I Am No Longer A Guitar Snob - Epiphone 335 Dot Review
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2021
- A few days ago a friend asked me to find him a reasonably priced guitar, I trundled down to my local music shop, and hanging on the wall was this Epiphone Dot. I'm not proud of it but I have always dismissed Epiphone guitars as I am a bit of a guitar snob, but this guitar sounded fantastic and played so well that I had to get it for him. Priced new at around £500 I feel this guitar is a bargain. Did I also mention that at the same time I tried out a Gibson 335 Custom Shop and I preferred the Epiphone Dot. The Studio Rats are core band members Paul Drew on guitar/production/mixing, drummer James Ivey and Dan Hawkins on bass. They collaborate with singers and musicians to produce radio-ready songs.
Very good review Paul! I have been buying guitars for nearly 50 years. Many, many high dollar Gibsons. These days $500 - $600 dollar Epiphones and Ibanez guitars sound and play every bit as good as guitars costing several thousand more. As of a few years ago I decided I would NEVER pay over $1000 for a guitar again. I was previously a factory certified guitar tech for a major guitar company and have been setting up and repairing guitars for over 40 years. I know how to tweak a cheapie guitar and modify it with better pickups and electronics. I played many cruise ship gigs with used $250 all stock MIM Stratocasters that I tweaked. Many passengers that were musicians were surprised at how great they sounded. Save your money folks!
Bought one of these let my buddy try it out. He came back and said best playing and sounding 335 he has ever played in the past 40 years.
One of the best reviews I've seen on the Dot. Great playing makes a world of a difference too. 👏
Great review very helpful, thank you. I can say that my Epiphone 335 is thus far, beating all other guitars I’ve ever owned. It is [as you mentioned], beautifully crafted, stable and sounds superb. It’s my go-to, steady sweetheart now. I didn’t know what I was missing. Now just need to work on my playing. Cheers.
Thank you for your review! I just purchased one as well and I’m pretty excited 🎉
Great demo and honest points, makes me love my Epiphone es 335 pro all the more, thanks for this video 👌
Great video. Great playing. And that guitar tone is killer.
Hi Paul, Thanks for the demo. I've been prevaricating the very mention of "hollow-body guitars". I now realise I "need" one. Thanks for the guitar lesson as well buddy.
Great video. You helped me re-appreciate my Dot even more! I bought my Dot in 1997 and have to admit, when I became a guitar snob it spent a lot of time under my bed. But the last 3 years I've brought it back out and love it. It still sounds great and plays really well compared to by Les Paul.
Fantastic! I have raved about Epiphones for years I have 4 now! And blug amp 1 Mercury is on my top list of amps to get it sounds so unreal I can't believe what I'm hearing man fantastic playing and tone!
I have that same guitar...picked it up used for 299. Dropped a set of Duncans in it and push pull pots.. it's the most versatile guitar I own. Such a sleeper. Great review!
after watching your video, I went out and bought the Epiphone ES335 . . . my favorite electric guitar. . . thank you!! Shout out to you and Milano Music in AZ.
Nice review, thanks. I’ve been wanting one of these for a long time, and have kept my eyes open for one since I can’t justify the expense of a Gibson.
I got an Epi SG Muse recently and was similarly impressed. The ProBucker pickups are really impressive and it sings! It also plays flawlessly. I have since bought another Epiphone (LPJ) and was just as impressed. 'Budget' instruments have come a long way.
Wow, you're a monster player! Just pulled the trigger on an Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro, some Guitar Center exclusive. I was kinda hesitant but this video helped push me over the edge, as did the fact that I bought an Epiphone Les Paul Blackback last week & it plays and sounds ridiculously good. Can't wait to pick it up tomorrow.
I also just bought a GC Traditional Pro on the Black Friday sale. When I picked it up at Guitar Center I played it side by side with a Gibson ES-335 that lists for $3300. The Gibson did have better finishing and factory setup - the Epi has a few rough fret ends, 1 or 2 low frets. The Gibson sounded and felt different, but not better. In a blind test I would take the Epiphone for the very personal preference of how the neck feels (thinner). Considering cost I can't imagine paying up for the Gibson. There is no question to me the Epiphone is as good as Gibson when it comes to sound and playability.
Heya Paul, great video! I have had my Epiphone Dot for around 7 years now and i love it! The only thing i changed was the volume and tone dials for metal Telecaster style ones and it now looks as well as sounds killer!! Off the back of it, (as i don't have Gibson money) last year i bought the 50's Standard Les Paul from the 'Inspired By Gibson' range and that is another great playing, great sounding guitar....you can't go wrong with an Epiphone! Oh and i also have a Mexican Player Series Strat and that also plays and sounds great!! Just shows that you don't have to break the bank for great guitars!
Excellent review! Thanks for posting. 👍
Your reviews on the more affordable options out there are very good and accurate. I just got a Korean made late 90s Epiphone dot and it reminds me of the Gibson ones I used to dream of buying back in the day when I used to go to guitar center just to play guitars I couldn’t afford
I've had my Epi 335 Limited Edition (with the Raspberry Burst finish) for a little over a month now. I've never once found myself thinking, "If only it were a Gibson". The thing looks beautiful, plays beautifully and has sustain for days.
Mate, you found out what I found out 15 yrs ago. I did the exact same thing with Gibson 335's tested side by side with MIK Epi Sheraton Ii and the Epi was a better guitar so I bought it! I am a HUGE Epiphone devotee and now own an Epi Firebird as well ... which is just an incredible guitar.
I got the 'dot', somewhat reluctantly. It is now often my guitar of choice for gigs and recording. Thanks for the review. I'm in full agreement but now doubt myself less.
Well done, and great find!
Just Subbed Paul, I'm a tele man, but ive had a DOT hanging around for years and never really recorded it. Great to see your review of it.
Thanks for the info and the honestly Paul. I have a collection of "collection" instruments. Can't say they get anywhere near as much play as my 2007 Dot. The cases for some of the collectors are more expensive than this instrument! I paid $300 for this guitar used and an extra $50 for a nice used tweed hardshell case. I have changed absolutely nothing on it nor do I intend to do so. Not sure how available Dots are these days but I can tell you, this one will never leave my sight. Everything you say, and play is true. This is one of the finest musical instruments I have ever played and I am proud to own it. And I absolutely love doing gigs with it.
Great Video! Fantastic to see Epi's appreciated by serious players 👍
I have an Epiphone Sheraton II that I've been playing since 2006. It's my "go to" guitar for most gigs. I did upgrade pickups to Gibson BurstBuckets not long after I got it.
Killer review! Epiphone really shines when it comes to ES style guitars. They’re simply fantastic.
I've had exactly the same experience. Just sold my very nice Gibson SG Standard and bought one of these for less than half what I got for it. I now have a lovely guitar and spare change - and my SG seller's remorse is gone... because my Epiphone ES-335 is now my favourite guitar (and I have some very nice Fender and Gibson guitars).
I've been looking for a semi-hollow guitar and trying to decide between the Epiphone and the Ibanez . After your review I am getting the Epiphone AS335. Thanks for the great review!
Excellent demo. You are an excellent musician. I have owned own an Epi Dot Pro for about 5 years. Just love it.
Cheers
I bought a 335 red dot pro a few years back and love its sound. I also ended up getting a Casino which has a very distinctive sound from the 335 and is a great player.
Unreal... love the sound of it !
I bought this guitar last time on November 2019, It's my first guitar.. i must say that this is absolutely amazing guitar ever!
Paul, I picked up an Epiphone Sheraton II about a year ago and it has become one of my favorite guitars. The pickups are amazing. I also own a PRS Core Custom 24 Brazilian and a Core McCarty Korinna Brazilian and I prefer the Sheraton to both. Epiphone makes great guitars.
Same guitar. Had a telecaster Usa. I spent years fighting it until I bought my Sheraton II pro. Outstanding instrument. Love it so much
I bought a epiphone 335 figured recently and agree it's outstanding in every way. I also own a Gibson Les Paul, PRS core 24, PRS CE 24, PRS Chris Robertson, American fender stratocaster... and I think this guitar holds it's own against my other guitars... especially for lead guitar work. I prefer most of my other guitars to this... but this is extremely close. My epiphone 335 is absolutely perfectly constructed... it's unbelievable. FYI... my good friend who plays mostly on 335s and has a Gibson 335 and two Gibson custom shops likes this epi better than all my other guitars for lead playing tone... it's that good..go figure. The construction of this guitar is almost identical to the real Gibson 335... except for wood type on a couple areas. The blueberry burst epiphone 335 figured is stunning!!!
@@MrMoneyHelper well if you have money to burn and love guitars it's nice to have a variety of high end guitars. I love some of my expensive guitars... but some of the cheap ones made today sound phenomenal... so no one really needs to spend the big bucks anymore to get killer tone. My most expensive guitar I own is a PRS core custom 24 and my cheapest is a squire classic vibe 50s telecaster... and my epiphone 335. I think the 335 is outstanding. The classic vibe 50s telecaster even better. I think the classic vibe 50s is one of the best sounding guitars I've ever played at any price and built like a tank... and cheaper than the 335...is only about $500. It's way better than cheaper squier telecasters... and I think it sounds better than the epi 335... for most music except for jazz where you need a warmer tone.
@@MrMoneyHelper I had a telecaster before I hated it so didn't give them another chance until recently. And I actually bought a squire classic vibe 50s telecaster this week... because it's one of the best sounding guitars and telecasters I've ever played... not because it's dirt cheap. I was thinking of buying the Fender 1950s reissue telecaster but the classic vibe is almost the same guitar and the stock pickups are better. If you haven't tried one you definately should... it's unbelievable for the price ..more so than almost any guitar I've played. I'll never part from my PRS core custom 24 though... That guitar is phenomenal...
I own a sheraton 2 too;and its such an good guitar!Not bader than Gisons,Yamahas or whatever....Great review and playing......nice sound!!!
Love the sound of both pickups
I have two (2003 & 2008) and I love them, wouldn't trade em for anything else.
Beautiful playing too.
Thanks. I think you've convinced me to forego being a headstock snob regarding this guitar
I purchased a 335 two weeks and haven't put it down. Unbelievable clarity. My buddy from Ohio was visiting last week. He is a Fender guy...but now he is shopping for a 335.
Just bought a Epiphone ES-335 pro. Blew my mind! My first semi holllow. The neck tone are really fat!! The bridge pickup is not as impressive but, I do need to switch the strings to thicker gauges. Bought used for a crazy price. One of my best purchases!
a great demo thanks, cheers NZ
I've been very impressed with inspired by Gibson line. I have the 59 reissue and love it. The es 335 is next on my list. Great video!
I got the exclusive run Epiphone Es335 in Olive Drab Green Inspired by Gibson. It's awesome! Her name is Irma. She's my stage guitar, too.
Sold.have one for 6 yrs,great review
Some years ago, I got a cherry red ES335, Clapton model, made by STARSHINE in China. FANTASTIC! True 50's sound with 12-52 strings. Perfect finish.
I bought my 2016 Epiphone Dot new as a backup for my '95 Gibson 335 that was in need of a refret. The Epiphone has a much better build, I can feel the guitar resonate (something the Gibson did not do), and I much preferred the neck profile of the Dot. It feels much more like the Gibson 335's I was playing in the early '70s.
In fact, I liked the Dot so much more I sold the Gibson.
I still have a '41 Gibson L12 and a '59 L4 as well as a couple of US Strats, but that Epiphone is the one I play every day. It's actually my favorite guitar.
Awesome 👍😎
So yeah, that guitar sounds GREAT!! PLEASE share what the signal chain looks like!!! What amp or pedals or amp in a box etc? I WANT THAT SOUND!!!
Bought An Epiphone 335 With A Hiscox Hard case out of a Cashconverter Store for £150. About 8 Years Ago.. With the Intention of Upgrading Pick- ups Etc Etc...Did'nt Bother With any of that crap it is still stock and still gets played more than my Gibsons and fenders do......The newer Ones Rolling off Of Epiphones Conveyer belts are so very good You Should Check them out...great Video by the way.
Paul , played the Epiphone blue burst at my local music shop . I plugged into a 5150 MKII EL34 combo and kid you not someone came up to me twice telling me I sound good. I plan on going tomorrow and grabbing one.
What a great sounding guitar!!! I had one years ago and I always regretted selling it.. I have been web browsing lately to get me a new or used semi hollow. Can’t seem to make up my mind between the Epiphone or the Gretsch line ups?. Just on sound, tone & sustain from your I am leaning towards the DOT 335 a lot more. If Gretsch sounds as great ( to which I doubt because it’s got its own vibe) I’ll make my decision on the feel of the neck. No matter which one I’ll choose it will have to be Bigsby equipped and compare both humbucker and P 90 models. Thank you from 🇨🇦
I recently got a 339 epi.
Its also a great guitar.
The only thing I will replace is the cable input jack. I had a dot. Had to do the same thing. The 339 is, in size, more manageable for me (small trunk, long legs) otherwise I would have stayed with the dot. Had it in that color too.
It's a good guitar indeed.
Also - yes the Custom shop guitar is not necessarily perfection though the money one pays should see to that.
I am quite happy with the 339. Pups are great, resonance, and neck are all super as well as the finish.
Regards.
I picked an Epiphone Dot up for under £270...a truly fabulous guitar!
Epiphone has been making really good guitars the last few years. I’d put them up there with the PRS SE’s and the Indonesian EVH Wolfgang’s for the best quality guitars made outside of Europe and the US. The key is getting one with brighter pickups that are not muddy like the older Probuckers usually were.
Agreed re. the Indonesian Wolfgangs, mine is so great I bought a second one :)
Yeah, I'm often pleasantly surprised at Epiphones. At least their mid-priced guitars like this 335 Dot.
I replaced the Probuckers with a Gibson 490R in the neck & 498T in the bridge. It SCREAMS now. Mids are great and no mud.
Paul, I love your videos. But please how do you get those among tones ? Clean to overdrive you make them sound so classic how do you dial in your guitar amps. Please is there any chance you could do a tutorial on dialing in your tone. They are Brilliant. Keep up the videos. Your playing is amazing the touch and feel you have is second to none. Thank you very much. Terry Q.
I’m so glad it’s not just me, I used to own, regret selling it so bad, I’ve tried countless Gibson 335s, Sheraton’s, casinos, the new epi 335s and rivieras. None in my book play as good as a well set up one of these, such a shame they are discontinued
I used to have one of those and sold it , might have to get one of these .
Absolutely beautiful tone quality...😊
I did a similar comparison at Andertons just to compare out of interest, not that I was ever considering a real Gibson. Totally agree with the playability although I've always found the neck pickup too muddy.
I've since added a Bigsby B7 and some block inlay stickers. It looks great.
I have (gift from a friend!) a Sheraton II mik from 2010, they are amazing guitars indeed
Got one modded it love it , Thank you , Sir!!!!
Damn fine playing dude.
I had a Dot back in the day. Good solid guitars.
Love the reviews, I have an ARIA Pro2 TA61 that would give that epiphone a run for its money...
Such a nice tone coming out from your 335. Just wanna know, are u placing the tube screamer before the SD or the other way around? Thanks man
I got a Grote 335 copy off Amazon for $129 delivered. I upgraded the hardware and pickups- about $300- and it plays and sounds like my original Gibson 335....and I can thrash it like I stole it. Tone is all in the pickups as you know. So, for less than 500 bucks I have a guitar that matches my 3 grand Gibson! I've just got to sand that Grote decal off...what the feck is a Grote. Thrashing a Grote sounds like something you might do on a farm!
I’d love to have one some day. CeDell Davis, a delta blues player who lost his ability to use his left hand, played an epiphany dot. A very inspiring guy, he learned to play slide with an old butter knife and kept playing.
A lifelong friend unexpectedly gave me his Dot last week after we talked about having enough guitars. I mentioned that I didn't currently have anything with humbuckers (only single-coils and P90s) and he sent me a pic of the Dot and said "Would this do?".
Unbelievable. I've only had it a few days, but I'm blown away by the guitar and the gesture.
nice one!
Had been looking at a 335 shape... Ibanez Artcore or an Epiphone Dot.....only buy used due to being skint.
Kept missing Artcores as they were snapped up ...then caught a Dot cased for £200 ..mint.
It's fantastic as you say.....New fav.
And it really likes my Katana!
Awesome find. I am been thinking about an epiphone 335, as ever each guitar is slightly different. When you find one that fits you, then that’s the one ☝️
Btw you definitely giving it your friend or you gonna keep it and find him another one :)
Beautiful. Looks and sounds great.
I am the opposite of a guitar snob - my most expensive guitar was still cheaper than that by $100 or so :D (michael kelly Tele)
Just bought the Firefly 335 clone with the figured maple top for $200...waiting for delivery. I don't expect it to be as nice as the Epiphone, but the reviews remain really strong and it should hold me over for a couple years or more until I feel like splurging on an Epiphone, or stumble into a gifted Gibson
I've seen other DOT models, one that had the certificate on the inside, but I've never seen the DOT plastic piece up on the headstock. What year was it? Anyone know why?
Hi Paul i bought a epi es 335 traditional pro. i like sound at 7:10--7:20 can you tell me you settings, thanks for the video. awesome
Hi Paul, great vid.. please try an early Squire classic vibe tele, OMG.. UNREAL
Agree
Love my Epi SG Pro w,
/P90s. Play it all the time.
Hi Paul, what year was this Dot made? After I watched this, I pulled the trigger on an epiphone dot 335 and its beautiful. Loving everything about it. Found out via the serial code that mine is a 2010 model
These have a solid block running down the middle which gives them some weight and bass to the sustain, vs something like a Casino which is full hollowbody and sounds "plinky." I had one years ago, it was great for the price, hated to get rid of it.
I bought my Epiphone dot 9 years ago and I always go back to this guitar it’s a fantastic guitar
Same here, rocking a 2012 epi dot/vs.
Love my cherry red 2014 Epi dot.
got exactly the same guitar, love it ! :)
I’ve just bought one of these I’m pretty pleased with myself
I've just grabed a 2007 limited edition custom shop dot with block inlays and gibson burst buckers all for £425 still can't believe my luck it's AMAZING!...
I bought an UpTown Kat ES (Sapphire Blue Metallic) for $600 a few months ago and I just love so much about that guitar. The ProBucker pickups provide a vintage sound that makes me want to play it over my Strat and my PRS CE-24 guitars that cost 2-3 times more. Epiphone is definitely giving us great value for the price. I did have to do some setup on it, but for $600 I have zero complaints. Cheers!
Uptown kats have mini humbuckers, not pro humbuckers, I own a red one and it does sound great.
@@cmet8280 The website describes them as “Epiphone ProBucker™ FB720 mini humbuckers™” Cheers.
Outstanding!
I know what you're saying but I still have to connect to a guitar with its looks as well. I have nothing against Epiphones. Some of them are made fantastic! I have a Les Paul Custom Epiphone and love it. I also have a small place I live in, so every guitar, pedal, or amp I have to make the most of. I have 5 guitars and 1 bass and a few amps and I am cramped in. A guitar that big would take up my closet. haha!
A beautiful sounding Guitar.
Have you been using the iridium or the Mercury?
I concur. I was lucky enough to walk into my local shop, and lo & behold, hanging on the wall was a 2004 Epi Korean Sunburst Dot in awesome condition. I walked out with it for $400, including a set up with new strings & a gig bag. The tones it produces are terrific. I say this every time, but I think this is the last guitar I add to my collection.
Epiphone Dots after 2002 were all made in china ......
@@4Marktk Well, that's not what Gibson told me when I contacted them.
So there.
This comment will get lost I'm sure. But I've been playing one of these guitars since I was 11 (I'm 21 now) and mine still sounds just as good as the one you're playing in this video. I've handed countless amounts of people this guitar and most are so surprised at how well it plays! Great video too bud!
Yeah sounds just like mine. Had a few, some were junk but the "one" cost me a massive £156 on fleabay sight unseen.
Just a solid guitar. The fretwire is a bit bleh but can't fault the tone or the feel. Love the neck.
Playing a Fender amp it makes naff all difference what your pickups sound like anyway..
Sounds great. What amp are you using? Thanks for the great demo.
Had the same thing happen to me with a Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster
I bought one of these for about $300 and change from an auction. Had zero interest in semi-hollows. UNTIL I started playing around with it and noticing that many of my favorite bands (Suede, Slowdive, Stone Roses, Ride, etc etc) use semi hollows. Anyways for the cheap price point I'm glad I scored one of these!!
Hey Paul
Ever considered trying the Epiphone Casino or Casino Coupe?
Rings out even more due to it being hollow and combined with the P90's, it packs quite a punch. Seems to be somewhat underrated.
I’ll check it out.
Would love to see more budget stuff--Marshall Origin vs Studio Vintage!
Thats my guitar...❤ I just love it!!!
Got both this and a Gibson 335 . I prefer the Epi every day of the week and amongst my collection of some very expensive guitars My favourite one is the epiphone dot which probably has the best neck I’ve ever played
omg
I use my Tokai IS 135 all the time. Great guitar. Epiphone rising in quality like the mexican fender stuff
Nothing wrong with Mexican Fenders either. A lot of them are better than the American made ones. My two fav guitars is a Fender set neck telecaster, made in Indonesia & an Epiphone 335 Inspired by Gibson. I have a Gibson LP Jr to add the P90 sound.
That Alex Lifeson Epi is looking very very good.
Which year model is this? Is it made in Korea, China or Indonesia? Does the neck feel big and chunky?
Hey Paul I have a question about the amp1 iridium when I use delay with mine it has a pronounced wooey sound to it when I do bends and pinch harmonics and use my whammy bar do you notice this as well or am I over-thinking it?
Hi. Thomas Blug is coming on the live show tonight. You can ask him direct to help fix it.
What are you playing through? Those are some great amp tones.
Paul, I agree with everything you said :) I have two guitars that I'll never sell, my Epiphone Dot and my Fender Baja Tele. Both are fantastic playing and sounding guitars.
I own both also and you simply cannot go wrong with either one of those guitars. They both punch way above their price level.
The bluguitar is so nice.
hello! are you using mercury or irridium edition amp 1 ? thanks