Epiphone ES-335 Blindfold Challenge - Can It REALLY Compete with a Gibson?

[@furtherdefinitions1]

The Epiphone held its own and so for someone like me, who plays local bar gigs and not famous or big venues, the Epiphone does its job and does it well.

[@petestaint8312]

Agreed! I have the Epi dot and its a great guitar. Also in red. 👍

[@RafGuitar]

Lol nobody NEEDS an expensive guitar, we just MUST have em :)

[@lescaster2179]

In a mix, dial in your tone, only people listening with their eyes are going to pick out any meaningful difference.

[@brianseneca3546]

I had a tobacco Dot and it was fantastic! Made me buy a Gibson for my 50th birthday. I would be totally happy with the Dot BUT! The Gibson is better. Not by leaps and bounds and certainly not by the cost difference but it is one of the best guitars I have ever owned and ive owned dozens upon dozens including my prized 52 Goldtop

[@brentyoung2310]

I had nothing but problems with my 2 gibsons. Traded them in on 3 epiphones love them

[@paul_grimsley]

I love Andertons, where other stores make videos in order to sell items, Andertons is happy to make a video about a guitar that already flies off the shelf, just for the love of guitar playing and guitars. Thats public service broadcasting right there!

[@somethingbl]

I love Andertons too, but they do it for the views haha

[@paul_grimsley]

@@somethingbl ☺️ I know, my comment was tongue in cheek, but they are great. A great company to buy from and great content creators! Of course there are systems to be worked, but they do it with a great deal of humour and good intention.

[@sawbonesquad4876]

Top Gear for guitars, what keeps me coming back despite not being in GAS any time soon :)

[@kennethdon3619]

i'd definately watch an andertons show like top gear, a few gear reviews, a sounds-like, *the star withthe reasonably priced guitar*and just the bater between them in a studio

[@krisberntzen]

You know that Slash or possibly John Mayer would be revealed as the masked player (I'd recognize Slash's hands in a heartbeat, so he'd have to play with gloves)

[@Newnodrogbob]

“I swear, when I take the blindfold off, I hear things that I didn’t hear.” Uh yeah, that’s called bias mate…

[@stricknine8623]

Yes,..its proving that your eyes are altering your decisions or causing a placebo effect. For the life of me, I can't understand why so many people think its cool to have their heels dug in on things like this. There are a ton of players that would say that there is a HUGE difference and the Gibson sounds great and the Epiphone is just ok.

[@benedekgabor.]

@@stricknine8623 I have an Epiphone Sheraton and let me tell you man... It's sounds and looks gorgeous. When I play some Queens of the Stone Age riffs I literally can't hear the difference in tone other than I'm not Josh Homme and I can't play like him. Hahaha

[@pierresauve8612]

@@benedekgabor. I've owned 2 Sheratons. I loved them so much they were great but god I wish they would release a not ornate version I hate gold hardware and abalone inlays and all that jazz i wish we could get one without all the bling i find it ugly. Thats just me though theres nothing wrong with liking that stuff

[@Bellocks1]

The “Gibson v Epiphone” debate will rage until the end of time. I’ve said it many times, if you enjoy the guitar and amp while playing, no matter what it is, it’s perfect for you. My main electric set up at the moment is simple, an Epiphone Les Paul Gothic (discontinued), into a RAT clone, into a Carlsbro amp. I love it. Other people have slammed my model of guitar online, and I don’t understand why. But it works for me. Playing it feels like putting on a old comfy pair of jeans. I’ve had it for around 15 years. Play with what sounds good and feels good to you. Don’t buy based on what’s on the headstock.

[@tommurphy3188]

@@pierresauve8612 the Emily Wolfe Sheraton is pretty stripped back, might be a fit

[@fifthjmk]

They can compare guitars all day and it’s fun, but I am in the end always reminded of the words of Gregory Kochery: “90% of tone is in your hands.” How I wish that wasn’t true!

[@joekinghtown]

I can't stand you guys (not really) I'm a truck driver and your channel is a must listen to while driving. I bought the insp. Epi 335 a month a go and have been waiting for this!!!! Review by you guys. My only problem is I'm supposed to be sleep right now lol. You guys are the best

[@AmperahGaming]

Stay safe on the road! :)

[@b2tall239]

Every time I watch and Anderton's video I'm reminded that I don't have enough guitars.

[@hootie0913]

I think we should have a different word/phrase for the two types of versatile. Type 1 would be an HSS strat - "it can make a wide variety of sounds". Type 2 is the semi-hollow - "it does its thing, but that thing can work across a variety of genres".

[@fernandoreynaaguilar1438]

Brilliant insight

[@folderol8487]

The Strat is actually the Type 2. As for the 335, or the ES types in general, Alex Lifeson doesn't sound like Freddie King. I don't know of a similar diversity among Strat players. They always sound like Strats.

[@sober-southoftheborderever3591]

I just bough one, sunburst, and I am waiting like a kid waiting for Christmas. I have an older dot model and I love. This one is going to be my precious gift. Here in Brazil they cost about 1,400 dollars. Crazy, but this is life, the prize for this addiction. I am 70 so I have to enjoy life as much as I can, as long I am not harming nobody and can pay my bills. Speaking of, now I have to sell a couple of my guitars to pay for it ahahahah. Cheers from Brazil. Love this channel!

[@nickmartinez229]

Absolutely! it can definitely compete.

[@andertons]

Check out the blindfold challenge near the end. It sounded pretty close!

[@jennifer6833]

@@andertons offer the CEOs of guitar companies to do a blindfold test to their models on Andertons KZbin! It’d be great!

[@michaelheller8841]

@@jennifer6833 That would never happen lol. They would rather talk about the difference in the binding for an hour of boredom lol.

[@edward658]

comPETE

[@donsimons9810]

did the gibson play smoother or anything?

[@peterparker6634]

I'm always more impressed if I see someone playing a more affordable guitar at a local pub gig and it sounds fantastic.

[@AmperahGaming]

Always be impressed! Skill isnt in the gear :)

[@donsimons9810]

im not. i like adults who can also play

[@brockterry5840]

What I learned from this video is that there are great guitars out there these days at all price points! Don’t be embarrassed if you can’t fork out 2k+ for an instrument!

[@ranman58635]

I bought a Grote 335. Upgrading

[@lodrezzon]

I purchased a Sheraton Pro 2 last year, and it is truly a wonderful guitar. But I will still be buying a Gibson 335 soon. The Sheraton is good for about 85% of my needs, but that remaining 15% requires the Gibson.

[@eddywang9622]

Of course, your point is right. But, from a cosmetic point of view, the gibson and epiphone would be FAR different. The experiment video uses both solid red which is harder to distinguish between tbe two, however i swear to you ive seen a gibson es 335 aquamarine 2018 in a store, and i compared the one i owned an epiphone version called the 335 pro, shiiieeeeetttttt, the 2 products is truly 5 times the price apart, LOOKS WISE lol

[@lodrezzon]

Oddly enough, I bought a Les Paul Studio in Tangerine last month instead of the 335, and it has now replaced my Sheraton as my main guitar. For $1500, it was the best sonic choice for me. The only thing really hurting the 335 is the price tag. $2500-$4000 is not an easy purchase to make unless you're a serious player, or have lots of cash to burn. In the 'normal guy' category, $1500-$1800 is about all I can handle. And the Les Paul Studio is a beautiful, amazing sounding guitar, so I have no regrets, or feel a sense of 'wanting' still. Sometimes you just need to listen to what you need, and let that help in your purchase decisions. I still think Gibson is the best guitar company around. as their instruments are special - and I have Fender, Ernie Ball, and ESP stuff to compare to.

[@eddywang9622]

@@lodrezzon same here, my very first american guitar (2nd purchase) was a 2015 lp studio, such good quality, and from that moment until now ive been a gibson fanboy lol. My only epiphone is the 335 cause i know i will never spend like what you said, a 3000 usd for semi hollow. I did spend that amount on another dream piece instead, seriously the studio is never a disappointment

[@tombenizrilevi4803]

I've been watching this channel for YEARS now and I swear to god, there is not a single video where Lee doesn't play the "More Than A Feeling" riff

[@eddywang9622]

You have to understand, hes blind folded, and his brain has to memorise the tone of that specific guitar before switching,

[@davecooper360]

That red Epiphone sounds extremely good! Super close to the Gibson if not exactly like it.

[@dieg112]

I bought this guitar a few weeks ago and have been enjoying it. Watching this video gave me so much satisfaction apart from validating my purchase.

[@S-T-E-V-E]

I guessed right, I think the Gibson Pickups are just warmer and have a larger, richer bass end frequency but every generation of Epiphone's and Squier's get better and better! The new Affinity collection is getting close to the Classic Vibe and Classic Vibe are getting closer to American Fenders!

[@petertrauber112]

Agreed. There was a low-end difference between them, but frankly it was close. I wonder how an Epi 335 + fret dressing + new pickups fares cost-wise vs a stock Gibson 335?

[@namnefternamn5463]

I too agree. There is a creamyness in the Gibson that the Epiphone doesn´t have but the Epiphone has an upper register attack witch might suitable for certain styles of playing that the Gibson doesn´t have. Now I wonder if it´s the pickups and/or the type of lacquer that causes this?

[@S-T-E-V-E]

@@petertrauber112 I would like to see a blindfold test with a set of Gibson pups in the Epiphone too to see if it's as simple as a pup change or if the construction makes an audible difference to the tone! Or better yet a set of boutique pups!

[@S-T-E-V-E]

@@namnefternamn5463 Yes I agree, an Epiphone with Gibson pups would be a good side by side or even boutique pups! I used to own the Epiphone Les Paul Custom 1955 Outfit Special Edition, it had Gibson P90's in it, I really regret selling it it was the best Wepiphone I've ever played! The Lee Malia LP had Gibon Pups as well, I had one of those bu I didn't really like it TBH!

[@CassiniProjekt]

I did the blind fold myself and thought the Gibson was an Epi precisely because of that low end, I thought the Epi must have been the Gibson because it sounded more resonant and less flubby

[@Hanssone]

I bought this epiphone model right before it sold out when it launched, When it got home I set it up to my preference and its plays like butter. Also was kinda surprised by the pick-ups, my first intention was to change them for gibson/lollar, but I kinda grown to like them more and more. Its very extremely well priced and my bank account is healthy. haha

[@michaelheller8841]

I purchased a lot of Epi's and I only changed the pickups in my 61' Epiphone Les Paul SG. The bridge was too bright and I put in hand-wired Humbuckers. It's now set up very nice and I can hold a note till next Tuesday. So much so that I can beat out a lot of Gibson Les Paul's. $450 for the Guitar and $350 for the pickups.

[@Anjohl]

I got a 339 used for just under $300. Wonderful guitar.

[@SDisonYT]

Epiphones are getting really good. The Epiphone model that blows me away is the upcoming Alex Lifeson signature Les Paul. How did they put a flame maple top, coil split ceramic probuckers, a piezo, and a Floyd rose on a mahogany Les Paul with a hard shell case included and keep the cost under $900? Insane value.

[@mattelder9147]

They made it in China.

[@fusionfan6883]

I am sure someone has beaten me to it, but that solo on Bodhisattva was by the incredible Denny Dias. Originally SD was a full band, including Denny, but Becker and Fagen became tired of touring and soon converted to a studio operation which, over subsequent albums, drew on more and more studio musician as they wanted that jazz sensibility and harmonic knowledge to support their evermore complex ditties. Denny is a monster, and a bit of trivia, was also a bit of a computer wizard too.

[@nickwebb9290]

Great fun👍 For the money the Gibson costs I’m not sure I could justify paying out so much when the Epi sounds so close.

[@erwinroman4217]

And no one in the bar is going to know the difference.

[@Hockenduke]

Gibsons & USA Fenders will appreciate in value whereas the imports won't. But other than things guitarfiles would notice, the differences are negligible.

[@KYCDK]

just buy some new pickups and it may sound better than the gibson

[@jfar3340]

if you can afford it it's justifiable

[@jfar3340]

@@KYCDK installing new pickups in a semi hollow will set you back 5-600$

[@jamesbutler1949]

The fact that it takes so long to decide which is which is enough proof that the differences are virtually indistinguishable.

[@Charles-Darwin]

I love that they finally bound the neck and chopped the overkill headstock off

[@michaelheller8841]

Ever since the inspired by Gibson came out, I purchased a lot of Epi's lol

[@Charles-Darwin]

@@michaelheller8841 I wish I could, I've been waiting on the junior re-release forever - and they did that one better than ever also. I want that tv yellow and the single dog ear sunburst...and the es of course.

[@michaelheller8841]

@@Charles-Darwin Classic looks. From late 2020 till up to about 2 months ago, I went on an Epiphone craze and purchased, The Les Paul SG, ES-335, The Prophecy Epi Les Paul, Black Beauty, Joe Bonamassa 3 pickup Epi, Modern Epi Les Paul, and the 59' Epi Les Paul. I'm not bragging here, I would have never been able to get all the classics if they were all Gibson only. Each guitar tells a story. That TV yellow? that's cool man. Reminds me of Les Paul himself and Steve Howe played one. P90 pickups sound so good. Is the Junior for you inspired by Leslie West?

[@Charles-Darwin]

@@michaelheller8841 I really dig the sound and simplicity of a junior. Your collection sounds pretty sweet!

[@michaelheller8841]

@@Charles-Darwin Thanks the whole joy is in the playing, good luck with what you want, and keep rocking!

[@mattjones8523]

I think the best thing Epiphone did with its refresh of their line-up was upgrading all the pots to CTS pots. I love my Epiphone ES-335 Figured.

[@klonklone7787]

You can’t deny the power of Epiphones

[@hezz74]

Neither the punters in the pub or the girl you're tryin to impress at your club gig would know the difference... .......and the desired result will be achieved regardless I'm sure.

[@hanskorn]

I agree. It’s liberating once you start thinking like this. It allows you to just make it work and focus on what really counts, which is playing, making music, and having some fun in the process.

[@chrisjs6123]

I’d know the difference because I’m a guitar nerd. But if the playing is good I won’t care and you sure as shit a) ain’t gonna care what I think and b) definitely don’t want to sleep with a middle aged bass player 😂

[@hezz74]

@@chrisjs6123 middle aged bass players need lovin too 🤣🤣

[@michaelheller8841]

Gibson, Fender, Epiphone? just rock them all out.

[@hezz74]

@@KevinJDildonik exciting stuff eh. 🤣 I'm not sure I could cope....

[@carlosruiz6369]

It would be cool to see how the ES-339 version of Epiphone competes with Gibson. Great video as always :)

[@jonkerr2050]

I’m a new player in the last few months. I love my Epiphone 335. We kind of did something similar with one of my Dads employees who’s a damn good player. Didn’t tell him what model he was even being handed. He immediately knew it was a 335 but was sure he’d been handed a Gibson. We didn’t have his Gibson there for comparison. But still. He was very impressed.

[@markpearcemusic258]

I bought mine after my custom shop 335 suffered a headstock break thinking it'd tide me over until I could get another. Incredibly impressed, so much so that I bought the Maestro SG and Les Paul 50's Goldtop. Epiphone have nailed it with the Inspired by Gibson range!

[@mattjames9941]

I got into the hollow body guitars by listening to Izzy Stradlin, so I bought an Epiphone 335 from Andertons last year. It’s a fantastic guitar, took a little while to get used to the size of the body, but now I love it.

[@scottyrager333]

The Captain's Chuck Berry joke went completely unnoticed. 🤣🤣🤣

[@johnjgibson6807]

Glad I Got To Hang Out With This Awesome Video With You Guys 👍👍🎶🎶

[@demian113]

It's all in the ear of the beholder. I love my ebony ES-335 Pro with the block inlays. Super impressed with the alnico pro pickups so no mods necessary. Honestly there is maybe a 5-10% difference between Gibson/Epiphone ES-335s, but the Gibson is 10 times the price. It's more about if you feel it's worth it. Personally I don't and I play my $400 Epiphone ES-335 live more than my $2500 Gibson Les Paul. Go figure 🤷‍♂️

[@therealdoug1000]

Just bought an Epi-335 today. Love it! This review cinched the decision for me. Thanks boys!

[@elbahro]

Finally! Waited so long for this video, thanks guys :D

[@Erickchicas]

I did the blindfold test and prefered the Epi !

[@Skybluetoo]

Would love to see one of these versus the Sire Larry Carlton H7

[@robertprice5039]

I know that my Gretsch Broadkaster Jr and my Gretsch Electromatic G5255T are very close in feel and tone. Yes, the Broadcaster is better, but it better be at the price difference.

[@shreyashwankhede185]

These intro jams is WHAT I LIVE FORRR!!!

[@thebarondisco7741]

I dont think there is anything wrong with a guitar out of the box.. Spoken like a true business man.

[@lordporcupine8767]

I had a dot, put SD Seth Lover PU’s in it, installed 50’s wiring and it was magic. Then I dropped it and it shattered. Need a new one and will install the PU’s and Wiring.

[@curlybluesman]

I’d love to see a shootout between the sire Larry Carlton and the epiphone, maybe some other affordable 335 inspired guitars. Compared with a Gibson too.

[@michaeljensen1625]

That is the video I'm desperate for them to do.

[@alexanderbrown4250]

I saw Larry a few months ago. He's not playing a Gibson. He's playing a $650 Sire, a Gibson 335 lookalike. He had it at the master class I attended before the show and at the show.

[@omwilsonow]

That would be great, IMO the Epi still sounds closer to the Gibson than the Sire. As bad as I wanted to say the Sire is a better instrument especially under Larry's name. I'm leaning towards the Epiphone personally.

[@duffyking5342]

Thanks for all the great vids that you and your crew put out. I live in Vancouver Canada so I'm not a customer but like ( I'm sure ) countless thousands of others I look to you guys for the details and sound of gear before I head off to my local music store. Thanks again guys.

[@SnIpErX07]

A fair take on Epiphone and Gibson. Gibson is like a dream guitar basically. I do own a Epiphone Tribute 2010 in 2011. It was a huge upgrade for me coming from a special II. Only about 2 years back where I picked up a used 2018 Gibson LP standard (non-hp). That’s my first Gibson and there’s really a difference in feel. Did it blow my mind? No. But it just feels good. Like I have attained a goal. But that’s only the diff. Due to the nitro and poly finish, you can definitely feel it, the neck rolled edge… Since my Epiphone came with 57 classic as stock. It’s really Gibson sounding out of the box, swapped the nut to tusq, changed to Faber bridge and tailpiece. Really plays well. I have no opportunity to feel the latest Epiphone but if they are also given access to nitro lacquer and all the final finishing touches. Gibson definitely is going to lose their sales. Those American made that is. Therefore definitely a difference is needed. It’s applicable to all other brands as well. So a dream of course is to own 1 of the big brands, be it ESP custom, Ibanez prestige, Heritage, PRS. It’s a dream come true, and if it makes you feel really happy. Go for it. But function/tone wise? All the affordable ranges definitely will fit the bill and gets the job done.

[@ronaldmaday]

I’m thinking about selling some things and picking up a cherry red Epiohone ES 335. It’s so nice! I hope everything’s going well in England as we wind-down in this COVID season.

[@fedup3449]

I tried the blindfold challenge. Went and got a scarf, put it on, walked back into the room, clipped the edge of my table with my hip, caught my glass of wine on the table and knocked it over the Les Paul I bought from you guys. Now tell me you're not trying to drum up trade from these videos.......😉

[@Zoso981]

An online retailer here in the U.S. has an Olive Drab colored ES-335 on sale for $399. I've never owned an ES before, but I couldn't pass that deal up. The guitar arrived a few weeks ago, and it quickly became one of my all-time favorite players. Nearly perfect out of the box too. Just a great, fun guitar to play. And for under $400?!?! Easy choice.

[@davidharding200]

I have one of these. Phenomenal build quality. Absolutely kills the Gibson for fit and finish. Figured raspberry top is stunning. But I just can’t connect with it. I’ve had it 8 months and played it no more than 2 hours total. Update: after much playing with the set up I’m getting there and enjoying it now. It’s needed more set up to get it in the call park of ‘right’ than any guitar I’ve experienced previously.

[@michu6777]

Sand some of the thick plastic clear coat off and you might find the guitar feels a bit better in your hands, and looks better too

[@JimWalkerMusic]

I purchased an "IBG" Epiphone ES 335 about 5 months ago. I must say this one is wayyy better quality than the Epiphone Dot I had in the 90s. My 2022 model has become my daily driver here in the livingroom. I haven't had it out on a gig yet as my day job has kept me out of bands for a number of years outside of an occasional fill in, but that will soon change. I can hardly wait to make some money with this fantastic axe!

[@GradyElla]

Don't need a blindfold, I'm living the dream. Used to play a Gibson 330 TD and always thought it was just a reference. About a year ago, I was in my local shop and they had taken a 2009 Epiphone 335 "Dot" in on a trade. I sat down with it and about an hour later, I purchased a case and brought it home. There's a Strat sitting out here, along with a beautiful blonde Tele, a PRS Tremonti, a 175, two Taylor acoustics and I don't want to tell you what else! Point is, this quote/unquote knock-off has pushed everyone else down to the reserves. I can't put this thing down. Plays like a dream come true and has a tone I just can't get over. I play it through a Katana 100W, just a slight touch of reverb on the brown sound channel with about 75% gain to clip the amp a little and my God, what a sound. Frankly, I don't care that I only paid $399 for it. Sometimes, guitars can surprise you. If you're in the market for a 335, you really owe it to yourself to give these instruments a very thorough test drive. You'll be amazed.

[@drakesmoke8728]

My experience of the 'Inspired By' and all Epis in fact is that they can compete but only after the scratchy uneven frets are addressed. I will say that my 335 did come out of the box much better than my 335 Pro which was as a result sold!

[@unrequitedmusic8004]

Agreed. My Epi Les Paul Custom is great, but the fretwork was spotty, needed some work.

[@seric4546]

I checked out about four of the "Inspired by Gibson" (I was always under the impression that the Epiphone copies were Gibson inspired) Epi 335s last weekend at my local Guitar Center. They all had ridiculously high action and another thing that bothered me was the pickup surrounds seemed undersized and left the pickups sticking way out of them, sometimes at weird angles. I was not very impressed.

[@tannertuner]

@@Edward1312 he’s saying the store hadn’t set them up and he wasn’t impressed with them in the store. That doesn’t make him lazy. When the store makes no effort to set up a guitar, you’re taking a chance that an instrument that was made in China can be adjusted the way you want it when you get home. As expensive as all these imports are getting, that’s becoming a harder risk to take.

[@seric4546]

@@Edward1312 I've set up way more guitar than you guaranteed in my more than 30 years of playing buying selling and setting up guitars. You Sir are a budding moron to make such assumptions based on a simple opinion that you didn't like. I also have an epiphone dot which in my opinion is a better constucted instrument. I was not impressed with the new Epiphone inspired by Gibson 335s okay? Get over it!

[@GradyElla]

A long time ago, I had a chance to play an old Gibson 330 TD, the little brother of the 335 and it was to this day the most playable instrument I have ever held in my hands. Only until very recently that is. I happened on a 2009 Epiphone 335 "Dot" in my friend's music store a few months ago that he had just taken in trade. The instrument had already been set up and this particular store owner is something of a legend, having made guitars for the likes of Bob Dylan, Chet Atkins and Jerry Douglas to name a few, so for this guitar to be on display in his store, it had to be already darn near perfect. It was! After sitting with it for about an hour, I purchased a hard case from him, threw the instrument in it and drove home. It has been in my hands every day since. And although I suspect you are probably correct to say they need some TLC when first purchased, I can at least attest to what it's like to play one once that initial setup work has been done. And for $399 plus $50 for a used case, this Epiphone makes a joyful noise indeed!

[@voyager7]

I really enjoyed this video, not only because of the 335 love shown but the real and down-to-earth conversation and joy of instruments/music. Going to buy the cherry Epi 335 (inspired by Gibson!) at the local guitar shop Wednesday!

[@benallmark9671]

How is it ?

[@voyager7]

@@benallmark9671 Plays like a dream! Highly recommend, though as with any guitar i would say try one out if you get the chance and compare to other semi-hollow bodies on the market. For me, this Epi 335 will be with me for good. Just can't beat it!

[@incognito2246]

A more bright sound and clarity for the Epiphone neck pickup. I prefer the bridge from Gibson. I have this new Epi es335 IbG since few month. The guitar needed a complete setup. Now it’s a lovely machine. I fall In love with the sound of the pickups.

[@neilgaydon5430]

Pick the guitar you love playing, makes you feel good in your hands and proud to own

[@riffmagos]

I see The Captain and Danish Pete, I instantly click Like.

[@billhillard]

Want to do a REAL blindfold challenge? Do one with a Gibson with Epiphone pickups and an Epiphone with Gibson pickups. You cannot even tell them that the pickups have been switched. Then ask which one is the Gibson.

[@jacquesd5781]

I just got one through a trade. I can't put it down, the tone is the closest I've had to my 1965 ES-125TCD (that I regrettably had to sell a few years ago), with sizzling hot trebles and punchy mids. It's a 10/10 guitar.

[@marks915]

My Epi 335 arriving this week, after a 4 month backorder. Watching this...can't wait for it to arrive. I thought the Gibson had smoother, more controlled tones across the spectrum with the bridge pickup.

[@AlHan888]

thank you very much for this video, I love Gibson and I always wanted to buy myself a 335! now that I am almost on the verge of purchasing, I have been testing several 335 models including a Custom Shop model! I was unfortunately disappointed with the finish and the sound of it! In terms of finish, the pickup selection switch kept coming back to the center without me touching it! In terms of sound, the treble was screaming and hurt my ears! However the test was made on a Tone King Imperial! The store clerk then put in my hands an Eastman T59 / v! So I compared this guitar to the 335 custom shop! What a surprise! This guitar is not only magnificent in terms of finish! Double bending, double inlays on the neck, minimalist wear of the varnish, barely aged! In terms of sound, an incredible balance with a good foundation of sound and treble that sing without attacking the ear and all for 2000 € less than the Gibson! Despite the fact that I prepared for the purchase of this legendary 335, my choice is made! It will be an Eastman!

[@MrSomchiman]

This is really fun to differentiate between budget guitars and luxury guitars!

[@ProffessorMusic]

The biggest difference I heard in the pickups is like Pete said: clarity. I think the Epiphone compressed more, resulting in a louder, bigger sound with more mids, whereas the Gibson stayed more open. The higher frequencies had more room to breathe, unmasked by bass and mids. But if the feel's there (and I didn't already have a couple 335s I love) I'd totally get an Epiphone and upgrade the pickups. Definitely gonna check these out ASAP and probably recommend them to my students looking to upgrade.

[@snorrevonflake]

Strange how people hear that different, or its just the words ? The Gibson sounds more compressed to me, darker, love that.

[@ProffessorMusic]

@@snorrevonflake What you might be hearing is a more balanced frequency response from the Gibson. When I say "more compressed" I'm referring to dynamics: the Epiphone sounds like its pickups have less dynamic range than the Gibson. Of course, the Gibson also sounds a bit compressed because virtually all humbuckers compress when they're turned up all the way.

[@ruiseartalcorn]

I did the blindfold test and picked the Gibson immediately - it sounded slightly warmer to me. However, I thought that the overall tone of the Epiphone was great and at that price I would probably prefer it to the Gibson.

[@SilverParatrooper]

Yeah man the Gibson is definitely a little more creamy

[@ruiseartalcorn]

@@SilverParatrooper Indeed! :)

[@tbone25]

Great comparison video gents! I have the Inspired by Gibson 335 and absolutely love it. Yes, it is a larger body style, but the thin width more than makes up for it and it is my most comfortable guitar. It's not like fighting a huge dreadnought. The thin body allows you to control it so easily with your forearm. It played great "out of the box" as you say and the Alnico Classic pickups have bark! Rolling the volume down cleans it up so nicely and the middle position has a sweet spot around 7 or 8. It is my best playing guitar by far!

[@cros79]

Wouldn't it be more fair to the budget model if you put fresh strings on them? Much of the clarity difference could be explained by the Epiphone having factory stock strings and coming straight out of the box. Great fun though!

[@michaelirons5662]

I LOVED IT PETE WHEN YOU LET RED SONJA HAVE HERHEAD GORDTHAT WAS BLOODY GOOD AT THE INTRO.

[@Jointlock]

I wanted a 335, and while Epi has drastically improved (love my Epi Modern LP) I opted for a Sire H7 Larry Carlton signature and it is awesome. Very silky and easy to play, one of the only guitars I have that I feel is underpriced. Great value for money.

[@socialmeaslesinpartnership1252]

I also have an H7. Agreed, great guitar.

[@stoneysdead689]

With acoustic guitars you can definitely tell a difference- blind folded or not- they sound very different from one another. And so far, just going by the acoustics I've played- yes, you could pick out the expensive ones blindfolded for sure. But- when it comes to electric guitars, that changes- it gets much more difficult. Especially now when they're making so many budget models that rival name brand stuff. Acoustics are different though- I don't think they've figured out how to make a good budget acoustic yet. If they have, I haven't found it. The Epiphone acoustic I play is from the mid to late seventies- and it's sweetened with time- sounds amazing. My uncle was going to throw it away because the neck had let go on it- my dad made mandolins, guitars, banjos, and did repairs- so he brought it home and fixed it and gave it to me. I've been playing it ever since- that's over 30 years now, close to 40. But finally, the bridge is starting to pull away from the body- because my stupid nephew cranked down the truss rod and put the neck under compression, putting more pressure on the bridge- trying to lower the action as low as he could. So now- I have to buy an acoustic, time to retire the old Epiphone- two major repairs is one too many imo. Dad passed 3 years ago so, I'd like to keep it to remember him by- I also have several of his mandolins and stuff.

[@steves12strings]

Yamaha and Eastman have figured out the acoustic side over the past few years.

[@Hexspa]

22:37 gib neck clean 23:15 epi neck clean

[@Hexspa]

A year later and I was fooled listening on Air Pods Pro 2. With eyes closed, even open, I thought that Epi sounded nice. Would be great for a player.

[@christopherhansford6876]

3:40 Pete’s hair literally blown back by his solo with the fuzz pedal on during the intro.

[@Jimmy5934-e1y]

I bought an Epiphone “Inspired by Gibson” es-335 yesterday and it is every bit as good as the $4k Gibson 335 I used to own. I compared them back to back at the guitar shop before I bought the Epiphone. The differences were negligible. Epiphone really knocked this run of guitars out of the park!

[@StarTrekBro]

Taking the pick guard off was the one modification I did to mine and it makes all the difference in looks

[@ryanfulldark2775]

Just picked one up today at the local guitar store, solely because of its acoustic resonance and it’s nasty tone on the bridge and non-muddy neck, bluesy awesomeness. It’s a budget tone monster. It sounds as good as a Gibson, but feels different for sure. Great vid, as always lad. Because of this I learned I’m not just hearing what I want. Affirmation!

[@jimacheson]

I have no idea how you do not hear a difference. Perhaps the amp i play them on Can make a difference, but to me the sound difference is as fast as the sound difference between a trumpet and a clarinet

[@folderol8487]

And this type of Gibson boutique snobbery is why Fender's been running circles around them for decades.

[@ryanfulldark2775]

@@folderol8487 Seems to me Gibson does just fine, pal. Just as many, if not more legendary players have wielded a Gibson than a Fender. I love em both, different tools for different jobs.

[@phillipaspinall8745]

I've just bought from Andertons, after speaking with them on the telephone, very good experience and the goods (Korg pedal tuner, cable and slinkys) arrived the following day. I like them.

[@DrJürgen]

The Epiphone ES-335 IG is a wonderful guitar; to play it in the neck position it is so jazzy, wonderful, sometimes I prefer it to my Gibson ES 335!

[@SamOjalvo]

A few years ago this video convinced me to go with an epiphone over the pricey Gibson 335, today this same video has convinced me to get the Gibson now!

[@gregoryhunt9494]

I love my Epiphone 335 I just wished it came with a hard shell case. Such a versatile Guitar great addition to my tool box. Love your channel Arizona,USA🇺🇸

[@vincebauerle5942]

I have both. Both EXCELLENT Guitars. My Gibby just feels better. Both sound great though....the Gibson is a little tighter and warmer, but definitely the Epi is a great guitar.

[@Florida_Boi_321]

The Epiphone just has that mid-range punch that I love. What a great guitar!!!

[@mt-nv4jd]

The point is, they are so close, I will be pleased with the Epi. Thanks.

[@deanallen927]

People overestimate the truss rod thing - it's easy. You don't crank anything on a guitar anyway. it's an adjustment, simple as that. An easy starting pint is to put a capo on the first fret, finger the low E on the last fret. Loosen the rod a 1/16 of a turn to check that it's not too tight already. If you have a touch less than 1/8" inch gap in the mid point of the fingerboard It's usually prefect. If you don't mind a little more buzz or higher action (you have to choose) tighten an 1/8" turn or less to flatten it more.

[@jimmyjoe1871]

I played one of the Epi 335s recently. It was a great guitar

[@MarlonGibbons]

That beautiful tone at 16:26 is so good.

[@ChadStevensND]

"Chuck Berry likes to do that, amongst other things..." Probably went over most people's heads, but quietly the funniest part of this video.

[@SamHolland]

Danish Pete absolutely KILLING IT in the intro 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤯 awesome!!! 🎸🤘🏻

[@bilalnachabeh]

Even if I had the money for a Gibson I would still buy the epiphone version and save for a high quality sounding amp!

[@morganghetti]

I used to have a 335 and sold it. You could buy an Eastman, and what ever amp you wanted and come in at a lower price point.

[@budgetguitarist]

You've pretty much unlocked the secret of tone.

[@lescaster2179]

@@morganghetti Eastman makes high quality guitars at their price points. Their upper tier? Custom Shop stuff that owes apologies to no one.

[@Dexterrjoe]

Play a Gibson 335 and you’d change your mind

[@dowaliby1]

Opening jam was as dope as it gets.

[@brianbogle5050]

I have the Epiphone. It's a wonderful guitar. I had to have the frets dressed and filed because they were horrible. But after that, it's better than the two Gibson 335s that I used to own.

[@timbeaton5045]

To smooth a slightly rough fret(s), I recommend using those fret rubbers as sold by a well known YT channel/guitar company. With care, you don't need to tape off or protect the board, just use the rubber (a coarse one, and a fine one to remove any scratches from the former) to polish the frets. For that extra shine, I believe Autosol makes an excellent final polish to your frets, but you SHOULD tape off the board if you do that, to prevent the Autosol from being absorbed by the fretboard wood. Easily done, costs little, and makes the frets play really sweetly, and they also look nice and shiny. Ooohhh! SHINY!

[@michaelheller8841]

I love my Epiphone inspired by Gibson Es-335. Fantastic guitar for the money. If it's good in the hands and sounds good, it's a keeper. In the test here, I thought the Bridge pickup was better on the Gibson for sure. 5 times the price better? no, I'd rather spend on pickups. You can try out a Gibson or Epiphone, what's better in your hands is the one to go with. You can have two of the same exact model brand and they will be different. The setup is so important as well. We all tend to hear with our eyes lol.

[@thepkeezy]

25:25 He hesitates to choose which sound is the Gibson. The fact that it caused pause in a man accustomed to hearing all kinds of guitars, I’m sold. One day I’ll have my Gibson, but an Epiphone is more then enough for now.

[@amramin2134]

The epiphone sounds amazing but the gibson is alot warmer and fuller and has alot more definition and clarity

[@bryanitz8401]

The Captain and Pete! Must-See-TV!! Amazing as always! Cheers from Texas!

[@MarcMercier1971]

7:39 a customer walks in, grabs the Epi 335 in Lee's hands and says "I've bought this" and walks out. Would have been a hilarious side skit in the video.

[@briancahill2136]

Love my 2015 cherry Epiphoney,,,,, 339. My favourite guitar to play ..better than my MIM... Tele and Strat. Or my 1983 Yamaha SG.....Still want a Gibson though.....

[@briano.5746]

I have an Epiphone 335 Dot that I absolutely love! That and my Mim Tele are my go to guitars out of the 6 guitars I own. The Dot is the only one I haven't modded in any way , except for removing the pickguard HA HA! ✌😎👍🎸🎼🎵🎶🧠🌌♾

[@NoNameNo.5]

The dot was amazing, Grover tuners, rosewood, full-size pots…..it was superior

[@acidophilic]

My two Epiphone Hollow Bodies (79' EA-250 from Japan and 97' Sheraton from Korea) have bodies that will last a lifetime but have needed practically all hardware/electronics to be upgraded/replaced. The Sheraton I bought new and is worth far less than what I have in it. The EA-250 I bought in non-functioning condition and is worth around what I have into it. Buying used Epiphones that need some TLC is the way to go..... or... buy a Gibson and never need to upgrade it and have it retain/appreciate in value.

[@jawnedgaralice8606]

I looked away... NO FREAKIN CLUE!!! completely weird because when the video started, you both on the epiphones, I thought yeeeeah it does sound a bit cheap... amazing

[@poodleguiderpeyes7388]

I prefer the Sheraton II Pro, it sounds & playswonderful and looks gorgeous. And at a very reasonable price.

[@murthisrikanth]

Yess!!come on epiphone!

[@andertons]

Which Epiphone video has been your favourite so far?

[@murthisrikanth]

@@andertons the TV yellow specials were the best.

[@johnsikora6043]

I always wanted Gibson to put the jack for the cord on the side and get it off of the top of the guitar.

[@Sickofsociety1]

I could listen to them play all day.