ES 335 Bass

[veebass]

So the pickups in the ES 335 Bass are likely (?) the same as those in the 2013 Les Paul Standard Bass?

[Dave W]

Yes, very likely.

[Grog]

Same as the earlier (first year) Les Paul Standard Oversize Bass?

[gearHed289]

Given Gibson's seeming lack of concern over anything bass-related, I tend to doubt that there's any difference between any humbucker-sized, no pole piece pickup they've been using on basses since the 90s. Any claims of "newly designed" or whatever are likely nothing but marketing catch phrases.

[veebass]

I had my first run with the bass with a band last night. Very impressed!

[dadagoboi]

Given Gibson's seeming lack of concern over anything bass-related, I tend to doubt that there's any difference between any humbucker-sized, no pole piece pickup they've been using on basses since the 90s. Any claims of "newly designed" or whatever are likely nothing but marketing catch phrases.

Can we please have this engraved at the top of the Gibson Forum?

[uwe]

You guys are a bunch of moaners, mutterers and whiners! 

Dutifully, I have tested my Goldtop (horrible color, what was I thinking?) XL LP and my ES 335 side by side. Comparing a hollow-body and a sizeable solid chunk of wood such as the LP is tricky, but other than that the TB Plus pups sound a little louder on the LP (might be the controls or maybe pups just sound louder in a solidbody or maybe it's just standard production variation), the character of the two pairs on pups on both basses is identical: warm, blurry, but not muffled or distorted. An ideal sound for me. I don't know what's with all these people having issues with the TB Plus pup sound!!!

[66Atlas]

Nonsense! the gold ones are the prettiest. When I take it out I like to pretend I am Auric Goldfinger and contemplate elaborate plans to kill Mr. Bond.  It also reminds me of Shirley Eaton covered in gold paint.

I dont doubt that the pickups are the same across the the chrome pickup models. But I'm sure that wouldn't stop Gibson from advertising them as "redesigned" periodically with no actual changes made.

[veebass]

You guys are a bunch of moaners, mutterers and whiners! 

Dutifully, I have tested my Goldtop (horrible color, what was I thinking?) XL LP and my ES 335 side by side. Comparing a hollow-body and a sizeable solid chunk of wood such as the LP is tricky, but other than that the TB Plus pups sound a little louder on the LP (might be the controls or maybe pups just sound louder in a solidbody or maybe it's just standard production variation), the character of the two pairs on pups on both basses is identical: warm, blurry, but not muffled or distorted. An ideal sound for me. I don't know what's with all these people having issues with the TB Plus pup sound!!!

While having nothing to test it against except for a Gibson TBird, I would say my ES 335 is a loud bass.
I really like the sound of the ES 335 too. Tells me that the LPs you mentioned would also be to my liking.
I agree with the post by 66Atlas about the Gold Tops being the gol! Hmm...

[Dave W]

Can we please have this engraved at the top of the Gibson Forum?

Done!  (at least temporarily). I hope Tom doesn't mind.

[gearHed289]

Haha! All good! And for the record, TB+ is probably my favorite passive pickup, with late model Rickenbackers a close second.

[Basvarken]

Gibson does not have the monopoly on stupid marketing. Today I saw these pictures:







Made in Mexico.
Now can anybody tell me what's so authentic about this?

[Pilgrim]

Perhaps a light application of lighter fluid and a short cooking cycle would increase authenticity?

[uwe]

I'm sure the thrifty Hendrix Family will have an explanation.

[Dave W]

I'm sure Janie Hendrix' money grabbing paws have something to do with it.