How Did This Happen?

[Halowords]

Hey Schundog,

 

Congratulations on those great scores! The Craigslist add was down before I saw it; I'm curious how great a deal you got on the 535, but it's not really any of my business if you don't wish to share. Semi's are my favorite body style, and I've been very curious about Gibson's ES-339 since it came out; it seems that the ER Blues Deluxe would be similar, only better built than the Gibson, and, as your photos show, the Heritage is much more stunning!! Again, congratulations.

 

Thanks! The deal on the 535, that's no problem. It went for $1,100 plus shipping. It should get here tomorrow. The seller has been nothing be incredible to deal with; I really hope he finds his dream Strat. He knew it was a nice deal, but wanted to move it fast. Still, I'm happy to give his 535 a nice home.

 

The "Blues Deluxe" Prospect is pretty much just a Prospect w/ a full center block. I think if you order a Prospect Custom (rather than a Prospect Standard) that is what you will get. I'll A/B them, but the Prospect is very comfortable. As in, you don't even think about the guitar being there. I've only played it sitting down because I want to get strap locks on it first, however for me I think it will only be more comfortable standing up just because I can position it a bit better. That's just how it works for me. Sound-wise, again, I'll have to A/B them. The difference plugged-in is reportedly slim-to-none. I will say if I had gotten the Prospect in-hand before getting the 535, I might have passed on the 535. It just fits very, VERY well. Maybe I will say the same thing about the 535 when it gets here, we'll see.

 

As for stunning, the Prospect is gorgeous. It looks a little better in person, although the pic shows it pretty well. It's a Vintage Sunburst, but the burst is VERY subtle (which suits me), showing up more at an angle and all but disappearing when you look at it head-on. The 535 is also a VSB, but seems to be a shade or two darker from the pics. They both look great to me. I think the Prospect is a bit more golden turning to a lighter yet rich golden-brown at the burst when you hold it at an angle. The Prospect does probably have a bit of a nicer flamed top & back. I will say it's very flamey, almost has a quilty pattern in a few places, some nice mineral streaks here and there, just really a nice guitar I'm very lucky to have in my collection now.

 

I strongly suspect the Prospect (and the ES-339 and CS-356 by extension) is grossly underrated. I know I worried about losing something in the smaller size, but I can't imagine it will be all that much. We'll see. Still, I think they really deserve much more consideration as a great sounding guitar that is really just very comfortable and easy to play. They also have a nice, sleek, very graceful shape. I really think it's a beautiful and well thought-out design all things considered. If you're thinking of one, I would say they are worth checking out.

[FredZepp]

Just a look at the pic of the Prospect and you have to know that it's an amazing axe, it just has to be with looks like that.