This video helped answer a question. I’ve been trying to get answered for a while now. I appreciate that greatly. I thought it was interesting how the guitars handled the double stop bends very differently. Very good comparison. I appreciate you very much, Jonathan. I always enjoy your content and look forward to the next video.
@@RatherBeRiffing these are two guitars that I’ve been considering for a while now. But after hearing the characteristics of the 335 variant. the way it handled the double stop bends and the snappy bright nature and its almost tele like quack really solidified that the 335 was more fitting for me.
7:04 Really great articulation from those Humbuckers in the Grantura (wouldn't expect anything less). Both of these guitars, their designs and constructions are really in the top 10% of most new guitars available. I can't find myself comparing them as these instruments approach the area of Player preference being the only arguable differences. Another great comparison Sir. Thank You
Great playing as always Jonathan! And just want to thank you for your ongoing 594 series. Coming up on my goal for saving for a Core 594 not entirely as a “Les Paul” replacement but definitely getting the PRS formula with the more classic specs that meld with me as a player. I don’t buy new guitars very often but last year went with a Core Silver Sky (maple) and the sounds were all there with basically perfect playability. There’s some really great guitars with more custom builders out there but as a larger company I’m amazed at the stuff coming from PRS, this current era of McCarty and DGT models are going to be great decades from now.
been lookin for a 335 type guitar, but, as much as I'm Gibson fan, I'm not a fan of the Gibson ES335. I think it's more a feel thing. Changing out pickups on a ES335 is nightmare fuel for me. Thanks for the video.
Wow, what a couple of great sounding guitars. For reasons unknown, I found myself wanting to like the PRS more, but I’ve got to admit that the Thorn sounded a little more articulate to my ears. Both are tremendous tone machines, however. Your playing had quite a bit to say about it, too. Nice video!
They both sound great. Hard to discern a tonal difference listening over my better than decent computer system. The Grantura stands out as the pinnacle of elegance in 335-style guitars.
I think they both sounded great, but like you, there was a slight difference and my preference on the tone changed based on what you were playing. But only very slightly.
I was at Grocery store yesterday wearing PRS Shirt the Cashier asked me "PRS?" ...I'm like YUP! He asked why so I went into depth :) Thx again for making these Vids! George :) I hear a FULLER WARMER Tone that are more Up-FRONT on ES-335 Style Gtr. & less w/ the PRS 594 Hollow Body. ( yet the way you play makes it sound GREAT ON BOTH BUT COMPARING THE TWO in my Home Studio enjoyed the PRS but Ron Thorn was RICHER/More again Up front & Warmer I FEEL. If that makes sense? I know we all hear a little different and Judge different :) Great Playing Jonathan, George Amodei
Thanks as always, George! That's cool! Like you, I could go into depth all day about PRS (I think it's time a get a t-shirt too!). I like your description of the Thorn and it makes complete sense to me - I feel the same way about it.
@@RatherBeRiffing Jonathan- if you get a chance, please let me know your Camera, Lens… etc. you Channel REALLy stands out! I just use my iPhone w/ both Types of light Wht ( ~3600-4000K ) & RGB’s Yours looks Pro or Cinematic 👌🏼😳🙏Thx you in advance, George Amodei.
Hey Jonathan. For me, the Grantura tics all the boxes. The 594 was great, but sounded a little more like a LP. The Ron Thorn was able to achieve the mid range and articulate, sparkly highs that a 335 with original PAF's would. Great comparison!
Thank you! I researched best 335 alternatives and the Thorn came up and I've been so happy with it. It really ticks all the boxes as you say (and it plays phenomenally well).
Love your tones and style. Always an enjoyable listen. The pickups in the 594 sounded a bit hotter and slightly darker. Not a huge difference, to my ears through TH-cam’s compression. I think if you swapped the pups between them, you would have pretty close to the same tones just in the opposite guitars. Both tones are great.
Well, looking for a 335 alternative I would choose the Ron Thorn: its sound is great and more Gibson style. The day you published this video I bought an ES 335 '64 reissue (still waiting for it), that is going to be the big sister if my current semihollow, a Memphis 339 walnut. So my choice is clear: I would choose a true Gibson. But... there's a but... I'm still chasing the right 594 hollowbody II for me. After a year and a half I didn't found it yet, but I don't give up: this guitar has its own tone and I think that it will be the perfect buddy of my two Gibson ESs. Great video as usual. If I may add something, I would appreciate a little less audio post production audio or less ambient effects: they still tend to cancel a bit of the nature of these great guitars. I don't mean to be rude, I'm just not english mothertongue and I'm not sure if the words I chose are appropriate. Thanks for this beautiful video.
Thank you, Francesco! Enjoy your new 335! I agree that the 594 has its own sound. Thanks for the suggestion. I plan to include a section in my videos where I compare guitars recorded with an iPhone into an amp in the basement to provide that perspective too. Stay tuned!
I watched your new video (never seen a gorgeous SE like that!). The Iphone recording is a nice idea but my opinion is to keep videos just like you are making them, but with less post production, cause it tends to cancel the very nature of guitars you are showing to us. Just my opinion.
Ron thorn guitars are works of art as is the Prs which in this case is the less expensive guitar. ThisThorn starts at $10,750.00 USD and it's easy to see why; the workmanship and sounds are pure quality. In the line up is the Florentine Singularis, a LP style that looks purely amazing to say the least, possibly a demo in the future? Thank you for showcasing 2 works of art and for entertaining us with your amazing caressing of the fretboard!
Thanks for the kind words and thoughtful points as always! Ron is a master. I’m glad I found my Grantura on the used market almost 10 years ago and d paid less than half the going rate. I’d love to try / demo the new Florentine Singlecut. I’ve gawked at it on more than once occasion!
@RatherBeRiffing there are deals out there it's just a matter of timing, and on occassion its luck to come across quality guitars at bargain prices. Congratulations. Looking forward to your next video.
Both Guitars Amazing. Ron Thorn is a Master, So is Paul. Ron Ellis Pickups sound Amazing. Cant go Wrong with Either. Great Playing, Thanks for thr Video.
thanks. great video as always.. Ron Thorn is a master and a very friendly person. perhaps teh PRS ihas a sound more refined and aristocratic the 335 more vintage and proletarian... two beautys.. greatings from the sunny Barcelona
The BEST 335 alternative is the Heritage H-535 the dressier H-555. They are basically 335s being made in the original Gibson factory in Kalamazoo. I have two of them, one being a 30th anniversary H-555 (#15) and the craftsmanship is absolutely stellar.
After decades of experience I've found that the 335 alternative area is very dicey. Assuming a smaller body, very often the soul/warmth/punch of a 335 is lost, but the benefits of a Les Paul are not there either. So it's in a nowhere land. This is why a 339 or 336 don't do it for me. That said, those 2 guitars are intriguing, and I've settled on a Collings I-35LC VINTAGE.
Ron is building some awesome guitars. The only sequence where the PRS shines is at 6:00 For the rest, the Grantura is brighter, tighter, better sounding to my ear. The 594 sounds a bit muffled or dark most of the time. Definitely not 335ish...
This video helped answer a question. I’ve been trying to get answered for a while now. I appreciate that greatly. I thought it was interesting how the guitars handled the double stop bends very differently. Very good comparison.
I appreciate you very much, Jonathan. I always enjoy your content and look forward to the next video.
Thanks, Matt - I’m curious what question it help you answer.
@@RatherBeRiffing these are two guitars that I’ve been considering for a while now. But after hearing the characteristics of the 335 variant. the way it handled the double stop bends and the snappy bright nature and its almost tele like quack really solidified that the 335 was more fitting for me.
Beautiful playing. Always look forward to your new videos.
Thank you, Michael! I’m glad to know that.
7:04 Really great articulation from those Humbuckers in the Grantura (wouldn't expect anything less).
Both of these guitars, their designs and constructions are really in the top 10% of most new guitars available.
I can't find myself comparing them as these instruments approach the area of Player preference being the only arguable differences.
Another great comparison Sir.
Thank You
Thank you! Agree - really comes down to preference at this level!
Great playing as always Jonathan! And just want to thank you for your ongoing 594 series. Coming up on my goal for saving for a Core 594 not entirely as a “Les Paul” replacement but definitely getting the PRS formula with the more classic specs that meld with me as a player. I don’t buy new guitars very often but last year went with a Core Silver Sky (maple) and the sounds were all there with basically perfect playability. There’s some really great guitars with more custom builders out there but as a larger company I’m amazed at the stuff coming from PRS, this current era of McCarty and DGT models are going to be great decades from now.
Thank you and my pleasure, Andrew! Totally agree about the great options out there today - both from PRS and many custom builders. We're lucky!
i love the way you play and your reviews!
Thank you as always!
As usual, beautiful playing and tones. Love it brother!
Thanks as always!
Wow! Definitely two very different guitars! The 594 is probably a little more versatile to my ears. Really looking forward to the SE594 video!
Agree! Different voices. Thanks for the observations!
Great editing bro
Appreciate it!
Always a great and clean performance my dear friend!!
Love and respect Kyle!! 😊🥁🇵🇭
Thank you! Much appreciated as always!
been lookin for a 335 type guitar, but, as much as I'm Gibson fan, I'm not a fan of the Gibson ES335. I think it's more a feel thing. Changing out pickups on a ES335 is nightmare fuel for me. Thanks for the video.
My pleasure! Total torture to swap pickups on those. I have my out to try a Collings I-35 someday.
Wow, what a couple of great sounding guitars. For reasons unknown, I found myself wanting to like the PRS more, but I’ve got to admit that the Thorn sounded a little more articulate to my ears. Both are tremendous tone machines, however. Your playing had quite a bit to say about it, too. Nice video!
Thanks for the kind words! Yeah, that Thorn has quite a voice on it. It’s a spectacular guitar.
They both sound great. Hard to discern a tonal difference listening over my better than decent computer system. The Grantura stands out as the pinnacle of elegance in 335-style guitars.
Agree on both points - well said! I’ve fallen back in love the Grantura as it had been out the rotation.
Great comparison love the thorn it sounds awesome and the head stock is the best I’ve seen on a 335 style guitar
Thank you! Headstocks can be tricky and I think Ron nailed it!
I think they both sounded great, but like you, there was a slight difference and my preference on the tone changed based on what you were playing. But only very slightly.
Thanks for your observations!
Both sound great 👍. And great playing as usual 👌👌
Thank you, James!
I was at Grocery store yesterday wearing PRS Shirt the Cashier asked me "PRS?" ...I'm like YUP! He asked why so I went into depth :) Thx again for making these Vids! George :) I hear a FULLER WARMER Tone that are more Up-FRONT on ES-335 Style Gtr. & less w/ the PRS 594 Hollow Body. ( yet the way you play makes it sound GREAT ON BOTH BUT COMPARING THE TWO in my Home Studio enjoyed the PRS but Ron Thorn was RICHER/More again Up front & Warmer I FEEL. If that makes sense? I know we all hear a little different and Judge different :) Great Playing Jonathan, George Amodei
Thanks as always, George! That's cool! Like you, I could go into depth all day about PRS (I think it's time a get a t-shirt too!). I like your description of the Thorn and it makes complete sense to me - I feel the same way about it.
@@RatherBeRiffing Jonathan- if you get a chance, please let me know your Camera, Lens… etc. you Channel REALLy stands out! I just use my iPhone w/ both Types of light Wht ( ~3600-4000K ) & RGB’s
Yours looks Pro or Cinematic 👌🏼😳🙏Thx you in advance, George Amodei.
Great content and playing, I wonder where to buy this backing track?
Thank you! Not for sale. I'll eventually find a way to offer backing tracks, tabs, etc. Thanks for the interest!
I agree with your summation
Hey Jonathan. For me, the Grantura tics all the boxes. The 594 was great, but sounded a little more like a LP. The Ron Thorn was able to achieve the mid range and articulate, sparkly highs that a 335 with original PAF's would. Great comparison!
Thank you! I researched best 335 alternatives and the Thorn came up and I've been so happy with it. It really ticks all the boxes as you say (and it plays phenomenally well).
Love your tones and style. Always an enjoyable listen. The pickups in the 594 sounded a bit hotter and slightly darker. Not a huge difference, to my ears through TH-cam’s compression. I think if you swapped the pups between them, you would have pretty close to the same tones just in the opposite guitars. Both tones are great.
Thank you! That would be an interesting test!
Great comparison! Do both guitars do that controllable feedback swell thing when using gain and is one better than the other for it?
Thank you! I never tested in a loud enough environment. I assume they would and would love to try.
@@RatherBeRiffing Good to know… thanks!
That Ron Thorn Grantura looks a little smaller than a Gibson ES 335, maybe closer to a Collings I-35 size. Is it?
Good eye! It is indeed smaller and closer to an I-35 size.
Great video awesome guitar player
Thank you!
Well, looking for a 335 alternative I would choose the Ron Thorn: its sound is great and more Gibson style. The day you published this video I bought an ES 335 '64 reissue (still waiting for it), that is going to be the big sister if my current semihollow, a Memphis 339 walnut. So my choice is clear: I would choose a true Gibson. But... there's a but... I'm still chasing the right 594 hollowbody II for me. After a year and a half I didn't found it yet, but I don't give up: this guitar has its own tone and I think that it will be the perfect buddy of my two Gibson ESs.
Great video as usual. If I may add something, I would appreciate a little less audio post production audio or less ambient effects: they still tend to cancel a bit of the nature of these great guitars.
I don't mean to be rude, I'm just not english mothertongue and I'm not sure if the words I chose are appropriate.
Thanks for this beautiful video.
Thank you, Francesco! Enjoy your new 335! I agree that the 594 has its own sound. Thanks for the suggestion. I plan to include a section in my videos where I compare guitars recorded with an iPhone into an amp in the basement to provide that perspective too. Stay tuned!
I watched your new video (never seen a gorgeous SE like that!). The Iphone recording is a nice idea but my opinion is to keep videos just like you are making them, but with less post production, cause it tends to cancel the very nature of guitars you are showing to us. Just my opinion.
Just an idea: How does the 594 compare to the latest Epiphone 1959 ES-355? Would be good if you could demo it and put against the PRS
That would be a fun comparison if I ever come across one!
Ron thorn guitars are works of art as is the Prs which in this case is the less expensive guitar. ThisThorn starts at $10,750.00 USD and it's easy to see why; the workmanship and sounds are pure quality. In the line up is the Florentine Singularis, a LP style that looks purely amazing to say the least, possibly a demo in the future? Thank you for showcasing 2 works of art and for entertaining us with your amazing caressing of the fretboard!
Thanks for the kind words and thoughtful points as always! Ron is a master. I’m glad I found my Grantura on the used market almost 10 years ago and d paid less than half the going rate. I’d love to try / demo the new Florentine Singlecut. I’ve gawked at it on more than once occasion!
@RatherBeRiffing there are deals out there it's just a matter of timing, and on occassion its luck to come across quality guitars at bargain prices. Congratulations. Looking forward to your next video.
What amp do usually play through on your videos ? Btw, your videos are very insightful, thanks for doing them !
Thanks and my pleasure! I use a Two Rock Bloomfield Drive and Blankenship Twinplex in stereo.
@@RatherBeRiffing the second time this week I've been exposed to a Two Rock, impressed both times.
Both Guitars Amazing.
Ron Thorn is a Master, So is Paul.
Ron Ellis Pickups sound Amazing.
Cant go Wrong with Either.
Great Playing, Thanks for thr Video.
Thank you an my pleasure! Agree and well said!
Thanks, awesome video! Great playing and great presentation! Can I ask what amp you’re going through?
Thank you! I’m using two black face style amps in stereo… a Blankenship Twinplex and Two Rock Bloomfield Drive.
thanks. great video as always.. Ron Thorn is a master and a very friendly person. perhaps teh PRS ihas a sound more refined and aristocratic the 335 more vintage and proletarian... two beautys.. greatings from the sunny Barcelona
Well said and totally agree!
The BEST 335 alternative is the Heritage H-535 the dressier H-555. They are basically 335s being made in the original Gibson factory in Kalamazoo. I have two of them, one being a 30th anniversary H-555 (#15) and the craftsmanship is absolutely stellar.
I need to try one! Thanks for the info.
Is Ron Thorn still making guitars?
Yes. He reopened this year. He has a new version of the Grantura with a scoop on the back side of the lower horn for better upper fret access.
Lets be honest, your a great guitar player and sound great through any guitar
Thank you!
After decades of experience I've found that the 335 alternative area is very dicey. Assuming a smaller body, very often the soul/warmth/punch of a 335 is lost, but the benefits of a Les Paul are not there either. So it's in a nowhere land. This is why a 339 or 336 don't do it for me. That said, those 2 guitars are intriguing, and I've settled on a Collings I-35LC VINTAGE.
Your videos are so great! How can I contact you? I want to work with you.
Ron is building some awesome guitars. The only sequence where the PRS shines is at 6:00 For the rest, the Grantura is brighter, tighter, better sounding to my ear. The 594 sounds a bit muffled or dark most of the time. Definitely not 335ish...
Agree - Ron's builds are spectacular! The 594 seemed dark to me by comparison as well and is it's own thing for sure.
so Smooth Comparation 👌🎸
Thank you!
Ron Thorn is 4 steps above anything put there!
Agree!
And by the way, I had to send back a Core 594 because it sounded like a dog and had lots of issues.
That is highly unusual for a core PRS.
This video is too expensive for little ole me 😬
PRS sounds flat ;(