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Pete is a VERY, very knowledgeable bloke. He ALWAYS surprises me as to how well he knows his guitars, memory and playing. Truly experienced and gifted. The dude has a great sense of humor as well. All you guys at Andertons are great fellows.
D'Angelico's is the coolest by far for me. Longer scale length, nice colors, that classic Art Deco headstock, beautiful bright but not thin tone. Clean as heaven. 👌 The Gretsch is a solid 2nd place for me though. Can't go wrong with those filtertron pickups & that grey burst is killer.
Honestly, when I win the lottery I will buy a few Gibson's but these days all manufactures guitar quality is so high there is no need to spend an extra $2500 for the 5% in tone and quality you gain buying a Gibson, unless your a pro of course.
@@MrYatesj1 There is resale value to consider. My Gibsons are worth more than I paid for them and I can't say that for my other guitars. Honestly, I'd trade a room full of med priced guitars for one more nice gibson. Currently rocking 3 gibson, a strat, casino and others.
Gretsch is fantastic but it’s very hard to beat the fat original Gibson Neck if you got a good one. Nothing else matters, the sounds is easy, buy the pick ups you like
They weren't talking price. But I'm pretty sure the best value is an Ibanez. They've been really working on their semi-hollow guitars in the last few years and are gettable on the second-hand market.
Hello tu as raison le marché de l occasion j ai acheté toutes mon matos comme cela ....il y a 2 semaine une ibanez AFS75 T red pour 180 euros c est super pour du jazz ou blues et aussi genre Chris Isaac..blues hôtel. Games ect avec le bigsby 😊🎶🎶
@@Fiasco3 I have owned quite a few Ibanez over the years but three years ago bought the exact AS93 in this video. It's got a bit of a rough fret job and setup, but once you work that out it's absolutely great to play. The pickups are really good, but veer on the side of mid heavy, and the neck pickup is hard to use (it's great for jazz fusion type but for rock you need to lower the pickup a lot to reduce the mid boom). For value it's definitely huge, the flame maple top (and back) is just amazing, and the ebony fingerboard is also really great for something in this price range. It's become the most played guitar out of my collection because I just like to hold it and look at it.
I've got a really cute D'angelico deluxe mini and that thing is super awesome. They make really solid guitars. Obviously a bit more than the one you guys demoed, but I really like their brand, they've done a good job.
I really enjoyed Pete's performance in this one. I love what Pete is doing with the jazzing up the blues and walking those chords, it is so down home, and so essential (wish I knew it). Also love his black bird rip off addition to his jazz blues sound absolute genius. I can't hope to play lead as cool as he does but i would love to have the rhythm licks. I come from san jose the home of Chris Cain and he is great at walking those chords too, but I like Pete's variety. Also I like Pete's finger picking with mixed scale notes. It is fun to watch Pete grow on the guitar.
The timing of this video is perfect. I ordered a Sire H7 with the same cherry sunburst back in January and it was just delivered last night. Going by looks and tones, I’d agree that the Sire and Ibanez are the winners but not by much. Lots of great semi-hollow guitars in the $600-800 range.
Back in the day (~5 years ago), when I was in the market for a semi hollow guitar, my final contenders were a D'angelico Premier DC (very similar to the current one) and an Ibanez JSM10 (similar to the AS93). In the end the Ibanez won and it is my main guitar since then. Ibanez has some good stuff in the semiacoustics. PS: could be interesting to throw a Guild Starfire I DC in the mix, I played one in a store recently and it is also a great guitar.
I love this shootout and comparison, and Pete's playing is always incredible, but I really wish the guitars had been mixed at least as loud as the dialogue. Minor criticisms aside, I really liked this one a lot, and I appreciate you taking the time to make it!
I am really surprised that you guys did not include Eastman in this shootout. I had not captured this video and have been looking for more videos of you guys doing Eastman guitars. They are at this point certainly the best semihollow manufacturer on the market if you have not played an Eastman and I’m sure both of you have, I am just surprised it’s not this demo because it is better than any guitar that you’re showing I mean honestly I would say that my acoustic experience with them has been above and beyond Martin, and certainly at a much better price point and as a gigging musician for 40 years, I can truly tell you I think their guitars are fantastic. I have brought them back-and-forth to the UK everywhere and never had any problems for the last three years. I truly have switched to Eastman. Look at the flame top on their LP look at the quality look at the tuning stability. Look at the binding look at the lack of errors, in the process of manufacturing, they literally have embarrassed Gibson and shamed them in every way possible I am glad to see the value of Gibson falling and I hope it continues to and I hope Eastman rises because honestly they have proven they want to serve the guitarist they want to provide the guitars And not only stick with the traditional method, but give us new and greater options and stop holding us back with this belief that Gibson is the end dollar bill it is such BS and honestly scary Lee. It’s the best guitar that you demoing here but again they’re great but Gibson doesn’t know how to keep things in line and because of the constant change of ownership. It’s hard to believe in that company I sold 15 Gibson guitars about six months ago, I mean truly don’t get me wrong. I walked away with almost $220,000. I reinvested $100,000 that in Eastman and you should see the guitar collection. I have Joe Besser wood cream for it honestly my 59 that they handmade for me I waited four months for it. Makes sure our nine look terrible. Lee and I used to think you are nine was my favorite guitar. I just can’t believe the quality of their work and I’m sorry that you guys don’t have more of them to show, Greg demo is always love you guys to death wish Rob was in all the demos the three of you together. I don’t come in often, but I do appreciate everything I have learned from your channel. It’s not only made me a better musician it’s made me more aware of my options. It’s also made me more stuck in my ways because I am a victory. Tube amp Guy and I don’t think I’ll ever do anything digital. Lol. Love you guys thanks again. 20:54
Yeah, the Sheraton is a bit on the big&heavy side, but it is the guitar that I play the most :) It is my first semi-hollow, so I can only look forward to try another one!
I have a ‘93 Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion. A Phenomenally nice guitar. ES-335 meets Les Paul std. it’s an under utilised guitar, not many well known players. Besides Howard Roberts I can only think of Alex Lifeson.
When it comes down to it, the guitar I want on my own doodah at home is the one with the most comfortable feel, the tone that speaks to me, and a price tag that doesn’t make me feel like I need to sell a kidney. Aesthetically, there’s a lot to love in this shootout, but after trying several of these same models and hearing some I haven’t gotten to lay hands on, I feel like I’d still stick with my Gretsch G5622, given the choice of any of the above.
I just want to point out that the Sheraton was originally the high end version of the 335, and were both released at the same time. Back in 1957, Epiphone had just been bought by Gibson. At the time, Epiphone were making very high end guitars and were seen as direct competitors by Gibson. After that, Gibson took some of the Epiphone hollowbody designs and modernized them with P90 pickups first, and with a double cutaway later with a solid centerblock. Thus the 335 body shape was born. So in 1958, Gibson and Epiphone released their own versions of that body shape at the same time, the Gibson ES-335, and the Epiphone Sheraton. The Sheraton at the time would have been the high end, more traditional version of it's brother, the 335, and as such was priced higher. Very few Sheratons were made between 1958 and 1970, and they changed specs almost year to year. Of course the ES-335 was the most popular of the two, so Gibson continued with the 345, the 355, and then made a hollowbody version of it, the 330. The 330 then became the basis for the Epiphone Casino. Similar to what happened between the Sheraton and the 335, the Casino became much more popular than the 330, even though they are almost identical. Years later, when Epiphone was reworked to become an entry level brand to it's bigger brother, Epiphone reworked the Sheraton into the Sheraton II. Today, the Sheraton comes in the Sheraton II Pro spec, and is actually fairly different to a 335. Mostly in terms of construction, it has a 5 piece walnut-maple neck, and a mahogany centerblock. As opposed to the traditional 335 composition of a mahogany neck and a maple centerblock. Also, the Sheraton has kept it's traditional Epiphone styling that is exclusive to the Sheraton, and not based on anything made by Gibson. Mainly the tree of life inlay on the headstock, Epiphone's traditional headstock shape, and the block and triangle abalone inlays. It was originally meant as an upscale guitar, and even today it has maintained that identity. Just wanted to share some history on the Sheraton. They are cool guitars, and if you can get a higher end one, they have their own thing going that is slightly different than a 335.
I had a Korean Sammick model and sold it when down sizing the collection. Then I missed playing it, so bought a new Sheraton II Pro model; the price is amazing. It sounds even better than the Korean version. It is built well & looks gorgeous in Ebony with the gold hardware.
@@poodleguiderpeyes7388 Aren't the Sherries great? That super slim neck took me a while to get comfortable in, but I play my Sheraton the most of all my guitars. It can do everything really well! I personally took off the pickguard, changed the knobs to some like the ones in a 57 LP Custom, and changed some of the gold hardware to black, and it now looks so much more "professional" and serious. I love it! Even just catching a glimpse of it while I do some work on my desk makes me go "ohhh yeaaaahh"
I have the Ibanez AS93. I love the neck, which I believe is a bit deeper than the other Ibanez artcore type guitars. I've change two things, the pick ups and the quick change tail stop, didn't like the feel of it under my hand when muting with my palm on the bridge. That Site sounded nice but a narrow nut width would put me off. Good overview. Thanks.
There is no question Sire has captured that Carlton “studio” sound. I have loved Larry since he exploded onto the scene in the early 70s and every time I hear one of these Sires it is instant Carlton to me. So Sire have nailed their design brief but one issue for me is the narrow neck at the nut.
I'm use to playing a '95 Taylor 12-string and a Cordoba classical and have just recently purchased the Sire H7 as my first electric, I have no problem with the neck width. The original ones were 40mm at the nut, but the 2023 models are now 43mm.
Cool , The Sire really interests me. They all are quite good . You should do this shootout with affordable to mid priced “superstars” ..for me! I am looking for one of those!
I love the AS-93 VLS, even more than any of the Epiphones and even more than the ES-335. Amazing guitar, regardless of the money. It's one of two I've owned that people kept asking me to bring, and that people kept asking to play. It's one of a handful that people kept making offers to buy - even people who owned other semi-hollow guitars.
I have the as-93. The pickups are the same of J. Scofield... The lutherieis is amazing, no defect, the finishes and aesthetic are perfect and superb keyboard and neck....The seller (whom I know and is honest), after I paid (and this is important) told me that he honestly could not give me a single reason to prefer a Gibson Es or Ibanez top of the range semi-acoustic from 2000 and more euros. ... only details change and I'm not a professional .... then everyone has their own tastes ....
Bought the D’Angelico Premier DC in white, with stairstep tailpiece on the used market. It is in brand new condition for 450 Euro. Almost decided to go for the Sire, until I actually played it. This is actually a very very nice guitar. However, that 40mm nutwidth was a showstopper for me. Am a tall guy with huge hands, that could not really deal with that narrow neck. The D’Angelico is king when it comes to playability, build quality and sound. One of my best guitars so far. (have 11 of them) May trade in a few to buy another D’Angelico. What a great guitar it is. Also tried Guild, Gretsch, Epiphone, Ibanez and Gibson.
I bought the Sire H7 v2 from Anderton. What a great guitar and superb service from Andertons. But I did return 2 guitars due to being too heavy for me (8.8 lbs), the third one was good (8.2lbs). This for me is a problem, when buying via the internet, that the manufactures/retailers need to address. It would be so easy for the factory to weigh an empty shipping box (which will be the same for all guitars of that model), then subtract that from the gross shipping weight and you have the guitar weight without having to take it out of the box, then stick it on the box label. Simples.
Hey Guys, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. One thing I was hoping to see/hear was a gain sound on the neck pickups, played above the 12th frets. It's in that rarified section of the fingerboard where the differences between the various guitars might be more discernible. Nevertheless, still an excellent shootout, and one that achieves your goal, I think, of showing the guitar-buying public that we don't need to spend thousands to get a perfectly good journeyman's guitar that'll do the job! For my money, the Sheraton was the winner, but then I'm pretty heavily biased. I had a Gibson/Epipihone artist endorsement from 2002 until 2017. I've been playing Sheratons live every weekend for the past 25 years! All of my guitars have been fitted with Gibson pickups and Bigsbys. I do love playing my Gibsons too, but in Australia's hot humid weather, my sweat would quickly ruin them completely. Therefore I save them for the colder months and play the Sheratons through Spring Summer and Autumn. I've stopped buying any more guitars, which is a pity because I can see myself in my mind's eye playing a D'Angelico, or even a Gretsch, but only after they address the problem with upper fret access, which makes the Gretsch in this shootout unsuitable for my requirements. If I can't grab the high E at the 22nd fret and bent it up a whole tone, then the guitar is just so much firewood in my world. There are enough Gary Moore songs in my playlist . . my MUST PLAY list . . that unfortunately I'd have to not play them if I was gigging the Gretsch. I've gotten around that in some ways by utilising my collection of White Epiphone Sheratons. I have one fitted with Gretsch Broadtrons, one fitted with P90s, and I'm in the process of deciding which one to fit with de Armond single-coils. I have nine white Sheratons. I started out with just two, which I bought within a week of each other five years ago. Then more continued to become available on Ebay, and now they are nine in number. My 1998 white Sheraton with the Broadtrons would eat any of the guitars in your shootout for sound quality. Probably down to the old wood of the guitar, compared to the new guitars which have yet to open up, so to speak. I'll say that give them all three to five years of having been played, and they'll be magnificent!
You are a lucky fellow, Cap. I picked the 335 both times as it was the sweetest (and rangiest?) of the bunch and my new fave sounding geetaar (how good was that brief Johnny B intro sound - so incredibly iconic to the 335 [as it happens]). Nearest was the d’Angelico, and (fortuitously, as we have one) the fatter Gretsch. Splendid shootout, thank you!
I use to have a 1968 Walnut Finish Gibson ES 335 that I bought in 1972 for $350.00 USD. It was too large a guitar for me to play comfortably. I recently bought an Epiphone ES 339 with a Pelham Blue finish. It's the same guitar as the ES 335 with the body is scaled down to a smaller size. Now I finally have as ES 335 style guitar that fits me more comfortably, looks, sounds and plays great. It only cost $549.00 USD.
@@atrumluminarium That may well be true. The geometry of the smaller Filtertrons may have a bearing here also with the coils and their poles being closer together. I looked into it ,a bit, when looking for an 'affordable' Gretsch. I went for a G5232T Electromatic Double Jet as the cheapest Filtertron model that I could find at the time. There IS a cheaper model of same without the Bigsby. I'm loving it, it has a character of it's own for sure. 👍
the diffrence between the filtertron and broadtron is more than output. The filtertron is tighter brighter cleaner sound most similar to tv HS pickups and are higher output then an original filtertron. The broadtron are ballsy more low end more output and slot in between the PAF sound and the filtertron. Basing my opionion on owning the g5622 and g5230.
Great content fellas, I would like to have seen the Hagstrom Super Viking next time round, a couple of hundred over the heard here but would still appreciate the comparison. Sorry if you don't stock them Captain. Happy widdleing.
12/19/22 ~ I liked the blindfold shootout, and the chosen comparisons. NOTE; that digital time piece over the right of Pete, tends to be distracting/annoying as my eyes drift too see what it's displaying. Thanks again. That Sire neck is too narrow, and the pups sound tinny to ME..
The day you add at the end of the video the guitar tabs of what you guys played in the video, you will increase your audience x2. These licks and riffs are a bit reason to follow the channel.
I have a Korean Samick SAN450 which I LOVE - I sold my first one and really regretted it so after years of trying to hunt one down (I'm a lefty so it's harder to find specific models 😑) I bought another one that I'm never getting rid of
I'd pick the Sire...that Sunburst does it for me. It has a great traditional type of tone to me as well. However... I do prefer a smaller body style...just personal. I've got an import semi hollow double cut that I really love...and it was VERY inexpensive. Big Win in my book.
@@BrentAdams We are. A friend of mine wants to learn guitar and we talked about options. We live in the golden age of affordable quality guitars, he's got so many models to choose from.
If I had to pick one, it'd be the D'Angelico, based in large part on the look. I have a Firefly version of this, with the red flame top, which after a pickup swap and some setup is also a fantastic very affordable semi-hollow guitar. "do we classify the Foo Fighters as metal?" 😐😐😐 Um...no. No we do not, Grampa Lee 😆😆😆
I gotta say, it’s quite a testament to the quality of the real thing that he guessed the Gibson in about 5 seconds Edit: and then he thought the next 2 were the Gibson too 😂
I have an Epiphone 339 Pro with the P90s, and it's a rocker. And used they can be found for very little money. I literally cannot find a reason to change a thing on it, and those P90s scream.
I have owned and spent some time with the Ibanez artcores and I've them except for two things. Those stock pickups sound cold and uninspiring to me and obviously that can be reasonably easy to remedy but the last couple of AS73s I have had feel dead when you play them. They don't resonate. I hsve a hard time getting excited about playing a guitar that does not feel inviting. I have no idea what is up with ibanez in that respect. Oddly enough I recently purchased the silvertone idea of these guitars on ebay. This guitar feels alive when you strum chords despite the fact that it has a bolt on neck!! Seriously!! Also I have had several selihollow bodies and for some reason that Silvertone // Samick is heavy. Almost les paul heavy. It also sounds great unplugged! I would guess I just got a fluke but in a good way. Happy Accident??
It would have been interesting to chat for a few minutes and then hand Pete the same guitar back again. He's pretty sharp and may have caught on to the chicanery though. 😁
i bought a ibanez artcore as73 a while back and I am quite pleased with my purchase. for the price it is a pretty damn good clone of the 335 lol. have compared it to epiphone and other 335 clones and Imho is the best one. And of course I also bought a budget ibanez gio bass and love that too. i dont know how they do it lol.
Wouldn’t it make sense to do the blindfolded thing *first?* Before he has a chance to form memories and associations from the intro demo playing? I’d be more interested in the impressions of sound and feel, and not so much interested in a game of Concentration-trying to identify the brands from remembered specs.
When I think of the 335, it Larry Carlton, Mr. 335, and not Chuck 'Registered Sex Offender' Berry. In fact I try not to think of the latter at all. And I play an AM93 from Ibanez, which is a smaller version of a 335,. Ironically Ibanez made (it's predecessor) in the early 80s that Gibson eventually copied as their 339!
🚨🚨 You Can Now Save £££ On Selected D'Angelico Models! Including the D'Angelico Premier DC Doublecut, which is now £499 Instead of £699! | tinyurl.com/2auw9nf7
Where's the Coupe? The Corsair? Both are underrated guitars made by Schecter Guitars.
Y2
Pete is a VERY, very knowledgeable bloke. He ALWAYS surprises me as to how well he knows his guitars, memory and playing. Truly experienced and gifted. The dude has a great sense of humor as well. All you guys at Andertons are great fellows.
Video should be called ‘Lee and Pete play with their semi’s’
They would never use a possessive to describe a plural.
“their hollows” would cause eyebrow raises
LMAO 🤣
‘Lee leans over and puts his semi in Pete’s hands, Pete begins to play, “That feels nice”’
The audio description of this would be something else!
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
D'Angelico's is the coolest by far for me. Longer scale length, nice colors, that classic Art Deco headstock, beautiful bright but not thin tone. Clean as heaven. 👌
The Gretsch is a solid 2nd place for me though. Can't go wrong with those filtertron pickups & that grey burst is killer.
They all sounded great...which means no need to ever buy the Gibson. I'd go for the Gretsch.
Honestly, when I win the lottery I will buy a few Gibson's but these days all manufactures guitar quality is so high there is no need to spend an extra $2500 for the 5% in tone and quality you gain buying a Gibson, unless your a pro of course.
Me to tbh
@@MrYatesj1 There is resale value to consider. My Gibsons are worth more than I paid for them and I can't say that for my other guitars. Honestly, I'd trade a room full of med priced guitars for one more nice gibson. Currently rocking 3 gibson, a strat, casino and others.
Gretsch is fantastic but it’s very hard to beat the fat original Gibson Neck if you got a good one. Nothing else matters, the sounds is easy, buy the pick ups you like
Gibson guitars are prone to quality issues and they're basically an investment vehicle more than an instrument.
I have the Ibanez and absolutely love it. Sounds incredible and just a joy to play. Every one of those guitars looks great!
Moi aussi!!
On my list. Guess, the most Rocker of those tested here....more mids. Id use if for hard rock.
They weren't talking price. But I'm pretty sure the best value is an Ibanez. They've been really working on their semi-hollow guitars in the last few years and are gettable on the second-hand market.
Hello tu as raison le marché de l occasion j ai acheté toutes mon matos comme cela ....il y a 2 semaine une ibanez AFS75 T red pour 180 euros c est super pour du jazz ou blues et aussi genre Chris Isaac..blues hôtel. Games ect avec le bigsby 😊🎶🎶
@@Fiasco3 I have owned quite a few Ibanez over the years but three years ago bought the exact AS93 in this video. It's got a bit of a rough fret job and setup, but once you work that out it's absolutely great to play. The pickups are really good, but veer on the side of mid heavy, and the neck pickup is hard to use (it's great for jazz fusion type but for rock you need to lower the pickup a lot to reduce the mid boom). For value it's definitely huge, the flame maple top (and back) is just amazing, and the ebony fingerboard is also really great for something in this price range. It's become the most played guitar out of my collection because I just like to hold it and look at it.
I liked the sound of the Gretch the best for general purpose, but the sire I think had the best clean sound for jazz.
Loved the Gretsch. Did not think I would like it more than the 335, but its quite something.
Gretsch. Great looking guitar and the pickups really shined. More dynamic range.
I've got a really cute D'angelico deluxe mini and that thing is super awesome. They make really solid guitars. Obviously a bit more than the one you guys demoed, but I really like their brand, they've done a good job.
Totally agree, Have Danny Excel dc vintage and Bob Weir Premier Bedford
They play great
I absolutely agree. I have a premier dc with P90s and it’s an outstanding guitar. Plus they just look killer
I really enjoyed Pete's performance in this one. I love what Pete is doing with the jazzing up the blues and walking those chords, it is so down home, and so essential (wish I knew it). Also love his black bird rip off addition to his jazz blues sound absolute genius. I can't hope to play lead as cool as he does but i would love to have the rhythm licks. I come from san jose the home of Chris Cain and he is great at walking those chords too, but I like Pete's variety. Also I like Pete's finger picking with mixed scale notes. It is fun to watch Pete grow on the guitar.
Blindfold test BEFORE the run through! Pete remembers neck shapes and smell ;-)
Honestly, never stop making these shootouts. This is hilarious but informative.
Love my Yamaha SA2200 it's beautiful.
I loved my Sheraton...but the Ibanez and dangelico is pretty dope.
The timing of this video is perfect. I ordered a Sire H7 with the same cherry sunburst back in January and it was just delivered last night. Going by looks and tones, I’d agree that the Sire and Ibanez are the winners but not by much. Lots of great semi-hollow guitars in the $600-800 range.
Ordered my Sire in January also, arrives Monday or Tuesday. Stoked I ordered one.
You should do a comparison of small semihollows like the Epiphone ES-339, Gretsch G5622, and D'Angelico Mini DC next. :)
The video shows 5622 as the guitar he's playing
Back in the day (~5 years ago), when I was in the market for a semi hollow guitar, my final contenders were a D'angelico Premier DC (very similar to the current one) and an Ibanez JSM10 (similar to the AS93). In the end the Ibanez won and it is my main guitar since then. Ibanez has some good stuff in the semiacoustics.
PS: could be interesting to throw a Guild Starfire I DC in the mix, I played one in a store recently and it is also a great guitar.
I love this shootout and comparison, and Pete's playing is always incredible, but I really wish the guitars had been mixed at least as loud as the dialogue. Minor criticisms aside, I really liked this one a lot, and I appreciate you taking the time to make it!
Yeah, the noise gate is a dirty trick.
I bought a D'Angelico Premier DC to meet my 335 "needs". Plays extremely well!
I am really surprised that you guys did not include Eastman in this shootout. I had not captured this video and have been looking for more videos of you guys doing Eastman guitars. They are at this point certainly the best semihollow manufacturer on the market if you have not played an Eastman and I’m sure both of you have, I am just surprised it’s not this demo because it is better than any guitar that you’re showing I mean honestly I would say that my acoustic experience with them has been above and beyond Martin, and certainly at a much better price point and as a gigging musician for 40 years, I can truly tell you I think their guitars are fantastic. I have brought them back-and-forth to the UK everywhere and never had any problems for the last three years. I truly have switched to Eastman. Look at the flame top on their LP look at the quality look at the tuning stability. Look at the binding look at the lack of errors, in the process of manufacturing, they literally have embarrassed Gibson and shamed them in every way possible I am glad to see the value of Gibson falling and I hope it continues to and I hope Eastman rises because honestly they have proven they want to serve the guitarist they want to provide the guitars And not only stick with the traditional method, but give us new and greater options and stop holding us back with this belief that Gibson is the end dollar bill it is such BS and honestly scary Lee. It’s the best guitar that you demoing here but again they’re great but Gibson doesn’t know how to keep things in line and because of the constant change of ownership. It’s hard to believe in that company I sold 15 Gibson guitars about six months ago, I mean truly don’t get me wrong. I walked away with almost $220,000. I reinvested $100,000 that in Eastman and you should see the guitar collection. I have Joe Besser wood cream for it honestly my 59 that they handmade for me I waited four months for it. Makes sure our nine look terrible. Lee and I used to think you are nine was my favorite guitar. I just can’t believe the quality of their work and I’m sorry that you guys don’t have more of them to show, Greg demo is always love you guys to death wish Rob was in all the demos the three of you together. I don’t come in often, but I do appreciate everything I have learned from your channel. It’s not only made me a better musician it’s made me more aware of my options. It’s also made me more stuck in my ways because I am a victory. Tube amp Guy and I don’t think I’ll ever do anything digital. Lol. Love you guys thanks again. 20:54
Eastman or Yamaha
Great shootout! The Epiphone firstly, and then the Gretsch, were hands down the best hollow body arch top sounding boxes.
Yeah, the Sheraton is a bit on the big&heavy side, but it is the guitar that I play the most :) It is my first semi-hollow, so I can only look forward to try another one!
I've got the Sire and love it. Will never let go of it! All the others are great too, but that Sire is choice, man!
That sounded best to me.
Just got a Sire in white and can’t wait to put it to the test .
Great that competition has created such a great group of guitars to choose from and still have a high quality instrument.
I have a ‘93 Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion. A Phenomenally nice guitar. ES-335 meets Les Paul std. it’s an under utilised guitar, not many well known players. Besides Howard Roberts I can only think of Alex Lifeson.
When it comes down to it, the guitar I want on my own doodah at home is the one with the most comfortable feel, the tone that speaks to me, and a price tag that doesn’t make me feel like I need to sell a kidney. Aesthetically, there’s a lot to love in this shootout, but after trying several of these same models and hearing some I haven’t gotten to lay hands on, I feel like I’d still stick with my Gretsch G5622, given the choice of any of the above.
to my ears the Gibson sounded the best and then the D’angelico was closest. The others were fine but those 2 stood out
My Gretsch center block is a completely different thing, but that makes it special.....
I just want to point out that the Sheraton was originally the high end version of the 335, and were both released at the same time.
Back in 1957, Epiphone had just been bought by Gibson. At the time, Epiphone were making very high end guitars and were seen as direct competitors by Gibson. After that, Gibson took some of the Epiphone hollowbody designs and modernized them with P90 pickups first, and with a double cutaway later with a solid centerblock. Thus the 335 body shape was born. So in 1958, Gibson and Epiphone released their own versions of that body shape at the same time, the Gibson ES-335, and the Epiphone Sheraton. The Sheraton at the time would have been the high end, more traditional version of it's brother, the 335, and as such was priced higher. Very few Sheratons were made between 1958 and 1970, and they changed specs almost year to year.
Of course the ES-335 was the most popular of the two, so Gibson continued with the 345, the 355, and then made a hollowbody version of it, the 330. The 330 then became the basis for the Epiphone Casino. Similar to what happened between the Sheraton and the 335, the Casino became much more popular than the 330, even though they are almost identical.
Years later, when Epiphone was reworked to become an entry level brand to it's bigger brother, Epiphone reworked the Sheraton into the Sheraton II. Today, the Sheraton comes in the Sheraton II Pro spec, and is actually fairly different to a 335. Mostly in terms of construction, it has a 5 piece walnut-maple neck, and a mahogany centerblock. As opposed to the traditional 335 composition of a mahogany neck and a maple centerblock. Also, the Sheraton has kept it's traditional Epiphone styling that is exclusive to the Sheraton, and not based on anything made by Gibson. Mainly the tree of life inlay on the headstock, Epiphone's traditional headstock shape, and the block and triangle abalone inlays. It was originally meant as an upscale guitar, and even today it has maintained that identity.
Just wanted to share some history on the Sheraton. They are cool guitars, and if you can get a higher end one, they have their own thing going that is slightly different than a 335.
I had a Korean Sammick model and sold it when down sizing the collection. Then I missed playing it, so bought a new Sheraton II Pro model; the price is amazing. It sounds even better than the Korean version. It is built well & looks gorgeous in Ebony with the gold hardware.
@@poodleguiderpeyes7388 Aren't the Sherries great? That super slim neck took me a while to get comfortable in, but I play my Sheraton the most of all my guitars. It can do everything really well!
I personally took off the pickguard, changed the knobs to some like the ones in a 57 LP Custom, and changed some of the gold hardware to black, and it now looks so much more "professional" and serious. I love it! Even just catching a glimpse of it while I do some work on my desk makes me go "ohhh yeaaaahh"
May be just me. But all should have block inlays. Just don’t look right with dot necks. Have the Ibanez myself. And it’s gorgeous and such quality
I have the Ibanez AS93. I love the neck, which I believe is a bit deeper than the other Ibanez artcore type guitars. I've change two things, the pick ups and the quick change tail stop, didn't like the feel of it under my hand when muting with my palm on the bridge.
That Site sounded nice but a narrow nut width would put me off.
Good overview. Thanks.
ES-335 player - Alex Lifeson! One of the greats!!
There is no question Sire has captured that Carlton “studio” sound. I have loved Larry since he exploded onto the scene in the early 70s and every time I hear one of these Sires it is instant Carlton to me. So Sire have nailed their design brief but one issue for me is the narrow neck at the nut.
I'm use to playing a '95 Taylor 12-string and a Cordoba classical and have just recently purchased the Sire H7 as my first electric, I have no problem with the neck width. The original ones were 40mm at the nut, but the 2023 models are now 43mm.
Cool , The Sire really interests me. They all are quite good . You should do this shootout with affordable to mid priced “superstars” ..for me! I am looking for one of those!
I got the 2020 epi es 339 inspired by Gibson line semi hollow and it's awesome 🤘😜🎸..
Yeah man, the "inspired by" are a step up, I am loving my Gold Top 50's solid body and for $400 used forgetaboutit!
My pref soundwise:
Ibanez then D'Angelico
Back from vacation Mr. Lee? Skin is glistening 🤩
I love the AS-93 VLS, even more than any of the Epiphones and even more than the ES-335. Amazing guitar, regardless of the money. It's one of two I've owned that people kept asking me to bring, and that people kept asking to play. It's one of a handful that people kept making offers to buy - even people who owned other semi-hollow guitars.
I have the as-93. The pickups are the same of J. Scofield... The lutherieis is amazing, no defect, the finishes and aesthetic are perfect and superb keyboard and neck....The seller (whom I know and is honest), after I paid (and this is important) told me that he honestly could not give me a single reason to prefer a Gibson Es or Ibanez top of the range semi-acoustic from 2000 and more euros. ... only details change and I'm not a professional .... then everyone has their own tastes ....
Don't think Pete is of this world. Amazing knowledge! 👍
Bought the D’Angelico Premier DC in white, with stairstep tailpiece on the used market. It is in brand new condition for 450 Euro. Almost decided to go for the Sire, until I actually played it. This is actually a very very nice guitar. However, that 40mm nutwidth was a showstopper for me. Am a tall guy with huge hands, that could not really deal with that narrow neck. The D’Angelico is king when it comes to playability, build quality and sound. One of my best guitars so far. (have 11 of them) May trade in a few to buy another D’Angelico. What a great guitar it is. Also tried Guild, Gretsch, Epiphone, Ibanez and Gibson.
I bought the Sire H7 v2 from Anderton. What a great guitar and superb service from Andertons. But I did return 2 guitars due to being too heavy for me (8.8 lbs), the third one was good (8.2lbs).
This for me is a problem, when buying via the internet, that the manufactures/retailers need to address. It would be so easy for the factory to weigh an empty shipping box (which will be the same for all guitars of that model), then subtract that from the gross shipping weight and you have the guitar weight without having to take it out of the box, then stick it on the box label. Simples.
Hey Guys, I thoroughly enjoyed this video. One thing I was hoping to see/hear was a gain sound on the neck pickups, played above the 12th frets. It's in that rarified section of the fingerboard where the differences between the various guitars might be more discernible. Nevertheless, still an excellent shootout, and one that achieves your goal, I think, of showing the guitar-buying public that we don't need to spend thousands to get a perfectly good journeyman's guitar that'll do the job!
For my money, the Sheraton was the winner, but then I'm pretty heavily biased. I had a Gibson/Epipihone artist endorsement from 2002 until 2017. I've been playing Sheratons live every weekend for the past 25 years! All of my guitars have been fitted with Gibson pickups and Bigsbys. I do love playing my Gibsons too, but in Australia's hot humid weather, my sweat would quickly ruin them completely. Therefore I save them for the colder months and play the Sheratons through Spring Summer and Autumn.
I've stopped buying any more guitars, which is a pity because I can see myself in my mind's eye playing a D'Angelico, or even a Gretsch, but only after they address the problem with upper fret access, which makes the Gretsch in this shootout unsuitable for my requirements. If I can't grab the high E at the 22nd fret and bent it up a whole tone, then the guitar is just so much firewood in my world. There are enough Gary Moore songs in my playlist . . my MUST PLAY list . . that unfortunately I'd have to not play them if I was gigging the Gretsch.
I've gotten around that in some ways by utilising my collection of White Epiphone Sheratons. I have one fitted with Gretsch Broadtrons, one fitted with P90s, and I'm in the process of deciding which one to fit with de Armond single-coils. I have nine white Sheratons. I started out with just two, which I bought within a week of each other five years ago. Then more continued to become available on Ebay, and now they are nine in number. My 1998 white Sheraton with the Broadtrons would eat any of the guitars in your shootout for sound quality. Probably down to the old wood of the guitar, compared to the new guitars which have yet to open up, so to speak. I'll say that give them all three to five years of having been played, and they'll be magnificent!
I wish I could be as lost as Pete. He nailed the heck out of all of them.
You are a lucky fellow, Cap. I picked the 335 both times as it was the sweetest (and rangiest?) of the bunch and my new fave sounding geetaar (how good was that brief Johnny B intro sound - so incredibly iconic to the 335 [as it happens]). Nearest was the d’Angelico, and (fortuitously, as we have one) the fatter Gretsch. Splendid shootout, thank you!
I just found that the Gibson sounded the best. Obviously it is the most expensive
I already have a Gretsch single cutaway fat body, so I just ordered the H 7!
Beautiful! You guys are always so inspiring
Re:335 - Alvin Lee. Just like your red one, Lee, only with a bunch more stickers.
I use to have a 1968 Walnut Finish Gibson ES 335 that I bought in 1972 for $350.00 USD. It was too large a guitar for me to play comfortably. I recently bought an Epiphone ES 339 with a Pelham Blue finish. It's the same guitar as the ES 335 with the body is scaled down to a smaller size. Now I finally have as ES 335 style guitar that fits me more comfortably, looks, sounds and plays great. It only cost $549.00 USD.
The filtertron pickups are on another level tbh ❤️
Yep, except those are Broadtrons on that guitar.
Mind you, Broadtrons also have a slightly different 'character' from regular humbuckers. 👍
@@KozmykJ I thought the difference was that they have a slightly higher output compared to the original filtertrons
@@atrumluminarium That may well be true.
The geometry of the smaller Filtertrons may have a bearing here also with the coils and their poles being closer together.
I looked into it ,a bit, when looking for an 'affordable' Gretsch.
I went for a G5232T Electromatic Double Jet as the cheapest Filtertron model that I could find at the time.
There IS a cheaper model of same without the Bigsby.
I'm loving it, it has a character of it's own for sure. 👍
the diffrence between the filtertron and broadtron is more than output. The filtertron is tighter brighter cleaner sound most similar to tv HS pickups and are higher output then an original filtertron. The broadtron are ballsy more low end more output and slot in between the PAF sound and the filtertron. Basing my opionion on owning the g5622 and g5230.
Once again the Hagstrom Viking doesn't get a look in, so under-rated.
Great content fellas, I would like to have seen the Hagstrom Super Viking next time round, a couple of hundred over the heard here but would still appreciate the comparison.
Sorry if you don't stock them Captain.
Happy widdleing.
I have a gretch electromatic. Fantastic guitar
Hard to pick!
The Gretsch cos it sounds different, or the Sire?
Id buy the Ibanez for Rock, the Gretsch for alterantive Sounds and the Sire for clean.
12/19/22 ~ I liked the blindfold shootout, and the chosen comparisons. NOTE; that digital time piece over the right of Pete, tends to be distracting/annoying as my eyes drift too see what it's displaying. Thanks again. That Sire neck is too narrow, and the pups sound tinny to ME..
Pete really is a lovely guitar player.
He plays well too!
That black Epiphone is a beauty 😍
D’Angelico mini DC XT.
Sweetwater exclusive.
$700.00. Great guitar.
That guitar is used for every style, it’s so versatile
All lovely guitars, most of which I tried, but settled on and brought a Hagstrom Viking.
I think the D Angelico and Gretsch have different sounds than the others, but all are greats
Please do a remake of this video with high end semihollows! 😇
The epiphone Sheraton is my favourite… just beams class… although all these guitars are great
Gretsch for me!
The sheraton n the Gretch yeah
Love my Sire H7 bought from a famous music shop in Guildford
I'll take them all! 👍
The day you add at the end of the video the guitar tabs of what you guys played in the video, you will increase your audience x2. These licks and riffs are a bit reason to follow the channel.
They are playing it in front of you and what you can't see you can hear and play back at reduced speed there even a plug in for looping in chrome.
Would be good to see a budget version of this shoot out, using things like the EastCoast G35, Grote G35, and so on, maybe using a sub £300 budget.
I have a Korean Samick SAN450 which I LOVE - I sold my first one and really regretted it so after years of trying to hunt one down (I'm a lefty so it's harder to find specific models 😑) I bought another one that I'm never getting rid of
I do like that Gretsch but Sire H7 all day long. Couuuld throw in a Riviera too because they’re also great
I found a Cort Source some guy had set up all wrong for $200! and it's as good as any of these. try one!
I'd pick the Sire...that Sunburst does it for me. It has a great traditional type of tone to me as well. However... I do prefer a smaller body style...just personal. I've got an import semi hollow double cut that I really love...and it was VERY inexpensive. Big Win in my book.
Agreed on the smaller body size. An ES-339 sized variant would be an instant buy for me.
@@The77SpaceMan I prefer the PRS style design, personally. It's all about personal preference. Aren't we lucky to have so many wonderful options?
@@BrentAdams We are. A friend of mine wants to learn guitar and we talked about options. We live in the golden age of affordable quality guitars, he's got so many models to choose from.
Do share, what's the brand of your import git?
@@stevescuba1978 Harley Benton CST 24-HB (PRS SE Hollowbody styling) only $205.00! It Rocks!
If I had to pick one, it'd be the D'Angelico, based in large part on the look.
I have a Firefly version of this, with the red flame top, which after a pickup swap and some setup is also a fantastic very affordable semi-hollow guitar.
"do we classify the Foo Fighters as metal?"
😐😐😐
Um...no. No we do not, Grampa Lee
😆😆😆
Foo fighters=pop rock in my book. Metal? Please
I gotta say, it’s quite a testament to the quality of the real thing that he guessed the Gibson in about 5 seconds
Edit: and then he thought the next 2 were the Gibson too 😂
The Gretsch and the Ibanez had the most identifiable sounds, the others all had similar semi-hollow humbucker sound.
Am I the only one who prefers the 339 shape? I’ve been kinda silently waiting for Epiphone to release a new 339 in a satin finish. 😢
I have an Epiphone 339 Pro with the P90s, and it's a rocker. And used they can be found for very little money. I literally cannot find a reason to change a thing on it, and those P90s scream.
Been waiting MONTHS for a Worn Purple Epi LP Classic
22 years on the same strings, it’s amazing how that 335 sounds.
I have owned and spent some time with the Ibanez artcores and I've them except for two things. Those stock pickups sound cold and uninspiring to me and obviously that can be reasonably easy to remedy but the last couple of AS73s I have had feel dead when you play them. They don't resonate. I hsve a hard time getting excited about playing a guitar that does not feel inviting. I have no idea what is up with ibanez in that respect. Oddly enough I recently purchased the silvertone idea of these guitars on ebay. This guitar feels alive when you strum chords despite the fact that it has a bolt on neck!! Seriously!! Also I have had several selihollow bodies and for some reason that Silvertone // Samick is heavy. Almost les paul heavy. It also sounds great unplugged! I would guess I just got a fluke but in a good way. Happy Accident??
Gretch no doubt but you forgot Guild! I love my Sc3 !
Glad you mentioned Marty McFly, I think he was the first
The Sheraton headstock is amazing
Hi, which amp did you use for this shootout??
It was easy to tell by the manner in which Pete dismissed the Sheraton that he didn't care for it.
It would have been interesting to chat for a few minutes and then hand Pete the same guitar back again. He's pretty sharp and may have caught on to the chicanery though. 😁
The D'Angelico sounds like it's great for blues.
I like the Sire and the D'Angelico the best. Completely different uses.
schecter also has a semi and full hollowbody that I'd be super curious to see! The Corsair and the Coupe
Out of this bunch, all but Gretsch were P90s guitars. Seem like for me those BroadTrons sound the best on semi-hollows.
i bought a ibanez artcore as73 a while back and I am quite pleased with my purchase. for the price it is a pretty damn good clone of the 335 lol. have compared it to epiphone and other 335 clones and Imho is the best one. And of course I also bought a budget ibanez gio bass and love that too. i dont know how they do it lol.
Don't forget about the Eastmans. T series... 184,5 & 6, 386,486 59v
I bought the exact same 335 dot back in 1999/2000 and it cost me £1375. Was only very lightly figured, hardly any. Bargain of the century.
Wouldn’t it make sense to do the blindfolded thing *first?* Before he has a chance to form memories and associations from the intro demo playing? I’d be more interested in the impressions of sound and feel, and not so much interested in a game of Concentration-trying to identify the brands from remembered specs.
When I think of the 335, it Larry Carlton, Mr. 335, and not Chuck 'Registered Sex Offender' Berry. In fact I try not to think of the latter at all. And I play an AM93 from Ibanez, which is a smaller version of a 335,. Ironically Ibanez made (it's predecessor) in the early 80s that Gibson eventually copied as their 339!
Can you do something similar to this with the 339 as the inspiration? I love semi hollow just not the big boys
You guys are awesome thanks for sharing 🎸🎼🎼
Next time please add in the Eastman T486 or T386!
Great demo, I liked the Gretsch
Sadly had to send TWO H7's back to Andertons for some pretty severe QC issue. Shame ad the T7 flame top I had off them is near faultless!