MP, that makes it look a bit more like a 355.
The comparaison of those two instruments is very interesting. Brillant way to demo! The Yamaha sounds great, and the coil tap seems to make it very versatile. (If ever.... I would appréciate hearing a comparaison between a PRS Silversky and a Strat on the same concept!😉) Thanks a lot!
Thanks Rob and congrats on an excellent review. Your es335 sounded gorgeous and to my ears was sweeter, but my money is on the Yamaha, great value and consistent build quality.
Hi Rob always a pleasure hear you play that really tasteful stuff ,! The idea how you compared the two guitars is brilliant Thank you 🙏🏼 cheers and HNY from Frankfurt Germany
Great playing and comparison with 335. I've had one for around a year and really love it. Only downside, in my opinion, is the location of the front strap holder which tends to make it a little neck heavy.
Not to long ago in Louisville KY I saw a Blues jazz band from England. The female guitarist played the Yamaha SA2200. She was using a large Orange Cabinet. The sound was phenomenal out of that axe. It was a different experience for the entire band played superb with American Influences and had their own original songs. I was thinking of getting a Gretsch Falcon but I may get the Yamaha. Thanks for the review
There are many reviews on RUclips for the SA1000, 22000 etc...but his is by far the best review I've seen on the Yamaha SA's! Nothing else comes close! Amazing talent, and amazing playing as well! Thanks for this soo much!
Great review, Yamaha makes great instruments, outboards, motorcycle's , etc loved the way you channeled your inner George Benson there . PEACE and LOVE to everyone.
Great video and demo comparing the two. I wanted a gibson 335 for a long time, good thing I held off, didn't know yamaha made one like that. I guess I have a choice now.
Rob, just the best review format ever: first sound, let us decide if we even want to know more! THEN the chit-chat. 97 out of 100 reviews get that backwards. And I haven't really seen a better back-to-back comparison. Really, so appreciated, thanks so much for the time and effort. I just sold my Historic '59 due to the neck being too fat for me, and I'm thinking of getting an SA2200 to replace it.
Again listening to your video... will get the SA-2200 tomorrow. $1350, used mint no scratch. I got $3250 for my 335. I'm looking at a blonde flame 355 but my friend says it needs Liberace-style candelabras on it (in other words it looks posh to the point of silliness, I think he's saying).
Nice tones and masterful playing as ever. On a technical note, I used to think that Wes-style octaves were always played with thumb (brush) strokes, but I've seen some players use a pick (glide) stroke and, more to the point, George Benson uses hybrid picking as I observed you doing here in this demo. It just goes to show that players should find their own way of achieving the desired outcome. Anyway, the Yamaha sounds relatively bright and crisp as compared to say, a Gibson 335 - and just as I typed those words the side by side comparison came up!
Hey Lee. I do love that Wes tone. I have tried using my thumb from time to time but usually end up with pick or hybrid. Thanks for your message. Hope you’re well.
Ive had one for 7 years and just cant put it down. I bought used from a pro who was endorsed by Dimarzio, so it came with Dimarzio 36th anniversary PAFs. It is great.
I'm thinking I'd take the Yamaha even if it was more than the Gibson. I've had two 335s (2000 dot flame, 2012 Historic '59) and have never really been a fan of copycats but the sound and looks of this really do it for me.
'Ello Rob ! A good demo mate. I bought one identical in 2014 brand new. I think they've gone up a bit in price since then but worth every penny. Although I have quite a few guitars these days, this will always be a favourite. I hope your demo will help make them more popular. All the best mate !
man, so cool to see one of the greats spreading around the enthusiasm. I've watched all your vids I think. My favorite comment: "But Matt, you're just playing bread and butter type sounds!" "Well, most of the time what a song needs are bread and butter type sounds." I play a Hammond XK-5 full kit, Clav E6, MiniMoog, Mono/Poly, and Kronos. Would get a Prophet T8. I gig with the XK-5 top and the Kronos. I write synth software which can do mind-blowing things... but most of the time I just need bread and butter type sounds...
That's one of the best conducted A-B tests I've seen. With the exception of the neck pickup of the 335 having a slightly more mellow character you really can't tell those 2 guitars apart !. Sounds and looks like Yamaha has excelled with this guitar. Great review, thanks :-)
It was quite amazing how close they sounded in that context. They do play slightly differently as the neck shapes aren’t the same. All in all though, the SA 2200 is a really well built good sounding instrument in my opinion. Thanks for the comment.
@@RobHarrisGuitar All good, mate - hope you are too 😁 Let’s hope 2021 brings live music back.... Really liked the side by side comparison in this video.
Great video. In the comparisons, they both had their strengths. Overall, the 335 had a bit more clarity on some of the tones maybe, but I imagine it cost a fair bit more as well. The best instrument - for the money, in this mould that I've tried, was an Epiphone Sheraton.
I've had a 1990-ish Korean Sheraton and a 2010 Chinese one. I had a 2000 flame dot 335 and a 2012 Historic '59. I did really like the Epi's but no, the Chinese one at least was miles away from the Gibson sound.
Nice review! I’m going to guess that the “V” in “Alnico V” is the Roman numeral for 5 and that explains the brighter character compared to the average 335 (which usually has Alnico 2 based pickups).
that's a crime if you ask me... as a righty I wish to god all guitars were so easy to find for lefties... if I had a guitar company my promise would be that I'd make anything custom in lefty and sell it to you at the regular price
I have both an SA2200 and a 335. I prefer the 2200 because I’m always fighting neck rise with the Gibson. The guitar isn’t well balanced. . Good review.
I've had an SA2200 for almost 15 years and it's probably my favorite guitar of all that I own. A few years ago I put some Lindy Fralin PAFs in it and it's even more Gibson-sounding. The neck is fantastic too, very easy playing. I much prefer it over the Gibson profile. Great video!
@@thomaswashington3201 It's pretty slim, which for me is a good thing. I have a Heritage 535 and its thinner than that, just by a bit. I find it super comfortable and fast-playing. One of the fastest necks I own. Hope that helps!
@@thomaswashington3201 Glad it helped! So, I just picked up a Gibson '61 reissue and now I can compare the two necks. They are very similar! The 61 335 neck is the 'skinny-c' and if it's thicker than the Yamaha it's only by a hair. Both feel fantastic!
To me, the 335 sounds a bit better, but I'm in the market and leaning way more towards the 2200. Japanese Engineering is so reliable and precise. It's a beautiful guitar. Sound difference is likely in the pickups. Set neck is crucial for me.
Looking for a ES-335 copy but I already have coil tap on my Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul, so I will be buying an Epiphone ES-330. BTW, great review, thanks!
Great review! I liked the comparison, sound similar while es335 have more mellow flavor, right? I wonder how much of the sound is your fingers vs equipment.
What JKearney says. With 10s on it, I‘ve had more fun with other guitars. Once I strung 9‘s on it, I just can’t put that thing down. Without compromising the tone. The Yamaha pick-ups are hot.
Where is the mid range yammy SHE guitar? Pacifica 612 & 611 are MII, why not an SHE . IB and others are doing them . I have MII 612 & 611 , A + . Need gap filler on SHE boss
Still dying to know: after playing this, how did you decide to keep the Gibson and why? Or did you trade to the Yamaha? I personally have had 4 335s, more and more expensive and never living up to my hopes. My final search turned up several possibilities, and after trying the SA2200 and a 355 I had to get both. The 2200 is more jazzy and clear, with the 355 more blues/rock. But still, EXTREMELY similar. Most people wouldn't be able to tell the sound apart I think.
To a spectator like me, I'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two sounds in a blindfold test. I am sure the player can tell the difference with respect to neck-feel, etc.
Hearsay indeed. It's 3.9kg/8.5lbs just like the average 335. If a 335 weighs less it often has the center block butchered for access cutouts (they all have that to some degree but some have barely any center block left in the bridge PU cavity). There are also 10ibs series 300 guitars out there!
They both sound good. The Gibby has that classic honky sound, but the Yammi is clearer and quite well priced. I own a few MIJ Yamaha's, and their build quality is some of the best my guitar tech has ever seen...and he's been in the game for a good few decades. 😉
I dislike thin weedy necks and it seems that 335s have those in abundance... My money is on the SA200 as the neck is fatter. Will probably get one - Yamahas build quality is superior to Gibson. I have a R8 VOS LP so am no stranger to Gibsons.
Gotta say that I prefered the Yamaha tone over the Gibson. This surprised me for sure.
The most beautiful 335 style semi-acoustic on the market.
in the ways it's different from the 335/355 I prefer the SA2200: the slightly sharper horns are fantastic. I also like the less-flashy but straighter, narrower flame they go for.
The live side by side comparison is just brilliant! Well done!
Thanks Paolo. Glad you enjoyed it.
I agree, it was brilliant!
As always, very interesting video Rob, thanks a lot !
Excellent review and comparison. Thanks!
I have one arriving tomorrow and am excited! Great review, thanks for posting.
Got one of these from Musicstreet back in October, love it! Great playing Rob.
What a great way to demo guitars. Great work Rob 👍
Great jam at the beginning!
Great arranged video!
Fantastic review
Nice guitar and demo.. and VERY NICE PLAYING. Loved it, really. Thanks.
Your AB comparaison part playing the same lines was absolutely brillant. You are a great guitar player. Interestingly, it looks and sounds like you are (ever so slightly) fighting the Gibson (your own guitar, no less) a bit more than the SA2200. I reckon the SA2200 plays like the proverbial butter. The Yamaha has ebony board and real MP, that makes it look a bit more like a 355.
The comparaison of those two instruments is very interesting. Brillant way to demo! The Yamaha sounds great, and the coil tap seems to make it very versatile.
(If ever.... I would appréciate hearing a comparaison between a PRS Silversky and a Strat on the same concept!😉)
Thanks a lot!
Mis respetos Rob, el sonido es tan claro y más con tu don para la música, brillante. Me gusta mucho ver tus tutoriales de guitarra,saludos ❤️
Thanks Rob and congrats on an excellent review. Your es335 sounded gorgeous and to my ears was sweeter, but my money is on the Yamaha, great value and consistent build quality.
Nice playing and great review. Thank you
Great guitar and fantastic playing my friend. 🙏🏻
love this! great work!
awesome tone!!!
Beautiful playing
one of the most under rated players out there, I too have an sa 2200 I wish I could make it sound like this...thanks Rob.
Great review & love the comparison between the Gibbo & the Yam. Did I mention that I love your playing style :0)
I received mine today . Absolute Incredible instrument!
Hi Rob always a pleasure hear you play that really tasteful stuff ,! The idea how you compared the two guitars is brilliant
Thank you 🙏🏼 cheers and HNY from Frankfurt Germany
Thank you. Glad it was useful for you
Great playing and comparison with 335.
I've had one for around a year and really love it. Only downside, in my opinion, is the location of the front strap holder which tends to make it a little neck heavy.
Not to long ago in Louisville KY I saw a Blues jazz band from England. The female guitarist played the Yamaha SA2200. She was using a large Orange Cabinet. The sound was phenomenal out of that axe. It was a different experience for the entire band played superb with American Influences and had their own original songs. I was thinking of getting a Gretsch Falcon but I may get the Yamaha. Thanks for the review
The Yamaha sounds thicker and warmer. I like it.
Yes, those are Gotoh tuners. I replaced mine with locking Gotohs which fit perfectly. Love my SA2200!
There are many reviews on RUclips for the SA1000, 22000 etc...but his is by far the best review I've seen on the Yamaha SA's! Nothing else comes close! Amazing talent, and amazing playing as well! Thanks for this soo much!
Hey JJ. Glad you liked the video.
Fantastic video Rob
Thanks David. Hope you're well mate
Great review, Yamaha makes great instruments, outboards, motorcycle's , etc loved the way you channeled your inner George Benson there . PEACE and LOVE to everyone.
Great job! I think yamaha builds excellent guitars in every price range…
Just great 🔥
Great video and demo comparing the two. I wanted a gibson 335 for a long time, good thing I held off, didn't know yamaha made one like that. I guess I have a choice now.
Realy a nice guitar. And you are a great player too. Thank you.
Rob, just the best review format ever: first sound, let us decide if we even want to know more! THEN the chit-chat. 97 out of 100 reviews get that backwards. And I haven't really seen a better back-to-back comparison. Really, so appreciated, thanks so much for the time and effort. I just sold my Historic '59 due to the neck being too fat for me, and I'm thinking of getting an SA2200 to replace it.
Again listening to your video... will get the SA-2200 tomorrow. $1350, used mint no scratch. I got $3250 for my 335. I'm looking at a blonde flame 355 but my friend says it needs Liberace-style candelabras on it (in other words it looks posh to the point of silliness, I think he's saying).
Love love love this video. SA2200 for me
SA2200 for me
Nice tones and masterful playing as ever. On a technical note, I used to think that Wes-style octaves were always played with thumb (brush) strokes, but I've seen some players use a pick (glide) stroke and, more to the point, George Benson uses hybrid picking as I observed you doing here in this demo. It just goes to show that players should find their own way of achieving the desired outcome. Anyway, the Yamaha sounds relatively bright and crisp as compared to say, a Gibson 335 - and just as I typed those words the side by side comparison came up!
Hey Lee. I do love that Wes tone. I have tried using my thumb from time to time but usually end up with pick or hybrid. Thanks for your message. Hope you’re well.
Great video!
Thanks Uwe.
Ive had one for 7 years and just cant put it down. I bought used from a pro who was endorsed by Dimarzio, so it came with Dimarzio 36th anniversary PAFs. It is great.
Man, what a sweet solo in the intro.
Thank you Craig.
Nice review! Yamaha have reliable guitars. Excellent cost x benefit. Excellent comparison! Tks Rob!
I'm thinking I'd take the Yamaha even if it was more than the Gibson. I've had two 335s (2000 dot flame, 2012 Historic '59) and have never really been a fan of copycats but the sound and looks of this really do it for me.
Great comparison mate, the Yamaha sounds great!
Nice
Thanks Matt. It is a great little guitar.
'Ello Rob ! A good demo mate. I bought one identical in 2014 brand new. I think they've gone up a bit in price since then but worth every penny. Although I have quite a few guitars these days, this will always be a favourite. I hope your demo will help make them more popular. All the best mate !
man, so cool to see one of the greats spreading around the enthusiasm. I've watched all your vids I think. My favorite comment: "But Matt, you're just playing bread and butter type sounds!" "Well, most of the time what a song needs are bread and butter type sounds." I play a Hammond XK-5 full kit, Clav E6, MiniMoog, Mono/Poly, and Kronos. Would get a Prophet T8. I gig with the XK-5 top and the Kronos. I write synth software which can do mind-blowing things... but most of the time I just need bread and butter type sounds...
That's one of the best conducted A-B tests I've seen. With the exception of the neck pickup of the 335 having a slightly more mellow character you really can't tell those 2 guitars apart !. Sounds and looks like Yamaha has excelled with this guitar. Great review, thanks :-)
It was quite amazing how close they sounded in that context. They do play slightly differently as the neck shapes aren’t the same. All in all though, the SA 2200 is a really well built good sounding instrument in my opinion. Thanks for the comment.
@@RobHarrisGuitar What's the neck like on the Yamaha? Necks really matter to me a lot. I like 50's necks.
@@mrblank-zh1xy hey. The neck was a really comfortable C shape. Not too bulky but not too small either. Very playable for me at least.
@@RobHarrisGuitar Thanks for responding. Is it most like a Jazz-style "even C"?
+1
Fantastic, fantastic fantastic
Thank you so m,uch for making this video, it has helped me make my choice...Yamaha.
Wow, that Yamaha is something else.
That sounds ace 👍
Thanks David. Hope you’re well
@@RobHarrisGuitar All good, mate - hope you are too 😁 Let’s hope 2021 brings live music back.... Really liked the side by side comparison in this video.
The Yamaha SA has much more BALLS 2 it ;) !! THX Rob.
Great video. In the comparisons, they both had their strengths. Overall, the 335 had a bit more clarity on some of the tones maybe, but I imagine it cost a fair bit more as well. The best instrument - for the money, in this mould that I've tried, was an Epiphone Sheraton.
I've had a 1990-ish Korean Sheraton and a 2010 Chinese one. I had a 2000 flame dot 335 and a 2012 Historic '59. I did really like the Epi's but no, the Chinese one at least was miles away from the Gibson sound.
Nice review!
I’m going to guess that the “V” in “Alnico V” is the Roman numeral for 5 and that explains the brighter character compared to the average 335 (which usually has Alnico 2 based pickups).
i believe the tonal differences are derived from the ebony fretboard....for starters.
Would love a lesson on these funk motifs!
Good player!I wish u all the best man,a life well lived,just like mine!!
They don't make a left handed version of this beauty and this is a knife into my heart! I'm emailing them for years now about that.. no response
Hmmmm. Thats a huge shame. Sorry to hear that
that's a crime if you ask me... as a righty I wish to god all guitars were so easy to find for lefties... if I had a guitar company my promise would be that I'd make anything custom in lefty and sell it to you at the regular price
I have both an SA2200 and a 335. I prefer the 2200 because I’m always fighting neck rise with the Gibson. The guitar isn’t well balanced. . Good review.
I've had an SA2200 for almost 15 years and it's probably my favorite guitar of all that I own. A few years ago I put some Lindy Fralin PAFs in it and it's even more Gibson-sounding. The neck is fantastic too, very easy playing. I much prefer it over the Gibson profile. Great video!
How does it differ from Gibson profile, especially neck size? Chunkier or slimmer profile?
@@thomaswashington3201 It's pretty slim, which for me is a good thing. I have a Heritage 535 and its thinner than that, just by a bit. I find it super comfortable and fast-playing. One of the fastest necks I own. Hope that helps!
@@jasonqtx Thank you, Jason. That's a big help, good to know.
@@thomaswashington3201 Glad it helped! So, I just picked up a Gibson '61 reissue and now I can compare the two necks. They are very similar! The 61 335 neck is the 'skinny-c' and if it's thicker than the Yamaha it's only by a hair. Both feel fantastic!
I held out for a '78 Blonde SA2000. Let's see how that works out when it arrives next week, case queen guitar.
To me, the 335 sounds a bit better, but I'm in the market and leaning way more towards the 2200. Japanese Engineering is so reliable and precise. It's a beautiful guitar. Sound difference is likely in the pickups. Set neck is crucial for me.
What amp are you using rob ? By the way, great playing as usual.👍
Don t know why. But I didn t expect it to bé that good 👍👋
Oh boy. Now I wanna go out and get one
It's a cool instrument
The Best 335 at that price. I used to own one.
Looking for a ES-335 copy but I already have coil tap on my Epiphone Alex Lifeson Les Paul, so I will be buying an Epiphone ES-330. BTW, great review, thanks!
Yamaha all the way
Had one for a couple of monds have sold it, pickups have a to high output ,therfor i cant handel the sound ghe build is very nice
Gibson - more mid juice, which is an advantage. But to be honest both are amazing instruments and sound top.notch.
Great review!
I liked the comparison, sound similar while es335 have more mellow flavor, right?
I wonder how much of the sound is your fingers vs equipment.
Thats the beauty of it i guess. We all sound like ourselves. Variety is the spice of life
@@RobHarrisGuitar
Agree. Can you share how comfortable is the Yamaha vs es335 ?
Rob, did you sell the Gibson? If not I'm sure I'm not alone in wanting to hear your thoughts on keeping the Gibson and returning the Yamaha.
Rob, a question to you: what are your personal thoughts? Did you sell the Gibson? :-D If not why not?
1:50 actually an ES-345, no?
Well done. I heard it is tough to bend on the sa2200. Can you share your view comparing to es335 ?
I've just gotten a sa200 and it's a strange thing but yes it's hard to bend. Not sure if I was just used to strats? Have no idea why..
@@saepiumv3813 use the string gauge ment for the guitar 9-42 and you can bend very easly
What JKearney says. With 10s on it, I‘ve had more fun with other guitars. Once I strung 9‘s on it, I just can’t put that thing down. Without compromising the tone. The Yamaha pick-ups are hot.
Where is the mid range yammy SHE guitar? Pacifica 612 & 611 are MII, why not an SHE . IB and others are doing them . I have MII 612 & 611 , A + .
Need gap filler on SHE boss
Where is it made? Ta.
Still dying to know: after playing this, how did you decide to keep the Gibson and why? Or did you trade to the Yamaha? I personally have had 4 335s, more and more expensive and never living up to my hopes. My final search turned up several possibilities, and after trying the SA2200 and a 355 I had to get both. The 2200 is more jazzy and clear, with the 355 more blues/rock. But still, EXTREMELY similar. Most people wouldn't be able to tell the sound apart I think.
he was demoing the yamaha for the shop that sponsored the video, he didn't buy it.
Yamaha 10, Gibson 7.
To a spectator like me, I'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference between the two sounds in a blindfold test. I am sure the player can tell the difference with respect to neck-feel, etc.
Did you sell the Gibson? :-D If not why not?
Do you remember how heavy this girl was? I've heard they're generally a couple pounds over a 335 generally but that's just hearsay.
Hearsay indeed. It's 3.9kg/8.5lbs just like the average 335. If a 335 weighs less it often has the center block butchered for access cutouts (they all have that to some degree but some have barely any center block left in the bridge PU cavity). There are also 10ibs series 300 guitars out there!
both sound great - But damn that 335 has the feels, mid range poke but most importantly just has that 'sounds like a record' quality
I agree the 335 has a much greater presence. It sounds like a legend coming through your stereo.
When I looked up this guitar I noticed it doesn't come with a case. How odd for a guitar at this price point
Now it does, at least in Europe. And it's the great yamaha case we are used to see with the SG2000.
I'm a big neck lover. How chunky is that yamaha neck?
It wasn’t that chunky actually. Still comfortable but not too big.
try the Historic '59, I have 20 guitars and that one felt like a baseball bat
Reminds me of my scofield
Sounds like the Yamaha has noticably more clarity than the Gibson.
They both sound good.
The Gibby has that classic honky sound, but the Yammi is clearer and quite well priced.
I own a few MIJ Yamaha's, and their build quality is some of the best my guitar tech has ever seen...and he's been in the game for a good few decades. 😉
The Gibson has a warmer sound with a brightness to it. The Yamaha has a bright sound compared to the Gibson
Looking through the upper F-hole of the Yamaha, it looks like the insides are cardboard... They could have paid attention to that.
THANK FOR AN ACTAUL AB TEST WHERE YOU PLAY ONE GUITAR RIGHT AFTER THE OTHER TELL THE REST OF RUclips
Yam better tone
the 335 neck pu is more mellow and pleasant
the gibson has so much more richness and fullness in your test
I dislike thin weedy necks and it seems that 335s have those in abundance... My money is on the SA200 as the neck is fatter. Will probably get one - Yamahas build quality is superior to Gibson. I have a R8 VOS LP so am no stranger to Gibsons.
Buy one used. Resale on Yamaha guitars is terrible
World of difference. 335 all day.
I can’t believe they can just copy gibson guitars
Are those 57 pups in the 335?