Gibson - Memphis-built guitars?

[singlehum]

I saw a (2001?) Gibson ES335 recently that had a white Gibson USA label in the body as opposed to the orange label. The serial number was a production-type number (like 10 digits), not the custom shop style. The case had "Gibson Memphis" stenciled on the outside, and was more like a Custom Shop case, with a blue crushed velvet style interior.

Does anyone know the scoop on this? Are some guitars or models built exclusively in Memphis, and is there a difference? I think I read somewhere that the only 335s built in Nashville are the CS guitars.

Any info appreciated.

[murkat]

Memphis ='s , even thou it is Labeled as a "Custom Shop", the line up there is a fancy dressed up

USA Plant guitar. A modern approach to a vintage instrument, just like the Plant on les pauls, etc.

(fwiw, nashville custom shop was suppose to move to memphis, but employees scoffed the idea

of relocating, so corporate kept both facilities and labled as such).

Nashville CS makes necks and other production items for memphis, but that is where the simulatries end.

Nashville ='s a 335 type from will yeild a Historic, re issue of a 335 type, closer to spec of a vintage

instrument. Parts, construction, etc.

Kinda like buying a Les Paul traditional Pro, classic, etc. to a Les Paul Historic R8, (etc.) re issue.

[singlehum]

Jay thanks for the info. So, are all "production" (i.e. non-CS/non-Historic 335s built in Memphis, or just periodically/transitionally, or ???

[murkat]

All production from memphis, nothing historic.

a clue to look for,

Historic will have Kluson style tuners, except for a possible run of an Artist type with a different tuner type.

Production will have Grover tuners, and a sloppy made CPA inside.

[singlehum]

Yup...Grovers. Not sure what CPA stands for...other than Certified Public Accountant but I don't think it had one of those inside.

[murkat]

Control / Pickup / Assembly

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