Gibson CS 336
The Overview
The Gibson CS 336 is one of the best playing and sounding guitars I’ve ever played. You are going to be thoroughly impressed by the quality of this guitar, and it represents the best that Gibson has to offer.
There are a bunch of these guitars on the used market with varying finishes. The plain tops and simpler styled CS 336’s are in the $2,500 to $3,500 range. The CS 336’s figured tops look to be in the $4,000 to $4,500, and I even found some black mahogany models priced over $5,000.
If you’re looking for a new CS 336, Sweetwater is carrying the two flame top models that cost $4,799. It’s no question why these custom shop guitars are fetching a premium, and the premium is well deserved.
Features
The new Gibson CS 336 is available with a flame maple top in two colors, faded cherry or vintage sunburst, both in high gloss. Today we’re demoing an older model with a plain top and a cherry finish. Today’s model we’re going to demo comes in a cherry finish. As you can see in the photos, the guitar’s body shape is very similar to the popular and legendary ES 335. I believe this is Gibson’s intent and its resemblance is not accidental. The CS 336 is has the classic styling of the ES335 in a smaller body that feels more like an electric guitar.
It includes a nickel Tune-O-Matic bridge and a stop bar tailpiece. The pickups are ’57 Classic Humbuckers, and the controls are standard for a two-pickup Gibson. Two volume and tone knobs, one set dedicated to each pickup, and a 3-way switch with bridge, bridge/neck, and neck positions.
The neck is mahogany with a rosewood finger board. Today’s model that we are demoing has dot inlays. Most of the CS 336 guitars I’ve seen on the Internet have dot inlays, so I believe this is pretty standard. The rosewood fret board is framed by a cream binding.
The headstock is your standard Gibson fair. There is no reason to put the ritzy Gibson inlays on this headstock, and I appreciate Gibson’s humble approach considering how nice this guitar plays.
How Does it Sound?
It would make sense if you assumed the CS 336 with ‘57 Classic Humbuckers would sound very similar if not the same as SG’s and Les Pauls. While it is similar, the CS 336 delivers a sound that is overall brighter, tighter, and warmer. To illustrate this, the SG ‘61 Reissue from 2009 has the same ‘57 Classic Humbuckers, but has a much darker sound.
You’re going to be amazed at how good this thing sounds, so let’s get to it. The next paragraph is my standard blurb on how I record guitars for the these reviews. If you’d like to recreate the tones below, simply check out the pictures and the gear I used.
For the demo, I used a Fender Champ. I recorded audio clips using a clean setting with the amp turned to 3.5 to start, and progressively turned the volume up. On the guitar itself, we’ll start with the switch in the neck position, move to the middle, and then to the bridge position. All volume and tone knobs on the guitar are turned to 10. I recorded this sound bite using Presonus Studio One Artist 4, Presonus’s AudioBox iTwo, and a Shure SM7B microphone.
Clean
The clean tone was incredible. I can easily see this being a great country tone or used for old 50’s rock and roll tunes. Really warm and bright, the CS 336 shines right away.
Amp Breaking Up
This is such a great blues tone it’s almost not fair to listen to other guitars. I liked how the Robert Cray Stratocaster sounded at this setting, but the Gibson CS 336 has so much body and tone that it’s a hard sound to match.
Crunch Time
You are going to love the crunch tone! I haven’t heard a guitar that gets a more tight and controlled sound. And the best part is it freaking rocks! Check it out!
The Wrap Up
I think the Gibson CS 336 is one of the best sounding guitars I’ve played this year. Its tonal range is so versatile, I can see folks playing rockabilly, country, soul, jazz, classic rock, and more on this guitar. You’re going to love this instrument the moment you pick it up and plug it into your favorite tube amp.
Action & Intonation
The action on this guitar was almost non-existent. If you think about the low action vintage Les Paul’s have, then you’ll understand how this guitar feels and plays. It was intonated perfectly, as you would expect for a $4,000+ guitar.
Modifications
There were no modifications made to the CS 336 that I demoed today.
Final Thoughts
You get what you pay for. This is a custom shop guitar, and it lives up to the custom shop label. It plays great, and sounds incredible. You’re going to look cool playing this guitar on stage too, and it’s classic styling will fit in with any genre.
Other Guitars to Consider in the Same Price Range
As of today, I haven’t reviewed any guitars in a similar price range. When I have a comparable guitar review posted, I will share a link here!
Higher End or Better Sounding Guitars
The Gibson CS 336 is top of the line, and unfortunately, there are not many higher end or better sounding guitars out there. If you purchase a new CS 336 with a figured top it will cost you $4,799, and this is already pushing the barrier between high end and boutique instruments.
I’m not going to make a suggestion for better or higher end guitars for this post. Above this price point, you’re buying more than a guitar. You’re buying brand name, or history, or collector’s instruments. The CS 336 is as good as it gets in the realm of guitars, and any differing opinion is just that…an opinion.
Similar, More Budget-Friendly Guitars
If you’re thinking that $4,799 is too much money, consider another Gibson guitar. Check out our review of the Gibson SG ‘61 Reissue! It is a great sounding guitar for $1,799, and has a very similar feel.
Looking for other archtop electric guitars? Check out the Epiphone Dot Deluxe or the Gretsch G2655T Streamliner!
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