Epiphone vs Ibanez semi-hollow. One of them disapointed me - Rick goes to the music store.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ย. 2024
- Epiphone ES-335 Pro - amzn.to/2B8pR4V
vs Ibanez Ibanez Artcore AM73 - amzn.to/2Yx05j1
Thanks to Brighton Music Center in Pittsburgh, PA.
I have the Lucille Epiphone and the Ibanez AS-153 when compared they are so very different that you can still keep both guitars.
Might be the best comment on this video yet. Thanks for sharing your experience.
If you're reading this it's a fair bet you're deciding between Epiphone and Ibanez.
I've got an Epiphone 335 Pro that is my main guitar. And this is why...I've got a Gibson 335 that is great but the Epiphone gives close to 80% of the Gibson. Got the Epiphone fretboard Plekked, now it's 90% of the way there. The Gibson, as great as it plays and sounds, always makes me a bit nervous when I take it out, it would be expensive to repair or replace. Not so with the Epiphone. I've also got an Ibanez AS73. Great craftsmanship, cleaner than Epiphones hands down, a little sterile compared to the Epiphone but it feels great. Thinner neck than the Epiphone, better binding (all things the audience cannot feel or see). The Ibanez has ceramic pickups whereas the Epi has alnico pickups. It's a whole different sound, the ceramics are louder, more of an edge and are voiced for more modern music, Epiphones are warmer, fuller and more suited for a vintage sound, and the Pro can do coil splitting quite well. The bottom line is, while I hear the differences, I'm not sure the audience knows or cares. To them I sound about the same on all 3 guitars in any given room. And I think whatever room you're playing (the shape, the carpeting, how much booze is being served that night) determines the sound the audience hears as much as the guitar or amp. Two lessons here are
1. Play what feels good to you
2. Practice, because skill level will determine what comes out of the guitar more than anything.
I'm reading this and what I am thinking is, I made this video 2 years ago and cannot believe that people still watch it and comment on it. It is my most watched video and it's not even close. I wish the people who watch this would watch me play my Eastman or my Strat. Thanks for putting time into this comment. You should take that 335 out. Enjoy your moments on earth if you can. Thanks for watching.
@@RickRomanelli Great advice! I'll check out your other videos too.
@@RickRomanelli You touched a nerve for some with this video. Ibanez people often are very fond of their Ibanez guitars. Especially the models which are (at least) a step up from the lowest end models. The mid priced Ibanez guitars are still not that bad of a deal. And they play fairly well.
Your summing up in the car was really no - nonsense practical experience. Loved it. Thanks for posting.
Thanks Joe! I am amazed that this video still get views. Thanks for watching. Merry Christmas and Peace!
I have an Ibanez AS73 that I've played heavily for 15 years now. It's been my favorite guitar. It's held up well all those years. Still has all the original hardware and electronics. It's no Gibson but it's built well and can take some abuse.
Cool. I hope I didn’t offend or insult you. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@RickRomanelli no not at all. I enjoyed that comparison. I've done my own comparison like that and preferred the Ibanez as well. The Epiphone didn't seem to be made with the same quality.
"Weird finish" is an odd way to describe it. It's unusual, sure. I think it's rustic and attractive, kinda homey and cool. Of course a person likes what they like. Courses for horses, etc. Cool that you liked it better even though the pickups didn't split and the finish seemed "weird" to you.
Nice playing, and I appreciate the honest opinions about playability and features. Well done.
Also the introspection -- considering what you are used to and what you've played. Very fair.
Thanks for this comment. Also thanks for watching the video that intently. I like Strats and Teles but I'm ok with Mexican-made. Since making this video, I've gotten an Epiphone Casino that I love and an Eastman T386 (335ish). I like light PRS S2 guitars. I like my big orange Gretsch. I also have a pretty amazing Duesenberg. I am MOSTLY an inexpensive guitar player. Gibsons are not my favorite.
Thanks for this video. I have a Dot from around 2010. When I finally was able to bring it to my luthier (he hates that title), he looked above his glasses into my eyes with a stern look and said, "Next time you buy a guitar, take me with you." He knew the Dot was crap. I bought it with what I had left of an inheritance money, so I think I'll never be able to part with it. I have tried to turn it into a decent guitar. I got humbucker size P90s in it, and that made a world of difference. It was dull and drab with HBs in it ... and they were Antiquities! I replaced the pots, etc with 50s harness. I got a Zero Glide fret installed. That helped quite a bit.
[ I have been tuning my guitars at the 2nd fret, which means open strings may be a few cents flat, but the guitar sounds in tune that way. See James Taylor's video about tuning .. ] Locking tuners helped. Better bridge with tusq saddles. The guitar sounds great through my Vox AC15c1. The only thing remaining is the wobbly mahogany neck. Solution? I am going to have carbon fiber rods installed. From all I have read, that can help a mahogany neck considerably. Like others have stated, the AS73 is one great guitar. But it does sound sterile next to the latest Epi ES335. Oh yeah, I am reshaping the neck. Mostly the shoulders. It will be more like a Fender modern C shape. Quite a lot of investment for a crap guitar. But in the end ... maybe I will finally be happy with it.
I just sold some antiquity P90s because I thought they were too dark. Interesting comment. Thanks for watching.
When I bought my Epi 339 I immediately had Seymour Duncan Jazz pickups put on it. The previous owner had had it set up. It’s a fantastic guitar.
If you can find a good second hand one and spend money on a setup and new pickups, I think it’s well worth it.
I think if you’ve played nothing but high end guitars for a while you kinda get tuned into the sound and feel.
But it works both ways if you’ve played cheap guitars a high end one might not be as good as you expect. I found this out when I brought my first Gibson. Strangely the second cheapest guitar I own is my favourite even though I own more expensive guitars.
Just for the record it’s an S series Ibanez😎
Thanks for the info. I just pick them up and play them. These guys are nice to me and let me do it. For the record, I bought a Korean made Epiphone Casino today. It's great. I have a problem buying sub $700 guitars.
The Ibanez necks have such a flat radius and jumbo frets they’re a shredders dream
Someone stole my guitar and id love either one of these right now.
I hear what you're saying. Once you've played better you can't go back. Great playing as always Rick. Cheers
I know. This is the guitar I let get away years ago. I had an early 80s Gibson 335 Dot and it was great. I sold it to a friend.
@@RickRomanelli Im still crying over selling my 70's gibson SG in 1983.....it was the guitar that played itself...!~
I got the ES-335 Epiphone Pro. When I tried it at the store last year the action on it was at least 0.150in if not higher so I asked them to lover it, which didn't help cause it just looked like the guy did not in fact he was busy talking to another person. So I almost left it but I gave it another shot I loosened the strings lowered the action to half of what it was tuned it up and tried again. So I bought it changed the nut adjusted the action to my liking 0.038-0.040 on the high string at 13 th fret and 0.050 +or- 0.002 on the low string also had to adjust the trus rod to get there but in the end no fret buzz. Granted doesn't sound as a 3500$ Gibson but it was only 399$ so I'm happy, one day I might buy the Gibson pickups and put it in but at the moment I'm not that curious how it would sound.
That's cool. Thanks for sharing!
If you want a great semi- without changing anything for ~$500, Gretsch makes your guitar.
You might be right......1st guitar here was Epiphone 335, HH with vibrato....some aren't the same today. But they can be reworked.
Yep. I agree. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I have the Ibby ASV10A and the ceramic pups are the main thing that I don't like. The plastic nut can be swapped along with the tuners, but, honestly, I don't have many tuning issues. It was made in Indonesia so I don't know if there are quality differences between there and China, but it has great sustain, and even the ceramics don't sound too bad. I have a Strat and a LP but it finds its way into my rotation quite often and it is very nice to play and feels good to me.
Glad you found your new addition! Enjoy
Happy Holidays!
That's cool, Dave. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for watching. Happy Holidays to you as well!
I own a Gibson 335. It's great. But those two guitars you demo seem to sound good too. I really think it's more of a biased thinking.
Yup! I suspect you are correct. Doesn't matter in the long run. It's just fun. Thanks for watching and commenting!
The Ibanez is a great semi-hollow body, if you play hard rock or metal. I have the AM73B and the bridge is 16.2K Ceramic and the neck is 8.5K. I think Ibanez designs their semi-hollows for when an RG just isn't aggressive enough.
That's an interesting thought. Thanks!
I don't get why inexpensive guitars use such crap nuts. It seems like such a simple piece to upgrade and cut right to leave the factory playing nice and staying in tune while still keeping prices low.
I agree with you. I have seen badly cut nuts on less affordable guitars as well. Thanks for watching.
I've always thought exact same thing for say what five bucks for half decent semi or even real bone it's such a cheap price but big upgrade. I guess even 5 bucks multiplied half a mill over a year adds up and they cut corners wherever possible these days it seems.
@@mrjasondylan I just wish they would cut them correctly. Seems like it shouldn't be a problem.
Seth lovers are two conducter pick ups . They are also not potted . . They are generaly bases on vintage gibson pickups . They sound pretty good in semihollows giving a sort of natural reverb to my ears . Lot of review on youtube . I think with your style of playing you would like them . By the way my es137 is an 02
Thanks for responding. I want some good rock pickups (not metal) for my new PRS SE. I still don't know what I'll like.
I’ve had one of the Korean Epiphone Dots since I bought it new, I still love that guitar despite the fact I had to replace the electronics after a few years. Upgrading the pickups made a good guitar I loved into a great guitar I’ll never sell.
Funny you say that. I did end up getting an Eastman semi-hollow and a Casino (Korean) which is a hollow-body. I bought Duncan p90s and it's really one of my favorites now. Thanks for watching!
Hey Cornelius, which pickups did you upgrade your Ephiphone Dot with?
All the best!
@@lucascarter5362 '57 Classic neck, Seth Lover bridge. I actually bought another Seth to put in the neck, but I liked the combo as is too much, didn6want to fiddle with it anymore.
I don't like the way the Dots were built. The Sheraton II is definitely better.
Yup, I've been looking for a cheap way around buying a Gibson for a while now, but at this point I have come to realize that I'm just going to have to save my pennies and get the real deal. Unfortunately, the Gibsons aren't what they used to be either.
I bought an Eastman. It's really very good. Also D'Angelico makes a good one. Thanks for watching!
I got a 98 Korean dot last year used for £150 in pawn shop which I love while a friend recently bought z Gibson Memphis 335 which looks amazing but I'll tell you what I swear I was so disappointed with how the Gibson plays the action is shit strings are hard to bend I just don't like it at all. Regardless of the Epi being 2 grand cheaper it just plays nicer. I'm sure the Gibo blows it away plugged in but just for feel you can keep the Gibson.
I want the AS73FM in blue. I’ve been borrowing a friend’s AS73 that’s a bit older. It is such a great guitar.
Play an AS73 or higher...it’s a full size 335 style. The AM models are more like a 339.
Hi Jeffrey. Sorry I missed this comment. I'm pretty sure there is a video somewhere of me playing a blue AS73 on my channel.
Yamaha for the win? 150 years building musical instruments. I tried to buy an Epiphone once, couldn't fine a single on the felt good. PRS SE can't find one that feels bad. Good lucky with your quest!
Did you try the PRS SE Custom 24? I just played one and it was amazing.
@@oldguysguitarvlog183 Yes and I liked it! As I said I can't find a PRS that doesn't feel great. Cheers.
Yamaha does not currently make a semi-hollow for less than $1000. That should tell me something.
Your right man, find a older Korean Dot, they are awesome guitars. Gibson was overseeing the production in the early days and they even say Gibson on the truss rod cover.
Yep. I had a 91 Epiphone Emperor (before it was the Joe Pass model). It was great.
I have a 24 year old Korean made Epiphone Les Paul, I bought it new.. The truss rod cover has never been off. It has never needed adjustment.
I have a Heritage H-535 that I have had for nearly 30 years. Sounds and plays great.
Haha! I'm sure it does. Thanks for your comment and for watching.
“We Rock 4 PeAce ☮️ “ help lead the community in a prayer 🙏🏻 for peAce ☮️. Please pray 🙏🏻 amen! Thanks my brother and friend! Dana
Every day, Dana. Thanks for your message.
I played my 79 Ibanez 335 the other day after about 6 months and took it off the market. This was an awesome video brother
Yeah, that looks like a fine guitar. That's the problem with selling a 335 type. It's hard to find a good one that you can afford. The search continues.
@@RickRomanelli I got 960.00 in this one. Bought 3 guitars last year including the one that Texas toast guitars are still building and was trying to free up some cash. Look at the Japanese market. I have s trusted seller over there only thing is you wouldn't be able to play first
I've owned many guitars over the years and never had an ES335 - so had one on my bucket list, this fathers day just gone my wife said "go buy that 335 - just dont spend over $800) so I had my eye on an Epi Dot and an Ibenez Art (comething) - they were both in that price range but neither "spoke" to me, they felt flat and I couldnt work out why the notes werent blooming as they should (i'd heard on the grape via that 335's were chosen by Clapton and BB for this reason) anyway - so the guitar shop had sold out so I drove for an hr to one in our major city (Adelaide Australia) and man - I tried 3 Epi Dot and 3 Ibenez Artcores (I think they art cores) all in the under $800 price australian $$$'s. I ended up buying an Epi Dot Natural - and the reson was the neck felt better than all the others - the pickups all sounded close, but for some reason this guitars notes just ring out forever - its nuts, its now my #1 guitar = I love playing it and recommend you always try a few of a model, and yes - ES335's should sustain longer than solid body guitars and yes - those notes do bloom. Take care and happy GAD (guitar aquisition day)
Thanks for this great reply. I'm glad you found your axe. I believe that if I kept trying Epiphones I would eventually have found a good one. In the end I got a used Eastman T386. It's a great instrument albeit twice the cost of either of these. Again, I really appreciate this reply. Happy GAD to you as well and I wish you many more!
@@RickRomanelli You are very welcome Rick, Eastman are certainly something I always like looking at in guitar magazines, but never get the chance to play (I dont see many down under - in South Australia). :)
I had an Epi Dot, just didn't work out so I decided to bite the bullet and get a Gibson. Before I purchased the Gibson I tried out a Ibanez AS153 and was blown away. Ended up getting that and still very happy to this day, pickups, fit and finish, fretwork and just overall tone... push I saved well over a grand (Gibson was on sale or it would have been more like 2). If you get a chance check one out.
If I see one I'll check it out. Thanks for watching and commenting.
I have a 2002 Korean Epiphone dot deluxe. Once I'd adjusted the neck and action it played absolutely beautiful...and yeah, feels solid.
Although I did end up changing the pick ups and all the electrics. Now it plays and sounds frigging awesome.
stephan guisseppi good to know. Thanks! I’m still looking.
@@RickRomanelli I've had two of these Korean dot deluxes, and forgot to say...both of them needed the nut slots cutting deeper...made quite a difference too.
The sheraton is a great option and the upper end 335 sized guitars with the super 58's are pretty damn good, and really not far off from a gibson 335.
The Ibanez looks more like an AM53 with ceramic pickups (like the AS53). These are OK but not great (too hot for a semihollow). Yet the guitar itself is pretty decent.
The Epiphone sounded really great. I have that amp and it's quite good. I may trade it up for the new Bassbreaker 30R when I can find one to try. Awesome vid! I love your playing. It's exactly my style of what I like to listen to. Spent a couple of hours the other night learning that "Light Blues" progression you taught on your vid the other night. Love it. Thank you!
That's a good amp. If I had it I would likely not use the drive channel much, just because I like to use pedals. I'm thankful that they have a good tube amp there. I'm glad you liked the blues video. Do you think I should do part II? Same progression but based off of the 5th string.
@@RickRomanelli Exactly! The clean channel is nice, but I can't seem to dial in a really good lead tone. Part II would be awesome! I've been playing a long time and know the chords, but somehow, the way you explained it and showed it, it really clicked for me. More blues/jazz progressions would be amazing!
Why do everything tested has to be played with distortion??? Let’s her the guitar and picks. Wrong style to give accurate tone of guitar
Haha! In my own defense, I really didn't expect many people to watch this, but they did. Also, there are many, besides you who do want to hear it with a bit of drive. I usually do both, but like I said, I was just having fun and didn't think it would be as scrutinized as it was. Probably because it's not of major importance. Just fun.
BTW I start playing clean at 2:11.
I have a 2002 natural finish Epiphone Dot. Love it. Plays great. It is Korean made, though, so that may be the difference between those models and today's models... I also have an Ibanez artcore. It, too, is a nice guitar for the price. The difference is marginal. The Artcore is a cobalt blue shade and is very appealing. I play both. Whatever.
That's excellent. I got a 2003? Epiphone Casino and I can't see any reason not to like it. I read that they were made in the Peerless factory in Korea at that time. They are supposed to be some of the better Epiphone imports. Thanks!
I think they are both very similar guitars. I have a couple old Ibanez semi hollows, and even though I play other guitars more, I still like them. I can’t afford 3 grand for a new 335! You know the Ibanez you played is the most stripped down model of the lineup. And yes the Korean made ones are better. Good video.
Thanks for the input and the kind words. Peace!
I absolutely love my Ibanez AM73, but to each his own :). Love the Super 58 pickups on it, and the Flamed Maple finish is gorgeous. I have a Strat and a Tele which are also great, but I love the (Gibson) body style...like my Ibanez. I prefer the this neck on Fenders though, so easy for me to play. Keep jammin
Maybe I should give it another go. Thanks for the comment!
@@RickRomanelli AM73, AS73 Comes with ACH pickups or Classic Elite pickups depending on the year. Better models like AR93, AM93 have the super 58 pickups. Which are very good pickups imho. I upgraded an AM73 to Super 58's and am very happy with the change. It went from being OK to being incredible for not much money. So to make a proper comparison between Epiphone and Ibanez, compare Epiphone to AS93 (Super 58 custom) or AS103 (Super 58) or AM93 (super 58)
The Ibanez AS93 for $650 is the sweet spot. I got two AS153 I will keep forever.
Cool. I didn't get to try one of those. Thanks Kevin!
@@RickRomanelli japp, the AS93 it is. I mainly play Düsenberg, but honestly, the AS93 has the best pickups I have ever played. the super 58s are simply amazing. will need some set up work. first and foremost nut filing. but totally worth the effort. btw. same pickups as in the 153, but half the price for the guitar. got one used for €390,00
@@ResidentN That's a great price dude. Looking back, I like both of these guitars but the Ibanez was a little nicer to play. I could try again maybe. Haven't been to the store in a while. Thanks for watching!
Ive been focusing on fingerstyle Latin jazz...(tradtional cuban/salsa/ some bossa nova) and right now Im playing on a Cordoba flamenc, but I want an electric and am between the AS93 and the full hollow body AF95. Im leaning toward the jazzbox for tone, but the AS93s Ive heard also get great jazz tone
A really good Ibanez ArtCore is more expensive than €400.-
If you had tried an AS93FM, you would have enjoyed it.
This was in 2019. Prices were different for the Epiphone. Now those are going for between 600-800. That model Ibanez hasn't gone up as much. I see one for 260 on my Craigslist. I like Ibanez so I probably would like it fine.
@@RickRomanelli The early Chinese Epiphones weren't as good as the Korean ones.
Actually, I held one in my hand in which the pole pieces were not under the strings: the whole pickup was NOT centred.
In 1986/87, I was totally in love with an Epiphone Sheraton II, I waited until I had graduated, but they had raised the price from ƒ695.- to ƒ995.- in a couple of months.
I was so pissed that I bought a MIJ Fender Stratocaster for ƒ795.- instead.
@@gingerbeer914 I'm using an Eastman T386 now. It is far better than any of these, in my opinion. Thanks for the information though.
I've had the As73T, cherry Red with a Bigsby copy trem and binding. It was mabelos and beeutiful! Then I got myself an ES339 at four times the price of the AS73 and though it did not make me four times happier, I was happy nevertheless. I sold off the AS73. The problem is you can't carry a three grand guitar to just any gig so I needed something cheaper - one that won't pierce my heart through and through If it got damaged or stolen - maybe scratch it a little, a guitar is still a guitar to me, yunno? Then, the Epiphone ES-LP just came out, I bought a red one and it is my go-to guitar right now. Why? The semi hollow body gives me the fuller, rounder sound that I need, without the humming feedback that you with a full hollow at loud volumes and the centre block also adds to the sustain smewhat. It is an ES in the size of an LP and it has a coil-tap switch, so I can switch to a single coil when I need some bright color to my sound. My take? Please guys, get one today! Your wife will love you all the more for it. Trust me. Where are the "hahahaha" emoticon when I need one?
I'm glad you like your guitar. I bought an Eastman and a Casino. That more-than covers it. I usually play Fenders and PRS anyway.
Thanks for commenting. Peace!
@@RickRomanelli Thanks for the video. Very informative. I prefer to watch TH-cam videos instead of reading about the gear cos though not accurate, a video still gives a better idea of the product being reviewed. I wish this one had come out before I bought the Ibanez. Anyway, for the reasons I have written above, I I was thinking of getting the Epiphone ES 339 to gig with when the Epiphone ES-LP just came out. The 335 is kinda huge for my body size which was the other reason I sold off the ibanez. My friend who bought it was happy cos he had the matching body size for it.
@@christopherkiyui8071 Thanks for watching and the kind comments.
I have an ibanez in my collection 😊
If you have a mind to continue the comparisons try to find a Harley Benton HB35 Plus to test. I've seen a few comparisons with those two guitars and it shows well at 1/2 the price.
Well, I did get an Eastmans T386 which ended my search for a semi-hollow. If I get a chance to review one I will. Thanks for watching!
I have a Washburn HB32 and enjoy playing it, it’s slightly uncomfortable to play because I am a small person, but that’s okay.
That's cool, Jesse. Thanks for weighing in and thanks for watching.
Strangely enough.....i thought you sounded much better on the EPI, and you played it longer and with more creative riffs.....I LOVE Ibanez and I own 4 of them, but THAT Artcore sounded like wet cardboard. Justsaying....
Good feedback. Thanks. The Ibanez was a last minute addition. Thanks for watching.
GCJ plays Epi's off the rack?
I agree so much, I have a 1997 MIK Epiphone Sheraton ii. Way nicer than the newer Chinese made. Feels like a solid well-built guitar. New pick-ups went into it, but the originals served me well for a few years. I appreciate the review; I think what may help in future videos is reasonable expectations of the guitars being reviewed. Thanks for your time Rick, and for the video.
Hey Loren. Thanks. I don't get many, "I agree..." comments on this video. Like I have said to others, I was trying to find that rare good one in an inexpensive guitar. In the end I had to spend a bit more.
D'Angelo make a awesome semi hollow body!
I agree!! th-cam.com/video/ePw9Phr5Bbg/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Ive played both . Pretty decent guitars fot the money . I had a 2008 washburn Hb35 made in Indonisia that I loved . Gave it away . Missed it ,than bought a 1999 Hb35 made in Korea off reverb , changed out pickups for Seth Lovers . Great guitar . They also sell a newer version of the Hb 35 with seymore duncan phat cats . My other semi hollow is a 2012 Gibson Es 137 which is also a decent guitar for the money if you can find a good one
I liked the Washburns I tried. They weren't in very good shape though. I ended up getting a used Eastman with Lollar Imperials (after market). It's great.What are Seth Lovers like? Are they lower-wind pickups? Can they be split? Thanks for watching and commenting.
It's sound different because the mics don't hace metal covers...
yeah, i'm not crazy about either one. i had an Ibanez semi hollow, but the one up from what you were playing. it had a second switch that made the neck pup brighter. just way too big of a body for me.
I don't mind the body. It needs to make me want to play though. those did not.
great video. i am looking at both the models and cannot decide . but lol at the record store ...well i have the entire led zep collection on vinyl i bought back in the late 70's as a teenager lol still got it all . 56 yrs old now they still sound great . authentic tones including bit of hiss lol
I didn't buy either. Oh well. I meant to point out how silly it is that new vinyl pressings are so expensive. Thanks for watching!
Nice one Rick, thanks for the review(s)! ☮️🤘🏽🤠👍🏽☮️
Thanks for the kind comment!
I've tried an Epiphone 335 pro in a shop, and it was a pleasant guitar. Low action and a nice neck and good sound. I've also tried expensive Stratocasters and become disappointed because of too high action and not the best strings. Some guitars need to be adjusted, whatever price level.
Hey Trond thanks for the comment. The 335 wasn't set up badly. I just was uninspired. It was my opinion at that time of that specific guitar. That being said, anyone who thinks any guitar is good or bad based on the price is often mistaken. I went to the store recently and disliked all of the new strats I tried. Thanks again.
I used to have an Epi 335 PRO and the action was perfect but....I didn't like the D shape neck nor the sound of the pickups. I 've got a couple of other cheap semis---a Tanglewood and a now discontinued Ibanez Talman--before they completely changed the design. I like them both a lot. So you can get a good semi without spending loads. I also have a Gibson 335 Dot Reissue that I can compare them to. The Tanglewood in particular gets very close.
Thanks for that input! I'm still looking and still not sure of anything.
Before the guitars, you are pretty good!
Thanks!
This is an older video… try the newest (inspired by Gibson) Epiphone ES339. Fantastic!
Ok. Thanks for watching!
I've been following her for many years on youtube.
Congratulations on the tests performed with great skill and professionalism.
I wanted to ask you for advice.
I have to choose between IBANEZ AS93 and TOKAI UES78.
Despite the sound of the TOKAI similar to 335 GIBSON I have the impression that the IBANEZ is better realized in the neck with consequent greater handling.
What would you choose?
Thank you and I follow you.
Hey Roberto. I have not played a Tokai so I would only be guessing. Sorry sir. I would say that in my experience, Ibanez makes good guitars any any level. Tokai has a very good reputation though. It would be ideal if you could play both of them. Thanks for watching and for commenting. Peace!!
Trying to make a cheap, ES333 Tom Delonge clone. If I were to stick a Dirty Fingers Pickup in the Ibanez would that work? I also want to sand, paint and customize it. I mean let's face it 80% of a guitar is the pickup. Was the playability that bad on the Ibanez ... Or the Epiphone for that matter ?
They all played really well and could be better. I wonder who owns them now.
I just pulled the trigger on an Ibanez just like that one for $100 at a pawn shop...clean as it can be too...havent found anything bad about it yet...
Score! Nice man.
@@RickRomanelli I should tell you about the 80s fender strat I bought for $100 last year...lol...
Nice playing Rick! Do you remember what pedal that was when you played the Ibanez with distortion?
It's just the drive channel from whatever amp I was using. Either a Katana or a Blackstar or something. I think that Ibanez definitely had a great drive tone. Thanks for watching.
@@RickRomanelli yaah it sure does! Thanks. a lot Rick :)
everybody says epiphones need the most setup out of the box...I have a beautiful Ibanez Custom 125 that's a great instrument....I'm interested in the D"Angelico with the single cutaway and Seymour Duncan pickups...they're about 800 bucks which is where you find the good cheaper semi hollowbody's....Sheraton IIs are way better than Epi dots in my view....better pickups, fretwork and electronics
Thanks for watching and commenting. I suspect you are right about the Sheratons. The Sheratons I have tried felt a little heavier. Maybe I imagined it. I got a Casino made in Korea in the early 2000s (I think it was 2001 but memory is bad). That guitar is fantastic. It was made in the Peerless plant. It has a good neck and I put duncan p90s in it. Check my video on the D'Angelico, th-cam.com/video/ePw9Phr5Bbg/w-d-xo.html
PEACE!!!
I didn't care for the Ibanez' ceramic pickups so I sent it back.
I understand completely! I’ve found some very cheap “no-names” hanging in a shop that we’re amazing. Sometimes the stars just align up just right and it all comes together perfectly. So many variables when your talking about an almost completely hand built item, made from mostly naturally grown materials. To me, it’s pretty amazing that any of them sound as good as they do. Funny, “the great (sic.) Slash became famous playing an admitted P.O.S. Les Paul copy but Gibson hires him to sell his “signature” L.P.! How bogus is this! The same with Joe Bonamassa puts his name on “his” Epiphone lone but he NEVER actually plays and Epi, not even one of his signature models. I think this is bogus! Now, Gary Clark Jr. Is the perfect spokesman for this brand! He wears the “E” with pride!
both my ibanez as73 and my epiphone dots required new pups, electronics, and nuts...i always buy a 400 guitar knowing i need upgrades...but the bones are there...mine anyways
Cool that you got a good one. Thanks for watching.
Whelmed ...love it!
I think you look like an owl in your logo picture. I like it.
@@RickRomanelli hoot hoot....haha!
Great video. Have you tried an Eastman semi-hollow?
Thank you, Ronnie. I have tried one. They are pretty good. The thing is, I would rather buy a used Gibson than spend just as much on a Chinese-made copy Eastman. Some of the Eastmans have Lollar Imperial pickups, which is great, but they cost over $1500.
Update. I own an Eastman now. :)
@Mark Wilson It's really nice. I got it used and the first owner put Lollar Medium wind Imperials in it. It screams. I just posted a blues with it. Check it out if you have time. Thanks!
Nice comparison and thoughts thanks
Thank you! It's not really my best work so check out some other videos as well! Peace!
I've a cherry Epi 335 pro and love it. Bought it new at GC in 2016... neck bowed, action high but it adjusted right down to perfect... then went to GC in 2019 and saw my same model but it seemed like well... crap. go figure. Finally put on fresh wound strings (the plain 3 are still fine to me) and really appreciate the coil tap. So thanx for the vid and what do you play most every day? cheers
I play a different guitar each day. Teles, Strats, PRS S2s, Duesenberg, and I have a big Orange Gretsch that I love. I've had 2 Gibson 335s in the past. The first I liked but I sold it to a friend. The second was not as good as the first. Sadly, neither of these came close so I am really leary about buying an import semi, even an Eastman. I'm really surprised how many views this video has gotten. Thanks for watching.
Cheapest good quality 335 copy imo is the Ibanez as83 (as93 is now the cheapest super 58). Not being made anymore, but it's the cheapest AS with Ebony fretboard, good frets and Super 58 pickups. Epiphone.....sigh.... just sent back a new Lucille, cracked neck heel. Paint was crap. Frets were rougher than a 300 buck Ibanez and the epi is 900. No. Only good Epi is the Allen Woody bass.
I like my 2001 Casino just fine. I also liked my 94 Emperor when I was in college. Thanks for watching.
@@RickRomanelli : I owned a late 90's Epi LP, korean. It was a limited edition green sparkle. The glitterpaint wasnt paint...it was a sticker with a clearcoat. They did that with the flamed maple lp tops too.....photoflame was what everyone called it back then. Played ok though. Also owned a 90's Riviera. That was a nice guitar, should have kept it. Only Epi I now own is the Allen Woody. That is actually excellent. It seems very hit and miss with Epiphone, always has been.
I like Ibanez and Epiphone. Got a 2016 Ibanez dunno Artstar or Artcore and like it but as you said...compared to a Duesenberg, it sucks. My Duesenberg Starplayer Outlaw is too good but ok, i have to give it that...450 vs 2.5k... so the Duesenberg better should be better ;))
Thanks for the comment. That sounds like a great Duesenberg.
It def. is. Yours btw. is also beautiful and great sounding from what i could see out of your Videos! Cool Guitar!
the sheraton 2 pro smokes the epi 335 imho
I own that Ibanez Rick ,just swap out the pups and you're good. (I have lot's of used SD's so not expensive) On the Epi's you should probably look at Sheridan ,I had one, it had great pups and a Tusq nut from the Factory ,however I got rid of it for a Gibson 330, worth it to me but I still have 2 Ibanez's for knocking around . Good luck on your search !
Thanks, Todd. Neither of these were for me. I know I would not play them.
@@RickRomanelli Better go with a Gibson then ! :-)
I have a 2002 artstar as80 in butterscotch finish. Came with a Hard case. For $400 its nice. Epiphonies feel chincy to me even the acoustics.
It sounds very nice. I like Ibanez guitars. Thanks for commenting! Thanks for watching!
Thankx Rick !
Washburn hb 35 plays and sounds good.
Thanks for the info! Thanks for watching.
Hello. In the past, I had an Epiphone Dot, which I sold because in my opinion it was really uncomfortable (the body was heavy and the guitar tended to dive). I would like to try the Ibanez As. What is your opinion concerning ergonomics between these 2 models? Thanks in advance
Ah. This was a while ago but as I remember, the Ibanez had a smaller, or smaller feeling body. It wasn't heavy. Having said that, not all Dots are heavy. The Epiphone was about average for a 335. Thanks for watching.
@@RickRomanelli thank you!
Happy New Year my Brother! PeAce ✌🏻 Dana E✌🏻💫✌🏻
Happy New Year, Dana!
La manera correcta de probar una guitarra,es en su estado natural de fabricacion,y creo que la Ephipone suena mucho mejor que la Ibanez. Cuando compren una guitarra,prueben en su estado natural y si califica ponerle todo los aditivos,distorsion,phaser,etc,etc.
Simplemente fui a la tienda y probé las guitarras, filmando con mi iPhone. Ni siquiera tenía la intención de hacer un video. ¿Hay una forma incorrecta de hacerlo? Gracias por ver y comentar. ¡Paz!
Try the Eastman 335 copy, it will blow you away, better than the Gibson crap
Ha, that's funny. I bought one in July (see my more recent videos). Thanks for watching.
great video
I think you're just being a brand snob or is all some iof us all we can afford is $400 I'd rather have a $400 guitar than not have one at all maybe you can afford to spend more than that on a guitar and maybe playing guitar is just a hobby for you but for me I play for a living and I would gig blues with either one of these guitars I think they're great for blues anyway here is an idea if you don't like those guitars how bout build a guitar yourself they do have kits that cost $400 or less that play and sound great I know cause I have a couple that I built myself and those are the ones I gig with mainly
Hi. I play gigs. Not just a hobby. In fact, I went to college for this. I think you missed the whole point of the video and that's ok. I just wanted to find a special inexpensive Gibson ES-335 type guitar. Eventually I did. Don't get upset. :)
You ever play a Guild Starfire I? They are around same price. Any better?
I did but it was a long time ago so they are probably not built in the same place anymore. I also played a severely used one at GC and it was not in good shape. Thanks for watching!
"They both made in Chinerr"
Yes sir. Some Chinese made guitars are nice. These are ok.
The Ibanez is made in Japan
@@davidjohnston4345 only the high end ones are made in Japan like their $1200+ lines sir. Some are made in SOuth Korea, Indonesia, or China. from what I heard the South Korea ones are best well made ones. But all are great you just gotta keep looking. Never had an issue with Ibanez. as of 2022 they’re the best bang for your buck.
The 90 series ibanez kill. The pick ups are great.
Cool. Thanks for commenting!
Your opinion is just that, an opinion. You seem the type of person who will probably find fault with EVERYTHING.
Dude, have you watched the videos I make? I play inexpensive guitars all the time and like them. The point of this iwas to see if someone had a semi-hollow that was in some way "special". These were not. They weren't terrible.
Would you recommend the g&l fallout over any of the two reviewed guitars, purely from feel and sound ?
Yes, yes, absolutely yes. It could just be that I got a good one, but I think actually the G&L Fallout is an amazing guitar in a totally different league than these. I am always happy when playing my Fallout. Thanks for watching.
@@RickRomanelli thank you
So even the Epiphone didn't play that good? I thought cheap Ibanez had good frets, but maybe not. I got an AX120 that had low aciton, no buzzing, but sharp fret ends. It's all a crap shoot, I guess.
Yeah I wouldn't expect for a second that there is consistency between individual instruments. That's why I do this. At some point I'll come across one that is amazing and no one knew it from the price. These both played ok. They didn't feel "great" in my hands. Just ok. Thanks for watching and for commenting! Peace!!
Try a Gretsch streamliner!
I did and I liked it better than both of these. Thanks for watching!
Whadda ya do to *not* fall into that well-known prejudice trap? You know, when you like or dislike some guitar mainly because you know its identity?
You could say 'Yeah, I just don't care for its identity, I just look at the facts or at my experience with playing these guitars'. That would be a sign of your not understanding how prejudice or bias affects people's judgment. Including *your* judgment.
Well, I'd say that is good and bad, depending, of course on the specific instrument. I try to give inexpensive instruments a fair shot (I have a Squier Bullet Mustang and a G&L Tribute Fallout.) For electric guitars, I don't really buy anything over aya $1600 and they have all been good as advertised. I would not spend that much without trying the instrument again and again. Acoustics are hard. I didn't really like my last 2 Martins.
Does Ibanez make a body the size of Epiphone 339?
I’m not sure but I haven’t seen one. Thanks for watching and commenting.
It,s a given that the cheaper guitars need rework!!!
Doesn't mean I should buy them. Really, I'm just spending some time exploring inexpensive alternatives to a Gibson ES-335. Having owned 2 previously in my life, these don't come close enough at any price. I like D'Angelicos and Guilds. I like higher end Ibanez and I might like a Sheraton II, but not if they are a shoddy as this 335 was. Thanks for watching.
Ibanez are crazy under rated. Locking tuners, nut work and a good setup and you can't beat em
Kool Rick! & thanks 4 sharing. Cheerios like 13
Thanks Soda.
whats the made in korea version you mentioned...? wow..man...you can really play....! I like the epi better...bcuz im not a pro and it would be easier to sell if I decide to sell it later....it felt quality to me..but Ive never played a duesenburg..
I'll never understand the logic of choosing a guitar based on how easy it will be to sell. It should always be about inspiration and having an instrument that works like it should. Thanks for the kind comments.
@@RickRomanelli people rationalize the purchase of the guitar especially if it is a quality used guitar since they understand they can get what they laid out for it if they need to. In some cases the guitar may go up in value. A very nice car on the other hand is a poor investment and always loses value. It is just a means to convince yourself to buy - that is GAS. I got too many guitars.
I think it's ridiculous to compare either of these guitars to a Gibson or a Duesenberg considering the price points.
Here's the thing. I was trying to see if I could find a "diamond in the rough". Maybe one does not have to spend $1500 to get a decent semi-hollow. Lot's of people want to play this style of guitar but can't justify the cost. I still think there must be really good inexpensive semis out there, the same way that some Korean-made prs or schecter, or whatever can be really fantastic guitars. So, I disagree. It's not ridiculous. Thanks for watching though.
@@RickRomanelli - from the reviews I've read, both the Ibanez and the Epiphone aren't as bad as you make them out to be. I do understand, though - as I understand things you own a Gibson and a Duesenberg which kind of spoils you for the inexpensive guitars. Correct me if I'm wrong.
I used to own an 83 335. I sold it to a friend during a Strat-only period. I sold it so cheap I nearly gave it to him. I got a 74 335 about 18 years ago . but the frets were so small that it triggered carpal tunnel in my hand and my fingers would go numb. I sold that. I just recently got an Eastman T386 which is amazing (not a word I throw around haphazardly). These two guitars were not that great.
A Sire Larry Carlton H7 would possibly beat them both
It really might. I wish I had one. :). Thanks for watching!
The Ibanez is a great rock guitar. The jazz tones in the neck pickup are 'meh', but the bridge pickup with a hard-rock amp tone is a great rock sound, period. I've played much more expensive guitars in the category and I like that Ibanez as much or more than many more expensive models for 'rock' sound.
That's cool. So you have one?
Do all of the Epiphone pieces have the same intonation problem?
I don't believe it is an intonation "problem". All electric guitars have the potential to have poor intonation. The adjustability is the issue. This guitar has plenty of adjustability. It had not been perfectly set up is all. Thanks for watching. I like Epiphones.
Thank you so much!
Great!!!💎
Thank you!
Rick Romanelli You’re welcoooooooome!!!😃✌️
Whelmed... lol... good one! HOW MUCH FOR THAT RECORD?
$23 for Led Zep 1. I can get it at the used record store for $2.30.
I have had several epiphone guitars and ended up regretting every single one. I know a lot of people like them but idk they just don’t do anything for me.
A good point. I have to keep reminding myself how unsatisfied I have been with Epiphone, lest I buy one.
Same here, had multiple and sold them all. Don't do anything for me. Ibanez I really like.
for a little more money, did you try the Sheraton ?
I have tried Sheratons. They feel different. More like a thin Jazz guitar. This store didn't have them. For a little more money, I bought an Eastman! I'm pretty happy. Thanks for watching.
The guys in the store didn't set these guitars up for you not a fair test. Not only that, but I think you went in with your expectations set too high for $400 I think it's hard to beat. Any serious musician who's accomplished is not going to be looking at these intermediate level instruments.
Sorry, sir, but I'm gonna call bs on that. I've been playing guitar since 1976. I set up all 23 of my own instruments and I know how an instrument will play after I set it up. I went in with my expectations looking for guitars that are better than their price tag indicates, which is not unrealistic in today's guitar market. The problem is that at this price range, the QC effort by both of these companies could be much better. I have owned 2 Gibson 335s and sold them both. I have an Eastman T386 that is fantastic. The Epiphone had shoddy detail work and did not feel exceptional at all. The Ibanez could be ok for the price, but I'd sooner go for a Xavierre or an Agile for a lower price. Thanks for watching.