Epiphone ES-335 - Guitar Review - Are We Inspired?

[@theguitaristas]

Hey all, I did try to include what 'tone woods' the body was made from but got it horribly wrong so it didn't make the cut... so to clarify the Epiphone ES-335 is made from 'layered' maple (laminated I guess?) with Maple centre block, while the Gibson ES-335 is made from 3 ply Maple/Poplar/Maple, with Maple centre block. Hopefully I got it right this time. Cheers!

[@GundogJake]

Have Gibson changed the 335 centre block in recent years? I always understood it to be a maple centre block in the 335s The ends are usually mahogany and there is a piece of kerfed spruce between the block and the top.

[@theguitaristas]

@@GundogJake well spotted I got that wrong and have corrected!.. . it's the bracing that is Spruce. Thanks

[@Mountainrock70]

The Epi ES 335 Pro that came right before these the tops were 5-ply Maple/Birch. Those had the old bell headstock . I got to say those sound a little better, but have cheaper pots in them. The pickups however are the same as the new IBG’s. Im glad to have both. Great channel by the way!

[@mblazer4004]

I love your playing and find it very refreshing compared to a lot of the shred stuff on youtube. I love that 60s-70s guitar tone and vibe. If you had not told us you struggle with it, I would have never known. You appear very confident. Great video!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers that's appreciated!

[@proof377]

I totally agree. I hate when people just shred the shit out of everything, with pinch harmonics and all. Like, can I just hear a fucking note? I love the playing here.

[@LGuitarB]

I agree, also the style of playing demonstrates the tones of the guitars very well.

[@brutus6328]

"It's not ringing like.....I mean, it is ringing obviously because it is.......ringing"......Best quote EVER!!! I'm stealing that one! hahahaha Great vid as always!

[@k_kelsey]

I love this guy. Seems like a good chap.

[@anthonyboggs6409]

I pre-ordered this guitar right when it came out. It’s my first epi or Gibson for that matter. Ive played mostly strats and I have one of the fender murauders from 2012. I fell in love with this particular guitar and I think it sounds pretty great for the price (which was at least $100 dollars more than it was upon its initial release) I think they’re around $550 or so now. Killer value in my opinion and not only sounds great but possibly more importantly it feels great to play. This guitar completely reversed my opinion on epiphone guitars.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Anthony, good to hear that you bonded with yours... there’s no doubt these new Epiphone’s are excellent guitars, I may just have been having a bad day! 🤷‍♂️🎸👍

[@jjohn341]

I brought one when they first came out , I couldn’t stop myself , It fits like a glove with my strat . I had a 1971 gibson es 335 , and while not the same , I’m very pleased with mine , has a sound all of its own .

[@benjaminhurley1823]

Did they rerelease this guitar

[@theguitaristas]

@@benjaminhurley1823 in 2020 in the 'inspired by Gibson' range.

[@Anjohl]

I had the same experience as you with my 2020 Epiphone Les Paul Classic. I had an Epiphone LP 15 years ago, and it was just UNinspired. These new Epiphones are wonderful!

[@davidkerr1971]

Hey Man, really enjoyed the episode. I own the previous version of this guitar the dot. Paid 350 notes for it. Have since upgraded things over the years. Graph tech nut, Gibson Deluxe tuners, Gibson 490 R an T pickups, new electrics and switch. It was always a great guitar to play but electrics were problematic and my pick ups sounded muddy as hell. Managed to turn her round with my own version of inspired by Gibson. Great video Im sure you will bond with the guitar.Take care.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks David, quite looking forward to the possibilities with this one! 😎👍🎸

[@brutus6328]

Dude, don't ever knock yourself for your playing!!! You play just FINE and I think you do an exceptional job with the "red light syndrome" for just a regular guy (meaning not a professional recording artist). Playing doesn't need to be fancy to sound good....just listen to Billy Gibbons!!! Guy can play three notes over and over and he can squeeze out tone for days!

[@theguitaristas]

Ah thanks Brutus... I like you man!! You are bang on the money with Billy Gibbons, he’s outstanding and I have been listening to him a lot lately for inspiration... dude he doesn’t even need 3 chords to make it sound fancy! 😎👍🎸

[@brutus6328]

@@theguitaristas I saw him 2 years ago in Austin Texas with Cheap Trick and Bad Company and the Reverend possessed a God -like tone!!! It was crystal clear, thick and devastatingly loud (in the best way)! And remember, this is with 7 gauge strings too!!! LOLOLOLOL It's not the guitar, not the pick, not the amp, not the pedals, not the string gauge......it's the player!!! I said in my very first comment to you that I really enjoyed your laid back, melodic soloing where you seem to put a lot of feeling into just one note! Keep doing the videos, keep doing you (as they say) and it will always be a great vid, even when you feel uninspired.

[@theguitaristas]

@@brutus6328 Thanks again for your support dude its really appreciated!

[@brutus6328]

@@theguitaristas And I thank YOU for the down to earth, no BS vids!!! Can't wait for the next one, I only wish they came more often! :)

[@jamesdalzell6741]

Sounds great to me

[@dromoli]

You deserve a TV show, mate.

[@theguitaristas]

Hey thanks Diego!... I suppose in many ways I already have one but with the added bonus of being able to do and say whatever I like 😆👍

[@jaixaphoto]

Yes, I fear a TV show would be too limiting. That requires a strict format, needs to be sponsored (and authorised) by the big brands, so no real free speech because of commercial interests. Nah, I thinkYT is the best place for a "show" like this!

[@Stratman6969]

Great video Colin. The 'Inspired by Gibson' range are very good indeed, but I would say they really need a good setup before judging. I have setup several for customers and most needed the frets levelling and the fret ends smoothing and polishing, plus the usual setup points, but once done I couldn't fault them.

[@porkpiepilgrim5302]

I bought one of these two days ago and I’ve got to say I love it straight out of the box. I tried a few different guitars in the store and this one felt and sounded the best to me. I had an Epiphone Dot and this es 335 is so much better. Having said that I’m interested in what changes you make to it. Love the channel

[@mjc4art]

Looking forward to getting mine in a few days. I’ll be rewatching your videos as I plan on doing the same upgrades. Thank you for everything you post.

[@theguitaristas]

Nice one!… and you’re very brave! 😂👍

[@harolddavis4138]

Dang Colin You play with more feeling than about anybody out there. Thanks for being real .

[@theguitaristas]

😊🙏

[@jeremywooldridge5537]

Had one of these for about 6 months now. Really a pretty amazing guitar for the money. Mine had some pretty sharp fret ends when I got it but after I cleaned those up I was very happy with it. Your review of the Emily Wolfe has me pretty intrigued.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Jeremy... yes that EW Stealth is very nice and rings a bit more openly than my 335, but it has a different pickup set and also costs a few hundred $$$ more!

[@walterhambrick8705]

Hello, thanks for sharing. I own an Epiphone "Dot" built in 1997. I found that the stock strings sounded ok for about 10 minutes or so. Years later I found SIT Power Wound "Jazz" 12 - 54 strings and it came alive. It sounded to my ears better than a real 335, but in all fairness, mine was set up. Later I upgraded the bridge PU to a TV Jones Filtertron Classic and I really like the sound. Not as good as my Gretsch Country "Gentleman" Classic, but close enough. Every new guitar we try is compared to our experiences. So not all guitars will be better than the best we have tried.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Walter, makes me realise first thing I need to do is fresh set of decent strings... probably make all the difference!

[@walterhambrick8705]

@@theguitaristas Not only do a fresh decent set of strings make a difference. Some guitars like my Gretsches won't sound right if the 3rd string isn't wound. I cannot tell you why, but both the 12 string and the Country Classic need a wound string for the 3rd. My Dot had a back bow in it until I had 12s on it for several years. I now use 12s on almost every guitar.

[@theguitaristas]

@@walterhambrick8705 thanks this is good info to have!

[@HankMartin-ll4pi]

I know how you feel sometimes guitars just don’t feel right.... for me that style of hollow body is for a taller person on stage or playing it sitting down might be a bit more comfortable. I also have an Epiphone es 339 i’ve just had the frets levelling and polished up by a great Luthier guy i know in Scotland called Andy he works for Ayr Guitar that guitar plays so much better it’s made all the difference ..... Love watching your channel very much please keep it up.🎼🎶🎸😊👍

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Hank!

[@anthonygonzalez8684]

Tested their Traditional Pro 335 with Split Coil on a Blackstar Amp. Sounded amazing even with cheaper tone dials. Still going to pick one up. It does get the right tone when accompanied with proper Amp. Very enjoyable to play for the value.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Anthony, I think the Pros are different anyway... i had a 339 pro once that was fantastic 😎🎸👍

[@cussy77]

I agree the guitar sounds muffled I bought a revelation rt45 with entwhistle 58 pickups and that guitar is so bright and alive when you play cant wait too see if your upgrades make any difference great video love the channel

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers!

[@inglezoid]

I have a Sheraton Pro II, and originally the sound had far too much low end and sounded muddy. I switched the pickups to the Seymour Duncan vintage blues set, and now it sounds fantastic

[@dromoli]

Hey mate, I tried this guitar at a local shop yesterday and wasn't too impressed with the sound or playability. Same as you, I really wanted to like it more than I did. So I'm really looking forward to watching the next part in this series and find out how much it improves with your changes. Great video. Cheers.

[@christianjohnsen5974]

Try the 339👍

[@seanoakes3525]

I put some Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates,Grover Locking Tuners,Tone Pros Bridge on mine and it is now fantastic

[@ptrisonic]

I'm here and already writing before watching the whole show.... I had a Gibson ES335 (it moved on because it dug me in the ribs too much and felt huge - I'm 5' 10" but have a short body and long legs, call me Boris). I hated the acoustic sound - it sounded to me like a banjo. Plug it in , yeah. I had a builder working on my house when I first got it (bought from a store in Washington DC) and he told me it sounded like an angry angel. I did find it more dynamic than a Les Paul but the action felt incredibly stiff..;. Ken Hoover of Zion guitars set it up for me in Greensboro NC and he thought it was very "lively" sounding acoustically.... So, I loved the sound (thru an amp, at the time a Boogie) but hated the ergonomics. I really wish that I had got on with it - I had an old ES330 at the time and got on better with that (P90's again) so I think it was the relationship of the neck to the body thing... the 330 was shorter overall in length. Best, Pete. PS I really like the Burstbuckers too. In an SG they really "bark". Guitars are so personal to the player.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Pete, thanks for sharing 👍😎🎸

[@mikepj1025]

I have 57 classics in my Gibson Les Paul Traditional and I wasn’t crazy about them either UNTIL I adjusted the pickup height and played with the pole pieces height and the 57s quickly became my favorite pickup. You should give them another try. Experiment with pickup height and pole piece. It would actually be a great idea for a video. You would be great for a video like that because your very thorough.

[@theguitaristas]

😎👍

[@mschroeckenfuchs]

I'm currently in quarantine and while looking for videos on this guitar I just found your channel which I'm really happy about...the latter of course. ;) I love your honest and raw approach and humour and your playing is great as well, don't you worry about others. Subscribed immediately, thank you for the great content! Greetings from Austria

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, thanks for the kind words and support!... Hope some of these films help you while away some time, but don't forget to use some of it wisely to brush up your own chops!!

[@jamessutherington3471]

Hi mate iv got one in the sunburst finish, played it and wasn’t overly impressed, sent it to my luthier and got some seymore Duncan blues 59s put in and a set up and now I honestly can’t put it down! What a difference! The guitar is a different beast now. Cost me £149 for pick ups and £30 for set up. But now it plays like a 335 should. 👍

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks James, good to know that worked for you! 😎👍🎸

[@scottdavidson6066]

Duncan makes great pickups! I installed a Pearly Gates neck & Duncan Custom bridge in my ‘07 Epi Les Paul Custom in Wine Red. They sound great!

[@lynguist]

i am right now watching the entire series for the 3rd time. the first time was just because i wanted to watch as many of your videos as i can. the second time because i considered buying one after i played one in the local musicstore and i couldnt get it off my mind. now i bought one 2 days ago, i REALLY like it and i just watch again to plan further upgrades. though i have to say: i am of the opinion that you do not NEED to change anything after you bought it. i have bought and modded a ultra tele recently and i love the sound of the epiphone 335 as much as i do love that of the telecaster. in my opinion a truly stunning instrument, especially with taht pricepoint. cheers !

[@mikederby9055]

I plug mine into a fender deluxe reverb, set the neck pickup, and roll off the tone. It sounds like a million bucks. It needed new strings and a thorough setup when it arrived new.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Mike, going to set mine up properly next week 😎🎸👍

[@oldasrocks9121]

I bet your struggles with the stock pickups were with neck pickup height, drop it flush with the surround, if it seems remote sounding there raise the screw poles. On paper these are the same output at Gibson 57s. Often the covers are loaded with wax, corners packed full, which isn't good. Usually the nickel plated Epi covers are nickel steel (gold plated ones often are not.) But there are better covers. I know you jettisoned these already but they can definitely be brought around. A2 or A4 magnet swap and some cover/wax hygiene is totally worth it.

[@sandoncrowder7839]

Well the issue is that you’re doing something we all do as players, wanting the guitar to do something it just won’t do. That’s why one of the biggest things with guitars is versatility, this one makes a really good sound, but it only has that one kind of sound, so if you’re looking for something else you’ll be disappointed, but if that’s the sound you’re going for then that’s all you’ll need.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers for this... very true and wise words! 👍😎🎸

[@kristofer603]

Love Your Show...Bought mine...A Sunburst...last ChristMass.. Deeply Still involved with IT...Carry On.

[@hkguitar1984]

To my ears it sounds like a less expensive version of an Gibson ES-335 (obviously). While I don't 100% prescribe that an electric guitar's finish makes a difference (as far as tone) I do think in a semi-hollow body it very well may play a larger role in overall tone, feel and character. For an instrument like a semi-hollow body I'd spend the extra and purchase a Gibson (Studio or used ES). Also, it is tough to buy on-line as playing a guitar before purchase is perhaps much more important with a semi-hollow body or even an acoustic, they might be built all the same however they are not all the same. Great video and thank you for pulling this review together.

[@buck7477]

Think Alvin Lee man! I think it sounds great. Listen to Alvin Lee Free Fall or RX 5! It sounds perfect to me for that Heavy Southern Rock style! Most people don’t think of Him as a southern Rock guy but he has 4 Southern Rock Albums and ironically one is called Detroit Diesel! It’s a shame Alvin Lee didn’t tour America playing songs from those 4 albums! He always played the same old blues standards! I’m goin home etc.

[@j.a.s.1416]

Got the same guitar in gold. Would definitely say there's something going on there. I believe my pickups are quite low and sound amazing. But the neck pick-up definitely has something going on. Great videos as always.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks man, gold sounds cool! 😎🎸👍

[@gerryloughran1676]

Another great review … Epiphone are well known for muddy pickups especially the neck first thing to try is drop them try 2.5mm on the high end and 2.8/3mm on the low end !.. given the string height and intonation is Ok

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Gerry, I will start with that and it’s good to have some suggested numbers! 👍😎🎸

[@GuitarAtoZ1]

I'd really love to hear the Burstbuckers or the Monty's pafs in the 335... It looks like a quality guitar but it seems like the pickups are possibly letting it down. Also don't be hammering yourself on the playing, you give a great demonstration of the tones involved through your playing and we're all getting a lot from it, keep it coming 👍🏻🎸

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Bryan that’s appreciated 👍😎... one or other of those sets will end up in this for sure!

[@folkarchive739]

Really interesting video man. It's so weird when you don't quite bond with a guitar isn't it? Happened to me loads yet sometimes it's love at first play but can rarely be explained! Regards your playing, out of the thousands of guitar reviewers on here you're one of the very few I watch. Mainly because of your open mindedness and easy going manner but also your playing is good solid rock n roll, your style and presenting manner is much more like hanging out with a mate and chatting about guitars than a lot of channels that are more like the opinionated shredder guitar shop guy. Look forward to the next one man!

[@theguitaristas]

Ah thanks for the kind words dude! ☺️ The bonding thing is weird... if i’d picked this one up in a shop it wouldn’t have come home with me, but I get most things online these days. I suppose you can send it back no quibble returns if you don’t bond, but where’s the fun in that! Cheers for comment, so glad you found the channel and pleased to have you hanging out with us talking nonsense! 😎👍🎸

[@mikesalt8248]

Totally agree, great playing great tone !

[@cmorales5]

I like his style... I love the England accent and the cold-warm personality if British people. His way of talking about that 335 is very honest and interesting. I am thinking about buying that guitar. They come Lefty!

[@birdman316]

how did i miss this film??? glad i found it brother! now to grab pt2!

[@wadesummers4102]

I picked up a used 2016 Epi 335 Pro last year. Sounds really good thru my AC30. Some different specs than your current version. Maple/birch ply with mahogany center block according to the interwebs. Weights less than yours at 7.88 lbs and my Classic Pro pick ups are hotter at 8.28/9.98. I never used the push/pull pots so I up-graded the harness with one from your side of the pond - a 50s wired rig from Six String Supplies. I'll keep watching to see how your up-grades pan out.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Wade, looking forward to trying to fix ours! 😎👍🎸

[@weasel6535]

$900 in Canada (about the same price as you paid). My 335 was MEH out of the box too, but once I raised the pickups and played with the intonation it sounded so much better, enough that even my wife commented on it. I was the same way, I was thinking of returning my 335 for a Gretsch, but once I played around, as above, it came around.

[@chasuni5]

I agree with you that it doesn't "ring" when unplugged which was also my experience with mine. However I did find it improved quite considerably when I added a Bigsby B70 - a big transformation for me.👍

[@mralgebro]

I know exactly what you mean with the bond and not being able to play well when recording. Sometimes you just get in the vibe and it all comes so effortless but usually that’s when the cameras aren’t rolling. Also know what you mean about something just being off on certain guitars and you can’t figure out why. Great stuff

[@donge9589]

Honestly, guitars really have their own vibe don't they? Some new ones can seem less resonant. and I think there's a lot be said for giving them a chance to bed in by playing them. Others just sound dead, dull or lifeless and it hardly inspires you to play when your struggling with the guitar.

[@cliveburgess4128]

I agree, doesn't impress , dry , brittle, how about the original 59 epi pickups , which I liked a lot, would love to hear that! I think trying to play a dead guitar is a challenge, don't blame yourself look forward to the next video,

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Clive, I have choices on pickups.... going to try some non-invasive changes this week and go from there see what direction it takes. I may even put originals back in 59 and try the Montys in this one 🤔👍🎸

[@Johnjingleheimerschmidtt]

I bonded with my Epi 335 but found myself wanting more so I just picked up some Lollar Low Wind pups for it. Very excited to hear the difference and see if some of that wooliness is reduced. All signs point to a massive clarity improvement with them. Also, a Duellist pedal through a Fender amp really makes it, stock pickups included.

[@risteardohaodha23]

How did the swap go?

[@Johnjingleheimerschmidtt]

@@risteardohaodha23 It’s an absolute dream. The clarity and unique character that each pickup position has is just jaw dropping. Highly recommended. It’s inspired me to play differently and open up new challenges for myself on the instrument. (It just begs you to play some major blues a la BB and Allman Bros etc whereas I’m more at home in the minor blues). If an instrument can inspire you to grow, that’s a big win.

[@risteardohaodha23]

@@Johnjingleheimerschmidtt Good to hear, i had the same experience with my Strat when i put in a Monty’s loom and Lollar Special blonds - it transformed the guitar inspired me to play differently. Enjoy 🙂

[@poesybeat]

Totally agree - I put low wind imperials in my Eastman T486, and they made all the difference in bringing that 335-style guitar to life

[@homeguitarplayer9482]

Your reviews are worth watching. Although I'm not in the market for a 335 it will be an Epihone that I buy when I am. Epiphone is my brand over Gibson. It will probably always be that way. Thanks for the review.

[@paulcopsey6573]

Know what you mean. After a couple of years & a lot of recent tinkering it is just about "ok". Often left it hanging on the wall & considered selling it, but then I bought in new for about £250, which I think was an end of run / stock clearance a couple of years ago as they ran down production to prepare for the "inspired by Gibson" range. Always wanted to try a proper Gibson 335 to see just how it perhaps ought to be. It is not a patch on my Epiphone Les Pauls.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Paul, these are meant to be Les Paul beaters... we need to test that theory! 😎🎸👍

[@paulcopsey6573]

Maybe my expectations were too high for the 335 too. Just think the Les Paul's I have are so much more versatile, easier to play & actually reward you when fiddling with the tone & volume knobs aswell as the amp. The new Les Paul Classic from Epiphone is awsome & for me was great straight out of the box. It is also a great couch guitar, don't even need to plug it in for a good accoustic sound.

[@theguitaristas]

@@paulcopsey6573 I don't think its unrealistic to expect a bit more from the controls on this 335 as they are meant to be good quality CTS pots.... I ended up cutting out quite a bit of film (as it was a bit dull) where I played around with them to no avail... there was just nothing happening. Never mind, we will change them and fix it I hope.

[@2WAL-]

Loving the solo stuff at 17 min .. On fire baby !! Just another superb video brother

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, thanks for dropping in and for the kind words! catch you around very soon I hope! 😎🎸✌️

[@michaelbartlett9954]

Great review friend! I thought your playing was good as well as tone, but I get it that the player needs to be inspired by their sound. I bought this same guitar in sunburst last week and have been bonding with it. I too, noticed the overly bassy and wooly sound on the neck bucker, but I resolved that quickly by lowering the bass side of the neck pickup quite a bit and raising the poles on the lower strings. It keeps the bite but takes care of that problem you are facing. it also helps balance the volume between the two pickups. The neck will always be MUCH louder if they are set at the same height. cheers!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Michael, yes the first thing we'll do... strings and adjustments and of course some other messing around too!

[@good_king_guitarman1334]

I dunno, your playing looks pretty damn good to me! You've got nothing to worry about :)

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks man that's appreciated!

[@petestaint8312]

Agreed! Killer playing. 😎

[@johntaylor8829]

Thanks for the review! Sounds like for the money it's a good value and with some hotter pick-ups and maybe a few tweaks, you might have a really good instrument. Getting that inspiration from a guitar is not always easy, especially if it doesn't provide the type of tone you expect.

[@jmartini8875]

Love your channel. I agree that you have to spend time with a guitar. I too have played a few that don't do it for me, then find something later on that opens it's personality. It does happen. A lot of times you need to work a guitar into an Amp. I haven't pulled the trigger on an Epiphone 335, but have considered it. 🤔 peace my friend in tone.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks for supporting man! 😎🎸👍

[@carolinehaf21]

Agree, this has actually been such an interesting series to watch! Both for how to do some of the upgrades... but also to learn to spend some time with guitars and not blame my playing and stop being shy with the guitar if that makes sense 😇

[@projectmoon13]

I’ve been watching a lot of your videos. I think you’re brilliant to watch. Really funny and incredibly informative. Thanks. I bought this guitar in vintage sunburst. I’ll be replacing the tuners, bridge and pickups. It will be set up and played first. I learned quite a bit from this video. Cheers

[@alexstrums]

Watched the whole series a little while back and came back to video 1 now that I have one of these. For me, it plays just fine stock, which is funny because I had to tinker with my Gibson Les Paul and change pots, caps and pickups before it sounded how I wanted it to (it was worth it for the neck) 😊

[@simonplimbley5778]

Really enjoying your videos series - I like your honesty and look forward to catching up with this series. Biggest problem I have had over the years is buying something that I have always wanted (unplayed) and experiencing that same disappointment… which you then end up shifting on. I have a LP R8 which I like immensely but it just doesn’t excite me as much of my “tweaked” cheaper guitars. Keep it up mate …. like your playing by the way👍

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Simon, thanks for the kid words that's appreciated! Yes I know what you mean... the reality doesn't always live up to the GAS driven expectations, which is a bit of a bummer when it's expensive like an R8! And then there's almost a better buzz that can be found buying 'cheap' guitars when they are much better than perhaps expected. I for one am currently thinning out the high-end custom shop herd...

[@simonplimbley5778]

@@theguitaristas yes I know what you mean. I got rid of some of my stuff during lockdown. My favourite long standing guitar is my MIJ squier strat and an ‘81 Ibanez artist both have been extensively gigged. Neither are worth much but play great so they don’t disappoint

[@jasonwhitaker2430]

Yes i bought this guitar a few weeks ago and like you felt uninspired to play it. The fret work was terrible, so much so that i ended up doing a complete fret level re crown and adjusted the bridge . It now plays really nice but as you say still tight. The pups also in my opinion are very muddy. It will be interesting watching the follow up vids to see what if any the upgrades do. I also think that acoustic it sounds dull doesn't seem to resonate. Its a pity because i so wanted this guitar to be good.. well actually its not a bad guitar just i don't know i just don't feel the "love" with it.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Jason, hopefully we can make this guitar work for us eh?!... part 2 goes live shortly and we have made some good progress with just minor tweaks so check that out... and next week we'll take it further so fingers crossed we can bond!!

[@neilkeepingitreal]

I'm picking up a 6 month old one of these for £280 today gotta love gumtree

[@why_the_etude_matters]

If I changed anything on mine, I would replace the bridge pickup. But that is just my preference.

[@biglog6402]

It doesn’t groove my grockles, completely lacking a bluesy tone. Could be the body being completely made of maple and the pickups combined? Maple is supposed to add treble but it doesn’t seem to in this case? Be interesting to hear the difference if you put the Burstbuckers in. I tend to think those pickups and harness are the problem?

[@markjohnson9485]

I have a Epiphone es335 pro and I love it

[@Moyetniishiswa2000]

I don’t put blind faith in anything or anyone... except perhaps Colin. If he says buy it, I’m on board. If he says don’t buy it, then I won’t. The gospel according to ... Colin. Works for me.

[@theguitaristas]

Crikey David thanks mate I really appreciate the sentiment there!... but my people must beware that I preach the gospel of a hopeless guitar addict and that path leads to righteous multiple guitar ownerships but extremely parlous financial circumstances! 😂🎸

[@donge9589]

Great video again, I can't wait to see the results of the pickup swaps. I recently got rid of a ten year old epi 335 as I wasn't using it. I definitely felt the pickups and wiring let it down on that guitar but it was still passable for the price tag. Your definitely so right about certain guitars not giving you the feels straight away. I have that with my epi 50s goldtop even after a few months of having it. I get so little time to play these days and I'm sure with our new epis it's just a case of "telling it it's a guitar" by giving them plenty of playing time to bed them in.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Paul, thanks for the support man!... I think it's time to get that Goldtop out at the weekend, whack a new set of strings on and spend some quality time bonding! :)

[@deanallen927]

"Inspired by Gibbons"!!!! Love it!!!

[@victorbeebe8372]

I bought a set of Bare Knuckles Mule for my 94 Gibson Les Paul Classic which I enjoy. One of the guys that worked at the store put in a set of Bare Knuckle Stormy Monday on his Gibson 335. He spoke highly of them.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks Victor, different makes / sets of pickups is a big area to investigate as we progress... I’ve never actually had any bare knuckles so they must be on the list 👍😎🎸

[@victorbeebe8372]

@@theguitaristas They are from around your part of the world. They seem to like them here in Hawaii

[@kennyjohnson336]

Maybe you could try the Burstbuckers in the ES-335. I think that would tell a lot.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Kenny, that's a definite a possibility... there are a few options and all will become clearer over the coming weeks!

[@Falcon5900]

I think you play pretty darn good… I just bought a Epiphone ES 335 pro… before I had found your video… I do like my ES 335… however I do enjoy watching your program. I am a retired Videographer of 35 years, and you do a great job of shooting. Thank you for sharing your information

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man that's appreciated! 🙏... shooting and editing is the stuff that most don't notice! 😁👍

[@tomrosa4248]

Another great video Colin! Have a great day.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Tom 👍😎🎸

[@socialmeaslesinpartnership1252]

Thanks for the review. Didn't float your boat? Me neither! What are those p/ups - Mudbuckers? Nothingburgers? The hallmark of a semi is supposed to be that you can play almost any sort of music on them - pop, jazz, blues, rock, country, a completely adult musical instrument capability is supposed to beckon - and if it don't - what's the point? That said, a Vox AC15 isn't the best amp to dem those strong points anyway - lovely but very much a one-trick pony. Even so - it should dem some good tones, some scale to the sound, a few overtones, some "ring" etc and light up for rock or power chords with some majesty about them. Should be some fun to be had in there somewhere. I heard the struggle, I felt it too. It's a cardboard sort of sound - all mud, no guts, no clarity and no bottom. I suspect the tone pots and wiring aren't up to it. A whole "landscape" is missing. I wouldn't say £500.00 is expensive for a handsome semi but that's disappointing, there's loads of decent-right-out-the-box competition once you crack the wallet for upgrades or less than half the Epi's price for a "work in progress" semi to upgrade according to your own ideas and it's probably better to start with anyway. No need for lemon dogs at all, we have so much choice these days. What the Hell, I have a Gibson es335 anyway. You can't take those to the pub, you have to insure the stinkin' things. More demos please, they are so good. Thank you.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, I tested these actual pickups in the recent Tokai review and they sounded great so they were not too blame… I think maybe this piece of wood just doesn’t like being a guitar! 🤣 It does sound better now I’ve made huge changes but still doesn’t really excite me. 🤷‍♂️

[@socialmeaslesinpartnership1252]

@@theguitaristas Acoustically it's fine, plenty of "transfer" in there, you should be getting that with just about any p/up and amp going, a real cheapo S/C bar-magnet "Dogsville" should be booming or ringing. Swapping t/pieces isn't going to do much, it rings OK without the amp. Try different amps and get zilch? That shouldn't be happening. That has to be rubbish pots and doorbell wiring so far as I can tell - nothing wrong acoustically. About £40.00 DIY to get rid of that but, as you say, pricewise it's nudging on territory for some serious pro-grade instruments. Who wants to mess around with fret-ends and re-wiring semis anyway? And no need? £500.00 plus a set-up and gig bag is "Good to go" nowadays. Never mind Chibson, Gibbons and Epi are probably finished, even those knock-down DIY 335 kits are being undersold.

[@flrpitflrp1965]

You know, I got the 335 in raspberry tea burst. Mine just feels stale. I keep wanting to trade it in for something else, but t want to have a 335 in my tool box. I love my 339. Maybe for me it’s the size, I’m height challenged. Spot on review for me.

[@theguitaristas]

Hey Robert, ‘stale’ is a really good way of describing how this one felt when I got it! If you follow this series you’ll see I turned it into something much better and that I can be proud of… check that out if you haven’t, but it may be that 335 is not for everyone so also check out my alternatives video and look at casino, riviera, etc… they may inspire you more? 😎👍

[@deanallen927]

Great video. The Nashville bridge is too wide, and the strings often arc over the back edge (Argh!!!) and have too many tone killing moving parts. ABR has neither of those problems.

[@theguitaristas]

Yes, and it’s bit ugly too! 😎🎸👍

[@sylvain1111]

I think you may have overthought all of this, maybe KZbin pressure taking its toll on you? Aso with high expectations can often come high disappointments. I will look at the serie you did on the es-335 to see if you feel better with it. However I think your channel is the best guitar channel, a lot of work in every video, this is pure guitar pornography and I have no doubt your number of subscribers will explode soon because of the quality of each video you produce.

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks man that’s appreciated! The pressure to try and play something half decent every week is the hardest part… i struggle sometimes but hope it will make me better for it. All the rest of it… buying and messing around with guitars is a great pleasure and i am blessed that you enjoy it and I am able to do it 🙏😎👍👍

[@PaulMcCaffreyfmac]

I might have mentioned before that my relatively inexpensive Tokai 335-a-like with Monty's PAFs is one of the best sounding, if not THE best sounding humbucker loaded guitars I have. I'm sorry you haven't bonded. It might be just one of those things or maybe you need to be exclusive to the 335 for a while and stay away from Les Pauls. The 335 is certainly less focused, which some don't like, or don't like straight away. I have learnt to love the more complex sound of the semi-acoustic and think of it as a different thing altogether. Of course you are no fool and already know it is a different beast from a Les Paul so it might be that you have just been unfortunate and got a mediocre one where the neck and body aren't quite in accord with one another. I would certainly prefer as vintage voiced a pup as possible in a 335 but whatever the case I'm sure it will get better with playing if only because pretty much everything (with a very few sad exceptions) does. Good work here, as always.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Paul, I always look on the bright side anyway... and at the very least this gives me a great excuse for another journey down that rabbit hole! 😁👍🎸

[@bartleenboute-debel3239]

Hello, which Tokai do you have?

[@Ernesto87]

I recently got one, and it plays beautifully. The fret ends weren't pointy, the neck is in an ok position, has great intonation, and the pickup heights are perfectly fine atm, but I might have 'em adjusted in the future.

[@RavenMadd9]

Brother ripping hardware off for a start ...then pickups and guts ....will take it to a shop to do the surgery...love the neck and body

[@francescogiagnorio3672]

All the review you are doing are the best ones. My budget is to buy an Epi Les Paul standard 50s with an Epi Es 335 cherry or an Epi Les Paul 1959. They are all amazing but what to buy?

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks for supporting... I think the Epi Les Paul Std 50's is a great place to start!

[@francescogiagnorio3672]

Thanks for support. I have seen your review upon the es-335 vintage sunburst too and seem to be very good guitar for that price. I’ll go for the Epiphone inspired by Gibson series.

[@Regularguyguitargear]

I just found this channel recently and I LOVE it!!!! You’re doing great work, I wish you were based in the US so I could buy guitars from you!

[@theguitaristas]

Hey Matt, glad you found us and really appreciate the support! 😎🎸👍

[@glennevans5824]

Never my passion and I own lots of guitars older guy ..in NYC…it seems sterile a bit maybe condition fretboard..new strings ..just playing it more..certainly looks very nice..pickup upgrade I personally wud do…especially the bridge to get that bite…enjoy yr passion like myself …love the channel just subscribed..

[@randomprecisionmotors3130]

Bridge Pickup sounds nice, neck by itself is REAL muddy but mixed has that nice "quack" they have...

[@darvinclement3250]

I'd almost guarantee a set of good pickups would turn it around, at least that's been my experience with guitars with a poor clean tone like that. It sure is a good looking guitar. Thanks for your honest reviews! Definately looking forward to your upgrade video of it in the future.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Darvin, fingers crossed 🤞... your right it’s a fabulous looker! 😎👍🎸

[@jimmyjames2022]

I did not expect the tones of these pickups when I went to watch your video, expected something more vintage. Enjoyed your playing and your review, thanks!

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Jimmy... yes I think that’s what I expected too, and what I’m aiming for with a few mods... part 2 with some changes coming next week 😎🎸👍

[@gustafrenstrom8549]

I have only tried one for a few minutes in a store and i didn't really like it all that much either. But i guess it could be improved with some modding.

[@yetivanmarshall1473]

I bought a gold top a few days ago that I wanted to love. It had a terrible low e tuning peg and could not get a good tone when driven loudly through my Marshall dsl 40. Action was set up perfectly. It sounded great at low volume but not when driven at volume. Put it through it's paces but ended up returning it.

[@chiefkikyerass7188]

You can get some models of epiphone 335 with the 57 humbuckers...i think their are better options for the same price..Ibanez makes 1 same price point with their 58' custom humbuckers..which in imo is definitely better build quality...The Ibanez Larry Carlton js20 eats epiphones and shits eastmans for the same price

[@Reign119]

What do you mean by “It’s God’s guitar?” 😇🙏 I’m new to guitar I would really love to understand ?? I just bought this one yesterday! I LOVE HER!!!!♥️♥️♥️♥️😇

[@theguitaristas]

Eric Clapton played one and he was often called 'God' 😁👍

[@Reign119]

@@theguitaristas Woooooowwwwwww!!! I must look him up! Thank you so much 😊 🙏

[@proof377]

I got one from Guitar Center in Inverness Green. Beautiful guitar. The pickups sound alright for my slow, basic playing but they definitely lack clarity and definition. Slow, single note bluesy stuff sounds great but more aggressive stuff is mediocre. I noticed that having a compressor on my HX Stomp setting makes worlds of difference with this guitar. I’m not sure why it would make such a difference with this guitar specifically. Hell, I might be imagining the whole thing. Excellent video by the way.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Phil, my feeling is that a compressor makes everything sound better… an average guitar good, a good guitar great, and it cleans up all that sloppy playing so mine is always on! 😆👍

[@revelationsoundstudio]

Very insightful video; well done. I would respectfully suggest cutting a couple of inches of your hair to look a little more cleaned up look. I think you would look a lot better. Larry Carlton, Peter Frampton and myself realized this when they were thinning on top as well

[@theguitaristas]

🤣 just imagine if it was actually Keef watching my videos and offering my hairstyle advice… I’d have to did it then wouldn’t I! 🤣🤣👍 Cheers man.

[@JCross1130]

I have this guitar. I have zero wool or, mud. The middle position sounds especially nice on my example. It'd be worth trying a different one in a shop.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Justin, I probably need to adjust the pickups etc... doing that this week to see what happens!

[@BrianLeverett]

I love the middle position on mine, too!

[@jamesmilton8765]

I have the Epi 335 Pro, same pickups, although you can split them, and it does not sound distorted like yours does. A little bassy in the center position, but clean.

[@johnwalsh3826]

Interesting review, I’m wondering if maybe you just got a dud ? I did a little bit of research on the epiphone site and the main differences between the 335 and the Emily Wolfe signature is the neck profile and one tone control and the rest seems just cosmetic, I was considering looking at the 335 but I think I’ll try a few first , looking forward to another rabbit hole, Love the channel 👍

[@theguitaristas]

Hey John, I think the pickups are bit different too... I remember Emily talking about this in a promo she did. To me the Sheraton just feels and sounds immediately better, but every single guitar is different so that doesn't mean they are all like that... whatever feels and sounds good when we pick it up is the right guitar! Cheers

[@stevewright107]

I have on that rings a bit more than your example may. It's a keeper but I will swap out the pickups eventually. It's the weak point on the guitar in my opinion.

[@theguitaristas]

Definitely feels nice, hoping mine loosen up with playing and fiddling... we shall find out!

[@justintimedetailers]

Like your channel. Hi from across the pond. I have the blue berry burst one.

[@zseeley]

As an afterthought... why didn't you go with an actual Gibson 335 pickup? Mind you, I love the sound of the upgrade.

[@richardlynch5632]

Have the Epiphone ES335 PRO LE, and am in full agreement with you. It's been getting better with age, but still something just hard to pin down. Mine seems to sound and play better when the humidity is around 45%...yes, it's THAT touchy.. This guitar is the most susceptible to climate of the entire stable. When I think it's dialed just right, the next day it's like starting all over again tweaking it to play and sound better. Love/Hate relationship. However...believe it can be great...just have to find the right key🤣😎👍 Looking forward to your future modifications indeed 😎👍 😎👍❤🖖 Love brother

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Richard, funny you say that as I quite often think that the weather has a bearing on what I'm hearing on a guitar / amp combination on a particular day... I don't really believe it but maybe there is more to that than I thought? does a change in air density affect what you hear?... wow this is getting a bit deep for me but it's a pretty interesting subject to think about!

[@richardlynch5632]

@@theguitaristas Monsoon season here in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and my dreadnoughts do not sound as crisp as my parlors during this time of year... So the humidity may affect physically the ear canal somehow... But personally thinking it affects the wood, as smaller guitars sound same compared to the larger ones which sound almost muffled. And the neck on the ES335 is definitely affected by the humidity.. Definitely a drag... Suffice it to say that I prefer the drier times of the year🤣😎👍 😎👍❤🖖

[@MrPaolo101]

I do love finding new guitar channels!. I will say Ive never had a ‘good’ experience with Epi’s.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers Paul... I used to feel like that but most of the new inspired by Gibson range we’ve had have been excellent and changed my opinion of them. Jury’s still out in this one though 🤔🎸👍

[@joeinterrante7873]

Thank you for sharing all ypur knowledge and experience with us.

[@CastlesMadeOf...]

What are the chances of you doing a review of the 339 inspired by, Col?

[@theguitaristas]

I'm sure it will happen eventually but it's not something I'm currently lusting after. I have had a 339 Pro in the past and it was excellent... have you tried one?

[@CastlesMadeOf...]

@@theguitaristas I did try one briefly while looking for a different guitar in andertons a few months back. Preferred it to the Riviera. It was more lively and had a better feel to it. Thinking about it now I might have to go back 😂

[@NicholasANappiNick]

If things go my way the green one will be in the house this week

[@theguitaristas]

😁🤞🤞

[@SF_Curious]

Appreciate the honesty about your playing in front of video cameras. Same here. I like the epiphone 339. Smaller and good sounding. Have you reviewed?

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers man, long time ago I played a 339 pro on this channel so check our videos it’s still there. Nice guitar! 👍😎

[@Mountainrock70]

First thanks for keeping it real!!! I bought 2 of these but the 1st one was a 2019 Pro with old headstock and push pull pots. I think the pickups should be replaced on them but I have found the settings on my Carvin XV112 that works for now. I love these 335’s.

[@henryhunter5026]

Another interesting video. About three years ago I managed to get a 1998 Epiphone Dot complete with a hard case for £180 on eBay so I pulled it out of the guitar cave to compare it to your sample whilst watching the video. First off my Korean guitar doesn’t have the neck binding and the headstock inlay is a bit of a joke compared to yours, it does however have the Epiphone E on the pick guard which seems to be missing on the review instrument and a rosewood fingerboard . My guitar plays like a dream, as well in fact as my Gibson semi acoustics, although I must confess the the frets were a little worn when I received the guitar so I spent an hour or so lightly dressing, re-profiling them and giving the guitar a setup. Tone wise the bridge pickup sounds excellent but the neck pickup is a little “ woolly “ but not quite as bad as yours, both pickups on sound absolutely amazing which is a little odd. I did buy a Harley Benton HB35 out of curiosity a few years ago and although it’s not a direct 335 copy it’s pretty similar in many ways. I was surprised at how good it was for next to no money, in fact I didn’t do anything to it and still own it. Well worth a look if you’re a bit skint and must have a semi acoustic.

[@theguitaristas]

This is a bit mad but I also had a dot (albeit chinese or Indonesian can't remember) which I just recently sold because I never played it...somehow it didn't feel like an authentic 335 and it didn't sound that great either. I was expecting better things from this version and hopefully they will come! The older Korean Epiphones I believe are known to be pretty good aren't they? Cheers as usual thanks for taking the time to watch this stuff!

[@henryhunter5026]

Korean Epiphones have acquired a reputation for build quality over the years but in my experience the pickups were less than great in most cases, my Dot seem to be an exemption to the rule. Of coarse being second hand I’ve no idea if the pickups/electronics have been worked on, one day when changing strings I must pull the pickups out and see if they’ve been changed.

[@michaellindsey3280]

I think your expectations arelittle high. You seem to think it bit pricy but i duno it's 700us made in China vs usa Gibson at 4 grand! The squire cv are almost 500us abs these much nicer. I have isbg j45 and 57les Paul and haven't had to take to my luther. I just got this guitar few hours ago and getting ready for bed so decided to watch video. I cant play in store i always go blank so i can relate sometimes it just not there so I get my stuff guitar center with 45 day no hassle return so I'll take all month getting to know this guitar and if don't like we'll return but initially i like it played thru fender princeton reverb. You mentioned BB king tone, i bet if he came and played that he have his big ol BB smile and sound great and if you played his rig you would, well sound like you. I think of that whenever I'm frustrated with my gear, SRV would be amazing with my stuff lol but with that said at 700 it's not going to be gibson good. I think guitar players get awfully entitled with this stuff. Space shuttles have blown up, boeing makes F-ed up aircraft crashing to ground all the time so get over your 500lbs guitar deficiencies. But i did enjoy your video just trying to offer some perspectives here

[@e.henrythripshaw4554]

A little nit to pick. The DC resistance of pickups is generally measured in kiloohms, not ohms. Also, lest I forget, thanks for another informative review, you're got a great channel!

[@theguitaristas]

Thanks for that... always learning and that’s good too know! 👍😎🎸

[@davidwhewell4057]

From a purely selfish point of view, I'd love to see you put a Monty's Broadcaster 50's Bridge pickup into that Squier Esquire, so that I can see someone else try it first! That said, thanks for the video on the 335, and I am sure that the subsequent videos on the hardware changes will be just as informative as the ones on the Epiphone 57. Always strikes me as funny that players, myself included, just don't bond with a particular guitar for some reason. Often there's no discernible rhyme or reason to it, and it's just that particular guitar.

[@theguitaristas]

Cheers David, I’d love to help but the thing is with the esquire I bonded with it immediately so no changes planned or needed as far as I’m concerned... sorry to disappoint! 😂 however looking forward to seeing what changes to the 335 will do, as you suggest it may just not be for me 🤔👍🎸