Epiphone Dot vs. Gibson ES-335: What's different, what's similar?

[@TwangThang57]

Another difference would be the wiring harness. Size and quality of the pots (metric Chinese vs imperial CTS)/wires/cap,.....

[@GUITARSGIZMOS]

Good point, and absolutely something to consider upgrading. Quite a task to take on with these semi-hollows though.

[@TwangThang57]

@@GUITARSGIZMOS Yeah, always a challenge getting the harness back through the f-hole without tearing anything loose. Well worth it tho’…..

[@GUITARSGIZMOS]

@@TwangThang57 I will pin your comment to the top, because it is a good advice and something I should have mentioned in the video. Thank you.

[@ArjanLoeve]

I used to have an epiphone dot, had it for over 10 years I think. It are really nice guitars for that bb king sound and I really enjoyed it. But after all these years it started too feel a bit cheap. So I finally got it traded in. It’s cool that you name some of the same things I noticed on the Epiphone. Your Gibson looks great!

[@paroblynn]

Going to watch this with my headphones in the office tomorrow. I’m so happy to see a new video from you bud!

[@vinicioserafini5929]

That pickguard mounting bracket on the epiphone is driving my ocd crazy :D

[@FingersOnAFretboard]

oh man, no kidding!

[@GUITARSGIZMOS]

Yeah, to be honest, I didn't pay attention to it while making the video. But after your comment I can't unsee it 😅

[@vinicioserafini5929]

@@GUITARSGIZMOS still a really nice video :D

[@ryanguffy4739]

First mod, remove the giant pickguard!

[@csotz1981]

Great video! I bought a 2001 Epiphone Dot new and have loved it. I've since upgraded the pickups to 57 Classics and also the wiring. Sounds great! Mine is a natural finish and I can confirm that these guitars actually have maple necks (not mahogany like the Gibson counterparts). Not sure how much affect that has on the tone *really but there you go!

[@davidmcintyre4563]

Do you know how much a dot neck epiphone 335 made in South Korea cost in 2000 new ?

[@csotz1981]

@@davidmcintyre4563 ~$550 USD in 2001.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

You’re quite the guitar tech Thor! I’m impressed! Anyway, I particularly enjoyed the jam at the end. I’m currently enjoying a large red wine and just blissing out to this “back and forth” between the Epi and the Gibson. You make them both sound extremely earthy and organic. I LOVE that last (unaccompanied) section, where the guitars just sing! I’m a guitar snob so no surprise as to which I prefer. That said, the Epi is doing an incredible job at keeping pace with that lovely Gibson. Biggest difference for me was the acoustic comparison. Great vid Thor 👌

[@GUITARSGIZMOS]

I think the word is "tinkerer". Somewhere down the road I started fixing or tampering with my own guitars, and on the way gotten to be more experienced. I've stumbled into some pitfalls on the way. Cheers mate, I just started a 3 weeks vacation, so I'm also enjoying a little refreshment tonight. Thanks for your kind words on my playing.

[@paulstaffordcook8799]

@@GUITARSGIZMOSWell enjoy your vacation Thor 🍻

[@aminahmed2220]

What a fantastic video have a wonderful day ❤😊

[@GUITARSGIZMOS]

Thank you, and thanks the same 😊

[@buzzburb1]

The Epiphone bridge pickup is amazing

[@surrrfclub2424]

You can see the "2nd" engraving on the backside of the Epi's headstock. That means there are some minor cosmetic issues (usually sloppy painting jobs or similar things) found while shipping from the factory. Incidentally my Epi dot (mid 2000s China made) has the same 2nd engravng but works OK, however the fret job was rather bad and I had repaired it anyway.....

[@GUITARSGIZMOS]

I have experienced the same issue with the frets on a Chinese Epiphone.

[@surrrfclub2424]

@@GUITARSGIZMOS so, I'm afraid that the fret issue might be common with the Chinese Epis....😅

[@dwstoeckel4740]

Time to lay your hands on a Korean Epi casino…😁👍

[@davepatterson4774]

Or a Korean Epiphone Sheraton ii!

[@GUITARSGIZMOS]

Hi DW, I might be able to get my hands on a Casino. Not sure of its origin, but I will check.

[@basiltiffani8850]

the rail thing on the pickguard is on top of the pickguard instead of under. is that typical?

[@GUITARSGIZMOS]

Well spotted. It is not supposed to be like that, and should have been under the pickguard. I didn't notice while making the video 😆 Cheers.

[@jacekmat3475]

I have late chinese Epiphone Casino. Changed hardware, pickups, wiring. Playbility is great, sounfd is great. Unfortunately, I have disease called "Gibson logo" :( . Some minor features make the difference for me. By the way, this Grand amp sound sweet at low volume!

[@GUITARSGIZMOS]

Yes, I know what you mean. I have a tendency myself, although lately I've been able to shake it a bit. The Grand Tweed is a gem. So good.

[@csharp57]

The Gibson 335. I have LPs, but I’ve never played an actual Gibson branded 335.

[@buzzburb1]

Gibson sounds very bright and harsh in comparison

[@iamanovercomer3253]

I wouldn't choose either ‼️ I'm a Fender guy 😁...

[@markv.5962]

then why are you here?