Recommend me a semi-hollow. 335, Riviera, Sheraton

[Vanderfuzz]

I’m in the market for a semi-hollow. I own a Peerless plant Casino that I enjoy a lot, though the nut width is a little thin for my liking.

I want to add to it a semi-hollow. Not in the market for a 335, but perhaps a lawsuit variation, Yamaha, Greco, etc. How about Elitist Sheraton or Riviera? Other MIK models? The door’s open, but I’d like to top out at $1500. Less is always better, but playability and quality craftsmanship are high on the list. I’m not afraid to put in work concerning electronics and the like.

Also, I’m not particularly partial either way concerning full size or mini humbuckers. I love them both.

Any opinions regarding the above suggestions are greatly appreciated. I know there is wide variation among plants and quality. I will upgrade pickups, if necessary, so do not factor those into your assessment.

Thanks!

[UlricvonCatalyst]

The Tokai 335s had a good rep a few years back, despite (as far as I know) being made in China. Haven't tried one myself, but just advancing the argument that not all Chinese guitars are non-starters.

[bgalizio]

In your price range something by Eastman will be fantastic.

[starflower]

I've got all kinds of love for the Yamaha SA2200, which you'd likely have to get used to match the price.

In addition to legendary quality we're all familiar with, it also has a squillion tones on board and then some, and is one of a few I'd recommend playing even if someone needed to cover everything from funk to metal at a single gig with one guitar.

[fuzzking]

had a (then current) japanese tokai 335 a few years back. it was the top model of the line, can't remember the exact name, it was about 1600 € new. build quality was head and shoulders above all of the rest. insanely awesome guitar.

[Larry Mal]

Rickenbacker 330?

[BearBoy]

Rickenbacker 330?

Don't Rickenbackers generally have very narrow nuts?

[Vanderfuzz]

These are all excellent suggestions. I’m definitely not discounting MIC guitars. I know the 61 Casinos from a few years back were pretty nice. 1 11/16 nut width would be amazing.

I’ll keep researching.

[wproffitt]

If you can find an old Yamaha SA 90 from the 70s, you’ll have a winner and for far less money than you mentioned. The pickups sound great, the tuners seem solid, too. Also, don’t tell anyone I said this, but they look cooler than than most 3xx type guitars to me.

[Larry Mal]

Rickenbacker 330?

Don't Rickenbackers generally have very narrow nuts?

I always heard that too, so I measured mine. It’s the same width at the nut as my AVRI Fenders.

But, it stays fairly narrow as it travels to the body.

Very comfortable.

Much better than my Korean made Casino.

[HH1978]

I always heard that too, so I measured mine. It’s the same width at the nut as my AVRI Fenders.

But, it stays fairly narrow as it travels to the body.

Very comfortable.

Much better than my Korean made Casino.

I love Rickenbacker necks a lot, personally, but I admit they feel narrow.

If you're not afraid of something unusual, I would suggest a late '60 Kustom K200. Very Ricky in design (I'm pretty sure Rossmeisl designed the body), but cheaper, with a wider neck and nice Dearmond pickups. Those can be found around 1000$.

[mediocreplayer]

I want to add to it a semi-hollow. Not in the market for a 335, but I’d like to top out at $1500. \

Thanks!

You can get a 335 from Chicago Music Exchange right now for this price (they are marked 'Used' but they are not). The satin (my favorite finish) is already $1500, but they have a 15% sale now and the non-satin ones can also be obtained for around the same price. There is a long thread on TGP about it.

[Vanderfuzz]

I want to add to it a semi-hollow. Not in the market for a 335, but I’d like to top out at $1500. \

Thanks!

You can get a 335 from Chicago Music Exchange right now for this price (they are marked 'Used' but they are not). The satin (my favorite finish) is already $1500, but they have a 15% sale now and the non-satin ones can also be obtained for around the same price. There is a long thread on TGP about it.

I’d be tempted to hop on this, but the funds are not yet available. I’ve got some gear that I need to part ways with first (pedals and eurorack modules and the like). Once those are gone, then the hunt begins in earnest. For now, I’ll just keep building gear lust.

[jesterpunk68]

I know you said a 335 style guitar but what about the gretsch streamliners?




Keeley Davis from At the drive in has been playing the G2622 http://www.gretschguitars.com/gear/coll ... kups-black and likes it either stock or with the TV Jones T90 pickups.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZmDV9HEWiE

[shoule79]

I picked up a Peerless made Riviera a few months ago, for a cheaper guitar it can hang with the big boys. I really like the mini hums too. I thought all the wiring would be ripped out immediately, but so far I haven’t had the urge to change anything.