Glad you hung on to the Sheraton. I always loved the look of John Lee Hooker's one with the frequensator tailpeice - and the sounds he could get from it. I had an old Korean-made Sheraton that I loved but had to sell. Missed it until I got an Eastman T386 three years ago. Your reissue sounds superb.
Solid choice, and good reasoning. Sheratons came in many different shapes and sizes over the years and I've never heard bad things about them, even the "lower spec" far-eastern bog-standard ones.
Great insight into how you assessed which guitar was the one to keep. Too often the decision process to purchase a guitar isn't well thought through the way you articulated. I plead guilty to that! Fantastic video! 👍
Glad you were able to treat yourself to a new guitar. Had an original Crestwood back in the day, sold it and of course have regretted it ever since. If they came out with a Crestwood reissue now, I’d be sorely tempted. Enjoy!
Epiphone has a couple different Crestwood reissues. A more affordable one with CTS pots and Epi mini-hums, and the 150th Crestwood Custom equipped with Gibson mini-hum pups and electronics.
@@nellayema2455 Thanks, yes I’ve seen those. The one with Epi mini hums is closer to what I had, though mine had the Epiphone script logo, not the bikini logo. About ten years or so ago they did a limited production reissue with proper hardshell case and I procrastinated and they sold out. California Gold reissue is interesting but I’ve not liked the sound on most reviews I’ve seen.
I played and loved my 2004 Sheraton from new - until I played a Gretsch G5622 last year. I don't know what the pickups were in that Sheraton, but the Broad'Trons in the Gretsch just sang to me in a way that the Sheraton never did. While you can get the Gretsch with a Bigsby (G5622T), I've never seen the call for a trem (even my Strats are locked down and hardtailed).
Let's see. A 2004, unless it was the Japanese made Elitist version, would have had full sized humbuckers, right? If so, that's very different beast. That said, Broadtrons are probably even more different. It's great you found a guitar that suits you well. Thanks for watching.
Both guitars are beautiful, but the Sheraton is a stunner. I agree--you made the right choice going with a reissue of an original Epiphone model. I fell in love with mini-humbuckers years ago when I had a late '60's Wilshire 12-string equipped with them. I wish I still had that guitar. I do have a 150th Anniversary Crestwood Custom which has the Gibson mini-humbuckers and the Tremotone vibrato. It sounds great. Like yours, it stays in tune when used as intended. Great playing as always!
I am saddened to learn that you decided to part ways with your ES-355 because I enjoyed watching your videos play it. I have the Ebony version and also did not like the matte VOS finish so I polished and buffed it to a mirror-like gloss finish. Before that, I also sent it to my luthier for fret dress and pro-set up. Having done all that work, made me love it more. I don’t sell my guitars. I once did in 1984 and I regretted it.
Wise choice. I got my 150th Sheraton finally, and it had been set-up before I got it. I only needed to make some small adjustments on the bridge. I didn't have the rattle fortunately. I have also been a big fan of the Sheraton since I first saw one in a glass case in the music store I took my first guitar lessons in 1964. Later on, I met Duke Robillard when I lived in Boston, and he owned a 1964 Sheraton, as well as some other vintage original Epis, both pre and Kalamazoo era models. The Sheraton has a uniqueness, as well as the other original Epis have, and back in the 60's, I can remember a whole bunch of blues and rock players with original Epiphones. Otis Rush, Howlin' Wolf, Keith Richards, Johnny Winter, to name a few. Anyway, I enjoy your reviews, because of your no BS evaluations, and that you know how to play them.
Good stuff, both very handsome instruments. Epiphone has been putting out some impressive guitars the past few years, the Sheraton sounds great in your very capable hands ✌️
In the most positive of ways I’m very happy for you and a bit jealous, in the most positive of ways. Congrats. I would have chosen the Sheraton as well, for all the reasons you stated, and for all the logic you offered. As it happens, there are some huge bills due very soon and the financial breathing room from the gigs last year at this time, simply doesn’t exist this year, and will likely not exist until 2025 when I can better sort out the “not enough gigs” problem, which is a problem more than just money. Anyway… An awesome guitar. You’ve put it on my radar in my orbit of a VERY few guitars I’d buy without question, right NOW, if and when I can get over this financial hump. Well, enjoy the heck out of this guitar for yourself and on behalf of all the folks who want it but can’t quite pull the trigger right now.
Congrats on the new guitar! The 355 brings back memories of my love for Chuck Berry, so that's the one I'd lasso-- if I had any money LOL! Enjoy the new Epi-- she sure is purdy :D
I bought a Riviera reissue (you reviewed one some time ago) for just under € 600 new. There's something about mini hums on a semi. As you've pointed out, I can use it on songs that want single-coils without feeling too far off sound wise. And, of course, it covers humbucker needs very well. And you don't have to reach for your amps controls. Volume and tone pots do the job. So, as much as I like the 355, I understand your choice very well.
That'd be such a difficult choice for me, you have no idea. Fortunately, Epiphone spared me the angst by once again not serving the left handed guitar community on these special models. I'm thankful for my MIK Sheraton II. Everyone says the buckers sound too muddy. I always tell them, I only play Blues so this is like a built in gift for me. :) Congrats on the new guitar Len. It's certainly a looker and oh man, you make it sound oh so sweet. That backing track is very nice too. Do you sell those? Thanks from Chicago, cheers sir.
I would have been tempted to hang on to that one ALTHO I'm actually keen on finding an Epi Riviera with the mini-buckers, preferably a Made in Korea version!
Thanks so much my friend. I don’t see Steve often any more but I did take this one to him. It played okay but had some slightly high frets. I do have another guy for wiring stuff who I use if it’s a hollowbody. Wiring those is just too much work for this old geezer.
I'd maybe love one of those Epiphone 355's in a Ebony Black. I have a Vintage Sunburst Sheraton Pro II and it's similar but more brighter, but one of those 355 would be more Gibson maybe with a closer duplicate similarity. I like the 150th anniversy Sheraton too, more single coil humbuckers. Generally my favourites are Stratocasters, mostly my Fender Player Series and the Silver Sky SE. I do like these style guitars for cleaner sounds, but their yet versatile. I prefer my Epiphone Classic Les Paul just for a bridge that feels more beefier and more dark or aggressive I guess, I think the Les Paul mids are more balanced like mid clean range, where as the 335 is more airy, brighter since there's the semi hollow sound holes. I'm content for the looks, playability, quality, tone of value I don't genuinely desire to have anything better, especially when you can dial your tone with presets, EQ, how amps and pedals and anything, not just the player adds so much. I always prefer rosewood, but with the tele and strats I like both with maple too.
Thank you my friend. I don't consider myself a great teacher, however, early on I used to put out some playing tips videos along with my review videos. The review videos got way more views so I finally dropped the teaching videos since they were a lot of work for little reward. Maybe if the channel grows large enough I'll bring the idea back, or possibly do it on Patreon if I can manage to attract more members.
@@leonardgriffieblues5845 that would be great. Just find a concept. Or do some stylistic videos or material just on specific artists. Whatever you want.
Here is an interesting tooic for a review. - To get a stingy blues sound out of a HB BB used the varitone and 9'strings. Feddie King just used the treble high freequencies from his fender twin and rolles back the mids and lows. But how do you get are more lively tone if you don t want buy and expansive Gibson oder Fender Twin. MiniHB, P90, or the Lollar Broadtron. They sit all inbetween HB and SC. I love the Lollartrons. A comparison or just your thought would be helpful
my 65th birthday is frighteningly close and requires a guitar to celebrate - these 2 are high on the list, thanks
Not bad choices if you like semi-hollows. Thanks so much for watching.
Glad you hung on to the Sheraton. I always loved the look of John Lee Hooker's one with the frequensator tailpeice - and the sounds he could get from it. I had an old Korean-made Sheraton that I loved but had to sell. Missed it until I got an Eastman T386 three years ago. Your reissue sounds superb.
Yes, I've reviewed several Eastmans including the T386 and liked them all. Thanks so much for watching.
Solid choice, and good reasoning. Sheratons came in many different shapes and sizes over the years and I've never heard bad things about them, even the "lower spec" far-eastern bog-standard ones.
That's true. I used to see the old Korean made ones all the time on the blues circuit.
Thanks so much for watching.
I love this channel. Very inspiring, not only good reviews but also great playing. Thank you.
That's great to hear, thanks so much.
Great insight into how you assessed which guitar was the one to keep. Too often the decision process to purchase a guitar isn't well thought through the way you articulated. I plead guilty to that! Fantastic video! 👍
Thanks so much. I'm very happy you enjoyed it.
Glad you were able to treat yourself to a new guitar. Had an original Crestwood back in the day, sold it and of course have regretted it ever since. If they came out with a Crestwood reissue now, I’d be sorely tempted. Enjoy!
Epiphone has a couple different Crestwood reissues. A more affordable one with CTS pots and Epi mini-hums, and the 150th Crestwood Custom equipped with Gibson mini-hum pups and electronics.
@@nellayema2455 Thanks, yes I’ve seen those. The one with Epi mini hums is closer to what I had, though mine had the Epiphone script logo, not the bikini logo. About ten years or so ago they did a limited production reissue with proper hardshell case and I procrastinated and they sold out. California Gold reissue is interesting but I’ve not liked the sound on most reviews I’ve seen.
I’m with you. I owned an original Kalamazoo Coronet that was stolen before it ever saw the stage. Thanks so much for watching.
I played and loved my 2004 Sheraton from new - until I played a Gretsch G5622 last year. I don't know what the pickups were in that Sheraton, but the Broad'Trons in the Gretsch just sang to me in a way that the Sheraton never did. While you can get the Gretsch with a Bigsby (G5622T), I've never seen the call for a trem (even my Strats are locked down and hardtailed).
Let's see. A 2004, unless it was the Japanese made Elitist version, would have had full sized humbuckers, right? If so, that's very different beast. That said, Broadtrons are probably even more different. It's great you found a guitar that suits you well. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the fantastic review. You rock!
And thank you so much for watching.
Excellent playing as always, Leonard. That's a great sounding guitar. Thanks for the video.
Thanks so much.
Always great reviews and playing, thanks Leonard!
Thank you so much my friend.
Happy new guitar day Leonard, I’d have picked the Sheraton too, great video/ playing love the channel, take care
✌️🧷🎸
Thank you my friend. Appreciated as always.
Both guitars are beautiful, but the Sheraton is a stunner. I agree--you made the right choice going with a reissue of an original Epiphone model. I fell in love with mini-humbuckers years ago when I had a late '60's Wilshire 12-string equipped with them. I wish I still had that guitar. I do have a 150th Anniversary Crestwood Custom which has the Gibson mini-humbuckers and the Tremotone vibrato. It sounds great. Like yours, it stays in tune when used as intended. Great playing as always!
Thanks so much. Yes, I’d like to take a look at one of the 150th solidbodies.
Thank You for all the videos! I've learned a degrees worth! Best Regards and Best Wishes!
Thanks, I'm very happy to hear that. All the best!
Excellent video and analysis. I recently bought the 355 and love it.
Thanks so much. That’s great. It’s a nice one.
I bought the Epiphone 339 when they first came out and it's always has a home with me
Nice. Enjoy it.
I am saddened to learn that you decided to part ways with your ES-355 because I enjoyed watching your videos play it. I have the Ebony version and also did not like the matte VOS finish so I polished and buffed it to a mirror-like gloss finish. Before that, I also sent it to my luthier for fret dress and pro-set up. Having done all that work, made me love it more. I don’t sell my guitars. I once did in 1984 and I regretted it.
It’s a terrific guitar and if I were able to keep both I would have. Enjoy yours my friend.
Interesting video & beautiful playing. That Epi you kept looks & sounds fantastic. Keep this up.
Thank you my friend. I appreciate the support.
Wise choice. I got my 150th Sheraton finally, and it had been set-up before I got it. I only needed to make some small adjustments on the bridge. I didn't have the rattle fortunately. I have also been a big fan of the Sheraton since I first saw one in a glass case in the music store I took my first guitar lessons in 1964. Later on, I met Duke Robillard when I lived in Boston, and he owned a 1964 Sheraton, as well as some other vintage original Epis, both pre and Kalamazoo era models. The Sheraton has a uniqueness, as well as the other original Epis have, and back in the 60's, I can remember a whole bunch of blues and rock players with original Epiphones. Otis Rush, Howlin' Wolf, Keith Richards, Johnny Winter, to name a few. Anyway, I enjoy your reviews, because of your no BS evaluations, and that you know how to play them.
Thank you my friend. Very much appreciated.
Sound reasoning and fantastic playing!
Thanks my friend. Appreciated.
Great choice.
Thanks so much.
Good stuff, both very handsome instruments. Epiphone has been putting out some impressive guitars the past few years, the Sheraton sounds great in your very capable hands ✌️
Thanks so much. I agree Epiphone’s been stepping it up.
In the most positive of ways I’m very happy for you and a bit jealous, in the most positive of ways. Congrats.
I would have chosen the Sheraton as well, for all the reasons you stated, and for all the logic you offered.
As it happens, there are some huge bills due very soon and the financial breathing room from the gigs last year at this time, simply doesn’t exist this year, and will likely not exist until 2025 when I can better sort out the “not enough gigs” problem, which is a problem more than just money.
Anyway…
An awesome guitar. You’ve put it on my radar in my orbit of a VERY few guitars I’d buy without question, right NOW, if and when I can get over this financial hump.
Well, enjoy the heck out of this guitar for yourself and on behalf of all the folks who want it but can’t quite pull the trigger right now.
Thanks so much my friend. I know all about financial troubles and I hope your situation improves dramatically.
Congrats on the new guitar! The 355 brings back memories of my love for Chuck Berry, so that's the one I'd lasso-- if I had any money LOL! Enjoy the new Epi-- she sure is purdy :D
Thanks so much. Played ‘er on last night’s show.
I bought a Riviera reissue (you reviewed one some time ago) for just under € 600 new. There's something about mini hums on a semi. As you've pointed out, I can use it on songs that want single-coils without feeling too far off sound wise. And, of course, it covers humbucker needs very well. And you don't have to reach for your amps controls. Volume and tone pots do the job. So, as much as I like the 355, I understand your choice very well.
Thank you my friend. I appreciate it.
@@leonardgriffieblues5845 Thank YOU! All the best from Stuttgart!
Really sounds sweet. Thank you !
And thank you for tuning in.
That'd be such a difficult choice for me, you have no idea. Fortunately, Epiphone spared me the angst by once again not serving the left handed guitar community on these special models. I'm thankful for my MIK Sheraton II. Everyone says the buckers sound too muddy. I always tell them, I only play Blues so this is like a built in gift for me. :) Congrats on the new guitar Len. It's certainly a looker and oh man, you make it sound oh so sweet. That backing track is very nice too. Do you sell those? Thanks from Chicago, cheers sir.
Thanks my friend. I make backing tracks available on my Patreon page. Only a couple there so far but I’ll be uploading more.
I would have been tempted to hang on to that one ALTHO I'm actually keen on finding an Epi Riviera with the mini-buckers, preferably a Made in Korea version!
Well I hope you find one you’re very happy with. Thanks so much for tuning in.
Keep that rocket!
So far...
Hey I’ll be over in a bit to check that sweet guitar out in a minute 😬! You make that puppy sing!! Still going to Steve?
Great video!
Thanks so much my friend. I don’t see Steve often any more but I did take this one to him. It played okay but had some slightly high frets. I do have another guy for wiring stuff who I use if it’s a hollowbody. Wiring those is just too much work for this old geezer.
I'd maybe love one of those Epiphone 355's in a Ebony Black. I have a Vintage Sunburst Sheraton Pro II and it's similar but more brighter, but one of those 355 would be more Gibson maybe with a closer duplicate similarity. I like the 150th anniversy Sheraton too, more single coil humbuckers. Generally my favourites are Stratocasters, mostly my Fender Player Series and the Silver Sky SE. I do like these style guitars for cleaner sounds, but their yet versatile. I prefer my Epiphone Classic Les Paul just for a bridge that feels more beefier and more dark or aggressive I guess, I think the Les Paul mids are more balanced like mid clean range, where as the 335 is more airy, brighter since there's the semi hollow sound holes. I'm content for the looks, playability, quality, tone of value I don't genuinely desire to have anything better, especially when you can dial your tone with presets, EQ, how amps and pedals and anything, not just the player adds so much. I always prefer rosewood, but with the tele and strats I like both with maple too.
Thanks for your viewpoint, and thanks for watching.
The Epiphone 339 was the first semihollw I owned
Well I hope you love it. Thanks for watching.
What a fantastic video have a wonderful weekend ❤😊
Thank you so much my friend.
Looks like you play better when you like what’s in your hands.
I imagine that's true of everyone to some degree. Thanks for watching.
Your playing is always 6 out of 5 stars. - You should make Blues teaching videos.
Thank you my friend. I don't consider myself a great teacher, however, early on I used to put out some playing tips videos along with my review videos. The review videos got way more views so I finally dropped the teaching videos since they were a lot of work for little reward. Maybe if the channel grows large enough I'll bring the idea back, or possibly do it on Patreon if I can manage to attract more members.
@@leonardgriffieblues5845 that would be great. Just find a concept. Or do some stylistic videos or material just on specific artists. Whatever you want.
Here is an interesting tooic for a review. - To get a stingy blues sound out of a HB BB used the varitone and 9'strings. Feddie King just used the treble high freequencies from his fender twin and rolles back the mids and lows.
But how do you get are more lively tone if you don t want buy and expansive Gibson oder Fender Twin.
MiniHB, P90, or the Lollar Broadtron. They sit all inbetween HB and SC.
I love the Lollartrons.
A comparison or just your thought would be helpful