Epiphone 1959 ES-355 FULL DEMO

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

CLICK TO BUY - Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Inspired by Gibson Custom: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398/item--EPIEC35559?siid=349732 SUBSCRIBE TO WIN - GIBSON LES PAUL GIVEAWAY: 1) SUBSCRIBE and turn on notifications 2) Enter on GLEAM: gleam.io/competitions/pvVrO-gibson-les-paul-giveaway Browse ALL GEAR: USA: www.zzounds.com/a--3979398 EUROPE: www.thomann.de/intl/index.html?offid=1&affid=2603

[@Sydoncid]

Ok, you Gibson snobs, stop the hate. I have many Gibsons, nice ones, too, including a new 345, but I just got an Epi 355 in white. Tell ya what, they ain't junk. They're good, quality guitars. It's nice to bring a guitar to a local gig that doesn't cost $7,000, you know? Think about it.

[@danieleidet7131]

Ebony board, custombuckers, long pick guard, Gibson headstock, CTS pots with Mallory caps and a hardshell case for $1300 is a steal. Buying one of these ASAP.

[@carlcarl6032]

That means they really cheaped out somewhere in the building of the guitar.

[@kenichi407]

@@carlcarl6032 people fail to realize it's not just about slapping parts together. there's something called craftsmanship that goes a long way when it comes to building musical instruments. good luck with that from where these are being mass produced. sorry, but in the end of the day you're playing $1300 plus for a MIC epiphone.

[@carlcarl6032]

@@kenichi407 Totally agree with ya.

[@joserodrigoruiztapias1377]

@@kenichi407 Epiphone has been doing a FANTASTIC job within the last decade. My guitar teacher is a Gibson guy, I have an Epi LPCustom pro, and he says it is better than his Gibson standar. I have American Fenders, strats, teles. Japan Ibanez, and also a chinese Epi, and it is a GREAT guitar. I really think this Epi 355 is a must have! if you buy the picks and the case alone, you gotta spend 700 usd. So, all together for 1300, it´s a bargain.

[@thelongvirtuesignal8551]

Congratulations on your Corporate Brain-Rot.

[@timmee6937]

Got this one and the Ebony Les Paul custom today and I'm thrilled with them both. The Gibson pickups, long neck tenons, extra sustain, headstocks and the Hardshell cases are worth the price, IMHO. The new "historic" truss rod covers are a nice little touch as well.

[@Dog-O]

Yeah I don’t get the hate on the prices. Gibson seems to trying to give your average person what would normally be an unattainable instrument at an attainable price point. Everything people have been asking for forever.

[@timmee6937]

Exactly. If I had the purchased the Gibson versions of these two guitars it would've set me back $12,000.

[@davecooper360]

So cool! I got the white LP custom and the white 355 on order. The price doesn't bother me too bad. These are the absolute closest to Gibsons they've made so far. I can't pass em up.

[@Dog-O]

@@timmee6937 bring them in for a setup or do it yourself and they’ll play just as well IMO.

[@ScottsGuitar]

@@Dog-Othese are great guitars indeed. In the studio you could EQ to make them sound the same, but in hand at home they are Very different instruments and produce much different feel to play. Which is a good thing, or Gibson custom would be scared by these lol. I own the Murphy lab version of this guitar and even I’m keen on one for some gigs that I do lol. I’ve been more impressed by Epiphones offerings in general over USA production recently tho. More compelling lineup and much better value.

[@MegaWimberly]

Man that thing looks and sounds gorgeous.

[@buckbumble]

I got this one coming tomorrow. So glad you guys reviewed it. It sounds as good as I hoped it would. I’ve played an LP with Custombuckers before and for those that think you’re just paying a premium for marketing or the brand or whatever, you can really hear the difference. They are clear as a bell. The note definition on them is insane. Puts Burstbuckers to shame. I don’t even have a very tuned in ear to those kind of things but the difference is very noticeable

[@diddymies]

same opinion!

[@davecooper360]

I got the Classic white Epi 355 last week. Its like a luxury car in guitar form. Its a complete joy to play. Sounds and feels amazing!

[@dillonbrown2956]

Really cant decide between the white and red

[@todweidner684]

I love how throaty that bridge pickup sounds. I tried one of these in a store yesterday and it's haunting me. Currently trying to shuffle some funds around to go back and get it. These are fantastic guitars. Don't sleep on 'em.

[@ahighervibe4086]

While some constant haters are filling the comments section with hate for Gibson/Epiphone for raising prices on the new Epiohones…. But if they could let go of their hate and change their perception, they would realize that these new epic phones… Even though they’re made in China… Are a big step above what Epiphone was putting out before, and are excellent instruments with higher-end appointments!

[@jamesbothoms6009]

But for the same price you could get an Eastman, which is a Chinese guitar with specs far better than these Epiphones. So they’re still overpriced

[@strawsparky33]

@@jamesbothoms6009 boohoo. everyone hates on Gibson/Epiphone/Fender and then goes and buys a shitty chinese version of guess what.........a Gibson/Epiphone/Fender body style lol. just save up and get the real thing, youll be happier and itll keep its resale value.

[@Tweed_Tone]

Although I am a Gibson snob, my first was a epiphone ES-335 which was amazing. My only critique of it was how much they dumbed down the look to differentiate the Gibson. I think it’s amazing how they can have the exact headstock and look essentially the same. I love my Murphy lab ES-355 but for what epiphone is asking, that’s a deal and I’d be extremely happy if I was starting now compared to 6 years ago. Only very minor details look off but I suppose they have to do that to justify the Gibson being “correct”. Really would love to see Japanese production, but they would probably be neck and neck with the standard USA line.

[@jessejorgensen3931]

I just the 63 firebird in. I don't like it. The sound isn't there. But the quality surprised me. It felt sturdy. I'm going in on this 335, or maybe the sg? But I'm not worried about the price. It was seamless, and it may be a different quality laurel because the fretboard on the firebird was much better than the laurel on my 59. The cases are crappy though. And they come with a truss key.

[@Tweed_Tone]

@@jessejorgensen3931 I tried one of these newer epis, while they feel great and play just fine, the Gibson still sounded better to my ear. It must be the unpotted customer bucker on the Murphy lab that sound much more clear and open to my ear. Epiphone sounded muffled and very bass heavy which is fine, but as a clean player, It wasn’t for me

[@michaelheller8841]

I own the Gibson ES-345 in 60s Cherry and I am absolutely in love with it! I even love the T-Type stock pups. If I were to also get the Epiphone line here it would be in white and I love the Custombuckers! I own that in my Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul R8. I hope they have the custombuckers unpotted. That really is a must for me.

[@rafaelmartinez1917]

Out of all the new models, I think this in the only one that can get away with the new pricing

[@kingstumble]

Just what I was thinking. I am sorely tempted because I think the price of this model will quickly increase.

[@guitarrise4523]

Yes sir I am also very tempted because your getting ebony and the custom shop pickups. I already have a slash Gibson Les Paul so this 355 would be great.

[@ricklynn6176]

I think with the Gibson pups, the real MOP inlays, Gibson headstock, and hard case, I think this justifies the increase in price. Although I agree the 355 is the best value I still think the LP custom is right where it needs to be. Honestly, $1200 for a custom Les paul where honestly the only thing different between this model and the Gibson one is the logo. I’ll pay the Epi price all day!

[@Fabh83]

The SG Custom with the three custombuckers is also completely worth the price

[@mykuntstynx9463]

​@@Fabh83 Just ordered one yesterday. Right as all the big stores sold out.

[@rbae]

This is actually reasonable pricing compared to the rest of the lineup. I think it pairs really well with the pricing of Mexican Fenders. Looks and sounds great and leaps and bounds above your traditional Epi 335/355 inspired copy

[@gregperkins7723]

Good point about the MIM fenders. All the epi complainers don't seem to complain about those.

[@rbae]

@@gregperkins7723 right? And it's just a slab for Fenders versus an actual figured semi hollow for the 355

[@toddmoore2324]

Epiphone are really hitting it out of the park just as you said! I'm impressed!

[@RodVonLongrod]

I have one in white coming in a few days. All the specs are there. Ebony fretboard, CTS pots, Gibson pickups, Graphtech nut, mallory caps, 50s wiring, best headstock. Case included? All of this for the asking price is a no brainer. The CNC machine has been a great equalizer when combined with skilled workers. The Chinese factories making Epiphones are doing an amazing job.

[@jameseverall]

Not to mention the real mother of pearl inlays as opposed to that horrible plastic stuff. The inlays and the open book headstock really work for me. The customs and this guitarvreally do look and sound the part. And consequently, there will be some fantastic deals to be had on the used market for epis with the older headstocks. Still good guitars in there own right

[@nigellacey559]

Fantasic guitar. Great value.

Fantastic guitar and stellar value. Epiphone is on to something with guitars.

[@mr3klax]

Nice video. Just got my IGC 1959 ES-355 in Ebony today. My very first semi-hollow body. And it’s fantastic. It’s VOS. But, I prefer gloss. As expected, it’s got those sharp fret ends. Other than that, craftsmanship is flawless. For me, it looks, feels and plays great. It’s got that woody and airy tone. Cheers!

[@mldav4]

I have a 20 year old Sheraton II , its the same look but black with gold hardware... I loov it... very versatile type of guitar...

[@benjhaisch]

Ordered one of the black/ebony models from Epiphone directly for that exclusive color combo. Can’t wait to get one in.

[@veritasastro]

Incredibly beautiful guitar!😵

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

I ordered mine should be here next week

[@thomasmorrismusic]

I had mowed 400 lawns to get a Gibson 355 -used at Guitar City Wheeling WV - what a guitar but traded it in on a Gibson Gold Top Les Paul Deluxe - I would get one of these!

[@thomasmorrismusic]

I was only a teen - but would have kept both guitars - and mowed more lawns to buy the Les Paul and kept the real Gibson ES-355 with the Varitone -from the 60's

[@mikesing01]

Sounds and looks like an awesome guitar.

[@allmostbrothers]

Worth every penny i bought the ebony one and its amazing good job epiphone !!!!

[@alex.pro.2279]

If these guitars came out a few years ago, I would have picked one of these up in an instant. Still chilling and loving my '59 Les Paul standard! (Last version of course). I'll consider trying to get a good trade in deal for one of these in the future.

[@stephenbennett5240]

I don’t understand the hate on these guitars. They are basically Chinese made Gibsons with the actual pickups and attention to detail for 1/5 the price. I’d buy one in a heart beat if I could

[@Sig8066]

I need this. I need need this Great review boys!

[@sharkman4928]

It looks and sounds awesome!

[@NINEWALKING]

What some people might not understand this very guitar is as close as you can get to Gibson Custom Shop without being made in USA. This is even closer to Gibson Custom Shop than Epiphone Les Paul 1959 model. When you look at the Epiphone Les Paul 1959 model that is also great value you have more compromises than in this case. With 1959 you get veneer flame on top of the plain mape cap and you get two peace mahogany back. But you get long tenon and CS Custombuckers. So basically you get Gibson USA construction of top and body when you get plain top solid color Les Paul Gibson USA that will cost you 2,7K and it comes with the short tenon and same wiring quality but "worse" potted pickups. Even Gibson USA les Paul comes with faux ABR-1 bridge. What you get is Made in USA wood quality and nitro finish. Getting east made Epiphone you get laurel fretboard and poly finish. On All Les Pauls trapezoid inlays are made of plastic. This oen has apparently real stuff, wow. I have R7 Murphy Lab and it is very special guitar. It was best sounding LEs Paul in biggest Gibson dealer here. Better sounding than M2M guitars they have had. Now I have had modified Epiphone Les Paul 1959 for friends with low guitar budgets. I have taken out whole electronics and bridge. I have taken the bridge bushings out and plugged/glued the holes with maple plugs. Then I have installed Gibson Custom shop aged ABR-1. I have made complete new harness with hand picked audio tapper CTS pots, paper in oil caps and proper braided wire. I have even changed pickups hookup wire. I did dressed frets slightly and polished them to high polish level and I have done really good setup. Man that guitar is serious Les Paul. It does make problems to Custom Shop guitars. I even think about getting one for me with nice "fake" top, light guitar, and do same things to it and just polish that top to high mirror polish. This so cold VOS finish is to dull for me. I do not mind it on the neck but top and headstock should be shiny. I have seen neglected old guitars with shadow over them but those polish great and most of the old guitars are shiny. Never seen some old guitar with finish that looks anywhere near to this finish. This finish is just.... to me. If you go Poly keep it thin and shiny. This makes no sense. Or just go Nitro and add 200 bucks on the price. Modern nitro as in Gibson USA that has some plasticizer inside so guitars are easier to deal with and easier to paint. Now look at the ES335, 345 and 355. Originals and Custom Shop once are made from plywood. They are not solid carved wood guitars. They are center blocked. This guitar has long tenon, Custombuckers, one peace neck, wood type used are extremely similar to originals. Only difference is wood comes from far east, bridge is not true ABR-1 and it has poly finish. Yes wiring is not at the level of the Custom Shop but I do change harness on the Custom Shop guitars always as well. So yeah go figure. Sure you pay 1300 for it but you get 97% of the guitars that start like at 4x higher price. Plus they play good and are well made. I would again go for harness, polish top and headstock and changed to real ABR-1. That is it. maximum two days easy work and that guitar would be killer guitar one could even leave for his kids and their kids to. This is closer to Custom Shop than I thought they will allow it to go. Great job Epiphone.

[@rareform6747]

Should be fun plugged into High Gain Marshall and feel the F holes blow wind . Have this sweet babe of guitar . Worked the truss , raised bridge , lowered pickups with new 10s . Love Her *

[@gregperkins7723]

Mine arrives next week!! Love your reviews...so honest and straight forward. I became a fan of these new "expensive" epis after buying the 59 les paul. That is one of the best guitars I have owned in 40 years of playing.

[@Sparky6string]

Epi is KILLING it right now!

[@ludvigbydal7812]

This Epiphone 355 is a lot of great guitar for the money. Gibson is coming back big after years of " internal affairs " and suing other brands for copying. and offering a more affordable but amazing line through Epiphone. It can kick out other $1K brands easily.

[@mr3klax]

The VOS finish is a deal-killer for me. But, this Epiphone IGC 1959 ES-355 is so good to pass up. So, I went ahead and bought one in Ebony - my very first semi-hollow. Took it to a luthier for a set-up - he was impressed and called it a Gibson. Sounds, feels and plays great. The VOS finish? I still don’t like it. So, I’m working on it. When it’s done, it will be my very own custom 1959 ES-355. Hint: it’s coming out really good!

[@VN9001]

Are you buffing it out to a sheen or are you doing a complete refinish with gloss nitro? (I hate any satin finish as well, it's just a cost saving/cheap out for the manufacturer.)

[@mr3klax]

@@VN9001Sorry for the late reply. I didn’t do a complete refinish as I don’t know how to do it. I only polished it using a cloth and Meguiar’s car scratch remover and buffed it using a buffering wheel attached to a common household drill. It was a very slow process as I did one small area at a time. It took me about 60 hours over 10 days. But the result was well worth the effort. It came out really glossy like glass, and from a very dark gray to deep inky black. It looks fantastic. I left the back of the neck in its original satin finish. After that hard work, I love the instrument more.

[@dennismckean8773]

Just purchased one through the link.. It will bee here soon. I have a Gibson 335 but i dont want to take it out to play too much so this is going to work out really well for me.

[@HomeRecordingMadeEasy]

how is the balance? It seems like it would do a massive neck dive. I seems like the way you're holding the guitar while standing, the guitar may not be well balanced. Curious to know your thoughts. Thanks

[@indiekiduk]

Think they should have gone with gloss finish instead of worn

[@michu6777]

The thick gloss finishes are one of the main complaints people have about typical Epiphones. It makes sense that they went to a thinner clear coat for their higher end guitars.

[@booshting3520]

Agreed, the matt finish looks aweful. Corners being cut

[@AmnellAndreas]

Having tried the newer artist series from Epiphone - like the Emily Wolfe white one - I feel like it's not worth even investing the money in a Gibson anymore if you want a stage ready guitar that sounds good and can go on the road. The new Epiphones are very good, nothing like they used to be before. The sound was very clear, no muddiness. Playability was good, and the guitar was overall rockin'. I would say it's in several ways better and more reliable than my vintage Gibson ES-355. I have ordered the Shinichi Ubukata ES 355 from Japan, and am quite excited to try it out. I love the varitone as it provides me with a lot of versatility when I play different cover songs that require several different guitar tones. Otherwise, I might've gone for this one.

[@alexstrums]

This looks and sounds fantastic. Definitely give me Freddie King vibes. Will have to play this alongside the current Inspired by 335 (which is amazing) to decide which to go for

[@jokaze0]

I got one of these yesterday and it has horrible scratchy and sharp frets :( also the ebony board is cracked, and the toggle switch that came with mine is cream, not amber. How was QA on yours?

[@VanHalenIsolated]

As you can see by my channel name, I’m more likely to be a bridge pickup fan and I have to say, wow, the bridge Custombucker is so sweet sounding. I wanted to get the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Les Paul Custom but literally the only reason I’m not is because they didn’t put Custombuckers in them. 498t/490r 😣 I could put some Seth Lover SDs in but why do that when I could get an Epiphone ES-355 with custom buckers? I was on the fence between this one and the LP Custom and this video sold the 355 to me. I’m looking forward to buying it.

[@delivrance3961]

beautiful!!!

[@WillemdaGuide]

I really really really wished there was a Les Paul Deluxe in this serie. Would buy that in a heartbeat.

[@ChadWorthman]

I just ordered the DG-335 today and just discovered this model tonight…. Hmmmm. I might like this more.

[@sammuniz5360]

It's beautiful looking. For the haters, remember it's not the guitar but the guitar player who determines the sound. Simply put: technique and imagination is key.

[@mathiasnilo6855]

ordered one today

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Great choice, Congrats!!

[@tyleigh4309]

You got some nice licks

[@vanlopes1687]

A Worn Brown version would be chefs kiss

[@poesybeat]

Agree - only disappointment with this model is the two colors.

[@henryb160]

There should've been a Burst.

[@neilyoung5029]

Seriously, if you don’t want to pay this then get the standard inspired by 335….I have one and it’s fantastic. I also have the latest Riviera and it’s the best £600 I’ve ever spent. Every single Gibson 335 I’ve picked up has been absolutely shite out of the box…..I couldn’t care less about nitro finishes (and I have two Fender offsets with it….it wasn’t what encouraged me to buy). For a quarter of the price at least of any 335 Gibson reissue this is great….and will be a second hand bargain. Yes Eastman are fabulous but I can’t stand the headstock….playability and looks are important.

[@jasentaylor4396]

Don’t forget they come with one piece necks also!

[@manelalentorn]

Could we say then that this 355 is your favorite of them all 4? Great videos!

[@reztube2376]

Nice! Trying to decide between a 335 Bonamassa vs. Epi 355. What is your take (which might be a good topic for your next production)?

[@rocanrola]

This guitar its beautiful! Neck it's one piece and long tennon!

[@MattMorgans]

Wow, at last Epiphone listened and sorted the headstock! Definitely buying one and expect these to sell like crazy. If they did it in black my life would be complete 😊

[@andrewbrookes2485]

They do

[@MattMorgans]

Really, I’ve only seen red or white, unless you’re referring to the Japanese export model???

[@MattMorgans]

Just looked at the Epiphone website,and you were right, there is a black version, mines preordered!!

[@DMSProduktions]

You DO realise that scene in BTTF1 was anachronistic right? He played a guitar from the '70s, in a time period when that style of guitar hadn't even been RELEASED yet!

[@MarshallRobertsMusic]

Great review guys. Now how do I talk my wife into buying it for me?!

[@mr3klax]

Buy her something first - like a premium made in Japan massage chair. In time for Mother’s Day. Then she will return the favor on Father’s Day. 😅😂

[@Mpcoluv]

Is that a satin finish? Can it be buffed out?

[@mr3klax]

Yes. It can be. With the proper materials and tools to a mirror-like ultra high gloss finish.

[@brotherDougE1956]

I think this is a beautiful guitar. I got the ebony model direct from Epiphone. The case is seriously nice too. It's important to know that they are serious when they say it's a C neck - very thick neck - good for those who like that 50's Gibson neck, it's a bit much for me. The playability probably needs a set up. But for the price I don't think you can go wrong. A way to get a quality, great-looking guitar without the Custom Shop price.

[@herbmcgowan9267]

I ordered one from American musical supply today thank you for your review I just had to have one

[@watchrob77]

I swear you’re wearing my all time favorite Target denim shirt I wear all the time. Also nice guitar lol

[@shayh.3556]

Is this a must get if ones doesnt have a semi hollow?

[@Benalan613]

At 2:43 you can see the nut on top of the binding unfortunately

[@MrBoolee2112]

That neck pick up ❤

[@slappy2X]

Whenever I buy a 335/345/355, I flip the pickup ring on the neck pickup...that helps align the pickup and the strings more evenly across the surface of the entire pickup.....

[@slappy2X]

See 3:35 of the video for an example...

[@ubw8754]

I've been waiting for you open book headstock Epiphone 355. We meet again at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but a junior, now I am the wallet-full-with-money adult.

[@markwilliamsmusic2987]

😂😂

[@csharp57]

I just recently bought the Shinichi Ubukata Epiphone version and I’m wondering if I should have waited. I like the guitar overall, but not the headstock. Thinking I should buy this custom anyway. You only live once

[@ubw8754]

@@csharp57 It's okay. Shinichi Ubukata 355 is also a good guitar. Let's just hope not Gibson Japan release Shinichi Ubukata 355 Ver.3 with this Gibson style headstook.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

So if we remove the pickups and the case can we buy it for 700 bucks? Does sound great though , the dull finish is the only detail that spoils it (for me), bet they do a nitro-cellulose faded cherry version to really hit the nail on the hed?

[@samborn7120]

My only contention regarding this particular guitar is it should have a bigsby and a stereo output option with phase switching. That would make it worth its price for me.

[@JHPRS]

Do you happen to know how much of variance Gibson/Epiphone allow in their specs? I see your nut width measurement 1.67"/42.42mm. When I click on the Zzounds link they show 43mm and Sweewater shows 1.693/43mm. Does this sound normal to you. Just curious what you think. :)

[@richardyeo556]

does it come w the fancy hard case

[@georgehorner1578]

Epiphone is top notch in my humble opinion.

[@poesybeat]

If people think it’s such a rip off they should buy the $6999 Gibson version.

[@GermanSharp1]

Beautiful 😍 white would be better in my opinion

[@franklinslamo]

What are you playing through?

[@deqwannash2345]

Wow that's insane

[@thisistimwoods]

I guess the choice is either this or an Eastman T386. If this came in a vintage cherry finish, I'd get it. Not so down with the bright red

[@Myfingersstinklikefish]

Epiphone is the real deal Eastman is not

[@thisistimwoods]

@@Myfingersstinklikefish try an Eastman and then come back to me (I own an Epiphone and a Gibson)

[@Myfingersstinklikefish]

@@thisistimwoods you don't own a epiphone from 2019 to present and no I won't try Eastman because they are nothing more than copies and not one American luthier hand even touched it at epiphone Quindoa facility they are every day

[@thisistimwoods]

@Myfingersstinklikefish yes, I do. It's a good guitar. Eastman is another level though. How's your Chinese phone working out for you? ;)

[@Myfingersstinklikefish]

@@thisistimwoods BS not one American has ever touched Eastman guitar.. epiphone it's everyday they do the Quindoa epiphone facility is American owned and operated with American and Asian luthiers and it's state of the art and only Epiphones are made there..

[@mdu2112]

I want a Lifeson Whitey with Vibrola and bypassable Varitone. Hoping for 2025.

[@fisterroboto1044]

Good playing

[@rocktorrocks]

These are fine if you plan to never sell it on the used market and are sure you’ll hold on to the guitar…the rest of us, well get ready to lose big time as these will not hold their value at all. The $1300 Bonamassa ES-335 and Adam Jones Graphic Series guitars are sitting unsold on shelves at a discount and won’t garner more than $800 used. I bought into the specs & high end advertising and bought the Bonamassa ES-335 but with the poly finish and no fret nibs it still feels like an Epiphone & not a Gibson. Buy a used Gibson at this price point, better value imo. Plus when Epiphone makes another release with more upgrades next year, the value of these guitars will tank even more.

[@leschen9725]

Your valuation of it is spot on, and you can get it for $800 at the place of production.

[@mikaelmachado4344]

With all the all the features, the price isn’t horrible.

[@manelalentorn]

Hello, First of all I love your channel and your guitar reviews. I always watch them. you already helped me deciding between 2 guitars… and you gave me the right advice. Thanks for that! Today I have another dilema… I really like the looks and the sound of the Epiphone BB King Lucille that you also reviewed on your channel… In europe there are good deals online for 750$. But I am also considering this Epiphone 355 inspired by gibson, however it’s 1250$… 500$ more. I was thinking maybe buying the Lucille and save the money, or even putting a set of Seth Lovers in it and still saving 250$, or going for the Epi 355 by Gibson with the custombuckers… The looks I have to admit that I prefer the Lucille ( I do not mind the headstock difference, I also like the Kalamazoo one ). What would you do? Many thanks!!

[@PlayandTradeGuitars]

Thanks for watching and for your kind words. The Lucille is a great guitar, I believe your choice for that over the 355 will come down to the Varitone switch which gives some amazing sounds. The Epiphone Alnico Classic Pro pickups sound great. All that said - The new Epiphone 355 is the better value. It has Gibson Custombuckers and a hardshell case, plus similar spec with ebony fretboard etc. The epi-lite case that comes with the BB King Lucille is not good, so I would plan to buy a hardshell case for it. I am a big fan of Epiphone semi hollow guitars in general, enjoy! and let me know what you decide

[@manelalentorn]

@@PlayandTradeGuitars Thanks a lot for always answering! To be fair I prefer the looks of the Lucille in glossy black... and obviously since those Alnico Pros sound so well, at the same time I'd save 450€.. I do not mind the "new" Kalamazoo headstock of the Epiphone, and the other thing is that I was thinking that in 2025 it will be the 100th anniversary of BB King... and I can smell that Epiphone will come up with some Restyling of the Lucille, with Custombuckers, Gibson headstock and mother of pearl inlays... of course at a price of 1.500 minimum...!! but what if they don't make that one?... I still don't know what to do... tough decision! thanks a lot for your help as always! 😃

[@stringlocker]

What I can see from the video it looks like they are using the 14° angle at the headstock which is way better than 16.

[@jessejorgensen3931]

Shit maybe I'll get this? I've been wanting one, but i had to try the firebird first. It's going back.

[@Coolbeans1492]

I will say the ebony board stuff in this range Is worth every penny when you compare it to what’s on the market for what you get. These are really great. Even the Laurel stuff is great. The Laurel is a let down but the rest of it is great in comparison to like a Mexican fender. You get custom pickups ebony mother of pearl and a hard shell case for an extra 200 dollar’s cad. I think gretsch should be taking notes and introduce a proper Chinese made falcon using the same model epiphone currently is and acc call it a falcon with all of the appointments.

[@jaco_h5013]

I think this along with the sg custom are the best value out of the bunch of epiphones new releases its got custombuckers,gold grovers, usa bridge,tailpiece and ebony fretboard instead of the laurel on the les pauls and a gibson 355 is like 7 grand or so

[@NicholasANappiNick]

Don’t like red don’t like gold but that’s a nice guitar 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@lifeofthetheatre]

Mother of pearl or perloid?

[@FurryCurry30]

I wish Epiphone did these in Nitro

[@ScottsGuitar]

That would certainly add cost. Gibson has to balance cost to whining 😂 the whining won’t be worth the benefit I’d bet

[@rbae]

There would be no difference then from the Gibsons lol

[@booshting3520]

@@rbae Visually, sure, but they don't feel the same to play

[@henriquelange7384]

Being honest with you, i always loved epiphones and for me the most iconic thing on an epi is their headstock! man, i can remember when i was a teenager without money to buy a good guitar and used to stare at epiphones at the local music shop. For me, their headstock was THE THING! even better than Gibson's. Other thing that i don't like is that Gibson is almost turning epiphone into a family of guitar (something like mexican fenders, because they are waaaaay better than squiers and way more expensive). Come on guys! Epiphone has a lot of unique models such as the rivieras, wildkats, casinos (yeah, i know, ES330 but deal with the fact that the casino got all the attention), Sheratons and even the Crestwoods! Damn man, i want different things! i want original things, not just another Gibson with a different name on the headstock. Also, the minihumbucker was always an epiphone thing, AND THEY ARE GREAT!!!!! (i love my original Riviera, just like the 62 model!). I really think that they should give attention to that, not just to make chinese Gibsons.

[@mikeaitken5253]

$355 in 1959 is roughly $3700 today.

[@VN9001]

😄 People always neglect to factor that part in when lamenting the "year's ago" price of something. Really puts things in perspective.

[@To.Si.Ma.]

Man. I need a white and a red one.

[@sirdudeness1386]

So a Gibson without it having the name on the headstock. A lot of people dream of getting an iconic guitar like a Gibson 335 but now it’s a pipe dream and for rich folk that have money to blow.

[@1974rail]

I think its great for the price.

[@CrazyKnkb]

Bro come on where’s the sg

[@carlosa.sanchez896]

I ordered one tonight, can't wait to get it and play it! I wish we were making them in the USA, not China.

[@BigJohn95]

This is the only one that makes sense price-wise

[@Allguitarinfo]

I'd like one BUT my HOHNER HS 35 is such a good guitar i don't see the need.. maybe if I move some gear .maybe .great demo though as always.

[@marcomodena8076]

WoW😲👍😲🤙

[@roofkorean6948]

Like a lot of others have said, Epiphone's 1,300 price point on a lot of new models is pretty ridiculous especially considering the potential for QC issues lately. Plus it's made in China so you know they're saving on manufacturing cost. However I feel like for this guitar that price actually makes sense.

[@greatwhite3676]

There are more "issues" on 5000$ Gibson. The guitar market is geared toward suckers. Epiphones, squires, Jap made copies with replaced electronics and pickups are the way to go. I'd rather spend 2k on a really good amp and pocket what i saved on a Gibson

[@MrStephenfull]

Looks and sounds great, but I prefer the Sheraton still.

[@lotharroberts5978]

I'd be sold if it was equipped with a varitone switch and a maestro like it should be.