335 RI Inaccuracy?

[BrentD]

Plenty of companies do this thing like, "oh, we ran out of regular switches today so we'll use the other kind" - for example, I've got a Strat from a transition year that came.from the factory with one American Series pickup amd two Fat 50s, when spec before and after the change was one or the other.

Gibson RI guys are a special bunch, though. I don't think they'd tolerate such a thing given the premium on RIs. So it seems unlikely the factory would try.

I've come across a used 59 RI 335 and it's in pretty immaculate condition. It's consigned along with a 61 and a 64, all apparently from the same person who seems to have taken great care of the instruments. They might not have ever really been played.

But the 59 has reflector knobs. These don't seem to be spec according to Gibson. I haven't been able to find a single example of a 59 RI 335 with reflectors being listed as new.

Have any of you encountered one?

I know this is picky, but for the cost I want to know exactly what has been changed (if anything) on the guitar.

 

[the_007_life]

I have not seen one spec’d that way either.

I’d be curious if the previous owner preferred reflectors and swapped them out and put the original knobs in the case.

Might be worth asking the shop if you like that 335.

 

[BrentD]

Thanks. I asked to check the case and it's got the COA, hang tags, keys, etc. If it doesn't have all of the candy, it's close. Alas, no knobs.

 

[Lemonburst 59]

Never seen a 59 with reflector knobs, maybe he liked the looks of them on the 61 and 64 RI’s.

 

[clapciadrix]

Ask to see the COA

 

[BrentD]

Never seen a 59 with reflector knobs, maybe he liked the looks of them on the 61 and 64 RI’s.

Ask to see the COA

That's what I thought too and I asked to see the COA. It's definitely a 59 and given the condition I was hoping if he swapped the knobs the old ones would be in the case. I keep the stock ones around when I change them out.

 

[Steven K]

Everyone should keep stock parts IMO, increases resale value.

That's what I thought too and I asked to see the COA. It's definitely a 59 and given the condition I was hoping if he swapped the knobs the old ones would be in the case. I keep the stock ones around when I change them out.

 

[mikeslub]

Knobs were obviously changed.

 

[Wilko]

such a small, cheap, easy swap. I wouldn't give it a second thought if I wanted the guitar. Have the shop throw in a set of knobs. Done.

 

[BrentD]

such a small, cheap, easy swap. I wouldn't give it a second thought if I wanted the guitar. Have the shop throw in a set of knobs. Done.

I agree that it's not a big deal, but for $4500 I want to know that the shop knows. Otherwise, what else was missed when describing and appraising?

 

[gmann]

You’re overthinking this, put the knobs you like on the guitar and enjoy it!

 

[jb_abides]

What is the concern, that other things are changed?

It either has a RI serial or not. If the label and serial are evident as a 59 RI, and the dealer has listed it as such, then there's very limited changes to inquire about -- but it they are a good dealer they will help you in this regard.

If you have concerns, then ask they to pull the pickups as a tell for any modification, maybe use a mirror on th wiring? Beyond that, everything should be in clear view: tuners, guard, hardware.

It seems like the required action is for you to work with the dealer, there is little we can help you with. Knobs and plastics are easy fix items, include that in the deal if there's lingering doubt.

A dealer once called me regarding a lefty VOS SG RI, said it was the best they ever came across, both he and his tech agreed, and the tech even reached out and said 'buy this' and so I did. It's one of my best. Turns out it came with a "Les Paul CUSTOM" historic TRC not the usual for the 61 in Cherry. They said it left the factory that way, and left it. So did I. Fortune smiled on me, so I left it....

The real matter to weigh: is it a great guitar, to you?

If so, grab it and make it yours, and it you don't want reflectors, get some top hats thrown in!