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

[@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?

[@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 !!!

[@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.

[@RavenStJohn]

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

[@HVA58]

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

[@timholtguitar6999]

Do they feedback/squeal easily?

[@HVA58]

@@timholtguitar6999 From my experience with it so far, it hasn’t

[@SolarVergmoid]

I am really impressed with mine. Cherry finish - absolutely…PERFECT. No fret buzz, no scratchy frets, _perfect_ binding everywhere, no tooling marks on fretboard. It feels and plays as nice as my LP Modern. SO close to a Gibson how could it be closer except for the price? Sounds just like it should.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@eezar21]

I can’t understand all the epiphone hate. I just bought one of the black 355s direct from Epiphone. I tip my hat to Epiphone, I think these are outstanding value and I love the step up with these specs. Price and value are always going to mean different things to different people and I think this year Epiphone are killing it through the range.

[@MutantGenius]

Seems its less "Epiphone hate" and more "Chinese-manufactured-Gibson hate". Some people are just mean and stupid, too.

[@mr3klax]

Congrats! My Ebony VOS Exclusive is in back order. Will be shipped on May 25.

[@eezar21]

@@mr3klax It’ll be worth the wait. You’ll love it I promise

[@eezar21]

@@MutantGenius sadly I think you’re right 😮‍💨 …the irony is that many of those comments will have been happily tapped out on their Chinese made iPhones or laptops…totally different…

[@mr3klax]

@@eezar21 Thanks! I know I will. By the way, how do you like the VOS finish?

[@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.

[@seekandcrush]

Got mine yesterday, zero issues. Just needed a set up/intonation. Frets are slick and shiny. Board is smooth and dark. All the binding matches with no ridges. Switch and knobs are tight and operational. No blemishes on finish.... Everything is perfect!

[@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.

[@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.

[@markmcswiggan]

Got the 355 (white) recently. Yep, agree there was a few finishing issues (paint at the f-holes being a bit nearly). Also found the nut had some sharp edges so filed those down. The guitar itself sounds and plays wonderfully. I absolutely love it. Have also just put a Vibramate Bigsby on it. Overall well worth the money.

[@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.

[@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..

[@Santaheckler]

So I’m doing the math: take the common/regular Epi 335 $600 add a nice case $150 =$750. Add just the Gibson pups at $500 and you are at $1250. You are getting an ebony board over Indian laurel, much nicer open book headstock over just ok Epi book, and the electronic upgrades for $50. I won’t even get into the labor charge of having the electronics installed bc most people ain’t doing it themselves through an F hole. Yeah it’s a steal. I think these will keep their value a bit better than people realize too, especially if/when they discontinue them…

[@OfficialKevinFox]

I ordered a white 1959 Es 355, and I absolutely love it. Definitely worth the price if you want a true 355. I personally don’t care about those tiny imperfections at the end of the day. But mine didn’t have the high or damaged frets. It’s a quality and great playing guitar.

[@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..

[@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.

[@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

[@clayroundtree]

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

[@Sands-84]

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.

[@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).

[@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.

[@sixslinger9951]

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

[@kueby23]

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

[@Johnjingleheimerschmidtt]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@MutantGenius]

@@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 👀

[@teodelnorte]

Owned two Epiphone ES style guitars. Both had the same thing with the neck pickup where it would play only sometimes. Deal breaker right there

[@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!

[@southlanfilmsusa]

How sharp are those fret ends?

[@monmixer]

Those pick ups in that guitar can sonically cover just about anything.

[@papasmamas1]

The best looking one from all the Inspired by Gibson serie. It doesnt scream cheap and "oh, thats an Epiphone", it looks fancy and good.

[@mr3klax]

I agree. This and the Les Paul Custom, personally. I am getting the Ebony version in a couple of weeks, hopefully as it is in backorder.

[@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”?

[@jmdyt3626]

@@joermnycI have owned a Gibson before but I find it strange that you’ll see certain KZbinrs complain if a guitar brand is inconsistent with the quality of their guitars but if Gibson does it then it’s fine because that gives the guitars character

[@ScottJamesHicks]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@guitarman6632]

I have a half dozen epi's No problems.

[@ladyluckdrums]

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

[@aaronjwoolley]

McGuires Scratch X - would this work for the main body also ?? - and what other polish would you recommend -

[@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!

[@aaronjwoolley]

Is it possible to put on a genuine Gibson ABR1 Bridge on these - would it just fit on the existing thumb wheels fittings ? - or would the Gibson fittings all fit

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 -

[@clayroundtree]

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

[@jabarbors]

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

[@Trog]

That's how most are

[@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!

[@jonkerr2050]

I got one of the first ebony 355s direct from Epiphone. Love it!!!

[@jimyounger9490]

I went to Gibson website to find that ebony one. Couldn’t find it. Where is it ??

[@Trog]

www.epiphone.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/IGC-1959-ES-355/Ebony-VOS-Exclusive

[@allmostbrothers]

So no issues? I just ordered an ebony one direct from epiohone too and was a bit concerned i usually use sweetwater

[@jonkerr2050]

@@allmostbrothers no real issues. I will say that it’s taking some time to get used to the pickups. I have guitars with Burstbuckers, 490r and 490t, Epiphone Probuckers, and a few different Seymour Duncan humbucker sets. But these Custombuckers are a different animal. Not being wax potted, they can get away from you. Just like real PAFs. I got to play a ‘61 SG with the original PAFs at a shop in Vegas a while back and it was a very similar experience. Probably amplified by the 355 being a simi hollow.

[@allmostbrothers]

@@jonkerr2050 very intersting to know i have burstbuckers and 490s to but unwaxed pots arent they microphonic??? Thats not good .was intonation and action set up already??? And thankyou for responding i appreciate it thus is the first time ive ever bought a guitar without touching it first

[@benjhaisch]

this is the one I bought as well. It's not perfect, but still a really geeat guitar for the price. Best value of the series imo

[@bassicmike48]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jrw6061]

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

[@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 !!

[@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.

[@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.

[@danielemilazzo432]

How does a pickup which gets the vibration from a string gets affected by the wood in an electric guitar? Just want to know genuinely how that works. I imagine the pickup is screwed into body as well. I imagine construction can help within hollow and solid, but I don’t understand how the transfer of the wood impacts the electronics

[@timwhite5562]

@@danielemilazzo432 because the string is anchored to the wood, and how the instruments resonates has a feedback effect on how the string vibrates. If you take a guitar with a bolt on neck, then glue the neck to the body, it's going to change the timber. I've done it several times over the year. They only real difference is that the connection of the neck to the body becomes air tight in the pickups. When it's bolted it creates a decoupling effect, this is what gives it snap. If you glue it, that will diminish greatly. That's just one example of how the wood comes into play. The pickup is essentially a microphone, except instead of sound waves moving through the air, it's created by the string disrupting the magnetic field, and everything effects the strings vibration, even how you hold the guitar.

[@AR-vu2oq]

hi , thanks for your pro level comments. what would you recommend between the Epiphone and Ibanez, Eastman or Edwards? i very tempted by the Epi , It look super nice but im worried it s not well constructed as their competitors

[@timwhite5562]

@AR-vu2oq Depends on what you're playing and what you need from it, because some of those really vary from the others. For example, assuming whatever you get is going stay stock, the Ibanez is going to be noticeably darker sounding out of the box than the others, but this is due to the pickups and wiring. If you were to swap them out for a PAF it would be a whole different story. The Eastmans have maple necks which will give them a bit more pick attack relative to the mahogany necks. I really like the Edwards, but they're different from the others in that the top and back are solid wood instead of a laminate like the rest which will give it a different character. They're really well made and used to be a pretty good deal, but I was looking at them several years ago before COVID so I have no clue what they're going for now. As I said, you'll hear the furious debate over tone woods and whether they actually have an effect, but that controversy is in relation to solid body guitars. Few are going to argue that the wood doesn't make a difference with acoustic and semi acoustic, so there is that consideration. I've only owned two Epiphones, one was an old MIJ Sheraton that was the second biggest regret in selling one of my guitars, and the other coincidentally was an ES-355 Lucille that I got in a trade. TBH I don't normally look at Epi's. The guitars themselves aren't the issue, I just don't like their standard neck profile. The slim profile combined with the narrower nut and fretboard cause them to feel like a broomstick to me after I've been playing for an hour or so. The fatter neck profile on these eliminates this however. I'm not 100% about the pickups on the Epi. They say they're the same as on the Gibson, but I'm dubious. I see two different sets of Gibson Custombuckers for sale online. When you read the description they're identical, the only noticable difference is that one set is twice the price of the other. And it's not a difference because of the site, I'll see both sets on the same site. I don't know if the more expensive ones are wound in the Custom Shop and the others are a USA production model, or what. Not that would really make a difference for me, its just something I'm not sure about.

[@AR-vu2oq]

@@timwhite5562 thanks for your answer. i also like a lot edwards but they are way above my reach 2K and i really like the custom headstock and look of the new LP and 355 Epiphones ( new inspired by Gibson). Im still hesitating between the solid body ( LP) or semi hollow . The real one from Gibson are also out of my reach. So i was to treat myself and get either a good 335 (355) or LP Custom for 1.3K what would choice ;-) ? ( . the specs on these models are pretty good as you said ( and you are right also on the long neck tenon, i've also heard it a lot from experienced luthiers ). what would you recommand as a good all a round PAF for classic Rock ( good clean too ) ?

[@andyy6481]

so the SG one with 3 pickups are no good?

[@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. 😊

[@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...

[@matthewaltomare7629]

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

[@stevendurantini7182]

Yes

[@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

[@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)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@artaragon7894]

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

[@1111undici1111]

This is basically Gibson custom shop guitar. It has the same custombucker pickups, same headstock etc. it doesn't lack anything. This just goes to show that the Gibson custom shop guitar that costs you $7000 has a real value of $1000.

[@DanaDeerwester]

Thanks Trogly 👏👏💯💯

[@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.

[@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.

[@brendencrowells6265]

I'm not seeing this on the larger Canadian music store websites. Do we know if this is available in Canada? I WANT ONE! 🧐

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@Gibsondude]

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

[@mrfq_abg]

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

[@Tterba42424]

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

[@MrBoolee2112]

They’ve sold out in the UK. Looks like I’ve got to wait a few months for mine to come.

[@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

[@MrBoolee2112]

Paying $5000 for a new Gibson and having bad frets is a bigger crime.

[@georgehorner1578]

Epiphone is just tearing it up with some of the guitars they are coming out with. I have a 1962 Bonamassa 335 and this thing is one of the sweetest sounding axes I have ever played.

[@1thess523]

That bridge pick up sounds nice

[@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.

[@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

[@silvernuggets1285]

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

[@marccarter1350]

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

[@andrewbrookes2485]

The red 355 looks great

[@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.

[@surveyordave]

dang, what a great guitar for $1300.

[@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.

[@PedalTour]

@@LarsBahr thanks you larsBahr

[@Akaite79]

It's expensive for an Epiphone, but the cheapest Gibson ES is $3k and a 355 is much more than that, so it still seems like a very good value

[@larrynoe6162]

And the ebony fretboard goes along way.