Affordable ES type guitars and a lesson learned about guitar marketing
“ES” is the iso code for Spain. The name es-335 meant Spanish guitar style for 335 US dollars.
I’m not sure if an es-175 was 175 US dollars but its price is no more part of the name.
If you hunt for an affordable ES, Gibsons are not the one to look for because they are so expensive. I mean way too expensive for what you need. Let’s be honest, Gibson guitars are good but there are guitars that are far better for less money. Unless you are looking for a specific finish, wood, signature model, aged/relic, or vintage instrument, you don’t need to spend all your savings to have a decent musical instrument.
A personal note on PRS: you are paying the brand and all the work done on the finish. To me, they are OK guitars that have been overly worked on the look. I have owned and played enough of them and never found any connection musically. Maybe one day I will stumble on a good one.
Now, I will just name 3 brands producing affordable ES models under 800 US dollars/euros perfect to learn and even gig with. Epiphone, Ibanez, Sire. And if you look at the second-hand market, they are even more affordable.
You can upgrade them (pick-ups make 75% of the sound) and not be worried if they get a bit damage along the way.
On the psychological level, there is no denying that playing a Gibson is more pleasant than an Epiphone.
I now have a Casino Epiphone which I have paid half of the price of my es 335 and psychologically speaking it is very disturbing to acknowledge that I prefer to play it. Ok, it’s Japanese, but I also own an Indonesian-made one, and I find it as pleasant to play as the Gibson.
The bottom line is don’t let brand marketing fool you and steal your money. You are better than this.
I have to confess I have failed at this. You can be wiser than me and not fall into this terrible trap.
It’s a disappointing, time-consuming, and expensive experience. Spend more energy and time on playing and learning Music which is a way more fulfilling experience.