I can't imagine why anyone would be a guitar 'snob' with so many high-quality affordable options available these days. Thanks for a refreshingly honest review, Steve. Hope you guys have a great weekend !
People build their identities on such things, see Bob there, he’s the Gibson guy, sort of thing. Once they do that, it’s like they would have to accept that they might have been wrong about something, so it’s easier to stick with old opinions. The thing is maybe they were wrong or maybe things have changed (such as Epiphone getting better), either way it doesn’t matter. In the end though, it’s not worth arguing with them, it’s their loss. Sure I’d like a 335 with Gibson on the headstock but my bank account is much happier with a great Epiphone for a quarter of the price (or less). I’ve just got a Marty Schwartz Epiphone 335, it’s a really lovely thing and it sounds great
My 2002 Epiphone Dott is one of my favorite guitars, one of my never get rid of instruments, but I had to replace every bit of the electronics, partially due to failure, partly due to me damaging it (specifically the neck pickup) partly to needless “tone chasing,” and the desire for a Bigsby because reasons. Replacing the electronics and pickups made a good guitar really great. My 2021 Inspired By ES-335 In Inverness Green is as good or better straight out of the box. Only thing I’ve changed in the strings and the knobs, because I like reflector knobs. The AlnicomPro pickups are amazing, love them. Very comparable to the Seth Lovers I put in the Dot.
My first experience with the brand goes back to 2008 by way of a G400 and a LP Studio. Let’s just say the quality left a lot to be desired. Fast forward to today. I recently acquired a 150th Anniversary Sheraton that is darn near flawless. It is a very well made guitar. It’s a steal at the asking price. The Chinese factory making these guitars has got it down to an exact science. Money well spent for me.
I bought the Raspberry Tea Burst figured top model, love it. I eventually decided to replace pickups with Duncan 59’s (favorites of mine)… the originals weren’t bad, I just like the Duncans. Anyhoo, when I picked it up from myluthier who installed the p/u’s, he said,” Dude, this is a Gibson! The construction is as good or better than many Gibson’s I serviced”. It has become a favorite among a stable of many numerous high end instruments!
After 30 years of playing, I'm now a reformed Gibson snob. I recently bought a new Epiphone Les Paul Custom Jerry Cantrell Wino and a new Epiphone Les Paul Custom Adam Jones Silverburst. They're both KILLER guitars and really opened my eyes to what Epiphone is building these days. Not to mention the fact that both of these guitars together cost less than my Gibson LP Standard. The Olive-Drab ES-335 is next on my list.
@murraymall5116 I just got my Olive Drab ES-335, I see what you're saying. This thing is fantastic, and now, Zzounds & A.M.S. has them on sale for only $399. That's a stupid-low price for such a killer instrument. It's really hard to put this thing down! ✌️
Zzounds and A.M.S. now has the Iced Tea Burst for only $499, and the Olive Drab (my choice) for only $399. I'm tempted to buy a second one, just because they're so affordable.
I've got one of these in wine red and it is my go-to guitar now. I've had it for a couple of years and no issues. It has CTS pots and the wiring is just fine. As Steve says, it's super versatile. It can go from jazz to rock with no issues. This was my first semi-hallow guitar and I just love it. I didn't even want a semi-hallow and then played this 335 and wouldn't know what to do without it. Don't worry about the name on the headstock. It is a very solid guitar and well worth double the money.
The thumbnail really does ask the question I’ve been asking for the last two or three years. I love that the quality of Epiphone, particularly the Inspired By line or the Prophesy, has improved so much over the instruments I remember back in like the 90s. What really blows my mind, though is this: how is Gibson letting their import subsidiary absolutely eat their lunch so consistently? I had been hearing a lot of good things, and last year when I wanted to pick up a couple more “beat around” and versatility adds, I decided to pick up a pair of Epiphone SGs because they looked cool and filled different niches (a gold Traditional Pro and Green Classic with P90s). I was impressed immediately with how they played and sounded right out of the box, and after spending just a little bit on some hardware upgrades they play right up there with any Gibson I had and for the combined price of just a bit over 2/3 what my SG Standard cost. I ended up selling my Gibson SGs in exchange for for serious amp and effect upgrades because they were frankly becoming expensive wall decorations. I won’t be one of those people who says there’s NO difference between the Epiphone and Gibson, or that the Epiphone is better head to head. I say though if the gap is going to be that narrow between a $600 and $1800+ guitar, you’re going to catch my swimming in $600 guitars.
I only play fretboards made of Brazilian rosewood that was cut down by a guy named Paolo between 1957-1959. LOL. The Epiphone quality has come up quite a bit. Almost as much as their prices.
Killer set up ! a 335 and a bassman covers a lot of rock ‘n’ roll territory. The IBG line of guitars are a great deal for the price. I chose the Firebird and LP junior but my older 335 pro gets played a lot. You verified my thinking. Thanks Steve
I’m seriously so impressed! Steve I picked up ONE Epiphone years ago. It was one of those John Sykes made in America models. I hadn’t heard anything from them really blow me away since then. I truly didn’t expect it to sound this killer! It just so happens that I was starting to shop around for a 335 or 335 type. Like you I’m a higher end snob. I try not to be but until recently that was the best stuff. As of right now, my brain just got jolted with the idea that lower costing guitars may be on the killer side of things. Haha
I was present for an unboxing of one of these models. It was very good. Fret ends, nut, finish, all very good. Tuned right up and the intonation was also very good. No doubt it is a great choice.
Please allow me to compliment your way of discussing yoursubject. I appreciate you getting straight to the point without bringing up unimportant details. And your disregarding the type of wood used on the fretboard. And you understand that we want to hear the guitar and you waste no time to do that. Thank you for a top notch video.
4:49 Duuuude, she sounds great! Nice through that Bassman, a real treat! Thanks for sharing that. I gotta agree, also a bit of a Gibson snob but I got the Epi Casino last year & love it. The volume/tone knobs fall off every now & again but everything else is great, even the P90’s in it are really nice & haven’t felt to urge to change them - I honestly thought I was gonna change them straight away. Cool video man, thanks & hope you’re well
just spent a day in the studio being totally blown away by a similar 335. Played into a 71 Plexi and Motherload. After many years playing......one of the best sounds I have ever had!!! It is a MONSTER
I have a 2014 Indonesian Sheraton that is very well made. It’s not perfect but it is a great player. Stays in tune and is just a great guitar. Every time I play it I’m reminded why I’ve kept it. I have 2019 Riviera P93 Goldtop that is made in China and I’d say it is on par with my Indo Sheraton. My most recent Epiphone acquisition is a 150th Anniversary Sheraton that was made in China. I’d say it’s darn near flawless. That factory producing the semi-hollow guitars has got it nailed down. Epiphone has really stepped up its game the last couple years. They are turning out some great guitars now.
Great review thx. Mine is super. Epiphone seems to really care about consistent, excellent build quality, in my experience. And trust me the audience truly doesn’t care if your not playing a Gibson. Smart choice. Cheers.
My producer owns the natural colored one. I tried it Tuesday night at the studio. He was praising it quite a bit. Once I played it, I understood why. My $2,300 White Custom LP sat on the couch all night! lol Nice playing, great guitar.
These guitars -the Epi ES 335 Inspired by Gibson- are wonderful guitars. I bought some of them. One I played more often than my Gibson ES 335, the others are also super and grew by time. Also I habe a Epiphone Les Paul 1959 and its one of my best Les Pauls I ever had. These guitars are the best you can get for the money today!
Sire and Epiphone are both making some great guitars for the money. Personally, I've had 7 new Epiphones since 2019. Kept only 2. Nothing really "wrong" with the others, just can't keep them all. If something better comes along, I swap them.
I bought one instead of a Gibson and I’m still happy with it. I find an ES335 to be too big, so $300 for a mint used inspired by Gibson model with the hardshell case scratches the itch. I did get a Gibson 339 when I got out of the hospital in March. The size feels much better.
Very nice demo. I have an Ibanez AS73FM that I have decided to turn into something that can beat these new Epi 335s. To do this I put in a brand new wiring, harness with CTS pots, switchcraft switch & jack. I also put the Epi Probuckers from my Les Paul in it. It’s a killer 335 now.
I just picked one up with a bigsby on it. I never thought I would buy an epiphone. I went in looking at Gretsch, after trying a bunch of Gretsch and the Godin 5th Avenue the epiphone came home...I was shocked at the playability and tone. I admit I am a gear snob...but the epiphone in that price range is very good.
I'm a reformed guitar snob. I've been playing Gibson Les Pauls since the mid 80's. Lately though, I've been playing Epiphone. I just purchased a new Adam Jones Les Paul Custom and a new Jerry Cantrell Wino Custom. Back when I started playing guitar, an instrument with the level of quality on these two would have cost thousands of $. Seriously, other than the Poly/Nitro finish debate, there is no reason to buy Gibson anymore. Fantastic instruments.
I'm a classically trained guitar fingerstyle player, I own this guitar, and it is a Steinway of guitars. It's incredible. I have no need for any other semi-hollow.
I am with you, Steve. Regarding the bridges. I sometimes have to remove the wire because it buzzes against the strings. But that is not a big deal. For the money, the Epiphone inspired by Gibson guitars are hard to beat. 👍🏻🎸🖖🏻
For the record, I have 5 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson guitars: a ‘59 Les Paul, 335 (block inlays), ‘63 SG, Firebird (with a Bigsby B5 I installed) and a Hummingbird Acoustic. I ended up selling my 2013 Gibson Les Paul Tribute and a couple of other guitars to pay for them and couldn’t be happier. I plan to check out Sire, Yamaha Revstar and some PRS SE models - all sub $1,000 - to compare, but the Epis will be hard to beat.
@@TMCHL I'm not sure what pickups are in the inspired by Gibson range. I got the pro buckers in the Sheraton and they sound sweet. Not too sure about the coil split tho. Doesn't sound the best and it's definitely a feature you can do without imo
@@TimCz83 Yes, it's wine red too which I think they discontinued a couple of years back. Honestly it's a really sweet sounding guitar and the craftsmanship is top notch. All for less than £500. I bought second hand but could tell it had hardly been used
I have one too. Mine is the ES-335 Traditional Pro in Inverness Green, and it rocks.I installed a Les Trem II and it works so well with the stock bridge. I may never use the push pull pots that this varient has, but who cares. This one is at my second home, and I miss it when I am not there. Luckily, I have a 63 RI Gibson ES-335 to keep me happy :) Both great guitars for vastly different prices.
Hey mr.,my old sheraton 2 from 2004 or so ,has a wonderful neck,amazing pu´s,lot of sustain and clearness and this now für 20 years!I never would give it up!I got it för 250 bucks in 2021 and yes,amazing!That means Epiphone was a great nguitarbuilder since a long time!EEven the DOT semis are ok!
I love my inspired by Gibson Epi ES335. It did need a little work, some fret leveling and good go over and it went from a good guitar to a great guitar. The only modification I made was putting on locking tuners-personal preference. I use this thing a lot.
Yep you hit it on da nose. I was so impressed with their 335 I bought the epiphone les paul which is just as fabulous as the 335. I'm playing them all the time and giving the gibsons a rest.
I have that same guitar in the burst and it's become my number one. I have much more expensive guitars and that 335 and my Casino are my favorite guitars. I put flat wounds on my 335. Buy one before they become 1000 bucks. I lightly buffed the gloss off the neck making it more of a satin finish and it plays like butter.
they're getting pretty fuckin good . but the price is getting higher. i work at a guitar center and me and my co workers are always shocked when we see an epiphone for more than a 1000 squire has been killing it lately and those never go over 499 that being said these epiphones are practically Gibsons and i highly recommend them
Fine review Steve. Holy Pizzoli, that EPI is fantastic. I especially like ALNiCo 5 pickups. They are wound to higher output than AlNiCo 2. That ES335 has really fine 5 pickups. I like them better than the Probucker AlNiCo 2 pickups that are in the EPI Sheraton. There's better balance from low to high, TREMENDOUS clarity without being mushy, and the lows are reproduced especially well. As the prices for Gibson-made ES-335s reach the 4K plateau, these EPIs make even more sense. Plus, they make them in BLueberry, Raspberry, Ice Tea, all figured wood. What's not to like? I completely agree with your review. I hate to admit this, but I actually like the sound of those pickups more than I do the Burstbucker 1 and 2 that are on my Gibson MIdtown Custom.......go figure!
There is some mojo in vintage gear. Was playing a friends tweed champ last night and it was special. Having said that, I'm playing sub C$700 Harley Benton every week and not missing the R8, Gold Top (P90) or the 335 much at all. Strange times.
I'm sold. Can't find this particular color but I'm torn between the red (back to future vibes and vintage sunburst, though the raspberry ice tea (which looks a bit darker around the perimeter than this one is gorgeous too, I'll have to watch more videos to get a better idea for how the colors play off the light
Very Nice There are so many affordable quality guitars out there that don't say Gibson/Fender on the head stock Sire comes to mind There Larry Carlton series
About 10 years ago I played a Epi 335 Blonde is was so good my Ex had to talk out of trading my black Les Paul for it, i was negotiating but she talk some sense in my head 😂😂
Like lots of folks I had a brutal case of GAS over Covid. I bought the aged dark version and feel the same way. I actually tried the Gibson version side by side in the store and couldn’t justify paying 4.5 times the cost for a marginally nicer guitar. I toyed with upgrading the pickups but then I’d play it and say what for? All told I bought 4 new Epi’s and love them all! I bought my sons a couple of Epi’s when they were little about 15 years ago, and those instruments felt like cheap imports…terrible. Starting in 2020 Epi became a serious player.
I think the Epiphones have been made better over the six or seven years. I think it’s coincidental with the change in ownership and their new CEO is a guitar nerd. Their shortcomings can be fixed with a few parts changes. Some of their pickups sound less than inspiring. Your humbucking Es-335 sounded good though. The guitars have good bones and can be modified without damaging collector value. I have six Epiphones including the one made in 1966. Two have been modded without feeling like I committed a sin. I just wish the finish was nitrocellulose, especially on acoustics so it would age over time. I’m 71 now. My Martin I bought 51 years ago has aged well.
@SteveSterlacci In no particular order, but organized by type: - SG Custom / Ebony - SG Modern / Trans Red - SG Standard / Alpine White - SG Standard / Ebony - SG Traditional Pro / Metallic Gold - SG Special / Faded Pelham Blue - Les Paul Standard Slash / Victoria - Les Paul Standard Slash / Anaconda Burst - Les Paul Standard Slash / Vermillion Burst - Les Paul Custom '79 Adam Jones / Veil of Bees - Les Paul Custom '79 Adam Jones / Berserker - Les Paul Custom Jerry Cantrell / Wino - Les Paul Custom / Alpine White - Les Paul Custom / Ebony - Les Paul Standard '59 / Aged Dark Burst - Les Paul Standard '59 / Aged Dark Cherry Burst - Les Paul Standard '59 / Aged Southern Burst - Les Paul Standard '59 / Aged Lemon Burst - Les Paul Standard '59 Joe Bonamassa / Lazarus - Les Paul Special / TV Yellow - Les Paul Jr. Billie Joe Armstrong / Classic White - ES-335 / Cherry - Riviera / Royal Tan - Casino / Natural - Explorer '58 / Ebony - Flying V '58 / Ebony
I see Gibson hq, I see an early monday morning meeting, I see a man calling overseas and yelling " You guys are making them too good, stop it"! Epi for players and Gibson for collectors?
yep , there are many good guitars made for less then 1000 euro / dollar on the market from all kinds off brands , but yeah the marketing / branding shit drives people crazy and they spend insane amounts off money on a guitar wich is by no means any better
I have 2 Epiphone Casino's. Great guitars, but heres the but. Aside from the elelectics, pickups, which is ok, the rest of the running gear is cheap and nasty. But i enjoyed upgraded mine, it also sounds as good as the 3000 dollar USA Built one for well under half the price!
I can't believe that Gibson will become more competitive in pricing. Instead their pricing is written in stone. Even though that budget and affordable Even cheap guitars are out running them with playability and cosmetic beauty. I've seen 159 clones that I would rather have than a Gibson.I have an Epiphone muse I paid 400 odd dollars and I would put it head to head with a Gibson standard.
Usually on cheaper guitars the pots, jack and wiring are garbage! They may sound good, but will crap out very soon. I have a 2001 Les Paul that has 0! issues with wiring. Yet, I've had a cheap(er) Korean guitar with a cheap tiny volume/tone pot, and they literally snapped! And then good luck fixing the wiring through the f-holes.
The Jack and toggle switch are usually the first things to go on cheaper guitars I own. They are first things I change. I also found the frets wear faster but not having bought a China made guitar in quite a few years they may have addressed that in these newer ones. Certainly, they are better. And I’m seeing pros playing Epi’s live now which I never used to.
@@ericajohnson7535 yep. And even back in 2013 I saw Janick Gers from Iron Maiden playing an Epi LP Standard on stage. I asked him later why did he use an Epiphone instead of a Gibson and he said he could have used a Gibson, as he owns many of them, but he wanted to convey to anyone in the crowd that you don’t need to spend thousands on a guitar to sound great. If a kid sees epiphone on a headstock they can relate better and feel good about their budget. I thought what a good idea.
I've got a buddy that refuses to buy good Epiphones simply because they are made in China. He hates to give money to China. We all do, but at this point...it's unavoidable.
I can't imagine why anyone would be a guitar 'snob' with so many high-quality affordable options available these days. Thanks for a refreshingly honest review, Steve. Hope you guys have a great weekend !
People build their identities on such things, see Bob there, he’s the Gibson guy, sort of thing. Once they do that, it’s like they would have to accept that they might have been wrong about something, so it’s easier to stick with old opinions. The thing is maybe they were wrong or maybe things have changed (such as Epiphone getting better), either way it doesn’t matter. In the end though, it’s not worth arguing with them, it’s their loss. Sure I’d like a 335 with Gibson on the headstock but my bank account is much happier with a great Epiphone for a quarter of the price (or less). I’ve just got a Marty Schwartz Epiphone 335, it’s a really lovely thing and it sounds great
I've recently bought the Ltd Ed ES345 with the varitone and stoptail, best guitar I've ever had, it looks killer and sounds to match it's looks.
Epiphone has become vastly improved in the past twenty years. They’re way better than than they used to be. Cool guitar!
Unreal compared to my first epi back in the day. So cool to see
My 2002 Epiphone Dott is one of my favorite guitars, one of my never get rid of instruments, but I had to replace every bit of the electronics, partially due to failure, partly due to me damaging it (specifically the neck pickup) partly to needless “tone chasing,” and the desire for a Bigsby because reasons. Replacing the electronics and pickups made a good guitar really great. My 2021 Inspired By ES-335 In Inverness Green is as good or better straight out of the box. Only thing I’ve changed in the strings and the knobs, because I like reflector knobs. The AlnicomPro pickups are amazing, love them. Very comparable to the Seth Lovers I put in the Dot.
@@corneliuscrewe677Love the “(a) desire for a Bigsby because reasons.”
My first experience with the brand goes back to 2008 by way of a G400 and a LP Studio. Let’s just say the quality left a lot to be desired. Fast forward to today. I recently acquired a 150th Anniversary Sheraton that is darn near flawless. It is a very well made guitar. It’s a steal at the asking price. The Chinese factory making these guitars has got it down to an exact science. Money well spent for me.
@@RobJMeronek Sometimes just the desire is reason enough 😆😆
I bought the Raspberry Tea Burst figured top model, love it. I eventually decided to replace pickups with Duncan 59’s (favorites of mine)… the originals weren’t bad, I just like the Duncans. Anyhoo, when I picked it up from
myluthier who installed the p/u’s, he said,” Dude, this is a Gibson! The construction is as good or better than many Gibson’s I serviced”. It has become a favorite among a stable of many numerous high end instruments!
After 30 years of playing, I'm now a reformed Gibson snob. I recently bought a new Epiphone Les Paul Custom Jerry Cantrell Wino and a new Epiphone Les Paul Custom Adam Jones Silverburst. They're both KILLER guitars and really opened my eyes to what Epiphone is building these days. Not to mention the fact that both of these guitars together cost less than my Gibson LP Standard. The Olive-Drab ES-335 is next on my list.
Just got the Olive Drab 335. I don't want to give the impression I'm obsessed with it, but I take it to bed with me, so I can play it in my sleep.
@@murraymall5116 LOL Now THAT is a great review!
Nice choices!
@murraymall5116 I just got my Olive Drab ES-335, I see what you're saying. This thing is fantastic, and now, Zzounds & A.M.S. has them on sale for only $399. That's a stupid-low price for such a killer instrument. It's really hard to put this thing down! ✌️
Zzounds and A.M.S. now has the Iced Tea Burst for only $499, and the Olive Drab (my choice) for only $399. I'm tempted to buy a second one, just because they're so affordable.
I've got one of these in wine red and it is my go-to guitar now. I've had it for a couple of years and no issues. It has CTS pots and the wiring is just fine. As Steve says, it's super versatile. It can go from jazz to rock with no issues. This was my first semi-hallow guitar and I just love it. I didn't even want a semi-hallow and then played this 335 and wouldn't know what to do without it. Don't worry about the name on the headstock. It is a very solid guitar and well worth double the money.
The thumbnail really does ask the question I’ve been asking for the last two or three years. I love that the quality of Epiphone, particularly the Inspired By line or the Prophesy, has improved so much over the instruments I remember back in like the 90s. What really blows my mind, though is this: how is Gibson letting their import subsidiary absolutely eat their lunch so consistently? I had been hearing a lot of good things, and last year when I wanted to pick up a couple more “beat around” and versatility adds, I decided to pick up a pair of Epiphone SGs because they looked cool and filled different niches (a gold Traditional Pro and Green Classic with P90s). I was impressed immediately with how they played and sounded right out of the box, and after spending just a little bit on some hardware upgrades they play right up there with any Gibson I had and for the combined price of just a bit over 2/3 what my SG Standard cost. I ended up selling my Gibson SGs in exchange for for serious amp and effect upgrades because they were frankly becoming expensive wall decorations. I won’t be one of those people who says there’s NO difference between the Epiphone and Gibson, or that the Epiphone is better head to head. I say though if the gap is going to be that narrow between a $600 and $1800+ guitar, you’re going to catch my swimming in $600 guitars.
I only play fretboards made of Brazilian rosewood that was cut down by a guy named Paolo between 1957-1959. LOL. The Epiphone quality has come up quite a bit. Almost as much as their prices.
🤣🤣🤣 thats hysterical, but people say that stuff
Killer set up ! a 335 and a bassman covers a lot of rock ‘n’ roll territory. The IBG line of guitars are a great deal for the price. I chose the Firebird and LP junior but my older 335 pro gets played a lot. You verified my thinking. Thanks Steve
I’m seriously so impressed! Steve I picked up ONE Epiphone years ago. It was one of those John Sykes made in America models. I hadn’t heard anything from them really blow me away since then.
I truly didn’t expect it to sound this killer! It just so happens that I was starting to shop around for a 335 or 335 type. Like you I’m a higher end snob. I try not to be but until recently that was the best stuff. As of right now, my brain just got jolted with the idea that lower costing guitars may be on the killer side of things. Haha
I was present for an unboxing of one of these models. It was very good. Fret ends, nut, finish, all very good. Tuned right up and the intonation was also very good. No doubt it is a great choice.
Please allow me to compliment your way of discussing yoursubject.
I appreciate you getting straight to the point without bringing up unimportant details.
And your disregarding the type of wood used on the fretboard.
And you understand that we want to hear the guitar and you waste no time to do that.
Thank you for a top notch video.
Thanks so much for the kind words! Sorry it took so long to get back to ya
The new Epiphone Firebird is a great guitar too! The pickups are made like the original, not the mini humbuckers they throw in Gibson's recently.
Thats awesome to hear! Definitely want to try one.
Self confessed guitar snob and recently bought the new Sheraton and Riviera. I cannot believe how good Epiphone is now.
Absolutely!
I picked up the Epi 355 BB King Lucille and agree. Amazing guitars right now. Great video, thanks.
The Lucille is always a good call! Thanks for checking it out! Hope to have earned your sub 🤘
4:49 Duuuude, she sounds great! Nice through that Bassman, a real treat! Thanks for sharing that.
I gotta agree, also a bit of a Gibson snob but I got the Epi Casino last year & love it. The volume/tone knobs fall off every now & again but everything else is great, even the P90’s in it are really nice & haven’t felt to urge to change them - I honestly thought I was gonna change them straight away.
Cool video man, thanks & hope you’re well
Thanks for checking it out! Means a lot. Hope you are well too!
I got one a few months ago and am just enthralled with it.
I love my Epiphione ES-335 Pro!! That is my go to guitar!
just spent a day in the studio being totally blown away by a similar 335. Played into a 71 Plexi and Motherload. After many years playing......one of the best sounds I have ever had!!! It is a MONSTER
I have a 2014 Indonesian Sheraton that is very well made. It’s not perfect but it is a great player. Stays in tune and is just a great guitar. Every time I play it I’m reminded why I’ve kept it. I have 2019 Riviera P93 Goldtop that is made in China and I’d say it is on par with my Indo Sheraton. My most recent Epiphone acquisition is a 150th Anniversary Sheraton that was made in China. I’d say it’s darn near flawless. That factory producing the semi-hollow guitars has got it nailed down. Epiphone has really stepped up its game the last couple years. They are turning out some great guitars now.
Ive been super impressed with them!
Great review thx. Mine is super. Epiphone seems to really care about consistent, excellent build quality, in my experience. And trust me the audience truly doesn’t care if your not playing a Gibson. Smart choice. Cheers.
I just order the cherry today. I was hoping i made a good choice then I found you video and it looks like i did. Thanks for video
Awesome! Thanks for checking it out..hope to have earned your subm enjoy the guitar
How was the guitar?
@@jasonodell79er awesome
My producer owns the natural colored one. I tried it Tuesday night at the studio. He was praising it quite a bit. Once I played it, I understood why. My $2,300 White Custom LP sat on the couch all night! lol Nice playing, great guitar.
I own one. Not a single flaw. Love it. It’s great.
Just love my Epi 335 Dot Pro. Plays and sounds fantastic.
crazy how good they are!
I bought an L P a few months back, quality is so nice you'd think it was made in Japan.
Nice! I just got an epiphone les paul 1959. Nice! but I wish the neck was a little more rounded! Thanks Steve
Nice! This ones nice and FAT!
I have the Epiphone Noel Gallagher Riviera and it's a very very good guitar. Incredible piece of art
These guitars -the Epi ES 335 Inspired by Gibson- are wonderful guitars. I bought some of them. One I played more often than my Gibson ES 335, the others are also super and grew by time. Also I habe a Epiphone Les Paul 1959 and its one of my best Les Pauls I ever had. These guitars are the best you can get for the money today!
Sire and Epiphone are both making some great guitars for the money. Personally, I've had 7 new Epiphones since 2019. Kept only 2. Nothing really "wrong" with the others, just can't keep them all. If something better comes along, I swap them.
Yeah theyre great as tools, but leaves something to be desired personality wise
I couldn’t Be Any Prouder of mine…Definitely Has found a Real Home in my heart.
I bought one instead of a Gibson and I’m still happy with it. I find an ES335 to be too big, so $300 for a mint used inspired by Gibson model with the hardshell case scratches the itch. I did get a Gibson 339 when I got out of the hospital in March. The size feels much better.
Thats a great deal! These guitars are insane bang for the buck at 1/10th custom shop prices
Thanks for the demo and review Steve. Glad you're digging it!
Very nice demo. I have an Ibanez AS73FM that I have decided to turn into something that can beat these new Epi 335s. To do this I put in a brand new wiring, harness with CTS pots, switchcraft switch & jack. I also put the Epi Probuckers from my Les Paul in it. It’s a killer 335 now.
The Inspired by Gibson range is killer. I have the ES335 in cherry, and the SG Special in Pelham blue.
Very nice!!
How is the neck-dive on the SG Special? I've had SG's that were bad, and others that weren't bad at all
It's not an issue with mine
I just picked one up with a bigsby on it. I never thought I would buy an epiphone. I went in looking at Gretsch, after trying a bunch of Gretsch and the Godin 5th Avenue the epiphone came home...I was shocked at the playability and tone. I admit I am a gear snob...but the epiphone in that price range is very good.
Its definitely playing above its pay grade!
I'm a reformed guitar snob. I've been playing Gibson Les Pauls since the mid 80's. Lately though, I've been playing Epiphone. I just purchased a new Adam Jones Les Paul Custom and a new Jerry Cantrell Wino Custom. Back when I started playing guitar, an instrument with the level of quality on these two would have cost thousands of $. Seriously, other than the Poly/Nitro finish debate, there is no reason to buy Gibson anymore. Fantastic instruments.
Absolutely true!
I have one on order. They have these for $100 less than the “standard” finishes. Merry Christmas man.
Looks and sounds incredibly good!!! Great video Steve! 👌🎸♥
I'm a classically trained guitar fingerstyle player, I own this guitar, and it is a Steinway of guitars. It's incredible. I have no need for any other semi-hollow.
I am with you, Steve. Regarding the bridges. I sometimes have to remove the wire because it buzzes against the strings. But that is not a big deal. For the money, the Epiphone inspired by Gibson guitars are hard to beat. 👍🏻🎸🖖🏻
Theres no wire on this! It doesn't rattle at all
For the record, I have 5 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson guitars: a ‘59 Les Paul, 335 (block inlays), ‘63 SG, Firebird (with a Bigsby B5 I installed) and a Hummingbird Acoustic. I ended up selling my 2013 Gibson Les Paul Tribute and a couple of other guitars to pay for them and couldn’t be happier. I plan to check out Sire, Yamaha Revstar and some PRS SE models - all sub $1,000 - to compare, but the Epis will be hard to beat.
I have a Sheraton 2 pro. Pretty much the same thing except for the headstock and fret inlays. Beautiful guitars
Very nice!!
And I guess better pickups 👍
@@TMCHL I'm not sure what pickups are in the inspired by Gibson range. I got the pro buckers in the Sheraton and they sound sweet. Not too sure about the coil split tho. Doesn't sound the best and it's definitely a feature you can do without imo
@@squirrel7t7been gassing for a 335 style also, Sheraton still going strong? It’s on the shortlist for me!
@@TimCz83 Yes, it's wine red too which I think they discontinued a couple of years back. Honestly it's a really sweet sounding guitar and the craftsmanship is top notch. All for less than £500. I bought second hand but could tell it had hardly been used
I have one too. Mine is the ES-335 Traditional Pro in Inverness Green, and it rocks.I installed a Les Trem II and it works so well with the stock bridge. I may never use the push pull pots that this varient has, but who cares. This one is at my second home, and I miss it when I am not there. Luckily, I have a 63 RI Gibson ES-335 to keep me happy :) Both great guitars for vastly different prices.
Hey mr.,my old sheraton 2 from 2004 or so ,has a wonderful neck,amazing pu´s,lot of sustain and clearness and this now für 20 years!I never would give it up!I got it för 250 bucks in 2021 and yes,amazing!That means Epiphone was a great nguitarbuilder since a long time!EEven the DOT semis are ok!
The name on the headstock or the amp badge does not matter. It's the player that matters. Just ordered one these exact guitars.
The IBG stuff is seriously nice. I’ve already got a J200 and an LP Classic Worn but I’m trying to find the space for a 335, too.
And a Casino . . .
I have one got it a year ago I also have a Gibson Les Paul , and a 79 Fender Strat I don't even play them I love this guitar
I love my inspired by Gibson Epi ES335. It did need a little work, some fret leveling and good go over and it went from a good guitar to a great guitar. The only modification I made was putting on locking tuners-personal preference. I use this thing a lot.
Sounds amazing! Epiphones are so underrated!!
Yep you hit it on da nose. I was so impressed with their 335 I bought the epiphone les paul which is just as fabulous as the 335. I'm playing them all the time and giving the gibsons a rest.
I am right there with you I bought a 60s les paul and was blown away so I bought a 50s too before they go up
Got mine in inspired Gibson ES-339, Dude I'm impressed !
I've bought bought several Epiphones. A Trad pro III . A Casino. AJ200. And a Red Dot Pro. Everyone of those are good guitars.
I have that same guitar in the burst and it's become my number one. I have much more expensive guitars and that 335 and my Casino are my favorite guitars. I put flat wounds on my 335. Buy one before they become 1000 bucks. I lightly buffed the gloss off the neck making it more of a satin finish and it plays like butter.
Oh man! I thought I was the only one to specifically love semi hollow guard
1:28 min - The Nigel Tufnel quote did not go unnoticed
I have an Epiphone ES335 and I put Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates in! Tone for days! 👍🏻🎸🎸
they're getting pretty fuckin good . but the price is getting higher.
i work at a guitar center and me and my co workers are always shocked when we see an epiphone for more than a 1000
squire has been killing it lately and those never go over 499
that being said these epiphones are practically Gibsons and i highly recommend them
Killer riffin dude, love it
Fine review Steve. Holy Pizzoli, that EPI is fantastic. I especially like ALNiCo 5 pickups. They are wound to higher output than AlNiCo 2. That ES335 has really fine 5 pickups. I like them better than the Probucker AlNiCo 2 pickups that are in the EPI Sheraton. There's better balance from low to high, TREMENDOUS clarity without being mushy, and the lows are reproduced especially well. As the prices for Gibson-made ES-335s reach the 4K plateau, these EPIs make even more sense. Plus, they make them in BLueberry, Raspberry, Ice Tea, all figured wood. What's not to like? I completely agree with your review. I hate to admit this, but I actually like the sound of those pickups more than I do the Burstbucker 1 and 2 that are on my Gibson MIdtown Custom.......go figure!
Ive swapped out plenty of Gibson pickups. I wouldnt swap these!
I have a traditional pro in Metallic Gold. Plays as good as any off the shelf gibson I've come across.
Got one and it killed my desire to pay 5 times more for a 335 that's only maybe 10% as good. The sound is where it's it!
That'll happen!!
Hard to buy epiphone after the ones I’ve had in the early 00s. But I trust you
New ones are great
There is some mojo in vintage gear. Was playing a friends tweed champ last night and it was special. Having said that, I'm playing sub C$700 Harley Benton every week and not missing the R8, Gold Top (P90) or the 335 much at all. Strange times.
What's cool is , playing this guitar high gain amps . The F holes Blow Air 💫
Its a beautiful thing!
I'm sold. Can't find this particular color but I'm torn between the red (back to future vibes and vintage sunburst, though the raspberry ice tea (which looks a bit darker around the perimeter than this one is gorgeous too, I'll have to watch more videos to get a better idea for how the colors play off the light
Yes,but what do you think of the noel Gallagher signature guitar? ? And I'm glad that someone has finally noted,the epiphone guitar 🎸 ,finally
wow those high gain tones!!!!
My “59’” Epiphone “reissue” has fret buzz that will NOT go away.
Very Nice
There are so many affordable quality guitars out there that don't say Gibson/Fender on the head stock
Sire comes to mind There Larry Carlton series
Hey Steve, this is nice! Will you be using this Epi to Gig with?
I would, but still will most likely use my vintage 345 when I can 😅
About 10 years ago I played a Epi 335 Blonde is was so good my Ex had to talk out of trading my black Les Paul for it, i was negotiating but she talk some sense in my head 😂😂
Like lots of folks I had a brutal case of GAS over Covid. I bought the aged dark version and feel the same way. I actually tried the Gibson version side by side in the store and couldn’t justify paying 4.5 times the cost for a marginally nicer guitar. I toyed with upgrading the pickups but then I’d play it and say what for? All told I bought 4 new Epi’s and love them all! I bought my sons a couple of Epi’s when they were little about 15 years ago, and those instruments felt like cheap imports…terrible. Starting in 2020 Epi became a serious player.
The Epiphone “Elite/Elitist” line is top shelf stuff. Rivals custom shop
I think the Epiphones have been made better over the six or seven years. I think it’s coincidental with the change in ownership and their new CEO is a guitar nerd. Their shortcomings can be fixed with a few parts changes. Some of their pickups sound less than inspiring. Your humbucking Es-335 sounded good though. The guitars have good bones and can be modified without damaging collector value. I have six Epiphones including the one made in 1966. Two have been modded without feeling like I committed a sin. I just wish the finish was nitrocellulose, especially on acoustics so it would age over time. I’m 71 now. My Martin I bought 51 years ago has aged well.
I don't have a 335 yet but I aspire to be an afixio-nado too!
I'm sold!
I wanna play like Steve!
I think CNC vastly improved guitar making.
Steve - when I checked out this guitar at popular retailer web sites, they all have block inlays. Is your specimen a pre-production guitar?
I don't think so? 🤔 maybe there is a separate dot version?
Spec-wise, how is this different from the Epiphone Dot?
The neck pickup sound usually disappoints me on cheap guitars, not enough bell-like tone. My old sheraton 2 was like that. Is this better ?
I decided on the Sire H7, better I think 🤔
I have 26 "Inspired by Gibson" Epiphones. There's a reason for that.
Wow!!!
@SteveSterlacci
In no particular order, but organized by type:
- SG Custom / Ebony
- SG Modern / Trans Red
- SG Standard / Alpine White
- SG Standard / Ebony
- SG Traditional Pro / Metallic Gold
- SG Special / Faded Pelham Blue
- Les Paul Standard Slash / Victoria
- Les Paul Standard Slash / Anaconda Burst
- Les Paul Standard Slash / Vermillion Burst
- Les Paul Custom '79 Adam Jones / Veil of Bees
- Les Paul Custom '79 Adam Jones / Berserker
- Les Paul Custom Jerry Cantrell / Wino
- Les Paul Custom / Alpine White
- Les Paul Custom / Ebony
- Les Paul Standard '59 / Aged Dark Burst
- Les Paul Standard '59 / Aged Dark Cherry Burst
- Les Paul Standard '59 / Aged Southern Burst
- Les Paul Standard '59 / Aged Lemon Burst
- Les Paul Standard '59 Joe Bonamassa / Lazarus
- Les Paul Special / TV Yellow
- Les Paul Jr. Billie Joe Armstrong / Classic White
- ES-335 / Cherry
- Riviera / Royal Tan
- Casino / Natural
- Explorer '58 / Ebony
- Flying V '58 / Ebony
@@SteveSterlacci
Make that 27. My Epiphone Sheraton in Vintage Sunburst arrived today!
Let that flag fly!
I just ordered one today. I was torn between the 335 and a Tele. I may not get my country twang with the Epi but the die has been cast.
It can still do some twangin'. A lot of Nashville guys have a 335 in the main stable
@@SteveSterlacci Yes, I heard that Grady Martin used one periodically.
Are those pickups potted? thanks!
I see Gibson hq, I see an early monday morning meeting, I see a man calling overseas and yelling " You guys are making them too good, stop it"! Epi for players and Gibson for collectors?
😅😅 thats a funny skit!
@@SteveSterlacci Gotta laugh , better than weeping.
yep , there are many good guitars made for less then 1000 euro / dollar on the market from all kinds off brands , but yeah the marketing / branding shit drives people crazy and they spend insane amounts off money on a guitar wich is by no means any better
What’s your feelings on the Eastmans 335 style
These guitars have no business being as good as they are. But somehow, they exceed expectations. These aren't the same epiphones we grew up on.
Absolutely!
I’ll be interested to see how this guitar holds up against a sire or Dangelico. In the market for either of those. Thanks
Feels better than my d'angelicos and I have quite a few in house
I have 2 Epiphone Casino's. Great guitars, but heres the but. Aside from the elelectics, pickups, which is ok, the rest of the running gear is cheap and nasty. But i enjoyed upgraded mine, it also sounds as good as the 3000 dollar USA Built one for well under half the price!
What’s better? This or the Firefly?
Tough call! They just feel different. Idk if I can honestly say ones better than the other, so FF wins on price then?
So are these as good as the sheraton ii pro???
Probably, but I haven't directly compared
I can't believe that Gibson will become more competitive in pricing. Instead their pricing is written in stone. Even though that budget and affordable Even cheap guitars are out running them with playability and cosmetic beauty. I've seen 159 clones that I would rather have than a Gibson.I have an Epiphone muse I paid 400 odd dollars and I would put it head to head with a Gibson standard.
👏👏👏
🤘🤘🤘
Usually on cheaper guitars the pots, jack and wiring are garbage! They may sound good, but will crap out very soon.
I have a 2001 Les Paul that has 0! issues with wiring. Yet, I've had a cheap(er) Korean guitar with a cheap tiny volume/tone pot, and they literally snapped! And then good luck fixing the wiring through the f-holes.
The Jack and toggle switch are usually the first things to go on cheaper guitars I own. They are first things I change. I also found the frets wear faster but not having bought a China made guitar in quite a few years they may have addressed that in these newer ones. Certainly, they are better. And I’m seeing pros playing Epi’s live now which I never used to.
@@Muzerino434 the Beatles played Epis btw. It was a legit brand. Not an import cheap Gibson.
These Come with CTS pots from the factory.
@@ericajohnson7535 yep. And even back in 2013 I saw Janick Gers from Iron Maiden playing an Epi LP Standard on stage. I asked him later why did he use an Epiphone instead of a Gibson and he said he could have used a Gibson, as he owns many of them, but he wanted to convey to anyone in the crowd that you don’t need to spend thousands on a guitar to sound great. If a kid sees epiphone on a headstock they can relate better and feel good about their budget. I thought what a good idea.
What are you talking about? All inspired by Gibson lines have top notch electronics... 😂
But if your pickups can't pick up what you strummed unplugged they could be shit sounding
The inspired by Gibson literally saved epiphone and has put some heat under its 2-3x more expensive big brother company.
I've got a buddy that refuses to buy good Epiphones simply because they are made in China. He hates to give money to China. We all do, but at this point...it's unavoidable.
Does he eat Chinese Takeaway...?
$699.00????? Same Ice Tea versions on American music exchange for $499.00?? red colo $599.00??
Don't be too positive Gibson may withdraw them 🤣