Buy this over the Gibson? I would (and might!). Let me know your thoughts! Check it out using the links below. 🛒 Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/MX7v6M 🛒 Thomann - bit.ly/3MC8Q42 🛒 Sky Music - alnk.to/58mJ2X0 (affiliate links)
Cool video and nice playing, im really into that john lee hooker style, and i think you should check out henry vestine from the band canned heat, he plays some really funky boogie mixed raga, hes got a few solo songs but the time of when he was with canned heat were his prime years
I've a lot of Epi's and my current total all time favorite is an old (2010) blonde Epi Les Paul Studio which is on it's stand as I type not a foot from me right leg... (falsetto voice:) "It's my baby" 🥰
Tried an epiphone ES-335 yesterday at a store. Plugged it in a fender hot rod deluxe. The sound was astonishing. I'll go for that model. The store was too crowded and I couldn't really turn on the amp, but even at low power it had the purest bluesy sound from all aporoximately 20 similar style 800-1000$ priced guitars I've played recently. Cheers epiphone
I've followed you for many years. That Blues Deluxe has been with you the whole time. I even remember you swapping out the speaker. You're great. Thanks for all your hard work. I got the same 335 and it's great. My MIM strat is still my main guitar, but the 335 gives me the other sounds I love. Keep it up, man.
Greetings from S'Africa, fellow lefty. After 25y of acoustic guitar, I decided to try electric, and obviously was limited in my choices at the local store. They had a 2015 Epi LP Plustop Pro, which I picked up new and only realised later what an awesome guitar it is. Epiphone is true value for money, I need this ES-335 now
The thing about 335s is that the very nature of their construction doesn't allow much deviation. Therefore, an Epi is pretty much the same as a Gibby except for hardware and electronics. That's why you'll never notice much difference between the two. Upgrade hardware and electronics on an Epi and it doesn't make sense to spend on a Gibby unless you need to see the crispness of the Gibby headstock. As a matter of fact, I'd go with the red D'Angelico with a stair tail piece that is more beautiful.
I picked one up last year after having never touched a semi-hollow, just testing out whether to eventually upgrade to a Gibson. It may not have all the Gibson mojo, and it definitely doesn't have the price. However these guitars can absolutely hold their own in a classic rock setting. I'm so happy with mine I may never need to upgrade--which is great because I can probably pick up a used Les Paul for the difference in price. Win, win. Great review as always.
As a Punk Rocker who is gently aging into blues and Rock-a-Billy, this is my next guitar. Thank you so much for this review. I can’t wait to pretend to be Marty McFly at the “Enchantment under the Sea” dance!!!!!!
Nice vid bro. So, my guitar evolution starting in the late 70s was SG clone (el-cheapo), to a real Gibson es325 (look it up) which at the time was a bargain priced name brand guitar. The I went to my first new guitar a cherry sunburst Les Paul Deluxe (had the mini humbuckers) which i modified with brass nut and DiArmond high output full size humbuckers. This was my one and only guitar for years. When you have only one guitar you really become one with it. However as years past I expanded my guitar appreciation; a strat, an Ibanez (dive bomb whammy bar era), a Tele, an SG, etc. But aabout 5 years ago I decided on a whim to go back to the 335 style but I didnt want to spend $3-4k so I bought a Epiphone Pro 335. Now it’s the only guitar I play. I love it in every way. It’s like an airy sounding LP to me.
Been patiently waiting for these to be available in the US states. Didn’t even know I wanted a 335 until I actually played a Gibson one in Nashville last year, but that’s way out of my price range. The current Cost/Value ratio for the current line of lefty Epiphone is outstanding.
Hi, thanks for the review, I own one since 1 year, great guitar for the price, but I had several issues, bad factory setup, bad switch, jack and defectives tuning keys Once my luthier makes these changes and a good setup now it's awesome, not a Gibson but awesome guitar So far I love the sound
I personally bought an Epiphone Dot recently, which is surprising considering I'm a metal head at heart. But that Dot gives me access to blues and hard rock tones that the EMG's in my LTD EX-400 just aren't built for (especially those blues tones) but my favorite feature is that she has acoustics due to being a semi-hollow. Certainly nowhere near the acoustic volume of my mom's 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars, but enough for me play around with her unplugged and still get discernible sounds out of her
My wife got me this guitar for my birthday a couple years back bc she’s always wanted to get me a cherry 335 but the Gibson is too expensive. Honestly, I don’t think I even need a Gibson version - the epi is so nice!
I was thinking of buying me one a few months back. I wanted to try an ES type guitar but I thought the price is a bit high for a "try out" guitar. I'm pretty sure it is well worth the money, and I might go for it eventually. The VS finish especially is quite tempting, I'm not so much into the cherry one. I wish they made an all black in lefty. Now that would've been hard to resist to. All I hear about these guitars are good things. Thank you for the demo!
I have 2 Epiphone guitars and like them a lot: a "Joe Pass Emperor II Pro" hollowbody archtop I got from a local independent shop near where I used to live (Guitar Showcase in San Jose California), and a "1961 Les Paul SG Standard" I got from Sweetwater. If I didn't already have a semi-hollow "335-style" guitar that I like (a Schecter Corsair hardtail), I'd take a hard look at the Epiphone 335 or Sheraton II Pro to fill that niche. The allure of the higher-priced cousins remains, but especially in the context of recent price increases is hard to justify if you don't have money to burn (I don't). You can get a really nice playable instrument for far less than the expensive brands if you try several more modest priced ones out (like Epiphone), get a good set-up (I paid Sweetwater to do a Plek on my SG and it was worth it), and if you want, do some comparatively inexpensive upgrades to things like tuners, pots, pickups, etc. Upgrades may not be needed; I still have original stuff on my 2 Epiphones and don't feel a need to modify them.
I have an Epiphone Sheraton II lefty and out of my 9 electric guitars it is the one I gravitate towards. It sounds great, easy to hold, plays even easier, and the neck is superb. I'd like to try one of the lefty 335s but I just don't know how it could get better than my Sheraton II. Great video and thanks for the wonderful playing.
Great review as always Shane. I recently purchased the Raspberry Tea burst inspired by Gibson ES 335, wow what a guitar, I just love it. I just have to get better as a player.😊🙏
Great video! I love the SRV licks- I can see him with his Riviera now! Lucky enough to have a ‘05 Casino, ‘20 Riviera, ‘00 Sheraton Pro II and a ‘98 ES-335. I’m 36 hours away from my Bonamassa ES 335 (signature fret board). They all have their place but the newer Epiphones (have a Lazarus too) are really fantastic. I’d keep my Epiphones against similar model Eastmans
I’ve had an Epiphone Dot I bought new in 2002 I just love. It’s had all the electronics replaced as they died over the years, and it’s one of my favorite guitars . I just got one of these Inspired by ES-335’s in Inverness Green a few months back. Out of the box just an outstanding guitar, better than my old Dot. Absolutely I’d buy it over a Gibson and did.
So I have the 2012 Epiphone Lucille ES 355 and a 2007 Gibson ES 335 dot. I dropped some Gibby 57’s into the Lucille years ago and never looked back. When I bought the Gibson ES last year , I was totally shocked that the fit , finish , playability, and weight were near identical to the Epiphone. And I wondered for a minute if I should have bought it at all. That all being said, I played the new inspired by Gibson version and love not only the more classic headstock but the binding is flawless. (My original one needed some love) once again fit, finish, and playability are 1st rate. Great job over there in the Epiphone department. It’s wonderful that up and coming younger players have access to affordable quality instruments again across the board. It’s a win-win. Thanks Gibson and thanks Shane for the great playing and review.
Nice demo Shane! A good friend of mine bought one of these a couple years back. He loves it. And he owns many Fenders, Gibson's etc. I got to check his out a little bit while he was out to Williams to sub for me while I was out of town. If I didn't already know it was an Epiphone, I wouldn't have known better. I bought an HB 35 Plus about a year ago. The basic guitar is pretty good and has a very nice tone. Especially clean in the middle position. The frets are pretty uneven, and the neck pickup is a bit bassy. So plan to add treble bleeds and possibly no load tone pots. And if that doesn't do it, I have a pair of Seymour Duncan 59's laying around that I can throw on it. I also purchased a Gotoh Bridge and Tailpiece that will be installed after I level and crown the frets. I enjoy modding and I have the tools, so why not? Maybe I'll make that my first actual RUclips video.
I have one of these too and it really is impressive how good they are. I looked at a Gibson because I enjoyed the Epi so much, but I really couldn’t find a reason to justify the price. The Epi was so close in sound and playability. Thanks for the review!
Before I took guitar playing seriously, I bought that same guitar. I loved the sound from other online reviews. I bought it and took it home to play it with a guitar program for my xbox, not sure if I can name it lol. I tuned it up and it wouldn't interact with the xbox even though I was playing the correct chords. Being new, I didn't know it had to be set up. The store never said anything. I got frustrated and traded it, at a loss, for a different guitar at a different store. A few years later, a friend was selling an Epiphone Dot Studio for $100.00 Canadian. I scooped it up and I love it. I guess all turned out ok lol. Great review! Thanks again.
I own a Gibson 335 and a 355 .. owned many 335s, es-175, 345 throughout the years but I remember playing a friends Dot back in 04 ish and man, that thing was killer! He told me some dude left it at his house one night and never showed up afterwards to pick it up
Looks and sounds really good Shane. Some nice licks in the playing there too! I have an old Maton 335 style guitar that is awesome to play as well as a Gibson custom shop es-339 which is great for a smaller bodied guitar.
Awesome review Shane, great playing, loved the Clapton Blues breaker-esque licks you had going there, great playing and a really decent review. Epiphone are kicking it out of the park these days, you can't go wrong!
Being a lefty myself and having wanted one of these for a long time, its been hard to find a used one...in fact I've never seen one for sale second hand, yet I finally pick one up tomorrow for half retail prices. By the sounds you've put out here, I'm sure I'll be very happy with the purchase.
I bought an aged dark burst model over a year ago. I actually did a side by side with the Gibson version...of course the Gibson wood/top/finish are far superior and the pickups are sweeter, BUT not 5X more expensive sweeter...love my EPI 335...I may swap out the pickups one day...I will say mine is extremely stable tuning wise..thx for the great review as always Shane! Cheers
Awesome job man thanks 🤘😜🎸🎶! I love this guitar and I picked up the smaller 2020 es 339 inspired by Gibson line in sunburst and it holds its own against every guitar I own in both build quality and playability...the tones available are vast and musical and the only issue so far has been a loose input jack...which these are known for..fixed myself and no issues since
Yes I think they're great little guitars. Some ppl are critical of them, but mine sounds as good and as big as an es335. Maybe it depends on the individual build and timber etc. Some ppl are just funny about anything non-traditional or historic. My only issue is that my hands don't reach up to the higher frets as easily as on the larger es335s, due to the smaller cutaways. You get used to it though and its not a big problem.
Good review Shane. I’ve heard the new Epi 335s are very good and you show that in the video. Very nice tones and no muddy spots at all. Nice 335 for not a lot of money!
I Started with a Epiphone ES-335 pro in 2018. Now I play a Gibson ES-355. I can only imagine how much better they are now but they are amazing, and feel great to play. Playability wise I find it no different than my Gibson. They are beautiful and worthy guitars
So glad for you to cop a lefty version... I've a 2016 'Pro' (long guard, big Epi headstock, coil splitting, rosewood board, mahogany neck and I swapped in a Gibson style pickguard bracket) accept for needing to touch up the fret ends it was the best $380 bucks I ever spent... and I dunno why I'm prejudiced against laurel but I wish Epiphone would just use maybe the Macassar ebony or (?) I continue to dig your channel... Cheerios 🥸
Huge fan of your channel. keep up the good work! I have a lovely Ibanez version of this kind of guitar. I got back to it recently and noticed that I needed a good non-slippery strap to keep it from dipping.
LOL- Staying true to the original Gibson I guess- it was known for dipping I've heard. I would love to have either, I've looked at the Ibanez version several times- but it's like 3-4 on the list so- it will be a while. First, I have to do something about my Strat problem- I don't have one. LOL- No, really, I do, but it's the Affinity Squire version and it's hard for me to call that a "Strat". The neck is pathetic- feels good but it's not true. And no neck is absolutely true but, this one is bad- I can hear it when I'm playing- mud. I can pick up my Epiphone Les Paul- play the exact same thing- sounds much better. I've had 3 different techs try to intonate it but- no matter what you do it's not right- almost every note on it is sharp. I'm going to get rid of it and get a player series fender Strat.
@@stoneysdead689 Sweet. I have a Squire Affinity whose neck feels great, apart from a few dead spots ! Haha. My dad found it at the dump and had a friend set it up. It has the bounce and mojo and is more than the sum of its (cheap) parts. The Ibanez, i bought off the wall at Rudy’s in NYC for a whopping 1000 usd in 1998. But it’s a ringer and was the nicest playing ax in the shop that day. It was a consolation after losing a Les Paul Custom in a robbery. Shane said something in one of his videos some guitars are just “the one that got away.” (Sniff)
Enjoyed this, thx very helpful. Just got one and love it. Dad always owned Epiphone, so carrying on the tradition I suppose. Great punch and clarity. Or can be sweet and mellow. Super quality. Handsome and capable of so many tones. I even enjoy playing it unplugged. I’ve always like their products. Just be sure to set it up, or have a pro set it up for you straight away, and it will be your favorite all around guitar. Cheers.
I have a 2013 dot that I love. I’ve had the electronics replaced, added locking tuners and the pickups are now SD JB/Jazz combo. Very versatile. I eventually want to add a Deusenburg trem and a roller bridge one day. I love the pick guards that more resemble the Gibson style with a non visible screw. Wish they made one that would fit. Keep up the great work. Love your channel!
You're comparing a hollow body Casino to a semi-hollow 335. Of course a 335 will sound better if you're playing anything other than clean jazz or some such thing.
@@J.C... not necessarily, Rhett Shull did a review of an Epiphone Casino and that thing sounded amazing after his pickup swap. It sounded solid prior to. I'm of the opinion that Epiphone Probuckers blow compared to their Gibson counterparts. But the guitars themselves are great.
I have the Emily Wolfe version. Killer guitar and it’s got a distinctive look with the Trini/Grohl holes. Probably one of the best looking guitars Epiphone has released IMO.
@@Dog-O I'll wait , I have an inspired by Gibson 335 in Blueberry Burst ...but I want diamond f Holes like the Trini Lopez/ DG one eventually ... glad you like it.
The new Epiphone range is where it should have been years ago. I guess the competition has seen them get their act together. Nice review once again Shane. jmho.
After watching this video I managed to pick up one of these used tonight for £200 (currently 375 Aus Dollars at todays exchange rate) . It has been left unused by its owner and needs a heck of a cleanup but I am blown away by the deal I’ve got!
Wicked video tone sounds great as always Shane! A 335 is really the only guitar I’m missing….Sorry man I’m gonna be using this video as my scapegoat to the misses after I find one locally 😂
Talk about timing… I have been looking at one of these for a couple of weeks, and I’m actually going to a local music center today to try one out… I would love to have the new Joe Bonamassa 1962 335 but that might be hard to come by, Epiphone has definitely stepped up their game in the last 18 months with the products they are offering… Excellent review you had that guitar sounding sweet
Wow, what a timing! I'm buying myself a guitar for my birthday, and I can’t decide which one to choose: this one or the Emily Wolfe Sheraton (lovely guitar but way more expensive) Great demo btw
I have a Gibson 335, so I can't speak for the Epi version, but I do have an Epiphone Les Paul that plays and sounds great, so I'm guessing all their semi-body are great guitars.
Loved the intro track Shane. Only problem was - your beards not long enough for that one 😂😂. Maybe Billy will loan you some LOL. I haven't played an Epi dot in years and back then they were great value compared to a Gibson. How do you reckon it stacks up today against the Artistguitars 335? I reckon their 10th anniversary with the bullbuckers would give it a serious run at 1/3 of the price (although that ones only in tobacco burst not red).
Nice! That 6-string is a goal one day. A favorite tone of mine. Thx for this demo. I have two epiphones, great competition to a gibson, I think it is better.
I will be adding one of these to my small collection of left hand guitars. If it amywhere near as good as my Les Paul 60's Standard, I know it will be a great guitar.
Totally get the Epiphone fanboy thing Shane. I own Gibson's. But I own as many Epiphones, and use them regularly. I just bought an Epiphone Les Paul Modern. I bought it because it had a coil split and I wanted a Les Paul that could do that. But I got an ebony fretboard, locking tuners, bone nut, perfect fit and finish + a shaved neck joint for the same low Epiphone price. To be honest ... the fret ends are all horrible and razor sharp above the binding, it's like they missed a step, but everything else is so perfect I'm going to pay a Luthier to do it and be happy about it because even though I payed full retail new price, it feels like I stole it cause of all the extras and that it played perfectly out of the box, perfect set up. Low as you can go with no buzz, and it's like it's been plekked. Too early to tell for sure, but if it happens, it won't be the first time that I've had an Epiphone Les Paul that replaces my Gibson as my #1 axe. Value your opinions, always glad I watched, keep doin what yer doin you're gettin it right.
I have a Blueberry Burst version of this guitar, and it plays better than some of my buddy’s Gibson 335s. It roars with overdrive or distortion. Excellent guitar.
Love your playing and demo, Shane. That Epiphone fits perfectly into your “ZZ-esque” jam track. I hope you will consider adding it to your stable of great guitars. I truly enjoy my Epi ES-335 with Gibson pickups. It sounds and plays great and didn’t cost a fortune. 😊
Because of your credibility with reviewing gear, and also because you know what options us lefties have, I always trust your reviews. Bought one myself, swapped the bridge for a gotoh and it’s good to go. I had an epiphone Les Paul custom a few years ago that I regret selling- I sold my Les Paul studio after getting it because I liked the epiphone so much better. They really have stepped it up
I know you had a dot that you liked that you let go of. Must feel good to have an epi again. I have the 339 because I like the smaller scale size. Do yourself a favor and upgrade the input jack and save yourself a minor headache later. Peace and love to you. CM
I used my Epiphone Sheraton II modified with Dimarzio pickups exclusively for 6 years until I got my Player Stratocaster. The Joe Bonamassa 1962 ES-335 had me really excited for like 5 minutes until I saw the price haha. I will probably repair the Sheraton 1 day but the amount of work it needs I do think a new one is a better move.
I have 4 guitarrs alls was gifts including an authors luthier. But Nothing in the world would change my black dot and his blues Sound. In the moment that you have more and more Brand marks I think the most important thing is if you are glad with The Sound of your guitar. I do.
I just put Lollar low wind pups and locking tuners in mine and WOW, I cannot recommend this enough. It just begs you to play some major blues for hours. My strats want minor blues, my Les Paul is a riff machine. But that 335 just speaks to me with those new Lollars. I bought with the intention of making it my #3 guitar but I think it’s now my #1. highly recommended - if you plan to make a couple upgrades, it’ll rival a Gibson at 1/3 the price.
Man, I want one of these so bad- this or a real 335- or any decent hollow body in this tyle really- I'm not picky. I think they have a very unique sound but also- they put you in a frame of mind when you're playing one. At least they do me, I just like holding it, I think it looks cool- and I've heard guys get some raunchy dirt out of them. Plus- my hero played a 335 w/ Steely Dan- Larry Carlton is the man.
That first jam track was awesome, and really goes to show Epiphone can sound just as good as any Gibson.. No one could ever tell the difference in a record or live session! How the guitar feels though (neck and fretboard), that's where the money is.
Great review!!!! I would buy this over any of the more affordable 335 style guitars! My question for you Shane is how would you rank this Epiphone to all the other 335s? Cheers!🎸🎸🎸😎😎
I just purchased one of these because I have a humbucker guitar I use mainly for rock and I wanted one for blues, and let me tell you, if you get one of these you'll be stuck on the bridge pickup like me 🤣. That twang is amazing
Never played one but they sound and look incredible! Think I need to add one to my collection. How do you think the Epiphone stacks up against the Harley Benton 35plus?
By this over my HB35plus? If I were a gigging player, it might be worth the upgrade. As I am, I can like it and leave it as being a little too rich for my playing ability. Sweet demo, Shane!
Man, does this guitar sound great. One criticism I think worth mentioning (and this holds true of Gibson ES335s as well) is the lack of access to the electronics. At least Gibson made it easier to get in there when they offered the ES333 with the rear cover.
I sent my H7 back. It was a mess. I like Sire stuff, I have a V7 bass and an A3 acoustic and they're both great. I wonder if the H7s are from a different factory ? For a poor man's 335, I decided to stick with my 2017 HB35plus with Iron Gear Blues Engine pickups. I remain open to the possibility of an Epiphone at some time in the future.
I have this model. A 2021 in Raspberry burst. Very well made. But just no love for it at all. I’ve got the same amp too (bar your speaker upgrade). I have a bunch of 2021 Epiphones - 3 x LP, 2 casinos, a Firebird, SG and a Flying V (don’t judge me, it as a very traumatic year and buying new guitars was part of my therapy). I love them all. The Es335 is the only model I don’t like. I find the pickups muddy and harsh. The neck Is ridiculously bright. I don’t feel the need to upgrade pickups on any other Epiphone but I’m not sure I’d waste the money on this at essentially half the cost of the guitar itself. I’ll take the Casino (Shane I know you’re not a fan) or any semi hollow Gretsch.
Buy this over the Gibson? I would (and might!). Let me know your thoughts! Check it out using the links below.
🛒 Sweetwater - imp.i114863.net/MX7v6M
🛒 Thomann - bit.ly/3MC8Q42
🛒 Sky Music - alnk.to/58mJ2X0
(affiliate links)
Cool video and nice playing, im really into that john lee hooker style, and i think you should check out henry vestine from the band canned heat, he plays some really funky boogie mixed raga, hes got a few solo songs but the time of when he was with canned heat were his prime years
I’ve always been an Epiphone fanboy, but I tell you, these inspired by Gibson models are simply unbeatable.
I've seen videos of the Casino and Riviera models..They sound and look really good too and these were always made by Epiphone..
Totally agree!!!
I've a lot of Epi's and my current total all time favorite is an old (2010) blonde Epi Les Paul Studio
which is on it's stand as I type not a foot from me right leg... (falsetto voice:) "It's my baby" 🥰
@@BedeLaplume l didn't mind the Olive Drab model..looked great...& The p90s sound brilliant!
@@baabaabaa2293 Ok Thanks!
Tried an epiphone ES-335 yesterday at a store. Plugged it in a fender hot rod deluxe. The sound was astonishing. I'll go for that model. The store was too crowded and I couldn't really turn on the amp, but even at low power it had the purest bluesy sound from all aporoximately 20 similar style 800-1000$ priced guitars I've played recently. Cheers epiphone
I've followed you for many years. That Blues Deluxe has been with you the whole time. I even remember you swapping out the speaker. You're great. Thanks for all your hard work. I got the same 335 and it's great. My MIM strat is still my main guitar, but the 335 gives me the other sounds I love.
Keep it up, man.
Greetings from S'Africa, fellow lefty. After 25y of acoustic guitar, I decided to try electric, and obviously was limited in my choices at the local store. They had a 2015 Epi LP Plustop Pro, which I picked up new and only realised later what an awesome guitar it is. Epiphone is true value for money, I need this ES-335 now
The thing about 335s is that the very nature of their construction doesn't allow much deviation. Therefore, an Epi is pretty much the same as a Gibby except for hardware and electronics. That's why you'll never notice much difference between the two. Upgrade hardware and electronics on an Epi and it doesn't make sense to spend on a Gibby unless you need to see the crispness of the Gibby headstock. As a matter of fact, I'd go with the red D'Angelico with a stair tail piece that is more beautiful.
And they even got closer to the neck profile with this epiphone!
@@mattwilliams3104 As a matter of fact, the red D'Angelico with a stair tail piece is more beautiful.
I picked one up last year after having never touched a semi-hollow, just testing out whether to eventually upgrade to a Gibson. It may not have all the Gibson mojo, and it definitely doesn't have the price. However these guitars can absolutely hold their own in a classic rock setting. I'm so happy with mine I may never need to upgrade--which is great because I can probably pick up a used Les Paul for the difference in price. Win, win. Great review as always.
Just upgrade the pickups and tuners if there’s any tuning issue.
As a Punk Rocker who is gently aging into blues and Rock-a-Billy, this is my next guitar. Thank you so much for this review. I can’t wait to pretend to be Marty McFly at the “Enchantment under the Sea” dance!!!!!!
Oh hell yeah Mcfly
Nice vid bro. So, my guitar evolution starting in the late 70s was SG clone (el-cheapo), to a real Gibson es325 (look it up) which at the time was a bargain priced name brand guitar. The I went to my first new guitar a cherry sunburst Les Paul Deluxe (had the mini humbuckers) which i modified with brass nut and DiArmond high output full size humbuckers. This was my one and only guitar for years. When you have only one guitar you really become one with it. However as years past I expanded my guitar appreciation; a strat, an Ibanez (dive bomb whammy bar era), a Tele, an SG, etc. But aabout 5 years ago I decided on a whim to go back to the 335 style but I didnt want to spend $3-4k so I bought a Epiphone Pro 335. Now it’s the only guitar I play. I love it in every way. It’s like an airy sounding LP to me.
Been patiently waiting for these to be available in the US states. Didn’t even know I wanted a 335 until I actually played a Gibson one in Nashville last year, but that’s way out of my price range. The current Cost/Value ratio for the current line of lefty Epiphone is outstanding.
Hi, thanks for the review, I own one since 1 year, great guitar for the price, but I had several issues, bad factory setup, bad switch, jack and defectives tuning keys
Once my luthier makes these changes and a good setup now it's awesome, not a Gibson but awesome guitar
So far I love the sound
I personally bought an Epiphone Dot recently, which is surprising considering I'm a metal head at heart. But that Dot gives me access to blues and hard rock tones that the EMG's in my LTD EX-400 just aren't built for (especially those blues tones) but my favorite feature is that she has acoustics due to being a semi-hollow. Certainly nowhere near the acoustic volume of my mom's 6 and 12 string acoustic guitars, but enough for me play around with her unplugged and still get discernible sounds out of her
My wife got me this guitar for my birthday a couple years back bc she’s always wanted to get me a cherry 335 but the Gibson is too expensive. Honestly, I don’t think I even need a Gibson version - the epi is so nice!
I go back and forth buying a 335! This one sounds great!
I was thinking of buying me one a few months back. I wanted to try an ES type guitar but I thought the price is a bit high for a "try out" guitar. I'm pretty sure it is well worth the money, and I might go for it eventually. The VS finish especially is quite tempting, I'm not so much into the cherry one. I wish they made an all black in lefty. Now that would've been hard to resist to. All I hear about these guitars are good things. Thank you for the demo!
Whatched it on my tv last night. You really looked like you was well into playing that guitar. Sounded well nice too. Great video 👍👍❤
I have 2 Epiphone guitars and like them a lot: a "Joe Pass Emperor II Pro" hollowbody archtop I got from a local independent shop near where I used to live (Guitar Showcase in San Jose California), and a "1961 Les Paul SG Standard" I got from Sweetwater. If I didn't already have a semi-hollow "335-style" guitar that I like (a Schecter Corsair hardtail), I'd take a hard look at the Epiphone 335 or Sheraton II Pro to fill that niche. The allure of the higher-priced cousins remains, but especially in the context of recent price increases is hard to justify if you don't have money to burn (I don't). You can get a really nice playable instrument for far less than the expensive brands if you try several more modest priced ones out (like Epiphone), get a good set-up (I paid Sweetwater to do a Plek on my SG and it was worth it), and if you want, do some comparatively inexpensive upgrades to things like tuners, pots, pickups, etc. Upgrades may not be needed; I still have original stuff on my 2 Epiphones and don't feel a need to modify them.
I have an Epiphone Sheraton II lefty and out of my 9 electric guitars it is the one I gravitate towards. It sounds great, easy to hold, plays even easier, and the neck is superb. I'd like to try one of the lefty 335s but I just don't know how it could get better than my Sheraton II. Great video and thanks for the wonderful playing.
Great review as always Shane. I recently purchased the Raspberry Tea burst inspired by Gibson ES 335, wow what a guitar, I just love it. I just have to get better as a player.😊🙏
Ditto. I have the same guitar.
Great video! I love the SRV licks- I can see him with his Riviera now!
Lucky enough to have a ‘05 Casino, ‘20 Riviera, ‘00 Sheraton Pro II and a ‘98 ES-335. I’m 36 hours away from my Bonamassa ES 335 (signature fret board). They all have their place but the newer Epiphones (have a Lazarus too) are really fantastic. I’d keep my Epiphones against similar model Eastmans
I’ve had an Epiphone Dot I bought new in 2002 I just love. It’s had all the electronics replaced as they died over the years, and it’s one of my favorite guitars . I just got one of these Inspired by ES-335’s in Inverness Green a few months back. Out of the box just an outstanding guitar, better than my old Dot. Absolutely I’d buy it over a Gibson and did.
So I have the 2012 Epiphone Lucille ES 355 and a 2007 Gibson ES 335 dot. I dropped some Gibby 57’s into the Lucille years ago and never looked back. When I bought the Gibson ES last year , I was totally shocked that the fit , finish , playability, and weight were near identical to the Epiphone. And I wondered for a minute if I should have bought it at all. That all being said, I played the new inspired by Gibson version and love not only the more classic headstock but the binding is flawless. (My original one needed some love) once again fit, finish, and playability are 1st rate. Great job over there in the Epiphone department. It’s wonderful that up and coming younger players have access to affordable quality instruments again across the board. It’s a win-win. Thanks Gibson and thanks Shane for the great playing and review.
Nice demo Shane! A good friend of mine bought one of these a couple years back. He loves it. And he owns many Fenders, Gibson's etc. I got to check his out a little bit while he was out to Williams to sub for me while I was out of town. If I didn't already know it was an Epiphone, I wouldn't have known better. I bought an HB 35 Plus about a year ago. The basic guitar is pretty good and has a very nice tone. Especially clean in the middle position. The frets are pretty uneven, and the neck pickup is a bit bassy. So plan to add treble bleeds and possibly no load tone pots. And if that doesn't do it, I have a pair of Seymour Duncan 59's laying around that I can throw on it. I also purchased a Gotoh Bridge and Tailpiece that will be installed after I level and crown the frets. I enjoy modding and I have the tools, so why not? Maybe I'll make that my first actual RUclips video.
Looks like you removed the troll. Good job Shane. I've known better for some time now. But there may be others who don't.
Being honest ... love it ....I just changed tuners and put Seth lover pickups in ....your review was spot on ....solid bang for the peso
I have one of these too and it really is impressive how good they are. I looked at a Gibson because I enjoyed the Epi so much, but I really couldn’t find a reason to justify the price. The Epi was so close in sound and playability. Thanks for the review!
Before I took guitar playing seriously, I bought that same guitar. I loved the sound from other online reviews. I bought it and took it home to play it with a guitar program for my xbox, not sure if I can name it lol. I tuned it up and it wouldn't interact with the xbox even though I was playing the correct chords. Being new, I didn't know it had to be set up. The store never said anything. I got frustrated and traded it, at a loss, for a different guitar at a different store. A few years later, a friend was selling an Epiphone Dot Studio for $100.00 Canadian. I scooped it up and I love it. I guess all turned out ok lol.
Great review! Thanks again.
I've been using my dad's Epiphone SG for a little while and find my self steering away from fender. This guitar is on my list, beautiful tone 😍
Been eyeing this one for a year. Can not find a bad review. I think this one sealed the deal for me. Thanks Shane
I have that in sunburst and I absolutely love it! I think you can play anything on those guitars!
I bought the inspired by Gibson 335 version about a year ago. It really is a decent guitar . I’ve been very happy with it.
The first electric I ever bought is an Epiphone ES-339 Pro. It’s still one of my most frequently grabbed guitars.
I own a Gibson 335 and a 355 .. owned many 335s, es-175, 345 throughout the years but I remember playing a friends Dot back in 04 ish and man, that thing was killer! He told me some dude left it at his house one night and never showed up afterwards to pick it up
Looks and sounds really good Shane. Some nice licks in the playing there too! I have an old Maton 335 style guitar that is awesome to play as well as a Gibson custom shop es-339 which is great for a smaller bodied guitar.
Awesome review Shane, great playing, loved the Clapton Blues breaker-esque licks you had going there, great playing and a really decent review. Epiphone are kicking it out of the park these days, you can't go wrong!
Being a lefty myself and having wanted one of these for a long time, its been hard to find a used one...in fact I've never seen one for sale second hand, yet I finally pick one up tomorrow for half retail prices. By the sounds you've put out here, I'm sure I'll be very happy with the purchase.
It's really nice seeing a lefty do awesome reviews, I'm a lefty myself so thank you!! I really need one of these 👍👌
Yes! I had a Epi dot pro 335 for a few years. Great guitar, I sold it to a friend (strategically), so I can still play it ;-)
I picked one of these up second hand (only 6 months old) for £280 what a bargain!
I bought an aged dark burst model over a year ago. I actually did a side by side with the Gibson version...of course the Gibson wood/top/finish are far superior and the pickups are sweeter, BUT not 5X more expensive sweeter...love my EPI 335...I may swap out the pickups one day...I will say mine is extremely stable tuning wise..thx for the great review as always Shane! Cheers
Awesome job man thanks 🤘😜🎸🎶! I love this guitar and I picked up the smaller 2020 es 339 inspired by Gibson line in sunburst and it holds its own against every guitar I own in both build quality and playability...the tones available are vast and musical and the only issue so far has been a loose input jack...which these are known for..fixed myself and no issues since
I do prefer the 339's nickel grover rotomatic tuners and side mounted input jack ... highly tempting
Yes I think they're great little guitars. Some ppl are critical of them, but mine sounds as good and as big as an es335. Maybe it depends on the individual build and timber etc. Some ppl are just funny about anything non-traditional or historic. My only issue is that my hands don't reach up to the higher frets as easily as on the larger es335s, due to the smaller cutaways. You get used to it though and its not a big problem.
in 1month, ive Got 2 Guitar from Epiphone inspired by Gibson.. OMG So good!!!
I have Epiphone Lespaul Jr
and Epiphone Sg Special P90
The head with the sunken orange eyes was transfixed by that opening jam. And rightfully so.
Good review Shane. I’ve heard the new Epi 335s are very good and you show that in the video. Very nice tones and no muddy spots at all. Nice 335 for not a lot of money!
I Started with a Epiphone ES-335 pro in 2018. Now I play a Gibson ES-355. I can only imagine how much better they are now but they are amazing, and feel great to play. Playability wise I find it no different than my Gibson. They are beautiful and worthy guitars
So glad for you to cop a lefty version... I've a 2016 'Pro' (long guard, big Epi headstock, coil splitting, rosewood board, mahogany
neck and I swapped in a Gibson style pickguard bracket) accept for needing to touch up the fret ends it was the best $380 bucks
I ever spent... and I dunno why I'm prejudiced against laurel but I wish Epiphone would just use maybe the Macassar ebony or (?)
I continue to dig your channel... Cheerios 🥸
I have one "Inspired by Gibson" in Blueberry burst and absolutely love it !!! Great demo mate !!! 😎🎸👍
i just played one of these last weekend - excellent guitar! really impressed with it and would love to get one someday.
I have the Epi Pro ES 335
That came out a few years back . That’s a brilliant guitar too
Huge fan of your channel. keep up the good work! I have a lovely Ibanez version of this kind of guitar. I got back to it recently and noticed that I needed a good non-slippery strap to keep it from dipping.
LOL- Staying true to the original Gibson I guess- it was known for dipping I've heard. I would love to have either, I've looked at the Ibanez version several times- but it's like 3-4 on the list so- it will be a while. First, I have to do something about my Strat problem- I don't have one. LOL- No, really, I do, but it's the Affinity Squire version and it's hard for me to call that a "Strat". The neck is pathetic- feels good but it's not true. And no neck is absolutely true but, this one is bad- I can hear it when I'm playing- mud. I can pick up my Epiphone Les Paul- play the exact same thing- sounds much better. I've had 3 different techs try to intonate it but- no matter what you do it's not right- almost every note on it is sharp. I'm going to get rid of it and get a player series fender Strat.
@@stoneysdead689 Sweet. I have a Squire Affinity whose neck feels great, apart from a few dead spots ! Haha. My dad found it at the dump and had a friend set it up. It has the bounce and mojo and is more than the sum of its (cheap) parts. The Ibanez, i bought off the wall at Rudy’s in NYC for a whopping 1000 usd in 1998. But it’s a ringer and was the nicest playing ax in the shop that day. It was a consolation after losing a Les Paul Custom in a robbery. Shane said something in one of his videos some guitars are just “the one that got away.” (Sniff)
I wanted a strat but now I want this.
Enjoyed this, thx very helpful. Just got one and love it. Dad always owned Epiphone, so carrying on the tradition I suppose. Great punch and clarity. Or can be sweet and mellow. Super quality. Handsome and capable of so many tones. I even enjoy playing it unplugged. I’ve always like their products. Just be sure to set it up, or have a pro set it up for you straight away, and it will be your favorite all around guitar. Cheers.
I have a 2013 dot that I love. I’ve had the electronics replaced, added locking tuners and the pickups are now SD JB/Jazz combo. Very versatile.
I eventually want to add a Deusenburg trem and a roller bridge one day.
I love the pick guards that more resemble the Gibson style with a non visible screw. Wish they made one that would fit.
Keep up the great work. Love your channel!
This sounds much better than the Casino you played/reviewed some time back.
100%. This is a much better guitar in every way.
You're comparing a hollow body Casino to a semi-hollow 335. Of course a 335 will sound better if you're playing anything other than clean jazz or some such thing.
@@J.C... not necessarily, Rhett Shull did a review of an Epiphone Casino and that thing sounded amazing after his pickup swap. It sounded solid prior to. I'm of the opinion that Epiphone Probuckers blow compared to their Gibson counterparts. But the guitars themselves are great.
I have the Emily Wolfe version. Killer guitar and it’s got a distinctive look with the Trini/Grohl holes. Probably one of the best looking guitars Epiphone has released IMO.
Just wish those had four knobs and I would buy one !!!
@@toddflowers8052 I thought the same. Doesn’t bother me now.
@@Dog-O I'll wait , I have an inspired by Gibson 335 in Blueberry Burst ...but I want diamond f Holes like the Trini Lopez/ DG one eventually ... glad you like it.
I have 3 of them now. The new inspired by series.
They play and sound great
The new Epiphone range is where it should have been years ago. I guess the competition has seen them get their act together. Nice review once again Shane. jmho.
Sounds great Shane! I had an Epi LP for years and regret selling it. Just played one of their new “inspired by” ones the other day…awesome.
After watching this video I managed to pick up one of these used tonight for £200 (currently 375 Aus Dollars at todays exchange rate) . It has been left unused by its owner and needs a heck of a cleanup but I am blown away by the deal I’ve got!
Wicked video tone sounds great as always Shane! A 335 is really the only guitar I’m missing….Sorry man I’m gonna be using this video as my scapegoat to the misses after I find one locally 😂
Talk about timing… I have been looking at one of these for a couple of weeks, and I’m actually going to a local music center today to try one out… I would love to have the new Joe Bonamassa 1962 335 but that might be hard to come by, Epiphone has definitely stepped up their game in the last 18 months with the products they are offering… Excellent review you had that guitar sounding sweet
Nicely done Buddy. Beautiful playing and review.
Wow, what a timing! I'm buying myself a guitar for my birthday, and I can’t decide which one to choose: this one or the Emily Wolfe Sheraton (lovely guitar but way more expensive)
Great demo btw
Thanks Shane, great review, reasonable price and sounded great.
I got mine like 2 years ago love it between my Les Paul and my Strat it's the guitar that I play the most love it.
Great tones and playing 👌🏻
I have a Gibson 335, so I can't speak for the Epi version, but I do have an Epiphone Les Paul that plays and sounds great, so I'm guessing all their semi-body are great guitars.
Loved the intro track Shane. Only problem was - your beards not long enough for that one 😂😂. Maybe Billy will loan you some LOL.
I haven't played an Epi dot in years and back then they were great value compared to a Gibson. How do you reckon it stacks up today against the Artistguitars 335? I reckon their 10th anniversary with the bullbuckers would give it a serious run at 1/3 of the price (although that ones only in tobacco burst not red).
Nice! That 6-string is a goal one day. A favorite tone of mine. Thx for this demo. I have two epiphones, great competition to a gibson, I think it is better.
Great playing Shane, guitar sounds sweet.
I will be adding one of these to my small collection of left hand guitars. If it amywhere near as good as my Les Paul 60's Standard, I know it will be a great guitar.
Totally get the Epiphone fanboy thing Shane. I own Gibson's. But I own as many Epiphones, and use them regularly. I just bought an Epiphone Les Paul Modern. I bought it because it had a coil split and I wanted a Les Paul that could do that. But I got an ebony fretboard, locking tuners, bone nut, perfect fit and finish + a shaved neck joint for the same low Epiphone price. To be honest ... the fret ends are all horrible and razor sharp above the binding, it's like they missed a step, but everything else is so perfect I'm going to pay a Luthier to do it and be happy about it because even though I payed full retail new price, it feels like I stole it cause of all the extras and that it played perfectly out of the box, perfect set up. Low as you can go with no buzz, and it's like it's been plekked. Too early to tell for sure, but if it happens, it won't be the first time that I've had an Epiphone Les Paul that replaces my Gibson as my #1 axe.
Value your opinions, always glad I watched, keep doin what yer doin you're gettin it right.
I have a Blueberry Burst version of this guitar, and it plays better than some of my buddy’s Gibson 335s. It roars with overdrive or distortion. Excellent guitar.
Love your playing and demo, Shane.
That Epiphone fits perfectly into your “ZZ-esque” jam track. I hope you will consider adding it to your stable of great guitars. I truly enjoy my Epi ES-335 with Gibson pickups. It sounds and plays great and didn’t cost a fortune. 😊
Been playing over 50 years always wanted the 335 the epiphone was one of the best guitars I ever played minus a good set up
Its very beautiful and playable, but the laurel fretboard.......Could be good, but nothing compare to a good and dark rosewood.
Because of your credibility with reviewing gear, and also because you know what options us lefties have, I always trust your reviews. Bought one myself, swapped the bridge for a gotoh and it’s good to go. I had an epiphone Les Paul custom a few years ago that I regret selling- I sold my Les Paul studio after getting it because I liked the epiphone so much better. They really have stepped it up
I know you had a dot that you liked that you let go of.
Must feel good to have an epi again.
I have the 339 because I like the smaller scale size.
Do yourself a favor and upgrade the input jack and save yourself a minor headache later.
Peace and love to you.
CM
I used my Epiphone Sheraton II modified with Dimarzio pickups exclusively for 6 years until I got my Player Stratocaster. The Joe Bonamassa 1962 ES-335 had me really excited for like 5 minutes until I saw the price haha. I will probably repair the Sheraton 1 day but the amount of work it needs I do think a new one is a better move.
Most impressed by the clean jazz tones.
I have 4 guitarrs alls was gifts including an authors luthier. But Nothing in the world would change my black dot and his blues Sound. In the moment that you have more and more Brand marks I think the most important thing is if you are glad with The Sound of your guitar. I do.
I just put Lollar low wind pups and locking tuners in mine and WOW, I cannot recommend this enough. It just begs you to play some major blues for hours. My strats want minor blues, my Les Paul is a riff machine. But that 335 just speaks to me with those new Lollars. I bought with the intention of making it my #3 guitar but I think it’s now my #1. highly recommended - if you plan to make a couple upgrades, it’ll rival a Gibson at 1/3 the price.
Hi Shane! Great review and awesome playing! I have a question: how is this model different from the Epiphone Dot? Cheers!
Man, I want one of these so bad- this or a real 335- or any decent hollow body in this tyle really- I'm not picky. I think they have a very unique sound but also- they put you in a frame of mind when you're playing one. At least they do me, I just like holding it, I think it looks cool- and I've heard guys get some raunchy dirt out of them. Plus- my hero played a 335 w/ Steely Dan- Larry Carlton is the man.
That first jam track was awesome, and really goes to show Epiphone can sound just as good as any Gibson.. No one could ever tell the difference in a record or live session! How the guitar feels though (neck and fretboard), that's where the money is.
Beautiful playing!
Nice intro Shane billy gibbons would be proud an all of Texas would be to....
Great review!!!! I would buy this over any of the more affordable 335 style guitars! My question for you Shane is how would you rank this Epiphone to all the other 335s? Cheers!🎸🎸🎸😎😎
I've been a Gibson player for 30 years, but the new Epiphone Les Paul Custom Adam Jones is one of the best guitars I've ever owned.
Great sounding neck pickup. nice and bright.
Excellent tone. My favorite blues song title
"You've got me eating gravy baby cause you meat is too tough to bite"
I just purchased one of these because I have a humbucker guitar I use mainly for rock and I wanted one for blues, and let me tell you, if you get one of these you'll be stuck on the bridge pickup like me 🤣. That twang is amazing
Never played one but they sound and look incredible! Think I need to add one to my collection. How do you think the Epiphone stacks up against the Harley Benton 35plus?
I love the Harley Benton 335. For the price it's incredible.
By this over my HB35plus? If I were a gigging player, it might be worth the upgrade. As I am, I can like it and leave it as being a little too rich for my playing ability. Sweet demo, Shane!
Man, does this guitar sound great. One criticism I think worth mentioning (and this holds true of Gibson ES335s as well) is the lack of access to the electronics. At least Gibson made it easier to get in there when they offered the ES333 with the rear cover.
Great demo. Thank you
I have a 339 in the same red finish and it has a great tone!
Hey Shane, love your videos man 👊🏻 So I’m looking at this Epiphone or a Sire H7…..I know they’re both good guitars, but which would you prefer?
I sent my H7 back.
It was a mess.
I like Sire stuff, I have a V7 bass and an A3 acoustic and they're both great.
I wonder if the H7s are from a different factory ?
For a poor man's 335, I decided to stick with my 2017 HB35plus with Iron Gear Blues Engine pickups.
I remain open to the possibility of an Epiphone at some time in the future.
I've been a Gibson player for 30 years, but these new Epiphones are just GREAT guitars.
That's some mighty fine geetar playin' there!
I have this model. A 2021 in Raspberry burst. Very well made. But just no love for it at all. I’ve got the same amp too (bar your speaker upgrade). I have a bunch of 2021 Epiphones - 3 x LP, 2 casinos, a Firebird, SG and a Flying V (don’t judge me, it as a very traumatic year and buying new guitars was part of my therapy). I love them all. The Es335 is the only model I don’t like. I find the pickups muddy and harsh. The neck
Is ridiculously bright. I don’t feel the need to upgrade pickups on any other Epiphone but I’m not sure I’d waste the money on this at essentially half the cost of the guitar itself. I’ll take the Casino (Shane I know you’re not a fan) or any semi hollow Gretsch.
An update to this. A set up has fixed everything and now i absolutely love it. Pickup height was the issue. Now off the charts. Great guitar.