"Almost" the Perfect Epiphone! | 2024 Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 ES-355 White Review

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📚Description: Today we review the new Epiphone ES-355. I happened to get a dud/shipping damaged example, but if you get a good one, I think this might be the best value out of the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop series
0:00 - Intro - Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop Epiphone Series
0:20 - Unboxing Epiphone ES-355
1:40 - Price + Inclusions
2:46 - First Impressions
3:50 - How to change the finish
5:50 - Workbench Segment / Specs
12:49 - Clean Tones
14:36 - Dirty Tones
16:00 - Final Thoughts
1959 ES-355, Classic White
Semi-hollow electric guitar with 50s Rounded Medium C profile, Gibson-style “open book” headstock, USA Gibson Custombucker pickups,and hardshell case
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[@chrishenderson9130]

I have an epiphone 335 in iced tea. I put a burstbucker 61 in the neck and a vintage superdistortion that i magnet-swapped to an alnico V. It absolutely kills.

[@tonyhill1141]

That sounds cool. I have an 89 Epi Sheraton II (Japan) that is really beautiful and has a great tone stock. I bet yours sounds awesome.

[@rooster4906]

Bravo ,it is important that you are satisfied, in the end the guitarist and his hands are the most important. Enjoy !!!

[@HVA58]

I have one of these and absolutely love it. It looks great, is fun to play and those Custombucker pickups sound fantastic.

[@RavenStJohn]

I've been looking at this model......glad to see you cover it!

[@kenfernsler6507]

I have this in the red finish. Ive done 2 gigs with it so far. Thursday will be the 3rd. I have no issues with mine. Less quality issues than any of my Gibsons. Sounds great. It has just a lil less output then my Gibsons r8 lespaul. I highly recommend the guitar. The neck feels great. Much better than a thick poly finish. I dont feel like im playing an epiphone.

[@Zoso981]

That's how I feel about my new '59, the neck doesn't have that Epiphone shape anymore. It's more Gibson than anything. Great guitars.

[@75Pollux]

Hi, What do you think about the finish, is the poly as thick as the other epiphone series ?

[@kenfernsler6507]

@75Pollux no the polly is not thick. The satin feel on the neck is faster than the nitro on my Gibsons.

[@professor_prte]

How about the finish quality, binding, etc. ?

[@kenfernsler6507]

@@professor_prte everything is great. I could find more mistakes on any of my Gibsons. Quite impressed.

[@Trog]

This one definitely saw some trauma in transit, but hopefully you get the idea of what to expect on a cleaner one! 🟢My Website: www.troglysguitarshow.com 🔴Reverb: tidd.ly/4aFiyhC 🐕 Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/

[@keithmatry8939]

Trog so which in your opinion is the best IBC epi

[@markjamesmeli2520]

I LIKE it!! I had never heard of this particular model before. Thank you for documenting it. I'm sorry about the imperfections you found in it. But, it would bother me too, and you were honest enough to talk about it. It's good for folks to know what might happen, and, heck, it's good for Gibson to know too.

[@web0flife_tarantulas74]

I just got my Epi exclusive ebony one and Im in love! Had to polish the grit off the frets a bit but other than that it feels just as good as my Gibson Classic LP. The neck has the perfect feel between the shape and the VOS finish. Playability is amazing! And the real mother of pearl inlays are beautiful.

[@clayroundtree]

Haven’t had any of the issues mentioned in this video with mine, thankfully

[@TheOldWitch]

just got mine a few days ago. fit and finish are flawless, sounds amazing. looks great

[@michaeltsatvs6139]

Curious. Did yours get shipped to you?

[@dobiqwolf]

Thank you for the review. I have the same guitar and noticed similar issues such as the finish in the F holes edges (my sheraton 2 F holes have bidding). I have a fret that is a bit higher on the bass side (3rd fret), I tapped it too but need to be filled down... at that price I would expected better fret finish and F holes with binding. I observed the same with more white on the binding edges, I suspect it will develop all around the binding with time and usage. Overall I like the guitar and will keep it but the finish issues are a big let down; at that price point, the competition will not have these issues.

[@joshuanguyen9526]

Hey trogly, big fan of your channel, if u can do an epiphone extura or ESP Ltd eclipse 87 fr (black or white) review, that would be amazing, keep up with your good work, your videos are the best.

[@66falcon99]

I had a Japan made black Epiphone Les Paul Custom from the 1990s, I think, that had the regular mustache Gibson headstock end. Importantly, it had a real ebony fretboard. Most had rosewood, even though they were "Customs." If buying a used Epiphone Les Paul Custom made in Japan, which are overall great guitars, make sure of the fretboard material! Look for the rarer ebony.

[@jasentaylor4396]

I have the epiphone exclusive ebony version of this. Mine has no fret issues and I can not find a blemish on it. I’m very happy with it. Sounds great and looks pretty snappy too.

[@pauljohnson3686]

Where do you find an ebony exclusive 355 in this range... I have not seen one before.... Not even on you tube

[@allmostbrothers]

I just ordered the ebony one from thier site glad to see someone has this already and loves it

[@pauljohnson3686]

@@allmostbrothers The exclusive ebony one on their site is a black 335 gibson inspired with the epiphone headstock... The model in this review is the 355 gibson custom inspired with Gibson headstock and is only available in red..

[@johnhutton9105]

Haven’t tried one of the Inspired By Custom electrics, but my Banner J45 is an absolute monster. Feels, plays and sounds a steal even for £1,199.

[@nedludd3641]

Anyone know the short-leg/long-leg configuration on Epiphone ES-335s humbuckers? I got hold of two short-leg CustomBuckers. I'm wondering whether I can fit them in an Epiphone Sheraton ii Pro or ES-335? (if not, is there a work-around?) Also, are Epiphones built for metric as opposed to Imperial humbuckers?

[@theleviathan89]

You’re reading my mind. After getting the Les Paul SG for my son and seeing and hearing the quality, I’m interested in this es355

[@southlanfilmsusa]

How sharp are those fret ends?

[@Steve.Cutler]

I prefer the 59 les paul. And I also like the burstbuckers better than the custom buckers. I got my 2020 59 used, in like new condition w/original hsc on Reverb for about 600 bucks. Just give it some time and they'll be deals to be had from new prices

[@ScottJamesHicks]

Those “rough” matte finishes smooth out and gloss up when you play them a lot. Forearm wear works like micro mesh sandpaper.

[@kueby23]

Has the headstock angle also changed on the new Epis? The white one looks damn good btw

[@mr3klax]

The uneven binding issue at the neck between the headstock ( bone white) and fretboard (ivory) that you mentioned is also present on my LP Custom in Alpine White. But not on my Ebony ES-355 where the binding (aged white)except for the pickguard (white) is perfect and consistent all around. I wonder if this issue is just on the white finish.

[@ChroniclesOfASadPunk]

I've almost thrown down on the Explorer a few times, but that's only because I want the Korina body without the Custom Shop price tag. The SG Custom would be great if it didn't have the vibrola. That being said, this line hasn't really peaked my interest.

[@bassicmike48]

How’s the comparison for feel to the Dave Grohl signature DG-335?! Thanks for the IGC videos! Loving this series.

[@benlogan430]

It’s hard to get a realistic idea of the quality of an instrument with a sample pool of one. Especially with international shipping and it being spring. I’ve had three EPI’s that were awesome.

[@AS__77]

If you get one of these from a reputable seller like Sweetwater that can guarantee there won’t be issues like with the one you got, or at least replace it if there are issues, then put an hour or so into buffing and polishing the headstock and top, it’s not a bad deal compared to the Gibson CS equivalent. I’m fine with my Gibson Les Paul Tribute I bought new for $900 at a Guitar Center a few years back, though 😂 does the job. Probably the only Gibson I will ever buy.

[@1thess523]

That bridge pick up sounds nice

[@mr3klax]

Just FYI. The guitar does have a serial number. It’s on the Gibson-style label inside the F-hole (time stamp 7:23).

[@mp-kq3vc]

The digs in the fret wire... can that be easily be levelled off? Or would that change the entire setup?

[@VN9001]

To me, they don't look deep enough to cause any concern for a fret level and dress/crowning (I do this work myself and am judging on that basis). Notwithstanding, I would never accept that on a brand new guitar and would return it immediately. Overall, this particular instrument really is a "dog" quality wise and for me, would be unacceptable.

[@Asillyhobo]

This was the review I was waiting on before hitting the buy button on one of these. Shame about it being a lemon from shipping, but glad you still recommend it over all!

[@Masterfighterx]

Tooling marks on the fretboard, chewed binding and dings on the frets? Just like a real Gibson, only for $4-5000 less!

[@andrewbrookes2485]

Haha exactly!!

[@johndef5075]

😅

[@ravenheart1439]

Got that right lol..

[@gingataff]

Hopefully they made it so the headstock detaches with a gentle tap

[@fabianorodas]

Very inspired by Gibson

[@sandsthirtytwo7852]

These are very nice guitars; I have the sg custom, and really, people saying that price is crazy for a Chinese guitar, I saw an Eastman 345 five or six years ago for $1699 CAD, whereas now these epiphones are $1869 CAD after factoring in inflation, and with burstbuckers, that's not a bad deal.. plus you get the authentic gibson headstock shape

[@Itsjorgelanzas]

This is my favorite from this drop!! Especially now that you say it’s got that VOS finish!! 🔥🔥, but then again. Guitars over $1000 and they can’t even file the frets 😓😓 that’s worrying to me. It’s not an issue they kept to their $500 ones

[@ScottsGuitar]

Any epiphone should really be budgeted for a pro setup anyways, so buying used could be a good way to make up that $200 or whatever it costs then it’ll play better than new

[@rethinktone]

It's a joke what other companies can offer in that price range. Have you looked at vola? Eastman? That Vos finish is garbage. You can literally wipe it down with a paper towel. Can't imagine how splotchy it will be in a few years.

[@ScottsGuitar]

@@rethinktone ur gonna have to just semi gloss it ahead of time, no way it stays clean otherwise

[@rethinktone]

@@ScottsGuitar that's so ridiculous that you have to put in work for a guitar over 1000. Why? Because of the open book headstock and overpriced pickups?

[@ScottsGuitar]

@@rethinktone it is ridiculous. But I think it’s mostly the pickups pushing price on these. The value of a good business is to find the Max price while still finding sell through. You and I both know these will sell so 🤷‍♂️ for those that care more about fretwork just go PRS SE and be way happier.

[@nikkimagnusson9437]

I have a red one .no issues . I have 2 of the 59 LP..ice tea and tobacco burst..no issues..bought from different retailers..

[@mr3klax]

The 59 Les Paul Burst that you were looking for might be the Washed Cherry Sunburst that one can only find from the Gibson/Epiphone website as it is an ‘Exclusive’. I have no problem with the Indian Laurel and the VOS Finish as they are easy fix. Will I buy it? Yes eventually. But for now, I started with the Custom ones (ie, LP Custom in Alpine White & ES-355 in Ebony). We’re living in interesting times as far as what’s available out there. So many makes and models at different price points.

[@Trashslayer76]

If I didn't have a white Sire H7, I'd go for one of these! I love how the finish is breaking in on my '61 SG. If this is similar, even better!

[@matthewaltomare7629]

Are they using better switches and output jacks on these IBG’s?

[@stevendurantini7182]

Yes

[@andrewbecker3700]

Have you had the new Adam Jones non art model on yet? Maybe you have and I'm baked? Either way, it's got the double diamond stamp on the back of the headstock, but not the case, because it's the Gator TSA chainsaw case.

[@rafaelmartinez1917]

this is exactly why I did not pull the trigger on one of these, it comes out of the box with the infamous epiphone freeboard treatment, which is highly disappointed, I'd have to inspect one of those in the store, but that's not exactly an option available to me. if they want to charge that kind of money, at least have the damn thing plecke'd

[@Winstonrodney6989]

Yeah that’s Epiphone for you. Gotta try ‘‘em before you buy ‘em.

[@doug1274]

I’m always surprised when I hear that people still don’t know that many, if not most, online guitar stores offer free returns/exchange if you have any issues at all.

[@sixslinger9951]

Epi QC sucks made in china junk! ...the only good thing are the custombuckers. Hard pass from me.

[@mutantgenius8735]

@@sixslinger9951 "Made-in-China Junk? So, pretty much like the phone, PC, tablet or laptop you used to type this comment with, right? If I were you, I'd toss it in the trash right away and get a USA built product tout de suite, non?

[@JohnPaulSheets]

@@sixslinger9951I own one of the “made in china junk” guitars and it’s my number one guitar. I smell a snob 👀

[@michaelklotz3662]

Unfortunately the switch problem is common with Epiphones. If you leave them on neck or bridge for a while it’s like they get stuck, like the prongs don’t go back to where they should. Now all my Epiphones go back to the middle position after playing. 😅

[@pauljohnson3686]

You are spot on... But these are not regular epiphone switches.. They are switchcraft.. (probably still chinese though)

[@sixslinger9951]

You need a t-shirt that says "In the Middle, Just for Fun"

[@Gordanovich02]

Oddly enough I have an old Korean made G400 where the factory switch couldn't reliably select the neck pickup alone. That guitar cost £189. In 2004 admittedly, but still. Yeah the dodgy frets on this particular example are disappointing. I appreciate the higher specs on these new Epis and believe me the temptation is there, but still having to contemplate a fret level on a $€£1299 guitar is crazy.

[@joermnyc]

For about the same price you can get the PRS SE Hollowbody Custom with flame maple veneer top and headstock AND flame maple binding all over the guitar, even in the F-holes! Plus there’s a version with a piezo pickup. I wasn’t feeling that one playing it (not really an ES-style guy), but it certainly is a gorgeous guitar in this price range!

[@leviathan_is_me]

This is something I'll never understand. Gibson went from almost bankrupt to where we are now. Sub par QC and nothing really special about them and people are going ga-ga to pay such a premium for not a lot. Guitar cost is trending downward, thankfully, but Gibson...man.

[@Aspkkr]

@@leviathan_is_me As A Gibson collector I have to ask, is your sub par comment based on your experience or a meme? I am not arguing your point but just wondering if you are talking about things like finish imperfections or playability? Also nothing special? What is an examble of special? Bolt on necks, trems, single pickups, made 100% C&C?

[@leviathan_is_me]

@Aspkkr experience, had a few Gibsons. Preferred an LTD KH202 over a Gibson Explorer. Fit/finish, feel, sound, playability, etc. All superior, imo, on the "cheap" LTD. As far as subpar, I refer to Trogly. He says a price tag of 4 to 5 THOUSAND is a reasonable price when the guitars aren't quality checked for crap, come needing truss adjustments, dinged, not properly finished (some dust is ok....Gibsons...wow and yes it is the norm to get it like that), paint running all over the binding, etc. There are sub $500 guitars that take immense pride in none of that happening (not saying it doesn't, it's just not the norm). Gibsons just aren't all that when compared to other brands at 1/3rd the price. You get stainless jumbo frets, better hardware (opinion), better tuners, almost every appointment, again opinions.... and it's just my opinion. People are happy to throw good $ at them, more power to them. It's their money. I just don't understand the "why" when they were almost bankrupt a few years back, now here we are. I don't get it. Edit: I am in NO way saying Gibson aren't good guitars. I just don't think the name and headstock are worth anywhere near what they charge. And, yes, that IS what you're paying for, the name on the headstock and its shape.

[@joermnyc]

@@leviathan_is_me it seems all the QC issues and flaws are “tradition”?

[@GuitarsAndLightsabers]

Ordered one of these to try out and immediately returned it. The neck is ENORMOUS. Uncomfortably so. It may look like it's giving off Alex Lifeson vibes, but playing his frenetic leads on this is an absolute chore. Total bummer. I really wanted to like this one.

[@guydude830]

So out of all of the Epiphone inspired by Gibson model's, including the early Kalamazoo headstock options, which add up the best? I think besides the headstock, the Burstbucker's in the 61' SG Les Paul Epiphone with the Kalamazoo was the best bang for buck..

[@Trog]

Value for money - yes, you're better off with mid-tier epiphones with KZ style headstocks. They are close enough and you don't have to pay for premium pickups if you weren't going to put them in anyway. These higher end ones are meant for a very specific audience -

[@swilkobarfingtoniii1642]

I have a very strong feeling these are going to be offered in a few other finishes. Bursts, stock ebony... Blue and maybe even metallic finishes. A natural maple would be the most appealing to me. Pretty guitar in white, but not for me.

[@jabarbors]

6:09 Is it okay for the neck tenon to not completely fill the pocket?

[@Trog]

That's how most are

[@tonyl6203]

I have one in white and it showed up with zero QC issues luckily. :-) Had to do some minor setup work (truss rod, action, nut was cut a little too high) but after that I haven't been able to put it down! Now I don't have to take my old expensive 347 to gigs. :-) One thing I WILL mention is that although the Custombuckers sound great, that are not potted so if you gig and play with some decent stage volume, they're gonna squeal like a pig no matter where you go onstage. Had to pot mine.

[@artaragon7894]

Huuuuge THANKS for doing the white one. As a huge Lifeson fan this got me really excited

[@michaelaiello9525]

Was super excited for these, but wow, lots of QC issues. Toggle switch not selecting the neck sometimes???

[@jrw6061]

Do you ever sleep 💤??? Love your work thanks 🙏🏻 so much!!!!! Love single pickup LP,s !!

[@martingill1089]

Would really like to see you do a review of the Epiphone Richie Faulkner Flying V

[@indiekiduk]

I wonder if you could replace the tuning pegs with keystone shape? That would look nice like a Gibson has.

[@allmostbrothers]

Yes you can i did 35. Ucks for just the buttons and 5 min to change them

[@shawn_edwin]

For me it was the 1959 355 or the Shinichi Ubukata ES-355. Went for the Bigsby and the Varitone with the Shinichi Ubukata. I so happy with my choice! Love the Varitone! Not crazy about the diamond cutouts but it the classic cherry a new edgy look. Sounds so good! So happy with it!

[@pauljohnson3686]

I tried this guitar in store and it really does feel and sound very nice.. I also tried the Emily Wolfe sheraton in white.. The Emily Wolfe rocks, feels faster on the neck and looks even nicer than this ..and if it had the ebony fretboard... it would really look mean.

[@luisreneventura]

Hey Trogly have you had any inside info if they will be coming out with maple necks LPs and ES models mid/late 70s vibe? These Epiphone models are sweet and I would love to get a maple neck version to really get in to the Lifeson ES specs and the Sykes specs 🤞🏼.

[@martydibergi5228]

I own a 1978 Les Paul 3 piece maple neck natural finish. I got John Jorgenson to sign it and he said he had one similar. I have no problems with it. Love the thinner neck too! I never cared that it is a Norton guitar. So what. 😊

[@luisreneventura]

@@martydibergi5228 I hope the universe conspires rto get me on of those someday 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼.

[@goryburk]

I got one of the Epiphone Les Paul customs with the gold hardware and it had a switch issue. I think that the gold switches are glitchy bordering on defective.

[@mr3klax]

I have the Alpine White LP Custom for about a month now. Except for the very very slight palpable edge where the mahogany neck meets the binding on the ebony fretboard, I found no issues with the one I got. I absolutely love that guitar. Got it for US$1199.

[@ladyluckdrums]

It feels good after you get rid of the sandpaper chalkboard feel?? It's $1300! I love you trogly!!

[@mrfq_abg]

This IBG ES-355 or DG-335? Anybody tried both? Thoughts?

[@adamproctor483]

I own the cherry and it is STUNNING. No shade on the white or ebony versions, they’re classics, but the cherry finish shows some serious wood grain and it is as gorgeous as almost any Gibson that you can find. Just gorgeous. I can promise that if you had ordered a cherry red version, your assessment would have been even higher. You can’t help yourself - it’s just gorgeous

[@timwhite5562]

I've been repairing guitars for almost thirty years. I've also been a big 335 fan. After Strats, 335s are my favorite guitars. I've personally owned a Gibson ES345 (to this day, selling it was the biggest gear mistake I've ever made). Ive owned a few 70s Japanese copies: two Grecos and a Tokai, and I've had several of the more modern higher end Chinese models like Eastmans on my bench for various things, typically set-ups, pickup or wiring changes. All things considered, i think $1300 is a good price. Even though i could make everything right on my own, I wouldn't accept this one. It seems like a dog. It's definitely one of the heavier ones I've seen too. Personally I would get the Cherry one. Assuming that the one you get has gone through a good QC check, it's twice the price of the ES335. For that, you're getting higher end pickups, which if you know how to adjust the pickup height vs pole piece heights, you can tune up to be the perfect PAF. Beyond that, these finishes are lighter than the others, which makes a difference with semi-acoustic guitars like these. They have the long tenons which i definitely prefer. Regardless of whether you think it affects the tone or not, it's just a better construction method. I've done countless neck resets over the years, and they're FAR more likely to be on short tenons than long ones. The one thing that i think really sets it apart from some of the other 335 type guitars in this price range (and considering considerably more) and that i don't think it's getting enough attention is the body. Every other guitar you can find in this range is likely to be an all maple laminate, or on the Edwards; a solid maple top and back. Maple/poplar/maple are usually found only on Gibsons, or from companies like Heritage that are making basically the same thing. The poplar definitely has an impact on the tone. And before i get the "tone wood doesn't have an effect," I'll point out that is applied to solid body electrics, they will definitely effect semihollows and acoustic. I've already seen some open box and demos for $1100, but even at the full $1300, it's a good deal on a really nice guitar.

[@mr3klax]

Sounds great! Whether it looks great as well depends on personal taste. Personally, I prefer gloss over satin finish except for the neck. If this guitar gets polished and buffed to a high gloss, will it alter the sound? Any comment will be much appreciated. Thanks!

[@chris.honeycutt]

The neck depth specs are amazing on this one! That's my kind of neck. On an Alex Lifeson clone too. Too bad they are manufactured with neck depths all over the map. My luck, I'd order one with a Slim Taper 60's profile.

[@Trog]

They are all spec'd with 50s necks so they should be very similar to this

[@darrylmoore127]

Reminds me of my Custom 335 bought in late 80s

[@TM-ev2tc]

Do you think that the first fret should have a fret marker or not. Just curious. PS. Would you prefer to order a new guitar, or buy one in a store.

[@butchmuir447]

Hi mate, could you do a video on the 90s jimmy page les paul signature please 🙏

[@cosmikrelic4815]

a few more faults and it will be up to gibson quality. 😉

[@Aspkkr]

Ha, such an original reply, I bet you gave a bunch of new Gibson's and that's what your basing the comment on. right?

[@Isaac-lm6pl]

@@Aspkkrlook, another butthurt gibson fanboy

[@jimyounger9490]

Could you tell us where you bought it. Sweetwater supposedly checks their guitars before they get shipped. They would have found these issues.

[@Trog]

Depends how deep the impressions are. Usually you just have to level and recrown the frets to remedy the situation. On this example, the cuts aren't very deep but on rare occasions they are and it forces a refret due to not much height of frets left after leveling

[@jimyounger9490]

@@Trog thanks. I love that guitar !!

[@jakehunt4144]

I've actually been debating between which to get between this 355 and Noel's Riviera. Very informative!

[@nicokarsen6131]

Noel's Riviera is nice, but is all maple and has that high end associated with all maple guitars. Too bright for some.

[@PedalTour]

What did you do to polish it I want you to buy one but don’t like satin style finish

[@nicokarsen6131]

Car wax and a buffer. Not kidding.

[@matiasdvoskin3985]

Do you think these will increase in value? Are they a limited run? Thanks

[@Trog]

Unlimited- players guitar. Won’t increase in value but will bring joy for years playing

[@clayroundtree]

Haven’t had any of the issues with mine mentioned in this video, thankfully

[@WilliamHaisch]

If I remember correctly, two years ago there was a Gibson exclusive bone white Lucille that I was really interested in. Now, I think I will pass on this one. 😊

[@brettaveni4242]

Sorry you had issues. Mine came pretty nice. Just lowered the action and changed the crummy strings and cleaned up the fretboard

[@georgeoh-well8116]

How long do you think it will be before only Gibson custom shop remains in the USA, and everything else is offshore production?

[@andrewbrookes2485]

PRS are doing just fine .. same concept ….

[@jerlewis4291]

Never happen, Gibson will keep making guitars in the USA.

[@user-ko4iy1pp9j]

Thanks Trogly 👏👏💯💯

[@marccarter1350]

Exciting times for the Epiphone Guitars. I have 2 Casinos, i love them more than my Gibson 335! Yep. There just fantastic!

[@indiekiduk]

at that price it should be flawless but those QC issues seems even worse that the old Ltd Edi Epi 345 & 355 where the plastic and metal would fall off

[@thenemophilist8559]

Buy a Gretsch Streamliner and bypass all the QC issues. At 1/3 the price, at that.

[@michaeltsatvs6139]

Gretch is made in the same factory that Squiers are.

[@andyy6481]

so the SG one with 3 pickups are no good?

[@andrewbrookes2485]

The red 355 looks great

[@liamplunkett5100]

Paying $1300 for the bad frets is a crime

[@pauljohnson3686]

And even more so when you pay 6k for paint and fret flaws on a gibson custom shop

[@csharp57]

I think you missed the part where he said that stuff can happen in transit. I’m not sure about anyone else, but I always have my techs go over my guitars once I’ve purchased them.

[@dorianmorningstar7638]

Easily fixed by polishing the frets. Gibsons have issues as well

[@elcid6325]

I was waiting for you to review this guitar. I've watched other reviews and none mention or had problems with playability. since this is a Chibson i was thinking about playability issues, even USA made have them, and you had them , unfortunately. The specs on this guitar make it very desirable, but crossing your fingers that you get a good one is a gamble. A popular online seller has a 55 point inspection and , if so desired, Plek service which should yield a really good player, more money. Also, you can shave the back of the neck down to a custom size. Thank you for the review.

[@lodrezzon]

I don't know. Waiting 3 to 6 months to get a hold of one isn't what I would call easy to replace.

[@AbaCornejo]

I think he means financially it’s easier to replace a $1300 guitar than a $7000 custom shop

[@lodrezzon]

@@AbaCornejo I know ;)...my point is I've been waiting to buy one for 4 months now, with none available. Sweetwater has them on backorder until December. What good is an inexpensive guitar if you can never buy it?

[@AbaCornejo]

@@lodrezzon it is a beautiful guitar, hopefully you’ll get it soon!

[@csharp57]

@@lodrezzonMy counterpoint is I just saw 5 models for sale on Reverb. Search took less than a minute. One of those is used for $100 off. That sounds kind of easy to replace to me, but this is the internet and I’ll wait for you counter with some reason why those are hard to get too. I’ll wait.

[@silvernuggets1285]

I like it but I'm not sure I'd buy it over a Sheraton II ya know?

[@davemeshamsr6000]

Nice guitar… what r the other finishes?

[@Zoso981]

I polished my new Epiphone '59 Les Paul and it turned out great. Pretty easy to do.

[@mr3klax]

Good to hear that. Were you able to polish it to a high-gloss mirror-like finish? Does it stay?

[@Zoso981]

@@mr3klax It's staying polished just fine, and it's nearly as high-gloss as a new Poly finished guitar. It looks and feels 100% better now.

[@mr3klax]

@@Zoso981 So good to hear that. I just got the IGC 1959 ES-355 in Ebony VOS. So, it’s satin finish. It feels and plays great. But, I want to polish it as well. Does it not affect the sound?

[@Zoso981]

@mr3klax It does not affect the sound at all. It just made my Les Paul '59 go from a great guitar to an AMAZING guitar. Happy polishing!

[@Zoso981]

​@@mr3klax FYI: I only polished the top and the sides of the guitar. I may do the headstock on my next string change.

[@davewestner]

Can someone explain to me why the middle position is always, "just for fun"? Is it because that reading doesn't really matter?

[@strawsparky33]

The individual pickup readings are usually all that most people care about.

[@davewestner]

@@strawsparky33 thanks!

[@chrishenderson9130]

That's what he should have put on the tshirt...

[@GuitarHutGearZoneReviews1181]

Isn’t the middle just the average between the two pickups

[@Aspkkr]

Because once you know the bridge and neck values its pretty easy to divide in half, so you dont need to use a multimeter. So he is just doing it even though we already know what it is.

[@DanielAlzapiedi-on4oi]

The f holes killed it fr me. Got a 350 dollar Ibanez Art core from 2007 and they are equisit. Bound on the inside. Back to the shelf.

[@TayTayKemp]

Now this I can get onboard with…just really wish these insane prices would not exist 😢

[@surveyordave]

dang, what a great guitar for $1300.

[@larrynoe6162]

And the ebony fretboard goes along way.

[@guitarman6632]

I have a half dozen epi's No problems.

[@TropicalLatitude]

I got one of these from Sweetwater and it's in dire need of a fret level. It's ridiculous to pay $1,300 for a guitar that has the frets of a $400 guitar.

[@Gibsondude]

You have finally convinced me to buy an Epi! That is worth it

[@ravenheart1439]

Its a beauty....agreed with black pic guard, it seems EPI have sorta reinvented themselves, I been impressed with them lately, if it plays and looks as good as Gibson, why pay 2-3 times more when you can have this is my theory, not in the market but if I was I'd look really close at EPI Forsure....Alex Les Paul by EPI is as good as Gibson to me and Alex for that matter...

[@jimmyjames2022]

"Don't let this review scare you away..." It's ok Trogly, the $1900CAD price in Canada alone did a lot more to scare me away, than disappointing but unsurprising QC issues from Epiphone.

[@jmledesma88]

FYI Epiphones are not Maple Poplar Maple but 5 ply Maple, where the 2 inbetween layers are thicker than the ones on the top middle and bottom, which are rather more veneer like.

[@Trog]

That may be for regular ones - but not this one

[@jmledesma88]

@@Trog I work at a guitar store and it sure does look like 5 ply to me and also it's on Epiphones website, but you're right that it says it is poplar for the in between layers on their web, contrary to all maple for other models, at least historically on Epi's.

[@slamcrank]

All in all, this model is an incredible value. Very nice - thanks for reviewing it, Trogly!

[@massimorosestolato6485]

Please put again the measures also in millimetres!!

[@Trog]

times the measurement you see by 25.4 and you'll get your mm

[@kevinmalone8903]

Wonder why they don’t put two screw truss rod covers on these. You’d think if they were IBG, they’d figure out how to do it