335/535 Body size

[Humbuster]

Researching electric hollowbodies and not sure if I want another Gibson or if the Collings I-35 may be too small:

 

I checked measurements and the I35 is closer in size to the ES356/339 variants from Gibson and too small. However the Heritage 535/555 may be the best size, at least for me

 

I 35

Body length: 17 5/8

Lower bout width: 15

 

ES 335

BL: 20

LBW: 16 1/2

 

ES359/339

BL: 17

LBW: 14.25

 

Heritage 535/555

BL: 17 7/8

LBW: 16

 

Perhaps I should give Jay Wolfe a call.

[GuitArtMan]

All I can say is every time I compared my 535s to the current offerings from the Gbrand I walked away secure in the fact that the 535 was the superior guitar. I'm sure the Collings is a fine guitar, but you could have two 535s for the price of admission of the Collings.

[kidsmoke]

Agreed, I fell in love with the 335 style by ownership of a quality MIJ Washburn, spent years assuming that a "real" 335 was my calling. Everytime I got my hands on a MIA G***** 335, I came away comfortable that my 30 year old Washburn was a better instrument!

 

Note that those were MIA recent vintage. Not custom shop, not vintage guitars. Note also that the recent 335's in question would have cost 2 - 3 times what my 535 did used.

 

I then happened upon a 535 in a resale shop (NO previous knowledge of the brand) and was absolutely stunned with everything about it. Sold the Washburn, bought the Heritage, started cavorting with the whack jobs on this forum, and, haven't regretted it for a second. Agree that Collings are fine, fine instruments. Seems you've already determined the size issue is a no go however. The 535 is right/there with the 335. And for the price, I just don't see that there's any question.

 

I actually like the 339 size, and for that reason may end up with a prospect or millie at some point.

[High Flying Bird]

I am 6'0" tall and weigh in around 180lbs. The 535 fits my body size perfectly. Well balanced, and everything fits where it should.

[rjsanders]

consider rim thickness, too, and woods used. a 535 a local kid has is my favorite-sounding 335-style guitar. but the body width is too much for me, so i ended bonding w/my Millennium DC...

[kidsmoke]

can anyone else chime in on this....the OP indicates that a 335 is over 2" longer than a 535??? I'd be inclined to argue that. But I can't say I've actually held both in my hands at the same time

[H]

I am 6'0" tall and weigh in around 180lbs. The 535 fits my body size perfectly. Well balanced, and everything fits where it should.

Even with the bucket, Ron?

[Keith7940236]

Have you considered a Prospect? 15 LBW 1.5" Rim. Very comfortable. I like the feel of the 535, but the Prospect just seems to fit me better. I tried the 339, but prefer the feel of the Prospect

[iim7v7im7]

H-535 is just a tad smaller than an ES-335.

 

Length: ES is 2" longer (20" vs. 18")

Width: ES is 0.5" wider (16.5" vs. 16")

Depth: ES is 0.125" deeper (1.75" vs 1.625" at the rim)

 

I prefer the Heritage for many reasons.

 

Good Luck!

 

Bob

[High Flying Bird]

Even with the bucket, Ron?

 

Even with the bucket.