I cannot believe they have real custombuckers. Like I get it, it’s a pricey epiphone but just like the LP custom, these are extremely accurate to the Gibson counterparts.
@@MKRYAN777 Thanks for watching Ryan! This one came in a few weeks late. I expected it to be good but it really is on another level. I try to stay away from saying something is the “best” in videos cause I don’t really think that way but this is right up there with the best guitars I’ve played. Kinda wild cause at one point I didn’t think I’d try out a 335 cause of how big they are. If you try one out let me know what you think I haven’t forgot about you on the amp either! Sorry for the delay but I promise I’m on it!
So true. I got the Ebony version a month after I got the Alpine White IGC Les Paul Custom. They are ‘great guitars’ with less QC issues than the Gibson according to my luthier who did the set-up. I took them out of their cases put them on stands while I watched 2 episodes of House of the Dragon last night. I can’t take my eyes off them. They are that beautiful to look at.
@@mr3klax Right there with you! I spent more time just staring at this than any other guitar and took about a hundred pictures of it too lol. As far as the QC I 100% put this right besides Gibson Custom Shop stuff. Just flawless all around (although I guess not everyone has had a great experience with Gibson 😅). Is the Ebony one a gloss finish? Congrats on the new guitars and thanks for watching!
@@sunnyhaair First of all, I must applaud you for the no-nonsense videos you have been putting out. Those are like scientific papers (ie, subjective remarks substantiated by objective observations) I also enjoy the manner of how they are presented. Only a technical person will come up with something like that. Back to your question, the Ebony does not come in gloss finish. I wished. The VOS finish was actually a deal-breaker for me. I want my guitars gloss. After I got the Alpine White LP Custom in May, I knew I had to get its Ebony version for Father’s Day. But, the ES-355 was getting all the rave reviews. I never really thought much about semi-hollow guitars (eg, ES-335/355) as I am fixated with Les Pauls. And besides, I find them too big for me. But, I can’t ignore the praises it was getting. So after much thought and deliberation, since I already have a 2012 Korean-made Epiphone Black Beauty (upgraded with Gibson USA PUPs and premium wiring and electronics, bone nut, graphite bridge saddles, fret work, etc) in excellent condition, I decided to go with the IGC 1959 ES-355 in Ebony, my first ever semi-hollow body knowing fully well that I was going to devote about 2 weeks of my life to polish and buff it to a high-gloss finish as soon as I get it back from my luthier (for his scrutiny and a professional set-up) And I did. The very next day I got it back. Polishing the guitar which I did mostly by hand, turned the color from a dark gray to deep inky black which was a surprise to me as I thought the change will be just from rough scratchy matte texture to shiny smooth glass-like surface. I left the back of the neck ‘untouched’ to retain its satin finish as it was already slightly buffed at the factory. All in all, I am very happy with the results. I enjoy looking at it. The multi-color mother of pearl headstock inlays literally ‘glow’ more when it catch the light just like my Alpine White LP Custom. I enjoy running my fingers on it and marvel at its smoothness. It just made me love it more. It’s rare. And it’s mine. Thanks!
Love mine after setup - Looks perfect sounds perfect . Amp & Guitar player collector 54 years 🏁FYI Raise the tail bar just a bit for greater bending , 10.s
That guitar is one helluva value for the price. Case, Custom Buckers, ebony board, bridge, it's just a great guitar for just a bit over 1 k. Could be your only and if you country rock like Marshall Tucker and The Allman Brothers this guitar will be even more of a treat for you.
I prefer the finish on my Epiphones over anything available from Gibson, the poly finish is very durable and will look great for decades to come. I spend a lot of time working on the frets, ensuring they have nice ball ends and are all level, well worth the added effort.
Had my white 355 since launch and I can't put the thing down. I've had semi hollows before but this is something else. Epiphone has really knocked it out of the park with this guitar, and you're so right, it deserves to be a classic. And it's funny you mentioned the Korean Epi's, as my first Epi was a MIK Les Paul that I got new in '96 and still have 28 years later. It's semi-retired now, I got the 1st iteration of the Epi '59 Les Paul (the one with the Burstbuckers) as a suitable stand-in.
Awesome review, I really enjoyed it. You have a very cool unique way of showing a product and making it really interesting. I just got the red ES355 and I can't wait to play it properly.
If for some reason you could only own one guitar...and the choice offered to you was the IGC Epiphone les paul custom in ebony or The IGC 335 in white... Which one would you choose personally?
Damn, mate, I'm waiting for my white IBGC Custom to arrive and here you are making me GAS for this one, too. My only salvation is that there's none of them in stock right now. But the time will come...
@@csharp57 Happy belated birthday! This one’s as a good as a gift could get. If you’re ever up for it, playing around with the height of the Custombuckers is pretty fun for experimenting with different tones
I have had this guitar since April and can confirm that it sounds as good as anything I have ever played. Can't stop playing it!
It really is hard to put down! Luckily it’s a featherweight!!!
Never thought I'd hear a 355 down in drop B, but oh man I'm hooked.
I cannot believe they have real custombuckers. Like I get it, it’s a pricey epiphone but just like the LP custom, these are extremely accurate to the Gibson counterparts.
Man, I keep hearing good things about these. Thanks for another great review.
@@MKRYAN777 Thanks for watching Ryan! This one came in a few weeks late. I expected it to be good but it really is on another level.
I try to stay away from saying something is the “best” in videos cause I don’t really think that way but this is right up there with the best guitars I’ve played. Kinda wild cause at one point I didn’t think I’d try out a 335 cause of how big they are. If you try one out let me know what you think
I haven’t forgot about you on the amp either! Sorry for the delay but I promise I’m on it!
Wow great job dude
So true. I got the Ebony version a month after I got the Alpine White IGC Les Paul Custom. They are ‘great guitars’ with less QC issues than the Gibson according to my luthier who did the set-up. I took them out of their cases put them on stands while I watched 2 episodes of House of the Dragon last night. I can’t take my eyes off them. They are that beautiful to look at.
@@mr3klax Right there with you! I spent more time just staring at this than any other guitar and took about a hundred pictures of it too lol. As far as the QC I 100% put this right besides Gibson Custom Shop stuff. Just flawless all around (although I guess not everyone has had a great experience with Gibson 😅).
Is the Ebony one a gloss finish?
Congrats on the new guitars and thanks for watching!
@@sunnyhaair First of all, I must applaud you for the no-nonsense videos you have been putting out. Those are like scientific papers (ie, subjective remarks substantiated by objective observations) I also enjoy the manner of how they are presented. Only a technical person will come up with something like that.
Back to your question, the Ebony does not come in gloss finish. I wished. The VOS finish was actually a deal-breaker for me. I want my guitars gloss. After I got the Alpine White LP Custom in May, I knew I had to get its Ebony version for Father’s Day. But, the ES-355 was getting all the rave reviews. I never really thought much about semi-hollow guitars (eg, ES-335/355) as I am fixated with Les Pauls. And besides, I find them too big for me. But, I can’t ignore the praises it was getting. So after much thought and deliberation, since I already have a 2012 Korean-made Epiphone Black Beauty (upgraded with Gibson USA PUPs and premium wiring and electronics, bone nut, graphite bridge saddles, fret work, etc) in excellent condition, I decided to go with the IGC 1959 ES-355 in Ebony, my first ever semi-hollow body knowing fully well that I was going to devote about 2 weeks of my life to polish and buff it to a high-gloss finish as soon as I get it back from my luthier (for his scrutiny and a professional set-up) And I did. The very next day I got it back.
Polishing the guitar which I did mostly by hand, turned the color from a dark gray to deep inky black which was a surprise to me as I thought the change will be just from rough scratchy matte texture to shiny smooth glass-like surface. I left the back of the neck ‘untouched’ to retain its satin finish as it was already slightly buffed at the factory.
All in all, I am very happy with the results. I enjoy looking at it. The multi-color mother of pearl headstock inlays literally ‘glow’ more when it catch the light just like my Alpine White LP Custom. I enjoy running my fingers on it and marvel at its smoothness. It just made me love it more. It’s rare. And it’s mine. Thanks!
Love mine after setup - Looks perfect sounds perfect . Amp & Guitar player collector 54 years 🏁FYI Raise the tail bar just a bit for greater bending , 10.s
That guitar is one helluva value for the price. Case, Custom Buckers, ebony board, bridge, it's just a great guitar for just a bit over 1 k. Could be your only and if you country rock like Marshall Tucker and The Allman Brothers this guitar will be even more of a treat for you.
I prefer the finish on my Epiphones over anything available from Gibson, the poly finish is very durable and will look great for decades to come. I spend a lot of time working on the frets, ensuring they have nice ball ends and are all level, well worth the added effort.
Strings have ball ends. Frets do not.
I just discovered your channel and the guitar reviews I've seen thus far are quite an immersive experience. Very well done.
Really appreciate you taking the time to watch, thank you!
Had my white 355 since launch and I can't put the thing down. I've had semi hollows before but this is something else. Epiphone has really knocked it out of the park with this guitar, and you're so right, it deserves to be a classic.
And it's funny you mentioned the Korean Epi's, as my first Epi was a MIK Les Paul that I got new in '96 and still have 28 years later. It's semi-retired now, I got the 1st iteration of the Epi '59 Les Paul (the one with the Burstbuckers) as a suitable stand-in.
Custom buckers would make a silvertone sound great
Awesome review, I really enjoyed it. You have a very cool unique way of showing a product and making it really interesting. I just got the red ES355 and I can't wait to play it properly.
Just bought one
If for some reason you could only own one guitar...and the choice offered to you was the IGC Epiphone les paul custom in ebony or The IGC 335 in white... Which one would you choose personally?
Another incredible review 😊
Quick question, if I may - do the Gibson Les Paul Custom bridges fit in the Epi IGC Les Paul Custom?
Great review, thank you!
Thanks for watching!
Sounds great
Thank you!!
This should have been an Alex Lifeson signature model
What a great demo!
@@dubbxylon1470 Hey thanks I really appreciate you taking the time to watch!
Damn, mate, I'm waiting for my white IBGC Custom to arrive and here you are making me GAS for this one, too. My only salvation is that there's none of them in stock right now. But the time will come...
Is this the same guitar Toy Caldwell had? He had a white double horned Gibson hollow body with NO F HOLES!
Lol , they are Gibson counterparts. I’m getting one.
The only problem I have is that the hardware is gold which I hate I personally like chrome or black hardware just my opinion.
Just picked up mine from the guitar tech doing a set up for me. A birthday present for myself. Enjoying it so far
@@csharp57 Happy belated birthday! This one’s as a good as a gift could get. If you’re ever up for it, playing around with the height of the Custombuckers is pretty fun for experimenting with different tones
$1300 for a Chinese made guitar lmao
What’s the max you’d pay for a guitar made there?
@@sunnyhaair about half that
So what? If you idolize guitars, where do you go, buy an American-made guitar. Do you have no life so you hate epiphones with high prices?
Yes, 600 sounds about right. 750 perhaps for 'luxury models'. For sure this can be found under a chinese brand for 600.
New Casino is 489 on Thomann. Where does 700 more for this spring from?