Very good review Paul! I have been buying guitars for nearly 50 years. Many, many high dollar Gibsons. These days $500 - $600 dollar Epiphones and Ibanez guitars sound and play every bit as good as guitars costing several thousand more. As of a few years ago I decided I would NEVER pay over $1000 for a guitar again. I was previously a factory certified guitar tech for a major guitar company and have been setting up and repairing guitars for over 40 years. I know how to tweak a cheapie guitar and modify it with better pickups and electronics. I played many cruise ship gigs with used $250 all stock MIM Stratocasters that I tweaked. Many passengers that were musicians were surprised at how great they sounded. Save your money folks!
Great review very helpful, thank you. I can say that my Epiphone 335 is thus far, beating all other guitars I’ve ever owned. It is [as you mentioned], beautifully crafted, stable and sounds superb. It’s my go-to, steady sweetheart now. I didn’t know what I was missing. Now just need to work on my playing. Cheers.
Mate, you found out what I found out 15 yrs ago. I did the exact same thing with Gibson 335's tested side by side with MIK Epi Sheraton Ii and the Epi was a better guitar so I bought it! I am a HUGE Epiphone devotee and now own an Epi Firebird as well ... which is just an incredible guitar.
after watching your video, I went out and bought the Epiphone ES335 . . . my favorite electric guitar. . . thank you!! Shout out to you and Milano Music in AZ.
Hi Paul, Thanks for the demo. I've been prevaricating the very mention of "hollow-body guitars". I now realise I "need" one. Thanks for the guitar lesson as well buddy.
Paul, I picked up an Epiphone Sheraton II about a year ago and it has become one of my favorite guitars. The pickups are amazing. I also own a PRS Core Custom 24 Brazilian and a Core McCarty Korinna Brazilian and I prefer the Sheraton to both. Epiphone makes great guitars.
I bought a epiphone 335 figured recently and agree it's outstanding in every way. I also own a Gibson Les Paul, PRS core 24, PRS CE 24, PRS Chris Robertson, American fender stratocaster... and I think this guitar holds it's own against my other guitars... especially for lead guitar work. I prefer most of my other guitars to this... but this is extremely close. My epiphone 335 is absolutely perfectly constructed... it's unbelievable. FYI... my good friend who plays mostly on 335s and has a Gibson 335 and two Gibson custom shops likes this epi better than all my other guitars for lead playing tone... it's that good..go figure. The construction of this guitar is almost identical to the real Gibson 335... except for wood type on a couple areas. The blueberry burst epiphone 335 figured is stunning!!!
@@MrMoneyHelper well if you have money to burn and love guitars it's nice to have a variety of high end guitars. I love some of my expensive guitars... but some of the cheap ones made today sound phenomenal... so no one really needs to spend the big bucks anymore to get killer tone. My most expensive guitar I own is a PRS core custom 24 and my cheapest is a squire classic vibe 50s telecaster... and my epiphone 335. I think the 335 is outstanding. The classic vibe 50s telecaster even better. I think the classic vibe 50s is one of the best sounding guitars I've ever played at any price and built like a tank... and cheaper than the 335...is only about $500. It's way better than cheaper squier telecasters... and I think it sounds better than the epi 335... for most music except for jazz where you need a warmer tone.
@@MrMoneyHelper I had a telecaster before I hated it so didn't give them another chance until recently. And I actually bought a squire classic vibe 50s telecaster this week... because it's one of the best sounding guitars and telecasters I've ever played... not because it's dirt cheap. I was thinking of buying the Fender 1950s reissue telecaster but the classic vibe is almost the same guitar and the stock pickups are better. If you haven't tried one you definately should... it's unbelievable for the price ..more so than almost any guitar I've played. I'll never part from my PRS core custom 24 though... That guitar is phenomenal...
I got the 'dot', somewhat reluctantly. It is now often my guitar of choice for gigs and recording. Thanks for the review. I'm in full agreement but now doubt myself less.
Great video. You helped me re-appreciate my Dot even more! I bought my Dot in 1997 and have to admit, when I became a guitar snob it spent a lot of time under my bed. But the last 3 years I've brought it back out and love it. It still sounds great and plays really well compared to by Les Paul.
I bought my 2016 Epiphone Dot new as a backup for my '95 Gibson 335 that was in need of a refret. The Epiphone has a much better build, I can feel the guitar resonate (something the Gibson did not do), and I much preferred the neck profile of the Dot. It feels much more like the Gibson 335's I was playing in the early '70s. In fact, I liked the Dot so much more I sold the Gibson. I still have a '41 Gibson L12 and a '59 L4 as well as a couple of US Strats, but that Epiphone is the one I play every day. It's actually my favorite guitar.
Your reviews on the more affordable options out there are very good and accurate. I just got a Korean made late 90s Epiphone dot and it reminds me of the Gibson ones I used to dream of buying back in the day when I used to go to guitar center just to play guitars I couldn’t afford
Thanks for the review Paul. I've been going around in circles looking for a guitar recently. This review settled it, just purchased a 2013 Dot from guitarguitar. £250, can't complain too much!
Thanks for the info and the honestly Paul. I have a collection of "collection" instruments. Can't say they get anywhere near as much play as my 2007 Dot. The cases for some of the collectors are more expensive than this instrument! I paid $300 for this guitar used and an extra $50 for a nice used tweed hardshell case. I have changed absolutely nothing on it nor do I intend to do so. Not sure how available Dots are these days but I can tell you, this one will never leave my sight. Everything you say, and play is true. This is one of the finest musical instruments I have ever played and I am proud to own it. And I absolutely love doing gigs with it.
I bought a used Dot back in 2011, mostly because I fell in love with the look of it (and it was only $175). Never felt the need to buy another himbucking guitar since. Between my Dot and my Nashville Deluxe Tele, I’ve got all the tonal variation I need- well, perhaps a Dano ‘59 Divine someday, but I’m happy at present. Anyway, outstanding fretwork there, bro! 🤘🏾
Wow, you're a monster player! Just pulled the trigger on an Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro, some Guitar Center exclusive. I was kinda hesitant but this video helped push me over the edge, as did the fact that I bought an Epiphone Les Paul Blackback last week & it plays and sounds ridiculously good. Can't wait to pick it up tomorrow.
I also just bought a GC Traditional Pro on the Black Friday sale. When I picked it up at Guitar Center I played it side by side with a Gibson ES-335 that lists for $3300. The Gibson did have better finishing and factory setup - the Epi has a few rough fret ends, 1 or 2 low frets. The Gibson sounded and felt different, but not better. In a blind test I would take the Epiphone for the very personal preference of how the neck feels (thinner). Considering cost I can't imagine paying up for the Gibson. There is no question to me the Epiphone is as good as Gibson when it comes to sound and playability.
I've had exactly the same experience. Just sold my very nice Gibson SG Standard and bought one of these for less than half what I got for it. I now have a lovely guitar and spare change - and my SG seller's remorse is gone... because my Epiphone ES-335 is now my favourite guitar (and I have some very nice Fender and Gibson guitars).
Epiphone has been making really good guitars the last few years. I’d put them up there with the PRS SE’s and the Indonesian EVH Wolfgang’s for the best quality guitars made outside of Europe and the US. The key is getting one with brighter pickups that are not muddy like the older Probuckers usually were.
I've had my Epi 335 Limited Edition (with the Raspberry Burst finish) for a little over a month now. I've never once found myself thinking, "If only it were a Gibson". The thing looks beautiful, plays beautifully and has sustain for days.
Wow! Excellent content! I’m so happy that I found this video of the Gx 100.. then I went to your channel and just wow! So much useable information. Thank you thank you thank you
I paid 460dollars USD for mine on Ebay. The seller said to me " you're really going to be impressed by it, stop trying to low me." He was right! I love it, and I'm not going to let it go. ♥️♥️
I got an Epi SG Muse recently and was similarly impressed. The ProBucker pickups are really impressive and it sings! It also plays flawlessly. I have since bought another Epiphone (LPJ) and was just as impressed. 'Budget' instruments have come a long way.
This comment will get lost I'm sure. But I've been playing one of these guitars since I was 11 (I'm 21 now) and mine still sounds just as good as the one you're playing in this video. I've handed countless amounts of people this guitar and most are so surprised at how well it plays! Great video too bud!
Paul , played the Epiphone blue burst at my local music shop . I plugged into a 5150 MKII EL34 combo and kid you not someone came up to me twice telling me I sound good. I plan on going tomorrow and grabbing one.
I've been looking for a semi-hollow guitar and trying to decide between the Epiphone and the Ibanez . After your review I am getting the Epiphone AS335. Thanks for the great review!
I purchased a 335 two weeks and haven't put it down. Unbelievable clarity. My buddy from Ohio was visiting last week. He is a Fender guy...but now he is shopping for a 335.
I’d love to have one some day. CeDell Davis, a delta blues player who lost his ability to use his left hand, played an epiphany dot. A very inspiring guy, he learned to play slide with an old butter knife and kept playing.
I bought a 335 red dot pro a few years back and love its sound. I also ended up getting a Casino which has a very distinctive sound from the 335 and is a great player.
I have an Epiphone Sheraton II that I've been playing since 2006. It's my "go to" guitar for most gigs. I did upgrade pickups to Gibson BurstBuckets not long after I got it.
Heya Paul, great video! I have had my Epiphone Dot for around 7 years now and i love it! The only thing i changed was the volume and tone dials for metal Telecaster style ones and it now looks as well as sounds killer!! Off the back of it, (as i don't have Gibson money) last year i bought the 50's Standard Les Paul from the 'Inspired By Gibson' range and that is another great playing, great sounding guitar....you can't go wrong with an Epiphone! Oh and i also have a Mexican Player Series Strat and that also plays and sounds great!! Just shows that you don't have to break the bank for great guitars!
Just bought a Epiphone ES-335 pro. Blew my mind! My first semi holllow. The neck tone are really fat!! The bridge pickup is not as impressive but, I do need to switch the strings to thicker gauges. Bought used for a crazy price. One of my best purchases!
I concur. I was lucky enough to walk into my local shop, and lo & behold, hanging on the wall was a 2004 Epi Korean Sunburst Dot in awesome condition. I walked out with it for $400, including a set up with new strings & a gig bag. The tones it produces are terrific. I say this every time, but I think this is the last guitar I add to my collection.
Got both this and a Gibson 335 . I prefer the Epi every day of the week and amongst my collection of some very expensive guitars My favourite one is the epiphone dot which probably has the best neck I’ve ever played
Bought An Epiphone 335 With A Hiscox Hard case out of a Cashconverter Store for £150. About 8 Years Ago.. With the Intention of Upgrading Pick- ups Etc Etc...Did'nt Bother With any of that crap it is still stock and still gets played more than my Gibsons and fenders do......The newer Ones Rolling off Of Epiphones Conveyer belts are so very good You Should Check them out...great Video by the way.
Paul, I love your videos. But please how do you get those among tones ? Clean to overdrive you make them sound so classic how do you dial in your guitar amps. Please is there any chance you could do a tutorial on dialing in your tone. They are Brilliant. Keep up the videos. Your playing is amazing the touch and feel you have is second to none. Thank you very much. Terry Q.
Some wise person once said, if it sounds and feels good... it is good. It doesn't have to be expensive to be great. I can never understand how Gibson or Fender can charge so much for their CS guitars. In terms of the relative cost, they certainly are not 6, 7, 8 times better quality instruments. I suppose it boils down to how much you want the badge! Great video Paul.
Custom Shop is around because some people have a lot of money and want "rare" instruments. That is the market. Let's say you've got a few million dollars and you want to buy a Gibson or Fender. An extra $5k is less of an issue than getting something you feel nobody else has. We all want to feel special, after all.
I bought a 335 Dot a few years ago, second hand. It’s flawless - better finished than most Gibsons I’ve seen and is the best electric I’ve owned - and remains my favourite. I think people who insist on the need to own a Gibson are possibly Gibson owners motivated by a reluctance to admit that they’ve overspent. I can’t imagine how this guitar could be improved. Admittedly, when I bought it, I immediately swapped the pickups for Seymour Duncan Jazz, which I’ve always liked - but maybe I was a pickup snob and should have held off on the pickup swap. Epiphone are so much better than their price tag these days - especially second hand. Is this Epiphone’s best era so far?
Hi Paul, what year was this Dot made? After I watched this, I pulled the trigger on an epiphone dot 335 and its beautiful. Loving everything about it. Found out via the serial code that mine is a 2010 model
I've just grabed a 2007 limited edition custom shop dot with block inlays and gibson burst buckers all for £425 still can't believe my luck it's AMAZING!...
I got a Grote 335 copy off Amazon for $129 delivered. I upgraded the hardware and pickups- about $300- and it plays and sounds like my original Gibson 335....and I can thrash it like I stole it. Tone is all in the pickups as you know. So, for less than 500 bucks I have a guitar that matches my 3 grand Gibson! I've just got to sand that Grote decal off...what the feck is a Grote. Thrashing a Grote sounds like something you might do on a farm!
Damn, I bought a Firefly F338 when they finally came back in stock about a month ago and now I want this guitar lol. We're never fully satisfied as guitarists sadly
Nothing wrong with Mexican Fenders either. A lot of them are better than the American made ones. My two fav guitars is a Fender set neck telecaster, made in Indonesia & an Epiphone 335 Inspired by Gibson. I have a Gibson LP Jr to add the P90 sound.
A good friend of mine owns a very high end guitar shop specializing in fine instruments. He's worked on instruments for Dylan, Arlo Guthrie, Jerry Douglas, Chet Atkins to name a few. So when he calls to tell you he just took something in trade you need to see, you better go! When I got there, he sat me down and said, "just play this for a couple minutes and tell me what you think." It was a 2007 Epiphone Dot. It was love at first sight. What an incredible instrument. I've grown way past the point of equating cost with how an instrument feels and sounds. I've played some very expensive junk. All I can tell you is that the Dot came home with me. He charged me $300. And two days later, he took in a perfect tweed case that fit it to a T. Another $50. I wouldn't give this guitar up for anything. BTW, I played an Epiphone Joe Pass II for years. Another guitar that punches way above it's weight class.
What a great sounding guitar!!! I had one years ago and I always regretted selling it.. I have been web browsing lately to get me a new or used semi hollow. Can’t seem to make up my mind between the Epiphone or the Gretsch line ups?. Just on sound, tone & sustain from your I am leaning towards the DOT 335 a lot more. If Gretsch sounds as great ( to which I doubt because it’s got its own vibe) I’ll make my decision on the feel of the neck. No matter which one I’ll choose it will have to be Bigsby equipped and compare both humbucker and P 90 models. Thank you from 🇨🇦
I’m so glad it’s not just me, I used to own, regret selling it so bad, I’ve tried countless Gibson 335s, Sheraton’s, casinos, the new epi 335s and rivieras. None in my book play as good as a well set up one of these, such a shame they are discontinued
Had one some years ago. Great sound and relative superb value. I got it for £299 at the time brand new and I wondered how they put such an outstanding guitar together for such a price. However, clearly the parts and construction were not top notch as one of the pick ups kept losing sound intermittently, but what could I expect for that price. Am guessing that at this price level there will be quality inconsistency, but it sounded great. I am sure with some upgrades it would have been great.
A lifelong friend unexpectedly gave me his Dot last week after we talked about having enough guitars. I mentioned that I didn't currently have anything with humbuckers (only single-coils and P90s) and he sent me a pic of the Dot and said "Would this do?". Unbelievable. I've only had it a few days, but I'm blown away by the guitar and the gesture.
I like my Epiphone 335 Dot very much. It's sound and playability are definitely as quality as my Gibson LP Standard. Different sounding of course, what I mean is their pleasing sound qualities.
Had been looking at a 335 shape... Ibanez Artcore or an Epiphone Dot.....only buy used due to being skint. Kept missing Artcores as they were snapped up ...then caught a Dot cased for £200 ..mint. It's fantastic as you say.....New fav. And it really likes my Katana!
These have a solid block running down the middle which gives them some weight and bass to the sustain, vs something like a Casino which is full hollowbody and sounds "plinky." I had one years ago, it was great for the price, hated to get rid of it.
I recently got a 339 epi. Its also a great guitar. The only thing I will replace is the cable input jack. I had a dot. Had to do the same thing. The 339 is, in size, more manageable for me (small trunk, long legs) otherwise I would have stayed with the dot. Had it in that color too. It's a good guitar indeed. Also - yes the Custom shop guitar is not necessarily perfection though the money one pays should see to that. I am quite happy with the 339. Pups are great, resonance, and neck are all super as well as the finish. Regards.
I bought an UpTown Kat ES (Sapphire Blue Metallic) for $600 a few months ago and I just love so much about that guitar. The ProBucker pickups provide a vintage sound that makes me want to play it over my Strat and my PRS CE-24 guitars that cost 2-3 times more. Epiphone is definitely giving us great value for the price. I did have to do some setup on it, but for $600 I have zero complaints. Cheers!
I have a 69 es335 and am, now I've acquired a dot, a bit tempted to sell it. never thought I'd say that. esp. as the thing belonged to Donny Osmond. not joking. Donny's my hero. kidding. normally am a casino guy but this is a great backup.
Very good review Paul! I have been buying guitars for nearly 50 years. Many, many high dollar Gibsons. These days $500 - $600 dollar Epiphones and Ibanez guitars sound and play every bit as good as guitars costing several thousand more. As of a few years ago I decided I would NEVER pay over $1000 for a guitar again. I was previously a factory certified guitar tech for a major guitar company and have been setting up and repairing guitars for over 40 years. I know how to tweak a cheapie guitar and modify it with better pickups and electronics. I played many cruise ship gigs with used $250 all stock MIM Stratocasters that I tweaked. Many passengers that were musicians were surprised at how great they sounded. Save your money folks!
One of the best reviews I've seen on the Dot. Great playing makes a world of a difference too. 👏
Bought one of these let my buddy try it out. He came back and said best playing and sounding 335 he has ever played in the past 40 years.
Great review very helpful, thank you. I can say that my Epiphone 335 is thus far, beating all other guitars I’ve ever owned. It is [as you mentioned], beautifully crafted, stable and sounds superb. It’s my go-to, steady sweetheart now. I didn’t know what I was missing. Now just need to work on my playing. Cheers.
Thank you for your review! I just purchased one as well and I’m pretty excited 🎉
Mate, you found out what I found out 15 yrs ago. I did the exact same thing with Gibson 335's tested side by side with MIK Epi Sheraton Ii and the Epi was a better guitar so I bought it! I am a HUGE Epiphone devotee and now own an Epi Firebird as well ... which is just an incredible guitar.
after watching your video, I went out and bought the Epiphone ES335 . . . my favorite electric guitar. . . thank you!! Shout out to you and Milano Music in AZ.
Beautiful playing too.
Hi Paul, Thanks for the demo. I've been prevaricating the very mention of "hollow-body guitars". I now realise I "need" one. Thanks for the guitar lesson as well buddy.
Paul, I picked up an Epiphone Sheraton II about a year ago and it has become one of my favorite guitars. The pickups are amazing. I also own a PRS Core Custom 24 Brazilian and a Core McCarty Korinna Brazilian and I prefer the Sheraton to both. Epiphone makes great guitars.
Same guitar. Had a telecaster Usa. I spent years fighting it until I bought my Sheraton II pro. Outstanding instrument. Love it so much
I bought a epiphone 335 figured recently and agree it's outstanding in every way. I also own a Gibson Les Paul, PRS core 24, PRS CE 24, PRS Chris Robertson, American fender stratocaster... and I think this guitar holds it's own against my other guitars... especially for lead guitar work. I prefer most of my other guitars to this... but this is extremely close. My epiphone 335 is absolutely perfectly constructed... it's unbelievable. FYI... my good friend who plays mostly on 335s and has a Gibson 335 and two Gibson custom shops likes this epi better than all my other guitars for lead playing tone... it's that good..go figure. The construction of this guitar is almost identical to the real Gibson 335... except for wood type on a couple areas. The blueberry burst epiphone 335 figured is stunning!!!
@@MrMoneyHelper well if you have money to burn and love guitars it's nice to have a variety of high end guitars. I love some of my expensive guitars... but some of the cheap ones made today sound phenomenal... so no one really needs to spend the big bucks anymore to get killer tone. My most expensive guitar I own is a PRS core custom 24 and my cheapest is a squire classic vibe 50s telecaster... and my epiphone 335. I think the 335 is outstanding. The classic vibe 50s telecaster even better. I think the classic vibe 50s is one of the best sounding guitars I've ever played at any price and built like a tank... and cheaper than the 335...is only about $500. It's way better than cheaper squier telecasters... and I think it sounds better than the epi 335... for most music except for jazz where you need a warmer tone.
@@MrMoneyHelper I had a telecaster before I hated it so didn't give them another chance until recently. And I actually bought a squire classic vibe 50s telecaster this week... because it's one of the best sounding guitars and telecasters I've ever played... not because it's dirt cheap. I was thinking of buying the Fender 1950s reissue telecaster but the classic vibe is almost the same guitar and the stock pickups are better. If you haven't tried one you definately should... it's unbelievable for the price ..more so than almost any guitar I've played. I'll never part from my PRS core custom 24 though... That guitar is phenomenal...
I own a sheraton 2 too;and its such an good guitar!Not bader than Gisons,Yamahas or whatever....Great review and playing......nice sound!!!
I got the 'dot', somewhat reluctantly. It is now often my guitar of choice for gigs and recording. Thanks for the review. I'm in full agreement but now doubt myself less.
Great video. You helped me re-appreciate my Dot even more! I bought my Dot in 1997 and have to admit, when I became a guitar snob it spent a lot of time under my bed. But the last 3 years I've brought it back out and love it. It still sounds great and plays really well compared to by Les Paul.
Excellent playing! Bought one of those and added a bigsby. All in with hard shell case for around $650 usd. Glorious
I bought my 2016 Epiphone Dot new as a backup for my '95 Gibson 335 that was in need of a refret. The Epiphone has a much better build, I can feel the guitar resonate (something the Gibson did not do), and I much preferred the neck profile of the Dot. It feels much more like the Gibson 335's I was playing in the early '70s.
In fact, I liked the Dot so much more I sold the Gibson.
I still have a '41 Gibson L12 and a '59 L4 as well as a couple of US Strats, but that Epiphone is the one I play every day. It's actually my favorite guitar.
Awesome 👍😎
Your reviews on the more affordable options out there are very good and accurate. I just got a Korean made late 90s Epiphone dot and it reminds me of the Gibson ones I used to dream of buying back in the day when I used to go to guitar center just to play guitars I couldn’t afford
Oh, I thought it was just me that did that... 😏
Killer review! Epiphone really shines when it comes to ES style guitars. They’re simply fantastic.
Thanks for the review Paul. I've been going around in circles looking for a guitar recently. This review settled it, just purchased a 2013 Dot from guitarguitar. £250, can't complain too much!
Hope you enjoy it!
I have two (2003 & 2008) and I love them, wouldn't trade em for anything else.
Thanks for the info and the honestly Paul. I have a collection of "collection" instruments. Can't say they get anywhere near as much play as my 2007 Dot. The cases for some of the collectors are more expensive than this instrument! I paid $300 for this guitar used and an extra $50 for a nice used tweed hardshell case. I have changed absolutely nothing on it nor do I intend to do so. Not sure how available Dots are these days but I can tell you, this one will never leave my sight. Everything you say, and play is true. This is one of the finest musical instruments I have ever played and I am proud to own it. And I absolutely love doing gigs with it.
I bought a used Dot back in 2011, mostly because I fell in love with the look of it (and it was only $175). Never felt the need to buy another himbucking guitar since. Between my Dot and my Nashville Deluxe Tele, I’ve got all the tonal variation I need- well, perhaps a Dano ‘59 Divine someday, but I’m happy at present. Anyway, outstanding fretwork there, bro! 🤘🏾
Great demo and honest points, makes me love my Epiphone es 335 pro all the more, thanks for this video 👌
Wow, you're a monster player! Just pulled the trigger on an Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro, some Guitar Center exclusive. I was kinda hesitant but this video helped push me over the edge, as did the fact that I bought an Epiphone Les Paul Blackback last week & it plays and sounds ridiculously good. Can't wait to pick it up tomorrow.
I also just bought a GC Traditional Pro on the Black Friday sale. When I picked it up at Guitar Center I played it side by side with a Gibson ES-335 that lists for $3300. The Gibson did have better finishing and factory setup - the Epi has a few rough fret ends, 1 or 2 low frets. The Gibson sounded and felt different, but not better. In a blind test I would take the Epiphone for the very personal preference of how the neck feels (thinner). Considering cost I can't imagine paying up for the Gibson. There is no question to me the Epiphone is as good as Gibson when it comes to sound and playability.
I bought my Epiphone dot 9 years ago and I always go back to this guitar it’s a fantastic guitar
Same here, rocking a 2012 epi dot/vs.
Love my cherry red 2014 Epi dot.
Sold.have one for 6 yrs,great review
Your playing, feel and sound is always enviable no matter what you play! 🤟
@@paulgrahammusic1 cheers Paul
I've had exactly the same experience. Just sold my very nice Gibson SG Standard and bought one of these for less than half what I got for it. I now have a lovely guitar and spare change - and my SG seller's remorse is gone... because my Epiphone ES-335 is now my favourite guitar (and I have some very nice Fender and Gibson guitars).
Unreal... love the sound of it !
Epiphone has been making really good guitars the last few years. I’d put them up there with the PRS SE’s and the Indonesian EVH Wolfgang’s for the best quality guitars made outside of Europe and the US. The key is getting one with brighter pickups that are not muddy like the older Probuckers usually were.
Agreed re. the Indonesian Wolfgangs, mine is so great I bought a second one :)
Yeah, I'm often pleasantly surprised at Epiphones. At least their mid-priced guitars like this 335 Dot.
I replaced the Probuckers with a Gibson 490R in the neck & 498T in the bridge. It SCREAMS now. Mids are great and no mud.
I've had my Epi 335 Limited Edition (with the Raspberry Burst finish) for a little over a month now. I've never once found myself thinking, "If only it were a Gibson". The thing looks beautiful, plays beautifully and has sustain for days.
Some years ago, I got a cherry red ES335, Clapton model, made by STARSHINE in China. FANTASTIC! True 50's sound with 12-52 strings. Perfect finish.
Wow! Excellent content! I’m so happy that I found this video of the Gx 100.. then I went to your channel and just wow! So much useable information. Thank you thank you thank you
Welcome aboard!
I've been very impressed with inspired by Gibson line. I have the 59 reissue and love it. The es 335 is next on my list. Great video!
I got the exclusive run Epiphone Es335 in Olive Drab Green Inspired by Gibson. It's awesome! Her name is Irma. She's my stage guitar, too.
Just Subbed Paul, I'm a tele man, but ive had a DOT hanging around for years and never really recorded it. Great to see your review of it.
Great video. Great playing. And that guitar tone is killer.
Had the same thing happen to me with a Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster
I paid 460dollars USD for mine on Ebay. The seller said to me " you're really going to be impressed by it, stop trying to low me." He was right! I love it, and I'm not going to let it go. ♥️♥️
Maybe he was trying to highball you
That's awesome. He knew it was a good one.
Excellent demo. You are an excellent musician. I have owned own an Epi Dot Pro for about 5 years. Just love it.
Cheers
I bought an Epiphone dot sherry / ees335 12 years ago. This is a heavy but fantastic one. This guitare have a beautiful sexy shape.
I got an Epi SG Muse recently and was similarly impressed. The ProBucker pickups are really impressive and it sings! It also plays flawlessly. I have since bought another Epiphone (LPJ) and was just as impressed. 'Budget' instruments have come a long way.
This comment will get lost I'm sure. But I've been playing one of these guitars since I was 11 (I'm 21 now) and mine still sounds just as good as the one you're playing in this video. I've handed countless amounts of people this guitar and most are so surprised at how well it plays! Great video too bud!
Paul , played the Epiphone blue burst at my local music shop . I plugged into a 5150 MKII EL34 combo and kid you not someone came up to me twice telling me I sound good. I plan on going tomorrow and grabbing one.
great review, thanks.. it helped me choose to buy this fun affordable guitar for $200 American! The clean sound, damn !
Nice review, thanks. I’ve been wanting one of these for a long time, and have kept my eyes open for one since I can’t justify the expense of a Gibson.
I've been looking for a semi-hollow guitar and trying to decide between the Epiphone and the Ibanez . After your review I am getting the Epiphone AS335. Thanks for the great review!
I purchased a 335 two weeks and haven't put it down. Unbelievable clarity. My buddy from Ohio was visiting last week. He is a Fender guy...but now he is shopping for a 335.
I’d love to have one some day. CeDell Davis, a delta blues player who lost his ability to use his left hand, played an epiphany dot. A very inspiring guy, he learned to play slide with an old butter knife and kept playing.
Love the sound of both pickups
Excellent review! Thanks for posting. 👍
I bought a 335 red dot pro a few years back and love its sound. I also ended up getting a Casino which has a very distinctive sound from the 335 and is a great player.
I have an Epiphone Sheraton II that I've been playing since 2006. It's my "go to" guitar for most gigs. I did upgrade pickups to Gibson BurstBuckets not long after I got it.
I bought this guitar last time on November 2019, It's my first guitar.. i must say that this is absolutely amazing guitar ever!
Heya Paul, great video! I have had my Epiphone Dot for around 7 years now and i love it! The only thing i changed was the volume and tone dials for metal Telecaster style ones and it now looks as well as sounds killer!! Off the back of it, (as i don't have Gibson money) last year i bought the 50's Standard Les Paul from the 'Inspired By Gibson' range and that is another great playing, great sounding guitar....you can't go wrong with an Epiphone! Oh and i also have a Mexican Player Series Strat and that also plays and sounds great!! Just shows that you don't have to break the bank for great guitars!
Hi Paul, great vid.. please try an early Squire classic vibe tele, OMG.. UNREAL
Agree
I picked an Epiphone Dot up for under £270...a truly fabulous guitar!
Just bought a Epiphone ES-335 pro. Blew my mind! My first semi holllow. The neck tone are really fat!! The bridge pickup is not as impressive but, I do need to switch the strings to thicker gauges. Bought used for a crazy price. One of my best purchases!
I concur. I was lucky enough to walk into my local shop, and lo & behold, hanging on the wall was a 2004 Epi Korean Sunburst Dot in awesome condition. I walked out with it for $400, including a set up with new strings & a gig bag. The tones it produces are terrific. I say this every time, but I think this is the last guitar I add to my collection.
Epiphone Dots after 2002 were all made in china ......
@@4Marktk Well, that's not what Gibson told me when I contacted them.
So there.
Got one modded it love it , Thank you , Sir!!!!
Got both this and a Gibson 335 . I prefer the Epi every day of the week and amongst my collection of some very expensive guitars My favourite one is the epiphone dot which probably has the best neck I’ve ever played
omg
I’ve just bought one of these I’m pretty pleased with myself
I used to have one of those and sold it , might have to get one of these .
Bought An Epiphone 335 With A Hiscox Hard case out of a Cashconverter Store for £150. About 8 Years Ago.. With the Intention of Upgrading Pick- ups Etc Etc...Did'nt Bother With any of that crap it is still stock and still gets played more than my Gibsons and fenders do......The newer Ones Rolling off Of Epiphones Conveyer belts are so very good You Should Check them out...great Video by the way.
Sounds really good.What amp are you using
I love my dot. Beautiful guitar.
Paul, I love your videos. But please how do you get those among tones ? Clean to overdrive you make them sound so classic how do you dial in your guitar amps. Please is there any chance you could do a tutorial on dialing in your tone. They are Brilliant. Keep up the videos. Your playing is amazing the touch and feel you have is second to none. Thank you very much. Terry Q.
Absolutely beautiful tone quality...😊
Sounds great. What amp are you using? Thanks for the great demo.
What are you playing through? Those are some great amp tones.
Some wise person once said, if it sounds and feels good... it is good. It doesn't have to be expensive to be great. I can never understand how Gibson or Fender can charge so much for their CS guitars. In terms of the relative cost, they certainly are not 6, 7, 8 times better quality instruments. I suppose it boils down to how much you want the badge! Great video Paul.
They sell the badge essentially
Custom Shop is around because some people have a lot of money and want "rare" instruments. That is the market. Let's say you've got a few million dollars and you want to buy a Gibson or Fender. An extra $5k is less of an issue than getting something you feel nobody else has. We all want to feel special, after all.
Great Video! Fantastic to see Epi's appreciated by serious players 👍
I bought a 335 Dot a few years ago, second hand. It’s flawless - better finished than most Gibsons I’ve seen and is the best electric I’ve owned - and remains my favourite.
I think people who insist on the need to own a Gibson are possibly Gibson owners motivated by a reluctance to admit that they’ve overspent.
I can’t imagine how this guitar could be improved.
Admittedly, when I bought it, I immediately swapped the pickups for Seymour Duncan Jazz, which I’ve always liked - but maybe I was a pickup snob and should have held off on the pickup swap.
Epiphone are so much better than their price tag these days - especially second hand.
Is this Epiphone’s best era so far?
I like mine as well but, it is heavy for a man of 62.
Hi Paul, what year was this Dot made? After I watched this, I pulled the trigger on an epiphone dot 335 and its beautiful. Loving everything about it. Found out via the serial code that mine is a 2010 model
I've just grabed a 2007 limited edition custom shop dot with block inlays and gibson burst buckers all for £425 still can't believe my luck it's AMAZING!...
Hi Paul i bought a epi es 335 traditional pro. i like sound at 7:10--7:20 can you tell me you settings, thanks for the video. awesome
Well done, and great find!
I got a Grote 335 copy off Amazon for $129 delivered. I upgraded the hardware and pickups- about $300- and it plays and sounds like my original Gibson 335....and I can thrash it like I stole it. Tone is all in the pickups as you know. So, for less than 500 bucks I have a guitar that matches my 3 grand Gibson! I've just got to sand that Grote decal off...what the feck is a Grote. Thrashing a Grote sounds like something you might do on a farm!
Damn, I bought a Firefly F338 when they finally came back in stock about a month ago and now I want this guitar lol. We're never fully satisfied as guitarists sadly
great review! I was curious, what are you playing at 5:40?
It’s one of the studio rats songs gave a listen to the tracks on our TH-cam channel under songs. They are also on all the streaming platforms
Thanks. I think you've convinced me to forego being a headstock snob regarding this guitar
Thats my guitar...❤ I just love it!!!
I use my Tokai IS 135 all the time. Great guitar. Epiphone rising in quality like the mexican fender stuff
Nothing wrong with Mexican Fenders either. A lot of them are better than the American made ones. My two fav guitars is a Fender set neck telecaster, made in Indonesia & an Epiphone 335 Inspired by Gibson. I have a Gibson LP Jr to add the P90 sound.
So yeah, that guitar sounds GREAT!! PLEASE share what the signal chain looks like!!! What amp or pedals or amp in a box etc? I WANT THAT SOUND!!!
A good friend of mine owns a very high end guitar shop specializing in fine instruments. He's worked on instruments for Dylan, Arlo Guthrie, Jerry Douglas, Chet Atkins to name a few. So when he calls to tell you he just took something in trade you need to see, you better go! When I got there, he sat me down and said, "just play this for a couple minutes and tell me what you think." It was a 2007 Epiphone Dot. It was love at first sight. What an incredible instrument. I've grown way past the point of equating cost with how an instrument feels and sounds. I've played some very expensive junk. All I can tell you is that the Dot came home with me. He charged me $300. And two days later, he took in a perfect tweed case that fit it to a T. Another $50. I wouldn't give this guitar up for anything. BTW, I played an Epiphone Joe Pass II for years. Another guitar that punches way above it's weight class.
Cool story, thanks Grady.
What a great sounding guitar!!! I had one years ago and I always regretted selling it.. I have been web browsing lately to get me a new or used semi hollow. Can’t seem to make up my mind between the Epiphone or the Gretsch line ups?. Just on sound, tone & sustain from your I am leaning towards the DOT 335 a lot more. If Gretsch sounds as great ( to which I doubt because it’s got its own vibe) I’ll make my decision on the feel of the neck. No matter which one I’ll choose it will have to be Bigsby equipped and compare both humbucker and P 90 models. Thank you from 🇨🇦
I’m so glad it’s not just me, I used to own, regret selling it so bad, I’ve tried countless Gibson 335s, Sheraton’s, casinos, the new epi 335s and rivieras. None in my book play as good as a well set up one of these, such a shame they are discontinued
What amp? Sounds great!
Had one some years ago. Great sound and relative superb value. I got it for £299 at the time brand new and I wondered how they put such an outstanding guitar together for such a price. However, clearly the parts and construction were not top notch as one of the pick ups kept losing sound intermittently, but what could I expect for that price. Am guessing that at this price level there will be quality inconsistency, but it sounded great. I am sure with some upgrades it would have been great.
Excellent review! What were you playing it thru!! Thanks in advance!
That was a Matchless Independence 35
I have the Epiphone 339. Absolutely crazy good! And yes, I have owned the gibsons in the past.
I like those 339’s
A lifelong friend unexpectedly gave me his Dot last week after we talked about having enough guitars. I mentioned that I didn't currently have anything with humbuckers (only single-coils and P90s) and he sent me a pic of the Dot and said "Would this do?".
Unbelievable. I've only had it a few days, but I'm blown away by the guitar and the gesture.
nice one!
a great demo thanks, cheers NZ
That Alex Lifeson Epi is looking very very good.
I like my Epiphone 335 Dot very much. It's sound and playability are definitely as quality as my Gibson LP Standard. Different sounding of course, what I mean is their pleasing sound qualities.
I have (gift from a friend!) a Sheraton II mik from 2010, they are amazing guitars indeed
Had been looking at a 335 shape... Ibanez Artcore or an Epiphone Dot.....only buy used due to being skint.
Kept missing Artcores as they were snapped up ...then caught a Dot cased for £200 ..mint.
It's fantastic as you say.....New fav.
And it really likes my Katana!
These have a solid block running down the middle which gives them some weight and bass to the sustain, vs something like a Casino which is full hollowbody and sounds "plinky." I had one years ago, it was great for the price, hated to get rid of it.
Love my Epi SG Pro w,
/P90s. Play it all the time.
I recently got a 339 epi.
Its also a great guitar.
The only thing I will replace is the cable input jack. I had a dot. Had to do the same thing. The 339 is, in size, more manageable for me (small trunk, long legs) otherwise I would have stayed with the dot. Had it in that color too.
It's a good guitar indeed.
Also - yes the Custom shop guitar is not necessarily perfection though the money one pays should see to that.
I am quite happy with the 339. Pups are great, resonance, and neck are all super as well as the finish.
Regards.
I bought an UpTown Kat ES (Sapphire Blue Metallic) for $600 a few months ago and I just love so much about that guitar. The ProBucker pickups provide a vintage sound that makes me want to play it over my Strat and my PRS CE-24 guitars that cost 2-3 times more. Epiphone is definitely giving us great value for the price. I did have to do some setup on it, but for $600 I have zero complaints. Cheers!
Uptown kats have mini humbuckers, not pro humbuckers, I own a red one and it does sound great.
@@cmet8280 The website describes them as “Epiphone ProBucker™ FB720 mini humbuckers™” Cheers.
That sounds wonderful, Paul! May I knoe your Tube Screamer & amp settings?
Hi Charles, I’m afraid this was some time ago and I don’t remember what settings I used.
@@TheStudioRats no worries! Thank you
A beautiful sounding Guitar.
Have you been using the iridium or the Mercury?
I have a 69 es335 and am, now I've acquired a dot, a bit tempted to sell it. never thought I'd say that. esp. as the thing belonged to Donny Osmond. not joking. Donny's my hero. kidding. normally am a casino guy but this is a great backup.
Dude, I sold an American Jazzmaster to buy a G&L Doheny Tribute like two years ago. Zero regrets.