The headstock on these are actually the origional Kalamazoo style from the '50s. They're not meant to look more like gibson, they're meant to look like the original epiphones.
I just bought the same one from GC. same color. It's perfect. Set up perfect out of the box. Fretts are perfect. String height pickup height, neck relief all soot on.
I bought the Epiphone Les Paul special and I was so impressed I went for the 335 and all I can say is WOW! For the price it's a no brainer. So close to the big brother it really makes you wonder. I am now looking seriously at the custom SG inspired by Gibson. Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts...well done!
got one of these recently. i've always been a fender fan, but the way the 335s resonate both through my body and plugged in is something that i never thought i'd ever get to feel. definitely getting more in the future instead of more fenders lol.
I have the same one, with the gibson logo, but no fretboard binding. Mine is a '99 ... I got it for 250 bucks about 6 years ago, basically new old stock , 100% dead mint . It has become my main go-to for everything lately. Even though I have plenty of other way more expensive guitars. Im a 80s shredder at heart. Think like UFO, iron maiden, rianbow, dio, ozzy, rush, and van halen roots . Crossed with tons of yngwie and helloween and 80s super shreddy stuff . But also in flames, megadeth, lamb of god, amon amarth , ect Maybe it's because it's had 25 years to dry out and breathe. It's so acoustically loud, resonant, and plucky . The action is decently low , i can shred on it at 200m mph. It's got chuggs and pinch harmonics like nothing else. The thing absolutely screams. And that resonance ,it's so loud, and u can pick the strings as hard as you want, and it just sounds even better ! Im surprised I can play as fast as I can on it, considering that chunky c neck it has. I'm used to ibanez jackson and charvel necks. The resonance is great for doing super fast runs because u can literally feel every damn note. It's like i can't get lost. Good times. Ok, enough ranting ! Cheers bud ! 🎉
I've got both, and both are great, but I find the Sheraton's weight difference very noticeable. It's heavy! Love the split coils though, and slimmer neck profile.
800 bucks is a small fraction of the cost of a real Gibson. Compare 800 to 3,000 and you have a really appreciable difference. No, it isn't cheap. But relatively speaking, it's dirt cheap.
The Inspired By Gibson series ES-335 is probably the best Epiphone to come out in 30 years. I bought one 3 years ago, and I play it regularly. My only concern are the pickups sounding a little wooly which is trivial.
Bought mine used in mint condition some six years ago Headstock truss rod cover as the 'Gibson' logo stamped on it. Can't fault the build quality made in South Korea in 2003 plays fine with no issues.
I love mine...I have the sunburst....I also have the Casino which I love. The only issue I've had it the output jack coming unscrewed but I've fixed that...great tone pots and the pickups are wonderful. The Casino is a singer songwriter guitar almost an acoustic electric and the 335 can literally play any style of music you would play on an electric....really happy with both instruments. I have a more expensive archtop that is wonderful and has flat wounds but the Epiphones get the most use these days.
Just picked one up. And can't put it down. :) Incredible guitars - especially when you consider that the Gibson Es-335 is about 6-7X the price. I've even seen loads of head to heads where reviewers preferred the Epiphone.
Totally agree - I have a blueberry burst for £499 from Guitar Guitar in the UK , and I just cannot stop saying Wow !! ***** and great sounding Gibson strings!!
Tony I have to agree I love the 57 Classics I have an epiphone Les Paul Standard with 57 Plastics in it and it's the only guitar in my collection it still original
Hello Tony , first of all thank you so much for all the content you post about all the things we guitarplayers are interested in ! Two years ago you very positvely reviewed the Harley Benton HB35. Compairing it to the Epi ES 335 you just bought, what are the main diffences? The split-coil obtion seams a benefit on the HB. Or is that of minor importance? To put it shortly : Is a more expensive 335 worth the extra money? Cheers, Boudewijn, Amsterdam. Holland
I have Gibson guitars but many times I prefer to play my Epiphone guitars. the Dot shown here is a real gem. I have and can with a clear conscience recommend Epiphone G-400 pro SG & Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus 60s too 🎸🙂
Personally I like the headstock shape better than the Gibson, the corners are extended too far on the Gibson. Not that it matters that much, to me. Aside from that I do love the neck, and the build quality is flawless as usual.
Epiphones are enjoying the same surge in quality, compared to their big brothers, as Squier is. Squiers, over the past 3 years, have been absolutely fucking stellar. The CV series, of late, have been incredible. The CV 50s Strat sounds just like a fucking Custom Shop, hands down. I've played them side by side and besides some feeling in the hand, there's virtually no difference. The sound coming thru the amp is the same. I am really close to pulling the trigger on an Epiphone, but it's kind of behind, in my interest, the full hollow Ibanez AF55. I want to have a guitar to play, almost exclusively jazz. However, the dot and the 33x can put out a nice clean tone suitable for jazz but also has capabilities to play my main genre, funk. I think one of the reasons that budget guitars are becoming so much better, sound wise, are the alnico pickups. The alnicos in CV Strats and teles are fucking incredible. They are hot, but not too hot and you can get some beautiful subtlety out of them as well. Between that pickup technology and CNC tech allowing bodies, necks and headstocks to be created without so many man hours of labor...it's a recipe for amazing guitars being available to everyone. Paying 350$ for an Ibanez or Squier or Epiphone is so beautiful.
I just bought one after seeing this video. Being a lefty, it is very hard to find guitars sometimes here in Australia, yet to find one the same as this but used and in immaculate condition for $700AUD is unheard of, as they retail here for around $1250AUD. Although I'd never played a semi hollow before, as soon as I played it, I knew I had to own it. I've been more of an acoustic player in a duo for 6 years, and rarely felt the need for an electric and sold my Gibson Les Paul and Fender strat years ago, yet I bought a $400 used Epiphone Les Paul which is fantastic. Now I feel I really don't need it anymore, as the semi hollow is very versatile for just playing in the mancave and learning new songs from Oasis and U2 to Metallica. The only thing I'd change on mine is the chrome Grover tuners to these Kluson style for aesthetic reasons only, yet other than that I won't be changing anything on it. All I need now is a decent cheap 15w amp and I'll be set 👍 Side note: The only guitar that I'd call being better than the Epiphone, is the Gretsch White Falcon the previous owner of my now semi hollow let me try. If as you say you like semi hollows, whatever you DON'T try a White Falcon if you haven't already, as it will ruin you! The saddest part of trying that Gretsch, is knowing I'll never buy one at the prices they're commanding...especially in left handed!
I purchased this in Feb 2023 and could never fall in love with it. It sounded fine, especially once I adjusted the intonation and evened out the pickups, but just wouldn't float my boat. Yesterday I traded it in on a Gretsch G5420-140th and I cannot say I miss the 335. I like rockabilly and I think the 335 lends itself more to 60s style, to my ear anyway. Even the guy at the guitar shop said about my 335 when I traded it "it hasn't been played much"...nope. **Always subscribe when I find out the creator is a fellow Cdn**
Thanks for sharing your experience. I actually sold mine a little while ago also. I ended up buying an Eastman which is a killer guitar in my opinion. I didn't really need the Epiphone since I already have a Gibson 335.
@@rmoalxa Yup I am actually waiting to go pick it up took it to go get some Grover locking tuners installed at Guitar Center and getting the set up checked
Great video. I’m curious to know your thoughts on the just-released 2024 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 ES-355 with the oversized multi-ply bound Gibson-style open book headstock and other Gibson Custom Shop upgrades. I bought one in Ebony. My first-ever semi-hollow body. And I am beyond hooked. The only thing that I didn’t like is the VOS finish. I find it dull and lifeless. Makes it look more grayish than black. Other than that it’s a FANTASTIC guitar.
Nice review, Tony! I've got the Vintage Burst colour (left handed) and I am enjoying it now BUT of course, it did come out of the box with the action a mile high and uneven frets; par for the course I guess for this price point. Of course, I have already modified the thing to within an inch of its life: Iron Gear pickups, CTS reverse C pots, Gotoh Hardware including locking tuners and a 'tagua nut' - not really happy with the IronGear pickups; a little too agressive on the top end (Blues Engine+Dirty Torque) I'll give those '57 Classics a try!
I herd they have better quality electrical components. The older ones sounds a little more muddy and muffled, while the new ones have a more articulate and bright sound.
Enjoyed this thx. A very helpful review. I have played mine now for a year now: no complaints. Solid. I have found that Epiphone seems to really care about consistent, excellent build quality. Agree, save your money. This one has provided to me to be a very smart choice. Looks and plays great. And, trust me, the audience truly doesn’t care if your not playing a Gibson. Cheers!
This is a decent guitar, but nothing like the new Customshop version. The red one is stunning, with a much thinner finish and the Custombuckers. At $1299 list, with a hardcase, it's a great deal.
Picked up the Epi Dot Studio for less than $300. After I fought with the truss rod and got it set up, it kills. Stripped down version of regular 335- no pick guard, single vol/tone knobs. Kind of a chopper. But great value for knock around guitar.
I have the older style Epiphone 335 that I purchased from Sweetwater for under $400 USD back in 2018. I agree about the versatility. I can easily change the sound for different styles of music by adjusting the volume knob. I don't touch the amp or use any pedals. I just wish mine had the neck binding, tulip tuners and top hat knobs. I feel like mine looks incomplete without the neck binding.
I have just finished watching an excellent video on a Gibson ES 335. That is a beautiful guitar. BUT...at 1/4 of the price, this Epi in nearly identical in every respect expect pickups. I own 2 Epi's (LP Custom & Nighthawk) and find them to be of top quality. If you can afford a Gibson, then go for it, but an Epiphone should work for you. BTW, FWIW, My Epi's have the old style headstock which I actually prefer...
I'm on the fence about the Epiphone ES 335. I know that the reviews say the quality is great, and the experience that I've had with various Epiphones would suggest that is probably true. I'm sure the hardware and build quality is just fine. I even believe that the tones of the guitars are great. I know that buying the Epiphone will save a bundle over buying the Gibson. The thing that I'm concerned about. The thing that I haven't seen anyone talk about. The thing that I'm on the fence about is... What color should I get?
I got the urge to buy another guitar last night ,went on line and this guitar caught my eye only 400 quid in gear for music uk....only watched these videos after i ordered it.....looks like i made the right choice
Its a great guitar and easily holds its own against Gibson 335. However, the only thing to change is the Epiphone machine heads, they are the week point. Epiphone have drilled the holes the same size as Gibson 9.8 to 10mm diameter. That means the Kluson REVOLUTION Tulip keystone locking tuners drop in as a perfect no mod replacement and are amazing machine heads, as good if not better than Grover. I did it to mine and tonally it makes a massive difference.
I have an olive drab green with 57 classics and flat wounds.🤤I was able to grab a cherry one for under 300 bucks. The stock pick ups sound good actually lol
Nice,nice,nice!Realy!I wouldn't sell or exchange my 20 years old Sheraton 2,blonde!!The sounds,the neck(construction) and handling;;all is unreached !And the thing is i got the guitar for 250 bucks;with a rosewood fretboardThx for your passion and thoughts!Sometimes its luck to get a guitar that fits to me/us!!!1000 bugs are much money!Look;Thomann gives such guits for 300;new,nice,wellsounding and and !...However!I´m a sheraton fan!
Thanks a lot for your video. With all the videos about that guitar on yt, I have listened carefully to your feelings, thoughts, and opinions about this guitar. And I have just received it today from Santa Claus (-le Père Noël- here in France 😉) the day before Christmas Eve then. I will properly unbox it 🎸🤩🤩 tomorrow night with my family alongside with my beloved nephew and his Christmas gifts. To you and all those watching and posting, I wish a Merry Christmas (Joyeux Noël 😉)
Was re-watching a Moody Blues concert last night and the urge to check out the ES-335 that Justin cherishes hit my brain. Then is was like time to check out Epiphone and see what they make. I have an Epi EJC-200 but not overseas with me. But I'm a southpaw and while the Dot was available in left hand, I'm not seeing that option with the Epi 335. I'll look some more and maybe write Epi to see if I'm missing something. Ideas on this? Thanks
I don't really know if they make a southpaw version yet. If not hopefully they will. You might like to check out some of the Tokai 335's they are very good too!
What amp are you going through, here? It really allows that vintage-y PAF sound to shine through. I’ve lately gotten into PAF sounds and the amp and amp settings are critical to bring out that growl and those overtones.
Great review as always! I'm torn between this model and the Epi Lucille. Any chance you might review the Epi Lucille? A shootout between the two would be awesome! Keep up the great reviews...thanks.
I definitely would go with the epiphine Lucille. I bought that guitar and compared it to this 335, no wonder the Lucille is about $1000 and this is about five or 600. This is a decent Guitar, but the Lucille blows this out of the water.
I have a Gibson 335, Epi 335 and 3 Harley Benton 335's and The Gibson is top dog, but, I prefer the HB's over the epi all day long. they play great and sound great. I play w/some gain and the HB's just sound better and play better. IMO.
I have one in Raspberry tea burst. 2021 model. Superbly made. Fit and finish is excellent. But it sat unused for 10 months. I couldn’t find any love for it other than that it looked good. But I didn’t like the sound. I did some work on set up including pickup height (and I have to be honest I have no idea what I’m doing) but it’s come good and no less I’m really enjoying it.
The Gibson SG is also pretty bad about neck dive, but they feel so good in my hands and I want one eventually. The older epiphones are not just bad about neck dive. Some Gibson guitars such as the SG are just bad with neck dive, but I still love SGs.
I hate seeing comments like this. I personally own 3 SG’s an 89’ , a 2001, and a 2005, none of them neck dive at all. I play them on stage every month and rehearsal every week. They are my main instruments. My other favorites are my american strats which I use for stuff thats down in E flat. The SG itself is more prone to neck dive. And many of them do. They don’t all. My advice is bring YOUR OWN (cotton) strap to the store. And play them standing up. Move around. You can find good ones if you look. Mine aren’t the colors I want them to be. But thats ok, they all play so well; I don’t care what they look like
I gave my older brother his first guitar 6 months ago. He just had this exact model, in this color delivered from the factory yesterday. 3 days from ordered to delivered. I may have created another addict. LOL! Does this make me a pusher?
I bought the blueberry burst when these first came out, worst case of fret sprout I've even seen. Some spot levelling was also needed to sort a couple of high frets. Now it plays and sounds well. I have since bought an Eastman and it is a fine instrument for around double the price of the Epiphone.
Alright, I have a problem... I have a Gibson Les Paul 2016 Standard at home and I have a country house where I have a Epiphone Les Paul Modern, which is like the one I have at home. The problem is, I cant realy take any guitar to the other place so I'm stuck what I have there... So at home I have except for the Gison I have a Sire L7v 'Les Paul copy' with P-90's, a Sire H7v 'a 335' with P-90's. So I want a P-90 guitar! Which one do you suggest? In a later video, you say Epiphone SG Special! Do you I think should buy it? Anyway, you have a really an interresting channel and I watch it with joy!
Brought a epiphone 335 yesterday, i much prefer epiphones, gibsons are great but there very heavy, epiphone all the way, spend what you save on an amplifier.
How does it compare to the older Epi Dot? I've had my Dot for some years, ten or fifteen, I don't really remember. It doesn't see much use, I prefer Gretsch and their slightly wider neck. A s,a;; change makes a big difference.
I like the original headstock. It depends on the store I've seen it for 599 dollars which at the moment that's out of my reach. The red one would match my 339.
this and a Squier Classic Vibe Strat just brilliant value fror money for classic rock/blues (this from someone who owns two Ricks so I'm not immune to expensive guitars but there's nothing really in the 1/4 full price range that comes close to a Rick like the Epi and Squier CV come to their "big price tage" brothers) )
I have the new inspired by Gibson ES339... if I could add #11 and #12 to your 10 reasons... #11, its a bit smaller body and fits me better than the 335 version... the 339 has a side jack... which sodes away with the semi-annoying front mounted jack of the 335... and here's the great #13... the ES-339 is current;y only $549(USD) brand new... It is one of "those" Epiphones that I did not need to do a thing to (setup or intonation) right out of the box... -- I have several of the new "Inspired by Gibson" Epiphones, and I must say (been playing guitar for 40+ years) these are some of the best playing, best sounding guitars made (I suppose I must add "at this price point"... but cannot possibly afford Gibson's prices these days... for one $5,000 Gibson, I can have 8-10 Epiphones...) - and I'm not afraid to scratch, drop, kick, or leave them on a bandstand at a dive bar...
Keep hearing people say the tuners dont hold tune well. How are they ? Last guitar shop I was in asking if it was a good work horse and they said it was great for recording but not live. If thats the case why not throw some Gotoh tuners on there no biggie, I could swap the pick ups as well and still be way under the Gibson price tag.
I've had many Gibsons that don't hold tuning well. I've bought and gigged the epiphone inspired by gibson es 335 and it holds it's tuning exceptionally well. The only thing i'm considering upgrading are the pickups. Particularly the neck pup. It lacks articulation. The bridge pup is fat and juicey.
My mother is buying me this for my 20th birthday and i'm BEYOND excited!!
i just ordered mine its coming this friday im so excited . care to share how you enjoyed it thus far?
@@asiangoofs4697 i got mine a few weeks ago. the body resonates like nothing else i've played before. definitely gonna buy more 335/345/355s.
The headstock on these are actually the origional Kalamazoo style from the '50s. They're not meant to look more like gibson, they're meant to look like the original epiphones.
I just bought the same one from GC. same color.
It's perfect. Set up perfect out of the box. Fretts are perfect. String height pickup height, neck relief all soot on.
I have one I bought just recently that was used and 20 years hold. It is still beautiful with no equipment issues and sounds fantastic.
I bought the Epiphone Les Paul special and I was so impressed I went for the 335 and all I can say is WOW! For the price it's a no brainer. So close to the big brother it really makes you wonder. I am now looking seriously at the custom SG inspired by Gibson. Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts...well done!
Yes, I’ve been eyeing that one too!
I bought the same guitar. I adders a aluminum tailpiece and a Kluson tune o matic. It’s a great guitar!
got one of these recently. i've always been a fender fan, but the way the 335s resonate both through my body and plugged in is something that i never thought i'd ever get to feel. definitely getting more in the future instead of more fenders lol.
I have a 17 year old Cherry Epi 335. The truss rod cover ironically says Gibson. It plays better than most modern Gibsons.
I have the same one, with the gibson logo, but no fretboard binding. Mine is a '99 ... I got it for 250 bucks about 6 years ago, basically new old stock , 100% dead mint . It has become my main go-to for everything lately. Even though I have plenty of other way more expensive guitars. Im a 80s shredder at heart. Think like UFO, iron maiden, rianbow, dio, ozzy, rush, and van halen roots . Crossed with tons of yngwie and helloween and 80s super shreddy stuff . But also in flames, megadeth, lamb of god, amon amarth , ect
Maybe it's because it's had 25 years to dry out and breathe. It's so acoustically loud, resonant, and plucky . The action is decently low , i can shred on it at 200m mph. It's got chuggs and pinch harmonics like nothing else. The thing absolutely screams. And that resonance ,it's so loud, and u can pick the strings as hard as you want, and it just sounds even better ! Im surprised I can play as fast as I can on it, considering that chunky c neck it has. I'm used to ibanez jackson and charvel necks. The resonance is great for doing super fast runs because u can literally feel every damn note. It's like i can't get lost. Good times. Ok, enough ranting ! Cheers bud ! 🎉
I went to guitar center and played about 8 of these between two locations.I bought the best sounding one and it has been an incredible guitar!
I almost bought this too, but I saw the Sheraton II pro and instantly loved it. That guitar is very versatile with split coil option.
you got the best 👍
I've got both, and both are great, but I find the Sheraton's weight difference very noticeable. It's heavy! Love the split coils though, and slimmer neck profile.
$800 is considered cheap? Oh man I didn’t realize how poor I really am 😂
Unfortunately yes today $800 is cheap!
It isn’t that you are poor sir. It is that our dollar is being constantly devalued by the powers that be in office.
800 bucks is a small fraction of the cost of a real Gibson. Compare 800 to 3,000 and you have a really appreciable difference. No, it isn't cheap. But relatively speaking, it's dirt cheap.
800 $ canadian not US
Cheap compared to a 3k Gibson.
The Inspired By Gibson series ES-335 is probably the best Epiphone to come out in 30 years. I bought one 3 years ago, and I play it regularly. My only concern are the pickups sounding a little wooly which is trivial.
Bought mine used in mint condition some six years ago Headstock truss rod cover as the 'Gibson' logo stamped on it.
Can't fault the build quality made in South Korea in 2003 plays fine with no issues.
I love mine...I have the sunburst....I also have the Casino which I love. The only issue I've had it the output jack coming unscrewed but I've fixed that...great tone pots and the pickups are wonderful. The Casino is a singer songwriter guitar almost an acoustic electric and the 335 can literally play any style of music you would play on an electric....really happy with both instruments. I have a more expensive archtop that is wonderful and has flat wounds but the Epiphones get the most use these days.
excellent review! I wish more reviews would follow your format. nice job.
Just picked one up. And can't put it down. :) Incredible guitars - especially when you consider that the Gibson Es-335 is about 6-7X the price. I've even seen loads of head to heads where reviewers preferred the Epiphone.
Congrats!
Just bought myself a semi hallow ( squire starcaster) and now I’m hooked perhaps this will be my next purchase.
I recently bought a Starcaster. Great guitar for the money!
Great review, thank you.
I have the Raspberry Tea Burst option, it's a fantastic guitar, I can't stop playing it. ❤️Epiphone
Glad you enjoy it!
"I don't want to have any redundant guitars" as he sits in front of 4 teles in different colors.
Totally agree - I have a blueberry burst for £499 from Guitar Guitar in the UK , and I just cannot stop saying Wow !! ***** and great sounding Gibson strings!!
Excellent review! Now subbed.
Great rundown of this super guitar man
Great video man. Keep up the good work.
Great review. I bought one a few months back and absolutely love it.....Great axe!!!!!
Tony I have to agree I love the 57 Classics I have an epiphone Les Paul Standard with 57 Plastics in it and it's the only guitar in my collection it still original
Tony, great review! Looks like a great guitar--congratulations.
Hello Tony , first of all thank you so much for all the content you post about all the things we guitarplayers are interested in ! Two years ago you very positvely reviewed the Harley Benton HB35.
Compairing it to the Epi ES 335 you just bought, what are the main diffences? The split-coil obtion seams a benefit on the HB. Or is that of minor importance? To put it shortly : Is a more expensive 335 worth the extra money? Cheers, Boudewijn, Amsterdam. Holland
Love the wall art behind you. Where can I buy one like it? Thanks!
I have Gibson guitars but many times I prefer to play my Epiphone guitars. the Dot shown here is a real gem. I have and can with a clear conscience recommend Epiphone G-400 pro SG & Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus 60s too 🎸🙂
Personally I like the headstock shape better than the Gibson, the corners are extended too far on the Gibson. Not that it matters that much, to me. Aside from that I do love the neck, and the build quality is flawless as usual.
Epiphones are enjoying the same surge in quality, compared to their big brothers, as Squier is. Squiers, over the past 3 years, have been absolutely fucking stellar. The CV series, of late, have been incredible. The CV 50s Strat sounds just like a fucking Custom Shop, hands down. I've played them side by side and besides some feeling in the hand, there's virtually no difference. The sound coming thru the amp is the same.
I am really close to pulling the trigger on an Epiphone, but it's kind of behind, in my interest, the full hollow Ibanez AF55. I want to have a guitar to play, almost exclusively jazz. However, the dot and the 33x can put out a nice clean tone suitable for jazz but also has capabilities to play my main genre, funk.
I think one of the reasons that budget guitars are becoming so much better, sound wise, are the alnico pickups. The alnicos in CV Strats and teles are fucking incredible. They are hot, but not too hot and you can get some beautiful subtlety out of them as well. Between that pickup technology and CNC tech allowing bodies, necks and headstocks to be created without so many man hours of labor...it's a recipe for amazing guitars being available to everyone. Paying 350$ for an Ibanez or Squier or Epiphone is so beautiful.
I bought the 339 in Cherry last October for the same reasons you list. I love it. It’s the cheapest guitar I own and one of my favs!
Purchased the Blueberry Burst model last year and put in a set of Seymour Duncan Antiquity with a set of Ernie Ball Super Slinky strings .
I bought my Epiphone 335 Dot in 2000 as a gift to myself! Pearl Black in a premium Epiphone Case!
I just bought one after seeing this video. Being a lefty, it is very hard to find guitars sometimes here in Australia, yet to find one the same as this but used and in immaculate condition for $700AUD is unheard of, as they retail here for around $1250AUD. Although I'd never played a semi hollow before, as soon as I played it, I knew I had to own it. I've been more of an acoustic player in a duo for 6 years, and rarely felt the need for an electric and sold my Gibson Les Paul and Fender strat years ago, yet I bought a $400 used Epiphone Les Paul which is fantastic. Now I feel I really don't need it anymore, as the semi hollow is very versatile for just playing in the mancave and learning new songs from Oasis and U2 to Metallica.
The only thing I'd change on mine is the chrome Grover tuners to these Kluson style for aesthetic reasons only, yet other than that I won't be changing anything on it. All I need now is a decent cheap 15w amp and I'll be set 👍 Side note: The only guitar that I'd call being better than the Epiphone, is the Gretsch White Falcon the previous owner of my now semi hollow let me try. If as you say you like semi hollows, whatever you DON'T try a White Falcon if you haven't already, as it will ruin you! The saddest part of trying that Gretsch, is knowing I'll never buy one at the prices they're commanding...especially in left handed!
Congratulations on the new guitar. I am very glad you like it. It’s a great guitar. Thanks for watching.
I purchased this in Feb 2023 and could never fall in love with it. It sounded fine, especially once I adjusted the intonation and evened out the pickups, but just wouldn't float my boat. Yesterday I traded it in on a Gretsch G5420-140th and I cannot say I miss the 335. I like rockabilly and I think the 335 lends itself more to 60s style, to my ear anyway. Even the guy at the guitar shop said about my 335 when I traded it "it hasn't been played much"...nope. **Always subscribe when I find out the creator is a fellow Cdn**
Thanks for sharing your experience. I actually sold mine a little while ago also. I ended up buying an Eastman which is a killer guitar in my opinion. I didn't really need the Epiphone since I already have a Gibson 335.
I bought one a years ago I love it I have a Strat and a Les Paul never play them since I got this guitar
Really? Is it that good?
@@rmoalxa Yup I am actually waiting to go pick it up took it to go get some Grover locking tuners installed at Guitar Center and getting the set up checked
Great video. I’m curious to know your thoughts on the just-released 2024 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 ES-355 with the oversized multi-ply bound Gibson-style open book headstock and other Gibson Custom Shop upgrades. I bought one in Ebony. My first-ever semi-hollow body. And I am beyond hooked. The only thing that I didn’t like is the VOS finish. I find it dull and lifeless. Makes it look more grayish than black. Other than that it’s a FANTASTIC guitar.
I like the direction that they are heading with the Epiphone line. Can't wait to see what they come up with next!
Nice review, Tony! I've got the Vintage Burst colour (left handed) and I am enjoying it now BUT of course, it did come out of the box with the action a mile high and uneven frets; par for the course I guess for this price point. Of course, I have already modified the thing to within an inch of its life: Iron Gear pickups, CTS reverse C pots, Gotoh Hardware including locking tuners and a 'tagua nut' - not really happy with the IronGear pickups; a little too agressive on the top end (Blues Engine+Dirty Torque) I'll give those '57 Classics a try!
I’m sure you will love the 57 Classics let me know…
I just got this same model after using the same terrible strat for 4 years, this has genuinely changed my life its an amazing guitar
Are the older models of the epiphone 335 up to par with the quality of the modern products?
I herd they have better quality electrical components. The older ones sounds a little more muddy and muffled, while the new ones have a more articulate and bright sound.
Nice....like the new intro Tony.
If you haven’t seen it yet they make a B.B. King Lucille model and it’s fantastic. I have one I would highly recommend it.
Enjoyed this thx. A very helpful review. I have played mine now for a year now: no complaints. Solid. I have found that Epiphone seems to really care about consistent, excellent build quality. Agree, save your money. This one has provided to me to be a very smart choice. Looks and plays great. And, trust me, the audience truly doesn’t care if your not playing a Gibson. Cheers!
Great to hear!
I have the 339 version I love it! Best guitar in my collection.
This is a decent guitar, but nothing like the new Customshop version. The red one is stunning, with a much thinner finish and the Custombuckers. At $1299 list, with a hardcase, it's a great deal.
Picked up the Epi Dot Studio for less than $300. After I fought with the truss rod and got it set up, it kills. Stripped down version of regular 335- no pick guard, single vol/tone knobs. Kind of a chopper. But great value for knock around guitar.
Nice Tony. Congrats on your beauty.
Love mine but it came new with a bad volume pot. Flat spot.
Replaced it, plays like a dream.
I’ve got the Es 335 pro , love it .
The Epiphone Crestwood 290N had a headstock like that... from the 70...
I have the same model, and it certainly scratches that 335 itch for me. (And at 1/5 the price)
I have the older style Epiphone 335 that I purchased from Sweetwater for under $400 USD back in 2018. I agree about the versatility. I can easily change the sound for different styles of music by adjusting the volume knob. I don't touch the amp or use any pedals. I just wish mine had the neck binding, tulip tuners and top hat knobs. I feel like mine looks incomplete without the neck binding.
Then sell it.
I have just finished watching an excellent video on a Gibson ES 335. That is a beautiful guitar. BUT...at 1/4 of the price, this Epi in nearly identical in every respect expect pickups. I own 2 Epi's (LP Custom & Nighthawk) and find them to be of top quality. If you can afford a Gibson, then go for it, but an Epiphone should work for you. BTW, FWIW, My Epi's have the old style headstock which I actually prefer...
I'm on the fence about the Epiphone ES 335. I know that the reviews say the quality is great, and the experience that I've had with various Epiphones would suggest that is probably true. I'm sure the hardware and build quality is just fine. I even believe that the tones of the guitars are great. I know that buying the Epiphone will save a bundle over buying the Gibson. The thing that I'm concerned about. The thing that I haven't seen anyone talk about. The thing that I'm on the fence about is... What color should I get?
i bought one of these the other day. i love it its my most favourite guitar ive ever owned.
I got the urge to buy another guitar last night ,went on line and this guitar caught my eye only 400 quid in gear for music uk....only watched these videos after i ordered it.....looks like i made the right choice
It's a very nice guitar. I'm sure you will be very happy with it.
What did you record the intro riff with? That sounded so good!
I just use my fractal FM 9
If all goes well the green one will be in the hand soon
Its a great guitar and easily holds its own against Gibson 335. However, the only thing to change is the Epiphone machine heads, they are the week point. Epiphone have drilled the holes the same size as Gibson 9.8 to 10mm diameter. That means the Kluson REVOLUTION Tulip keystone locking tuners drop in as a perfect no mod replacement and are amazing machine heads, as good if not better than Grover. I did it to mine and tonally it makes a massive difference.
I have an olive drab green with 57 classics and flat wounds.🤤I was able to grab a cherry one for under 300 bucks. The stock pick ups sound good actually lol
Nice,nice,nice!Realy!I wouldn't sell or exchange my 20 years old Sheraton 2,blonde!!The sounds,the neck(construction) and handling;;all is unreached !And the thing is i got the guitar for 250 bucks;with a rosewood fretboardThx for your passion and thoughts!Sometimes its luck to get a guitar that fits to me/us!!!1000 bugs are much money!Look;Thomann gives such guits for 300;new,nice,wellsounding and and !...However!I´m a sheraton fan!
Thanks a lot for your video. With all the videos about that guitar on yt, I have listened carefully to your feelings, thoughts, and opinions about this guitar. And I have just received it today from Santa Claus (-le Père Noël- here in France 😉) the day before Christmas Eve then. I will properly unbox it 🎸🤩🤩 tomorrow night with my family alongside with my beloved nephew and his Christmas gifts. To you and all those watching and posting, I wish a Merry Christmas (Joyeux Noël 😉)
Merci et Joyeux Noel Cédric !
Was re-watching a Moody Blues concert last night and the urge to check out the ES-335 that Justin cherishes hit my brain. Then is was like time to check out Epiphone and see what they make. I have an Epi EJC-200 but not overseas with me. But I'm a southpaw and while the Dot was available in left hand, I'm not seeing that option with the Epi 335. I'll look some more and maybe write Epi to see if I'm missing something. Ideas on this? Thanks
I don't really know if they make a southpaw version yet. If not hopefully they will. You might like to check out some of the Tokai 335's they are very good too!
What amp are you going through, here? It really allows that vintage-y PAF sound to shine through. I’ve lately gotten into PAF sounds and the amp and amp settings are critical to bring out that growl and those overtones.
Great review as always! I'm torn between this model and the Epi Lucille. Any chance you might review the Epi Lucille? A shootout between the two would be awesome! Keep up the great reviews...thanks.
I will if I get a chance. Thanks for watching.
I definitely would go with the epiphine Lucille. I bought that guitar and compared it to this 335, no wonder the Lucille is about $1000 and this is about five or 600. This is a decent Guitar, but the Lucille blows this out of the water.
I have a Gibson 335, Epi 335 and 3 Harley Benton 335's and The Gibson is top dog, but, I prefer the HB's over the epi all day long. they play great and sound great. I play w/some gain and the HB's just sound better and play better. IMO.
Has the new 2024 epiphone gibson custom inspired 355 caught your eye yet with its custom bucker pickups?
I'm a beginner guitar student, do you recommend this for the beginner? Did you have to set it up after buying it?
It would be perfect for a beginner or even an advanced player! Not much setup was needed.
I have one in Raspberry tea burst. 2021 model. Superbly made. Fit and finish is excellent. But it sat unused for 10 months. I couldn’t find any love for it other than that it looked good. But I didn’t like the sound. I did some work on set up including pickup height (and I have to be honest I have no idea what I’m doing) but it’s come good and no less I’m really enjoying it.
Got a benson even cheaper and it's not bad as a home guitar..didn't need to dress frets but did change strings to 10s .
Just bought one of these today
The Gibson SG is also pretty bad about neck dive, but they feel so good in my hands and I want one eventually. The older epiphones are not just bad about neck dive. Some Gibson guitars such as the SG are just bad with neck dive, but I still love SGs.
I hate seeing comments like this. I personally own 3 SG’s an 89’ , a 2001, and a 2005, none of them neck dive at all. I play them on stage every month and rehearsal every week. They are my main instruments. My other favorites are my american strats which I use for stuff thats down in E flat. The SG itself is more prone to neck dive. And many of them do. They don’t all. My advice is bring YOUR OWN (cotton) strap to the store. And play them standing up. Move around. You can find good ones if you look. Mine aren’t the colors I want them to be. But thats ok, they all play so well; I don’t care what they look like
I gave my older brother his first guitar 6 months ago.
He just had this exact model, in this color delivered from the factory yesterday.
3 days from ordered to delivered.
I may have created another addict. LOL!
Does this make me a pusher?
@@Stephen_M. yes it does! 👍🏻
@@addictedtogear Well, at least I'm pushing good stuff!
Any sound demo coming soon? A-B comparison vs the Gibson?
Sure why not
Can you use it as an acoustic? I live in a very humid country, and I've had 3 guitars that had belly bulge.
I bought the blueberry burst when these first came out, worst case of fret sprout I've even seen. Some spot levelling was also needed to sort a couple of high frets.
Now it plays and sounds well. I have since bought an Eastman and it is a fine instrument for around double the price of the Epiphone.
Alright, I have a problem...
I have a Gibson Les Paul 2016 Standard at home and I have a country house where I have a Epiphone Les Paul Modern, which is like the one I have at home.
The problem is, I cant realy take any guitar to the other place so I'm stuck what I have there...
So at home I have except for the Gison I have a Sire L7v 'Les Paul copy' with P-90's, a Sire H7v 'a 335' with P-90's.
So I want a P-90 guitar!
Which one do you suggest?
In a later video, you say Epiphone SG Special!
Do you I think should buy it?
Anyway, you have a really an interresting channel and I watch it with joy!
She’s a beaut. I’m a sucker for cherry red guitars.
Same!
Brought a epiphone 335 yesterday, i much prefer epiphones, gibsons are great but there very heavy, epiphone all the way, spend what you save on an amplifier.
I have the ES339, wondering if I should get the 335 also??
Hola buen día me recomiendas la epiphone ???
I put Seth Lover pickups in mine .....I was impressed by sound before ....now more so
I have small hands the neck is comfortable to me
My favorite flavor, cherry red.
What is the model like this that features the flowery inlay on the headstock and Epiphone ”E” on the scratchplate?
Sheraton II pro, maybe?
How does it compare to the older Epi Dot? I've had my Dot for some years, ten or fifteen, I don't really remember. It doesn't see much use, I prefer Gretsch and their slightly wider neck. A s,a;; change makes a big difference.
How does the Epi Inspired compare to the older MIC Epi 335 Pro? I know the headstock is slightly different but what a out over tone and build ?
I cant decide between the ES335 and a Gretsch 5622t , what do you recomend?
Both!
great review
Epiphone headstock now is Epiphones original headstock..they have gone back to their original headstock design..
I like the original headstock. It depends on the store I've seen it for 599 dollars which at the moment that's out of my reach. The red one would match my 339.
Fender and PRS keep the same headstock shape on their budget lines as their more expensive counterparts, seems crazy that Gibson don't do that.
I agree.
@@addictedtogear they don't want to make it so easy for you to change it to a more expensive older model
Where can an Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES-335 be purchased? I haven't been able to find it on Musician's Friend or Sweetwater...
Epiphone at this moment is making superb guitars
this and a Squier Classic Vibe Strat just brilliant value fror money for classic rock/blues (this from someone who owns two Ricks so I'm not immune to expensive guitars but there's nothing really in the 1/4 full price range that comes close to a Rick like the Epi and Squier CV come to their "big price tage" brothers) )
Put a Les trem in mine. And a super distortion. Wild guitar. Great neck
I have the new inspired by Gibson ES339... if I could add #11 and #12 to your 10 reasons... #11, its a bit smaller body and fits me better than the 335 version... the 339 has a side jack... which sodes away with the semi-annoying front mounted jack of the 335... and here's the great #13... the ES-339 is current;y only $549(USD) brand new... It is one of "those" Epiphones that I did not need to do a thing to (setup or intonation) right out of the box... -- I have several of the new "Inspired by Gibson" Epiphones, and I must say (been playing guitar for 40+ years) these are some of the best playing, best sounding guitars made (I suppose I must add "at this price point"... but cannot possibly afford Gibson's prices these days... for one $5,000 Gibson, I can have 8-10 Epiphones...) - and I'm not afraid to scratch, drop, kick, or leave them on a bandstand at a dive bar...
Are the chrome pickup covers discoloring on you? The older epiphone 335 and dot seem to suffer from this. TY.
The Gibson 335 yes but not the Epiphone.
Keep hearing people say the tuners dont hold tune well. How are they ? Last guitar shop I was in asking if it was a good work horse and they said it was great for recording but not live. If thats the case why not throw some Gotoh tuners on there no biggie, I could swap the pick ups as well and still be way under the Gibson price tag.
I've had many Gibsons that don't hold tuning well. I've bought and gigged the epiphone inspired by gibson es 335 and it holds it's tuning exceptionally well. The only thing i'm considering upgrading are the pickups. Particularly the neck pup. It lacks articulation. The bridge pup is fat and juicey.
I'm missing my 335 ephi...great vid Tony
Time to get another one maybe?
@@addictedtogear you know it's eventually gotta happen !!
i love the bnew epiphones!! just got a casino in olive drab and it sits proudly next to my Lucille. great vid.