ES-335 Shootout - Gibson Custom Shop Vs Epiphone

[@laramie3569]

Epiphone’s pickups are much closer to strings. By adjusting those lower Epi is much better sounding and brighter. Amazing value for the money

[@michaelbartlett9954]

Just took delivery on the Epi 335 and although in side-by-side comparison with Gibson, it's clear to see that Gibby has finer attention to details, a much nicer finish and higher quality electronics (I had to replace the Epi jack with switchcraft because the nut was stripped from the factory). Setting price aside, I actually prefer the Epiphone in neck profile and pickups which equates to playability and sound to me. Having been a Gibson Classic '57 fan for many years, I find the Epi equivalent Classic Pros to be less shrill and offer greater clarity. Adding in the price, it's a no-brainer. The Epi has become my favorite guitar within a collection where it is actually the cheapest one. Great review and playing, Jim!

[@happygolukky]

The Gibson pickups were much brighter than I was anticipating - seems like Epi though would be a solid choice

[@Remsterdam]

I believe this Epi is not the figured one, that applies on the ones with mini block inlays in iced tea and blueberry burst. I got the Epi but swapped the pickups for Gibson 57 classic vintage and 57 classic plus. Great review!

[@aitken1965]

FYI, that’s the regular Inspired By Gibson Epi 335. The figured has block inlays and a flame maple venier top.

[@Pwnzarelli]

Dude, you make the best demo vids on the tube, thanks.

[@garyp5522]

Great... It is nice to hear a comparison with mostly clean tones. Both sound great and pretty comparable.

[@rodwatson9718]

Interesting comparison and good to hear plenty of sweet clean sounds. With benefit of 3 months of ownership of the Epi, I'd add that FWIW: Played acoustically the Epi has surprisingly full resonance. Also pots are CTS and have broad range of volume/ tone adjustment. Tuning stability is great as are the tuners. Agree with others that Alnico pu's do seem a tad darker that the burstbuckers but the Alnicos are preferred here. Not a lot not to like on the Epi.

[@sdfswords]

The Epi is warm and round sounding, clean or dirty, kind of a steal. Be interesting to see it compared to the Sire H7.

[@СергейЧетвериков-й6ч]

Great video. Gibson 335 sounds great. Thanks to the guitarist. Epiphone is a decent guitar both externally and in sound. For a very reasonable price. I wanted to hear more how different the guitars are when you hold each of them in your hands. How much more carefully finished neck Gibson. What are both guitars in tuning. In general, the company has taken the right course. If you want to own a legend, but not enough money - buy an epiphone! Thanks.

[@kj053910]

I own one of the Epiphones and I definitely think the Gibson sounded better. The pickups just have a little more character. That being said, that little extra bit of character is just the pickups. I pickup swap would tonally put them on the same level. While the Epiphone will never be of the same quality as the Gibson, mine does play and feel fantastic. I’ve had mine for about 5 months now and I genuinely haven’t touched my far more expensive Les Paul since.

[@daveslo4967]

Best music store I've ever been in. I wish I lived closer.

[@dn4166]

The characteristics of the pups are the same for both guitars. Meaning they sound the same and offer the same feel, except Gibsons offer a bit more clarity and output. Epi pickups were a bit subdued. Still, they offer the same sound. I’m sure getting a higher quality wiring harness for the epi would make it almost indistinguishable from the Gibson.

[@Edward1312]

For sure the Gibson is a nicer looking, playing and sounding guitar but 10 times more expensive no way is it 10 times better I'd say the Epi sound wise is 90% there and look and feel about 80% there. Its outrageous really that you have to pay 10 times more for what averages about 15% better.

[@belo1971]

Why Épi and Squier always have slimmer neck and are thinner at nut width too ? I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY ? Let me know please at N’STUFF ?

[@NStuffMusic]

That's a good question. Honestly, it's a question that doesn't seem to have a definite answer, unfortunately...

[@davetang9308]

The Epiphone sounds great! I got the olive drab version! Gotta say Epiphone really steps up with the Inspred by Gibson series! Can’t wait to try the Us made Casino too

[@kj053910]

I have one of these. I also have a Les Paul with a ‘58 neck on it. While the Epiphone neck definitely isn’t as thick as the ‘58 neck on my LP, it’s definitely not a thin neck either. I like big necks and genuinely have not been able to put the Epiphone down since I bought it. I might even venture to say that this may be my new favorite neck, it’s soooooo comfortable. To me it’s the perfect middle ground between big and small. I would encourage you to try it out if you can. I believe it will surprise you.

[@sweetiepienumber1]

Stevie would know. I've listened to other comparisons. I think the Gibson has a more polished sound -- when I see it. The Gibson seems to have no extra noise. Not sure I would know first take blindfolded. But, I don't know much.

[@heliomartins2913]

Ola Vc tem um Martin dc 16rgte aura pra vender??

[@2407paul]

question: The Epiphone ES 335, is that the same guitar as a Dot?

[@socot97]

No, although similar it's part of their new "inspired by Gibson" line. The company is really putting in a good effort at emulating the classic Gibson guitars (at a fraction of the cost). This has Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers and the Kalamazoo headstock is a lot more representative of the Gibson headstock. The one played in the video is not the figured version as stated, but rather the Vintage Sunburst. Personally I think this plays like a dream and would definitely recommend it over the Dot.

[@PerroDelCielo]

if both were to happen to have same electronics (pots, caps, pickups, switch and input jack) I think it would be very hard to tell them apart in regards of sound, feelwise probably they are night and day

[@Edward1312]

The Epi would look so much better with a nitro finish. I would happily pay a bit extra for it as well.

[@rudemooddudehamburg]

Thought so too. Would love the see it's getting dull and grimey after a while

[@petermccaffrey806]

Epi sounds better to me.

[@myladhood4732]

If considered costs, totally agreed. Eventually, it depends on whether you own a guitar and sound or not. This means if you want to sell someday, the letters of headstock matter. But, if you want to sell the sound, Gibson can not be paid-off at all.

[@markmcmyn8967]

Very,very close. Put some seth lovers in the epi.

[@davidharding200]

I bought one of these (Epiphones). I don’t know why. But I really don’t like it. Great build quality. Feels like a quality guitar but I just hate that sound. Doesn’t appeal to me at all.

[@Erickchicas]

Epi ftw !

[@Anton-ji4td]

Laural is an Indian rosewood. Look it up.

[@richard3716]

is the epi made in usa or china?

[@aperezdeal]

China.

[@jeffmazzei8520]

The Gibson is definitely Brighter without sounding Harsh and seems to have that singing quality , the Epiphone is much Darker both have a quality that’s great

[@paulgerards6494]

The Epiphone ES 335 sounds WAY MUCH better.

[@wesmclaughlin9369]

Not even close

[@paulgerards6494]

@@wesmclaughlin9369 Wait 'till you play one (Epi.) yourself!! ;)

[@markreynard6913]

The average person is going to hear little, if any difference. When you see blind tests where they struggle you know which is which why pay thousands more for a name.

[@josephlerz6889]

there's no difference with tone. Epiphone for the value

[@joker57]

You prob got 20 $500 guitars good for U

[@ianclarke3627]

What does figured mean

[@walteregeaux]

beautiful curly book matched wood grain show

[@paulgerards6494]

There's nothing figured in here, only baked air !!

[@tenniswilliam]

It refers to the wood grain. Figured maple is a high quality wood tonally and has curly wood pattern or flame pattern in the grain. Plain wood is fine too but the figured is more desired. Figured woods in the guitar usyally means more expensive

[@simonsmith2642]

The only issue I have with Epiphone is China.. id just get a used production model. Save up..

[@phlobleg]

Utilitarian ? I think you should get out your Websters. A poor choice of word.

[@martenx1384]

Why such a useless comparison? Better to compare a more equal guitar. I don't like the clones of Eastman, Tokai. That is stealing someone's concept. But it would be interesting to see a comparison between a Gretsch Chet Atkins, Guild Starfly (the more expensive versions), D"angelico the Luxe.

[@wesmclaughlin9369]

Gibson absolutely sounds better, 10x better absolutely not. But it sure feels better when you see Gibson on the headstock. Placebo effect is real!

[@paulgerards6494]

Placebo's don't work ... dream on!

[@wesmclaughlin9369]

@@paulgerards6494 I agree but in some people's mind I think they do, lol