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This is one hell of a guitar! A 2015 custom shop model of the ES349, now discontinued, I wonder why? If you're looking for a versatile jazz guitar, this could be it! It is a very simple guitar to use, 2 volume and 2 tone controls plus the usual 3 way selector switch, neck, neck and bridge, and bridge pickups.
The quality is superb, the sound is incredible, the output is immense: that's why there are volume and tone controls, which if dialled, can give a wide range of dynamics. Truly this is a pleasure to play - a lovely fretboard, very smooth with excellent action and intonation.
I've used it through an AER Domino, Fender Deluxe Blues Reissue and a Roland JC22. It works incredibly well through any amplifier ....
If I had to slim my collection down I'd find it hard to part company with this one!
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04-26-2018 06:44 PM
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Why was it discontinued? It wasn't profitable.
When Gibson introduces such an instrument, it primarily competes with itself. I'm sure it would be cheaper for Gibson to build two ES-345s sans Varitone than one ES-345 and one ES-349.
I like the size and features of the ES-349. But the size difference isn't enough for me to buy it when I have more than one ES-345. If the ES-349 came out first and was iconic, Gibson would likely have trouble introducing the ES-345.
Actually Gibson has troubles in general. I don't think their marketing decisions and their endless new model introductions have served them well.
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Don't get me wrong. I have played quite a few smaller semi-hollows made by Gibson. They are fine instruments. I have often said that one of the best things Gibson did in the last 50 years is the Johnny A.
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It looks like an ES 339 with better appointments (binding, inlays, pick-ups ...). So, yes, I confirm : this must be a killing jazz machine !
Nice sample you have, congrats !
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Gibson as a whole is about to be discontinued if the news is to be believed.
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I always thought the ES-34x series was a weird niche. From the beginning, I thought the 335 & 355 fit that bill nicely. The same guitar, in basic and deluxe versions. Why another model that is sorta "half-way in-between?" (Not that the 345 isn't a great guitar. I just think of it as redundant. JMO.)
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The ES 345 has the great under valued and under used Varitone control. Switch to 3 or 4 and turn up the amp gives a great sound.
Originally Posted by Woody Sound
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I dig it, especially in black. The size is very comfortable, standing or sitting, just as the Johnny A. Signature, CS336, ES339, CS356, etc.
Here's a review comparing the ES349 and ES345.
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Originally Posted by Woody Sound
Redundancy, thy name be Gibson.
How many Les Paul and SG variants are there??
Somehow I ended up with a 345 as a kid. My head knows a 335 will do fine, but my heart wants the tasteful bling of the 345.
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It is genuinely fabulous to play, firstly being slightly smaller actually lends itself to being somewhat easier to play, while the pickups are simply out of this world. I'd have to say, this could be the main or only instrument. However, it is good to have an acoustic option, since moving from acoustic to electric is in my opinion a good idea - working out ideas acoustically (its far quieter and doesn't annoy the neighbours) then taking this to electric guitar.
Build quality on this is top notch. I hear that Gibson have some problems, which doesn't necessarily surprise me. Fender, generally, are better at marketing in my view but then is their product a bit more simple?
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I think a 335 and a 175 are plenty enough - so my 349 is effectively for me a smaller version of a 335/339. Perhaps I've too many guitars but then I'm addicted!
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Perhaps Gibson need to concentrate on their core market (whatever they consider this to be) rather than diluting it into a plethora of, on the one hand high priced replicas and on the the other hand more adventurous modern offerings! Just a thought.
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Gibson ES 325, 330 333, 335, 339, 345, 347, 349, 350, 355, and I'm fairly sure that I missed a few that were or could be next on the chopping block.
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The fact that a model can be discontinued from the Custom Shop is proof positive that the name "Custom Shop" is a misnomer.
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Seems not so long ago that the "Custom Shop" at Gibson stopped being a place for one off orders .. or something different than what is listed in the catalog ....
and became the shop where the really really good stuff us made ... or really really expensive stuff if you prefer
If you check Gibsons history ... what is discontinued today is often tomorrow's reissue
If they can reissue the Gibson RD and the MIII they can reissue almost anything
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Nice guitar! My BIL has a 1960's era 335 in cherry red.
Why so many models? One explanation is that they make minor tweaks to create a slightly different product, that may or may not be a new evolutionary path.
Another explanation is similar to what BMW (among others) does--create products for every conceivable niche. That's why there are literally 11 different 3-series models available right now.
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I'll add another possible reason for new models. There is a small market for those who have similar Gibsons but want to buy something else just for the joy of buying. The marketing department finds ways to say the new model is "improved" or different in a good way. That gives a reason to get another guitar. Originally Posted by Doctor Jeff
Marketers have done this forever. People want to somehow justify a purchase, and the marketers give them an angle to do this. The food industry takes advantage of the concept that people are always looking for good news about their bad habits. The tobacco industry did this for decades until they couldn't do it any more.
General Mills introduced chocolate Cheerios, which is loaded with sugar, a few years ago. Through taste testing they knew this was irresistible. Kids would literally scream for it and moms would crave it. But moms would be hesitant about the "junk food" health concerns. General Mills assured the moms but putting a "heart healthy" label on the box. No sentient human would be convinced that this now is a health food, but maybe it's not so bad after all.
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There's more models than even Gibson was aware of, due to advance prototype work from their future prospects for production plants. Originally Posted by Namelyguitar
Seriously, there sure is a huge proliferation of small semi hollows that almost all share the body shape of a scaled down 335, it is a nice size but the amount of variants is ridiculus.
(Apologies for adding BS to the thread about a genuinely great looking 349.)
ES: electric spanish
CS: custom shop
BS: just what is says! CN is not 'cutaway natural, it designates country of origin
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The Custom Shop that made one-off, custom guitars was called "Custom Direct". They'd build pretty much whatever you could think of, as long as it was based on a Gibson product. Some designs included ultra AAAA wood, exotic inlays, fancy binding, and much more, depending on how deep one's wallet. Originally Posted by Bluedawg
Seems not so long ago that the "Custom Shop" at Gibson stopped being a place for one off orders .. or something different than what is listed in the catalog ....
and became the shop where the really really good stuff us made ... or really really expensive stuff if you prefer
If you check Gibsons history ... what is discontinued today is often tomorrow's reissue
If they can reissue the Gibson RD and the MIII they can reissue almost anything
Here's one less blinged out, but incredibly playable example. Its a Custom Direct CS356 with Abalone Cloud inlays, Trapeze tailpiece, Chunky Neck and unbound headstock. I've owned this very special guitar for many years.
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