An Epiphone So STACKED - It Is Only Sold in Japan | 2023 Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 2 Review + Demo

[@Trog]

Which color would you choose? 🟢Available For Purchase on My Website: www.troglysguitarshow.com 🔴Reverb: reverb.com/shop/troglys?_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly ❓Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/

[@halcyondraconis7437]

I would have chosen the Olive Drab. That just my color in general and I've been contemplating buying one of the Casino's in OD.

[@ereimul1444]

Pelham Blue because as they aged it would turn green/greenish

[@KenSpassione]

Pelham Blue all day!

[@davidallen346]

I like their Elitist les paul series

[@nodgerbodger421]

Could do with an Epi blue DG soon!

[@DoctorEnigma01]

I don’t care what the headstock says that is a killer guitar

[@Kyle-fy9kt]

Didn't think I'd see Ubukata mentioned on english youtube. You love to see it.

[@lasombra_br]

This guitar looks very nice and seems to sound good. 57 Classic is definitely my favourite Gibson pickup.

[@aaronbeverly4711]

Shinichi Ubukata has long been one of my favorite guitarists and my love for semi-hollows is one I've owed to him. Thank you for reviewing this awesome guitar!

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

I thought you were talking about that really weird thing they eat with the reptiles and the poisonous mushrooms…

[@hkguitar1984]

Having the Nut not glued down isn't necessarily a QC issue. In most cases the Nut only needs a drop or two of Lacquer to hold it in place when strings are being replaced. Until you've had to replace a Nut you'll not fully appreciate why little or no glue is used on this component during the guitar's build.

[@hkguitar1984]

@@cataclysmicconverter Agreed. I just replaced a Nut on an old Jazzmaster. The Nut had been replaced once many years ago. I had the joy of sawing through the Nut lengthwise and then collapsing the fingerboard and headstock sides in on themselves to break it free. Someone used contact cement! Nothing like contact cement to transfer string vibration to the neck! Seriously, 2 small drops of lacquer always does the trick for me.

[@sjorda12]

Has anyone seen that sweetwater is selling the black one now for $1200?? Seems like a decent deal considering the specs.

[@BDB-jo4yv]

My quick review - a very nice sounding guitar once you change the strings (what are those?!). It’s a chunky, heavy guitar but thank god many of the Japanese retailers list the weight, so was able to select a light one in olive drab. A few shops in Japan are discounting these at the moment - got mine shipped to Hong Kong for $850 - really a steal given the specs. The case is a bit nicer than the Noel Gallagher signature, quite a bit lighter too. Note, it comes with a made in China B700 Bigsby rather than the made in Korea B70 that every spec sheet lists. Judging by the serial numbers on Digimart listings, these were produced in three batches of 1,000 in Jan 2023 and one batch in Feb 2023, so 4,000 guitars total.

[@th3drizzl378]

epiphone has been killing it lately.

[@jerryhubbard4461]

Killing the sound you mean?

[@folderol8487]

Well as the cork sniffers will tell you, the tone originates from the letters g-i-b-s-o-n on the headstock.

[@3rdtonefromthesun]

@@jerryhubbard4461I hope the QC issues have been resolved. I bought and returned a right dog about 3/4 years ago

[@hoilst265]

@@folderol8487 "Cork" is a strange way to spell "fart" :). Seriously, Epi and Squier, man: it's getting to the stage where if you're a workin' muso, you get these, if you're a collector, get a Gibson or Fender.

[@folderol8487]

​@@hoilst265I hear you. The Epi 59 Les Paul Standard I got made a believer out of me, and I really didn't expect that much from it. In terms of tone and playability I'd put that one up against any Gibson, and it cost me about a fourth of the price of a Gibson LP Standard (I got the Epi at a discount).

[@EverestMystery]

Anyone notice the gaffer tape over the logo at 1:39 when Dave Grohl is playing on Sesame Street? Great video @trog

[@Deaf_Notes]

Apparently Seasame street doesn't want to have to pay Gibson 😅

[@Daver869]

Nice touch playing Ellegarden on the varitone demos, I'm definitely getting this is either black or green!

[@timaves1504]

Nice guitar. Interesting to hear how useable the sounds from the Varitone switch can be. A lot of variety in there. :)

[@csharp57]

I was looking for a 335 and stumbled upon this. Watched a few reviews then bought one from Sweetwater. They had a limited run. My first play through was ok. The fretboard needed some serious work and I never played a bigsby equipment guitar before. But after my favorite tech did a set up this guitar plays fantastic. A Gibson equivalent would cost me thousands more and I wouldn’t want to play it out fear of putting a small scratch on it. While my goal is still to own a Gibson equivalent one day, this will do just fine at my gigs

[@ubw8754]

Yeah, right. Ubukata shinichi is very famous in Japan and South Korea. And it is said that Dave participated in the design of UBU's Gibson sig. and UBU gave one of his sig to Dave as a gift. Well I'm not sure if the broken one in the music video is THAT gift, but... hmmm

[@richiesguitarshanktuary6923]

Dave grohl broke it because it just didn't seem "authentic" enough

[@richiesguitarshanktuary6923]

Also he felt the guitar was just a ummm pretender.... okay I'm done lol

[@warrenbutterfield4208]

Dave Grohl learned how to play guitar?

[@bradleyyounger8499]

I love the 57 classics. I think it sounds great and love the way it looks. If I had the disposable cash I'd get it and have it pleked and a nice setup

[@DamenJoost]

Looks cool. The Epiphone semi-hollows have been great for a few years. I love my Sheraton II-Pro.. John Lee Hooker vibes. Although the poly lacquer gives it a certain ceiling of admiration for me.

[@tvviewer4500]

@05:30 - What is with those neck pocket shims?

[@ccr1911]

Available at Sweetwater for $1200 delivered, backordered though.

[@maxwellpowell4306]

My first thought when I see a white 355 is always Alex Lifeson!!! Big fan of that guitar

[@peejay6930]

That was my first thought

[@MrGrunge88]

Just FYI Sweetwater is currently taking pre-orders for these guys and they're listed at $1,200.

[@joesasser4421]

I’m on the waiting list

[@soofitnsexy]

Should be 500

[@derrekmcfarlane7872]

Also zzounds. They split the colorways among the retailers. Zzounds had green and cherry and I bought the green

[@kevinh4910]

​@sooparticular $1200 for a made in China guitar? Naahhhh. If epiphone was made in Japan still or Korea. I'd be tempted to buy.

[@davidadkins2563]

Question for you,, since you seem to really know your guitars,,which would you pick this Shinichi or the 1959 inspired by Gibson es355..

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

That Varitone switch is one of the best I've heard.

[@KenSpassione]

Sounds like my dad's 1966 dead on. I miss that guitar and may get this one. It sounds better in the clean test than the Gibsons new

[@antwanelynch87]

The only gripe i continue to have with Gibson, but mostly Epiphone is their terrible QC on the high-end Guitars. I dont understand why increase the price and label it high end or custom shop but Overlook the smallest QC details. How do ypu forget to install the bone nut, this version supposed to so stacked its only available in Japan🤔🤷🏾IJS, Bro

[@gonzorhernando5265]

Beautiful piece!!! Thank you for sharing.

[@AdamSmith-tb2sm]

A good guitar is a good guitar regardless of where it is made. I have played my made in china Gretsch electromatic at the 02 in the uk and have had many comments on the tone. I think the thing to consider with this epiphone is that the Gibson equivalent in the uk would be £6000 upwards and no one is going to be taking that to bar gigs. Yes it’s more money than other epiphones but there is more guitar for the money. I’m not saying the Gibson wouldn’t be better quality but that’s not always the case and to be really truthful If I personally owned the Gibson and the epi I know which one I would take giging and which one would stay at home. It’s well worth the extra money for a decent hard case, eboney board and decent pickups. Just take it for a professional set up and fret leveling and Bet it would be a beast.

[@ScottPC]

The Bigsby marks on the paint just polish off. It’s where it’s assembled as soon as it’s painted and not 100% cured

[@HI-os2pm]

Dose are expensive pick ups. I got 57 classic and a 57 classic plus on my traditional Les Paul. What a beautiful sound pick ups. That Epiphone is very nice.

[@aaronbrown0417]

I bought this from American music supply for 1200 bucks in cherry red.... WORTH EVERY PENNY beautiful guitar... played good sounded good out of the box and set up very well

[@luodave9366]

Lovely guitar and paint are unique white very tempting, but unfortunately only sold in Japan, the price plus taxes are too high, as a fan of FOOFIGTHERS I choose to wait for the version of DAVE, hoping that EPI will be released soon, recently there is no chance so I bought a cheaper epiphone riviera and waited for them to release DG335.

[@ayeapprove]

Japan exclusives used to be great MIJ guitars made by FujiGen with the correct Gibson headstock - now that would've been exciting!

[@Asshat237]

I couldn't agree more with you. This is defeating the whole purpose of epiphone - to be totally affordable. This is why I got an edwards, a japanese 335 copy that is esp's gibson & fender copy brand. They are only legal to be sold new in Japan because gibson's lawsuit tactics mean nothing there. Japanese courts don't give a fuck about protecting the trademarks of american companies. Think top of the line LTD or bottom of the line ESP quality. Top notch for the price. Including fees and importing from Japan I got a 2017 in great condition for $950. Gibson is more interested in profits than trying to maintain the reputation of the brand. That is why someone like me who dreamed for years of getting one gave up when I learned there was a way cheaper legitimate alternative that even has more consistent quality control.

[@jochemjonker3362]

With Orville (Gibson's Japanese licensed guitars) there was Orville (guitars made by Fuji Gen) and Orville by Gibson (made by Terada),which are the best.

[@ayeapprove]

@@jochemjonker3362 there are some pretty high end epiphone Japan too!

[@chukka62]

at the beginning of the video you can clearly see on the box, in capital letters « made in china « !!!

[@ayeapprove]

@@chukka62 yeah, that's why I'm not excited about these new ones at all

[@tomschrein417]

I’m with you, it sounds just so so. I like 57 classic’s but something was just a little “off” with the sound on that guitar. It looks nice though.

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

It might have something to do with the really rough center block that fits like crap, and the globs of glue that hold it in place.

[@jameslanclos568]

They're beautiful. I like the white model and of course Trogly likes the blue model !!!

[@benlow46]

That white one would look stunning withh a tort pickguard

[@jameslanclos568]

@@benlow46 I'm preferential to pearl white mother of toilet seat pickguards, especially on a white guitar, sometimes cream or white. I really like Tortoise shell pickguards on any tobacco burst guitar, electric or acoustic. It just looks traditional to me.

[@hunterbrock2347]

So other than colors, what differences can be found between Trini, Dave and Shinichi guitars? Obviously this is a 355 and the others are 335 but what makes each unique?

[@ethanhitchcock5431]

Aaaarrrgh how I love me semi-hollows !...cool guitar !...love all the colors and the new headstock design ...d-d-duh white one brings Alex Lifeson to mind. Thanks Trogly !!

[@Bbbbad724]

I have a neat Epiphone LesPaul Special II P90, nicely crafted guitar. It had a lightning bar wrap tail bridge, but the intonation was off, so I swapped it out with a Wilkinson adjustable and it not only fixed the intonation but the action was nice and low without any fret buzz. The only issue is the bolt on neck is too flat on the back, no real grip at all and my hand goes numb. I wish they sold 50s curve necks like my 50s reissue MIM Fender Telecaster. I love it, the U neck fits my meathook left hand like a dream, but those P90s sound like an SG!

[@buzzcrushtrendkill]

I watch your channel for the construction and build quality inspections. But I don't see a measurement of neck relief, string height or fret evenness from the factory. That would help to get an idea of playability. It seems that no matter how much I pay for a guitar, frets are not all even.

[@thomaswilkinson4027]

I live in Yokohama - these are absolutely everywhere in the Tokyo area now you can’t move for them in stores.

[@MusicAuthority-b9r]

I like everything but diamond F holes. especially the white one. it's actually somewhat similar to a BB King Lucille.

[@csharp57]

I’d like to believe both Dave and the Japanese guitarist were both inspired by BB KING. This guitar is very similar to the guitar BB King play at the Live at the Regal show

[@psyrenTONE]

12:57 is that space-sonic lol

[@MisterJWJ71]

I have an Epiphone ES-345 that they had out back in 2011-2012. The only thing I like more about this is that the headstock isn't the typical Epiphone shape. Otherwise I prefer my 345 even if this one is a bit more high end compared to the average Epiphone.

[@ponzo1967]

My Ibanez was made in Japan and its basically perfect. My Chinese Epiphone LP custom pro is a fantastic guitar except the frets wore down quick and the push/pull pot went out, its not aging so well.

[@richiesguitarshanktuary6923]

The older epiphone frets can't take much abuse I've seen this time and time again. The newer ones however have been getting tougher

[@mallin_mango]

Very very detailed review! Love it

[@dugasthe]

Just wanted to say thank you for doing this review! After watching your video I found a 2019 model on Reverb and it has instantly become my favorite guitar!

[@dennisflock3958]

I'll keep my Pelham Blue ES339 Epi for 500 bones.

[@DPernici]

Me too, but, if Epiphone makes a DG-335…

[@numbersabcdefg]

Does the nut move from vibration or friction hold is good enough?

[@spikewulfenden706]

Wow! Wow! Wow! What a gorgeous pair of guitarrs.Stunning work on it. My only criticism is at this price point. Would it hurt Epiphone to have locking machineheads? My G.A.S. has been triggered!

[@tommilitello198]

If that’s not what the artist uses why would the be on his signature guitar

[@mokeimusic]

Harukawa Reiko The guitarist for Jittern Jinn also had a signature Epi 335.

[@jeanlawson9133]

Insert a diamond earring or a jewel earring of choice in the pick guard hole....

[@bjmarchives]

Sixties cherry is nice but you’re nearing used Gretsch pro line (Japan) territory at these prices

[@papotorres9064]

WHEN YOU DO YOUR SOUND CHECKS , DO YOU PUT ALL THE TONE CONTROLS ON YOUR AMP ON 12 OCLOCK ?

[@andrewecken]

Now available from Sweetwater in US

[@Jydmd]

Pretty cool, I love Ellegarden!

[@ericbgordon1575]

Even if I were that big of a Dave Grohl fan that I had to have a guutar with his fingerprint on it, why is Epiphone edging the Gibson realm of overpricing? Just adding the Veritone doesn't cut it.

[@gabemanson8918]

Honest question: why dont you review some awesome Greco, Tokai, Burny, Aria Pro II from late 70’s and early 80’s? Also modern Orville, Epiphone MIJ , Cool Z and History? Japanese manufacturers created some very sought after collectible jewels. Thank you

[@jeffmckinnon5842]

No one pays him to review old guitars, and he seldom does non-sponsored videos, that I know of.

[@JimtheCornFarmer]

How is the tuning stability with the Bigsby? I have a gretsch that isn't very stable with its Bigsby and it makes me very sad 😢

[@danpeabody5687]

Have you ever reviewed a epiphone coronet? Sweetwater has them. I think they seem like a working man’s les Paul junior. Which may mean I need one.

[@catmandoodoo7903]

I really wish the olive drab one was available here in the U.K. I’d add filtertrons for a “bargain” Cornell model.

[@DavidGarcia-gn3qt]

I like this green one better than the Cornell because of the dot inlays.

[@danhedonia]

THANK YOU for being so clear and well-spoken.

[@lifeasinterns]

Gibson, please give us an Epiphone DG-335 or at least remake the made in USA Gibson DG-335. I could never afford $20k for the OG.

[@Relayer6a]

We need to get those wankers who pay $20K (or more) for the guitars to stop doing it. As long as people keep buying them Gibson and the artists are going to keep cranking them out. "Business is business"!

[@italicbass2426]

I was lucky enough to see one of these in person! I was picking up an 05 Tele Deluxe and he had one of these too. He told me the price which was around $1,600 like you said.

[@darkbuster123]

Sweetwater is currently selling them for $1199

[@TheErickTrick]

Beautiful guitars!

[@ericolson326]

Sweetwater is taking pre-orders for this model in black, $1199.

[@enzoloveless132]

I got the first run of the 2019 series, it came with extra case candy plus a limited branded pouch :o

[@Robowx]

I like it! The blue one or the a black one if available. What I don't like is that skull logo on the back of the headstock and case.

[@indiekiduk]

Hopefully it’s better than the 2011-2013 ES-355 that was junk and fell apart in my hands in Guitar Center. The switch and input jacks fell off. Surprised at this price it’s not made in Japan.

[@Lonelyme82]

Hey can you review and demo the Kurt Cobain Jaguar? Particularly the road worn and NOS, would be interesting for the show. New subscriber here.

[@martymcpeak4748]

I've been looking at the Japanese domestic Epiphones for a few years, I just haven't pulled the trigger yet. Cheers Trogly

[@vincentrandles8105]

I think you're right, the varitone does sound best on like 2 or 3!

[@mdu2112]

Damn! So close to my dream Lifeson spec 355.

[@Ahuntrgw2013]

Uh… 🤔 question: If this is a “Made in Japan” Epiphone guitar, which I know are made mainly in China, then why does that box label state: “Gibson Japan” “Tokyo, Japan” “C/T NO 390” - actually, this part of the label doesn’t concern me, but the next line reads “MADE IN CHINA” ????? 😳😵‍💫 Did I miss something?

[@bethanyhealy4989]

Should do a episode on Los Straightjackets guitars. DePinto Galaxie I believe.

[@timothymallon]

3:06 I am a little confused. It's Gibson Japan and sold as such, however on the sticker on the back it says hand crafted in China. So...how is it Gibson Japan?

[@therealnekser6466]

It looks like am Epiphone version of the Noel Gallahgher ES-355 and I love it for that!

[@YellowDogWelding]

They have that bright orange sticker in one f hole, they should have put a purple sticker in the other f hole. They could use the glue they didn't use on the nut to attach it. Haha!

[@markcampbell7554]

I would keep the white one, I liked that the best. I'm not a fan of Bigsby trems, varitones or skull design's but I think a tune o matic bridge and just a standard switching system would be more appealing to me.

[@KenSpassione]

In my experience with Varitones (owned one), they are actually a great creative tool for soundscaping. Go to the full out setting and you have a 335 sound, the others are a nice sonic bonus.

[@hifibrony]

Pelham Blue always looks great.

[@eddiemautone209]

😊epiphone guitars are very good I have epi left handed standard 57 Les Paul vintage edition has the klauson tuners great sound

[@russellsychev3250]

I love this channel. I have learned so much about Gibson (and some other) guitars. I really hope to see a review of Heritage Custom Core H-150 one day. I think it would be very interesting to hear Trogly's opinion on these guitars, especially because of the history Heritage guitars share with Gibson.

[@MrJermeyp]

I’m so sick of the “affordable” Guitars alllll jumping to Gibson priced I couldn’t afford 20 Years ago anyway so odds of getting a new COOL guitar ever again is pretty nill.. especially after that Adam Jones standard I bought 🙄😂

[@bmark7951]

Get a better job man

[@Relayer6a]

Don't buy an artist signature model. Epiphone "Inspired by Gibson" ES-335 is $600

[@gianthonour]

These need to be made available in the UK 🇬🇧 👍

[@chaos4316]

That’s about the nicest looking epi I think I’ve seen. I like the olive drab. Reminds me of the unaffordable Chris Cornell sig model. Anyone here got one, what do you think of it?

[@matt-770]

The clean tone sounded like a banjo!

[@rayhogan785]

Nice guitar, but when you add in shipping from Japan.......? Maybe not. If this was available in the US like other Epiphones for $1300-1400, maybe so. Thanks for keeping us up on the latest in the world of guitars.

[@Shiznitt_]

One of the nicest Epiphones I've seen

[@RobertNolan]

AMS and Zzounds are now selling the red, black, and OD green

[@deezee8508]

I'm so sick and tired of people calling it "the new epiphone headstock". It's the origional Kalamazoo headstock. Kind of sad a gibson guy can't get that right.

[@Asillyhobo]

Hey Trogly, how would you compare this Shinichi Ubukata to a Lucille?

[@DazedxHipster]

Love that color!

[@readrepairs]

Love the slightly quirky sound.

[@william7108]

Funny guitar turns from the kind of cobalt blue to White? Interesting!

[@PureAsGold]

This might be the best new guitar of the year. Those color matching gig bags need to be mandatory!!

[@Andreas1996]

I have one from the original run (it’s on my Profilepic) and I love it so much! It was totally worth it importing it from Japan to Germany. And now thanks to you I have to look if I can get a Ver. 02 model somewhere 😅. I new, that they where supposed to come out this year, but then there was a delay and I didn’t hear anything about it anymore - until now. Thank you Austin!

[@keithmatry8939]

I really like 57 classics..

[@JagAss-ls7ie]

Yep. Like Coke, The Real Thing...

[@flyme2themoon720]

Those are really nice..I'd choose the Olive Green

[@therealmaximizer]

Can you let us know how the neck feels? Had a Gibson DG-335 some time ago and I just loved the chunky neck on it.. Since I have quite big hands I can't stand necks that are too slim/thin.. Great Video, thanks!

[@stilllifewithguitar184]

Seems like a nice guitar although 57 classics are the wonderbread of gibson pickups. They'd be coming out immediately if I got one of these.

[@jmbzrx1200]

Lots of tone options, would love to hear those pick ups with different strings I thought they sounded great.

[@macxpert3588]

I agree the pickups sounded good. I would not mind having one.

[@Full_Deflection]

No one hears the buzzing? It’s pretty bad. Maybe that’s because of the loose nut, but it even seems to be messing with sustain, particularly on the A string.

[@rikkr1307]

It do sound quite nice

[@joermnyc]

I had a Vibramate on my ‘93 SG, but after I switched it back to stop tail last fall I didn’t notice any finish issues from the pads. I did get the Bigsby about 15 years after 1993, so maybe the nitro was more stable after all that time. (I was thinking of going for an FR-X, but I figured I have a Custom 24 for a humbucker gutiar with a vibrato/trem.