"Almost" the Perfect Epiphone! | 2024 Inspired by Gibson Custom 1959 ES-355 White Review

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  • Опубліковано 27 тра 2024
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    📚Description: Today we review the new Epiphone ES-355. I happened to get a dud/shipping damaged example, but if you get a good one, I think this might be the best value out of the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop series
    0:00 - Intro - Inspired by Gibson Custom Shop Epiphone Series
    0:20 - Unboxing Epiphone ES-355
    1:40 - Price + Inclusions
    2:46 - First Impressions
    3:50 - How to change the finish
    5:50 - Workbench Segment / Specs
    12:49 - Clean Tones
    14:36 - Dirty Tones
    16:00 - Final Thoughts
    1959 ES-355, Classic White
    Semi-hollow electric guitar with 50s Rounded Medium C profile, Gibson-style “open book” headstock, USA Gibson Custombucker pickups,and hardshell case
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 433

  • @chrishenderson9130
    @chrishenderson9130 14 днів тому +29

    I have an epiphone 335 in iced tea. I put a burstbucker 61 in the neck and a vintage superdistortion that i magnet-swapped to an alnico V. It absolutely kills.

    • @tonyhill1141
      @tonyhill1141 14 днів тому +6

      That sounds cool. I have an 89 Epi Sheraton II (Japan) that is really beautiful and has a great tone stock. I bet yours sounds awesome.

    • @rooster4906
      @rooster4906 14 днів тому +5

      Bravo ,it is important that you are satisfied, in the end the guitarist and his hands are the most important. Enjoy !!!

  • @kenfernsler6507
    @kenfernsler6507 14 днів тому +10

    I have this in the red finish. Ive done 2 gigs with it so far. Thursday will be the 3rd. I have no issues with mine. Less quality issues than any of my Gibsons. Sounds great. It has just a lil less output then my Gibsons r8 lespaul. I highly recommend the guitar. The neck feels great. Much better than a thick poly finish. I dont feel like im playing an epiphone.

    • @garynovak1012
      @garynovak1012 9 днів тому

      That's how I feel about my new '59, the neck doesn't have that Epiphone shape anymore. It's more Gibson than anything. Great guitars.

    • @75Pollux
      @75Pollux 7 днів тому

      Hi, What do you think about the finish, is the poly as thick as the other epiphone series ?

  • @HVA58
    @HVA58 14 днів тому +16

    I have one of these and absolutely love it. It looks great, is fun to play and those Custombucker pickups sound fantastic.

  • @RavenStJohn
    @RavenStJohn 14 днів тому +23

    I've been looking at this model......glad to see you cover it!

  • @TheOldWitch
    @TheOldWitch 12 днів тому +3

    just got mine a few days ago. fit and finish are flawless, sounds amazing. looks great

  • @rafaelmartinez1917
    @rafaelmartinez1917 14 днів тому +16

    this is exactly why I did not pull the trigger on one of these, it comes out of the box with the infamous epiphone freeboard treatment, which is highly disappointed, I'd have to inspect one of those in the store, but that's not exactly an option available to me. if they want to charge that kind of money, at least have the damn thing plecke'd

    • @Winstonrodney6989
      @Winstonrodney6989 14 днів тому +2

      Yeah that’s Epiphone for you. Gotta try ‘‘em before you buy ‘em.

    • @doug1274
      @doug1274 14 днів тому +6

      I’m always surprised when I hear that people still don’t know that many, if not most, online guitar stores offer free returns/exchange if you have any issues at all.

    • @sixslinger9951
      @sixslinger9951 14 днів тому +2

      Epi QC sucks made in china junk! ...the only good thing are the custombuckers. Hard pass from me.

    • @mutantgenius8735
      @mutantgenius8735 14 днів тому +12

      @@sixslinger9951 "Made-in-China Junk?
      So, pretty much like the phone, PC, tablet or laptop you used to type this comment with, right?
      If I were you, I'd toss it in the trash right away and get a USA built product tout de suite, non?

    • @JohnPaulSheets
      @JohnPaulSheets 14 днів тому +1

      @@sixslinger9951I own one of the “made in china junk” guitars and it’s my number one guitar. I smell a snob 👀

  • @AS__77
    @AS__77 14 днів тому +4

    If you get one of these from a reputable seller like Sweetwater that can guarantee there won’t be issues like with the one you got, or at least replace it if there are issues, then put an hour or so into buffing and polishing the headstock and top, it’s not a bad deal compared to the Gibson CS equivalent. I’m fine with my Gibson Les Paul Tribute I bought new for $900 at a Guitar Center a few years back, though 😂 does the job. Probably the only Gibson I will ever buy.

  • @benlogan430
    @benlogan430 14 днів тому +4

    It’s hard to get a realistic idea of the quality of an instrument with a sample pool of one. Especially with international shipping and it being spring. I’ve had three EPI’s that were awesome.

  • @dobiqwolf
    @dobiqwolf 14 днів тому +3

    Thank you for the review.
    I have the same guitar and noticed similar issues such as the finish in the F holes edges (my sheraton 2 F holes have bidding).
    I have a fret that is a bit higher on the bass side (3rd fret), I tapped it too but need to be filled down... at that price I would expected better fret finish and F holes with binding.
    I observed the same with more white on the binding edges, I suspect it will develop all around the binding with time and usage.
    Overall I like the guitar and will keep it but the finish issues are a big let down; at that price point, the competition will not have these issues.

  • @Itsjorgelanzas
    @Itsjorgelanzas 14 днів тому +18

    This is my favorite from this drop!! Especially now that you say it’s got that VOS finish!! 🔥🔥, but then again. Guitars over $1000 and they can’t even file the frets 😓😓 that’s worrying to me. It’s not an issue they kept to their $500 ones

    • @ScottsGuitar
      @ScottsGuitar 14 днів тому +1

      Any epiphone should really be budgeted for a pro setup anyways, so buying used could be a good way to make up that $200 or whatever it costs then it’ll play better than new

    • @rethinktone
      @rethinktone 9 днів тому

      It's a joke what other companies can offer in that price range. Have you looked at vola? Eastman? That Vos finish is garbage. You can literally wipe it down with a paper towel. Can't imagine how splotchy it will be in a few years.

    • @ScottsGuitar
      @ScottsGuitar 9 днів тому

      @@rethinktone ur gonna have to just semi gloss it ahead of time, no way it stays clean otherwise

    • @rethinktone
      @rethinktone 9 днів тому

      @@ScottsGuitar that's so ridiculous that you have to put in work for a guitar over 1000. Why? Because of the open book headstock and overpriced pickups?

    • @ScottsGuitar
      @ScottsGuitar 8 днів тому

      @@rethinktone it is ridiculous. But I think it’s mostly the pickups pushing price on these. The value of a good business is to find the Max price while still finding sell through. You and I both know these will sell so 🤷‍♂️ for those that care more about fretwork just go PRS SE and be way happier.

  • @nikkimagnusson9437
    @nikkimagnusson9437 13 днів тому +2

    I have a red one .no issues . I have 2 of the 59 LP..ice tea and tobacco burst..no issues..bought from different retailers..

  • @theleviathan89
    @theleviathan89 14 днів тому +3

    You’re reading my mind. After getting the Les Paul SG for my son and seeing and hearing the quality, I’m interested in this es355

  • @markjamesmeli2520
    @markjamesmeli2520 14 днів тому +2

    I LIKE it!! I had never heard of this particular model before. Thank you for documenting it. I'm sorry about the imperfections you found in it. But, it would bother me too, and you were honest enough to talk about it. It's good for folks to know what might happen, and, heck, it's good for Gibson to know too.

  • @cosmikrelic4815
    @cosmikrelic4815 14 днів тому +13

    a few more faults and it will be up to gibson quality. 😉

    • @Aspkkr
      @Aspkkr 14 днів тому +1

      Ha, such an original reply, I bet you gave a bunch of new Gibson's and that's what your basing the comment on. right?

    • @Isaac-lm6pl
      @Isaac-lm6pl 12 днів тому +5

      @@Aspkkrlook, another butthurt gibson fanboy

  • @sandsthirtytwo7852
    @sandsthirtytwo7852 14 днів тому +2

    These are very nice guitars; I have the sg custom, and really, people saying that price is crazy for a Chinese guitar, I saw an Eastman 345 five or six years ago for $1699 CAD, whereas now these epiphones are $1869 CAD after factoring in inflation, and with burstbuckers, that's not a bad deal.. plus you get the authentic gibson headstock shape

  • @sixslinger9951
    @sixslinger9951 14 днів тому +8

    You need a t-shirt that says "In the Middle, Just for Fun"

  • @Trashslayer76
    @Trashslayer76 14 днів тому +2

    If I didn't have a white Sire H7, I'd go for one of these! I love how the finish is breaking in on my '61 SG. If this is similar, even better!

  • @ziggylayneable
    @ziggylayneable 5 днів тому

    I've been playing for 38 years and I was always a Stratocaster guy. Halo bodies have changed my way of thinking completely. This guitar is beautiful

  • @johnhutton9105
    @johnhutton9105 14 днів тому +2

    Haven’t tried one of the Inspired By Custom electrics, but my Banner J45 is an absolute monster. Feels, plays and sounds a steal even for £1,199.

  • @swilkobarfingtoniii1642
    @swilkobarfingtoniii1642 14 днів тому +2

    I have a very strong feeling these are going to be offered in a few other finishes. Bursts, stock ebony... Blue and maybe even metallic finishes. A natural maple would be the most appealing to me.
    Pretty guitar in white, but not for me.

  • @michaelklotz3662
    @michaelklotz3662 14 днів тому +3

    Unfortunately the switch problem is common with Epiphones. If you leave them on neck or bridge for a while it’s like they get stuck, like the prongs don’t go back to where they should. Now all my Epiphones go back to the middle position after playing. 😅

    • @pauljohnson3686
      @pauljohnson3686 14 днів тому

      You are spot on... But these are not regular epiphone switches.. They are switchcraft.. (probably still chinese though)

  • @Steve.Cutler
    @Steve.Cutler 14 днів тому +3

    I prefer the 59 les paul. And I also like the burstbuckers better than the custom buckers. I got my 2020 59 used, in like new condition w/original hsc on Reverb for about 600 bucks. Just give it some time and they'll be deals to be had from new prices

  • @clayroundtree
    @clayroundtree 14 днів тому +1

    Haven’t had any of the issues mentioned in this video with mine, thankfully

  • @ChroniclesOfASadPunk
    @ChroniclesOfASadPunk 14 днів тому +2

    I've almost thrown down on the Explorer a few times, but that's only because I want the Korina body without the Custom Shop price tag. The SG Custom would be great if it didn't have the vibrola. That being said, this line hasn't really peaked my interest.

  • @jasentaylor4396
    @jasentaylor4396 14 днів тому +3

    I have the epiphone exclusive ebony version of this. Mine has no fret issues and I can not find a blemish on it. I’m very happy with it. Sounds great and looks pretty snappy too.

    • @pauljohnson3686
      @pauljohnson3686 14 днів тому +1

      Where do you find an ebony exclusive 355 in this range... I have not seen one before.... Not even on you tube

    • @allmostbrothers
      @allmostbrothers 9 днів тому +1

      I just ordered the ebony one from thier site glad to see someone has this already and loves it

    • @pauljohnson3686
      @pauljohnson3686 9 днів тому

      @@allmostbrothers The exclusive ebony one on their site is a black 335 gibson inspired with the epiphone headstock... The model in this review is the 355 gibson custom inspired with Gibson headstock and is only available in red..

  • @web0flife_tarantulas74
    @web0flife_tarantulas74 7 днів тому

    I just got my Epi exclusive ebony one and Im in love! Had to polish the grit off the frets a bit but other than that it feels just as good as my Gibson Classic LP. The neck has the perfect feel between the shape and the VOS finish. Playability is amazing! And the real mother of pearl inlays are beautiful.

  • @1thess523
    @1thess523 10 днів тому

    That bridge pick up sounds nice

  • @mr3klax
    @mr3klax 9 днів тому

    Just FYI. The guitar does have a serial number. It’s on the Gibson-style label inside the F-hole (time stamp 7:23).

  • @surveyordave
    @surveyordave 14 днів тому +4

    dang, what a great guitar for $1300.

  • @joshuanguyen9526
    @joshuanguyen9526 14 днів тому +3

    Hey trogly, big fan of your channel, if u can do an epiphone extura or ESP Ltd eclipse 87 fr (black or white) review, that would be amazing, keep up with your good work, your videos are the best.

  • @jimmyjames2022
    @jimmyjames2022 14 днів тому +2

    "Don't let this review scare you away..." It's ok Trogly, the $1900CAD price in Canada alone did a lot more to scare me away, than disappointing but unsurprising QC issues from Epiphone.

  • @ladyluckdrums
    @ladyluckdrums 14 днів тому +3

    It feels good after you get rid of the sandpaper chalkboard feel?? It's $1300! I love you trogly!!

  • @kueby23
    @kueby23 14 днів тому +3

    Has the headstock angle also changed on the new Epis? The white one looks damn good btw

  • @Gordanovich02
    @Gordanovich02 14 днів тому +2

    Oddly enough I have an old Korean made G400 where the factory switch couldn't reliably select the neck pickup alone.
    That guitar cost £189. In 2004 admittedly, but still.
    Yeah the dodgy frets on this particular example are disappointing. I appreciate the higher specs on these new Epis and believe me the temptation is there, but still having to contemplate a fret level on a $€£1299 guitar is crazy.

  • @thenemophilist8559
    @thenemophilist8559 14 днів тому +10

    Buy a Gretsch Streamliner and bypass all the QC issues. At 1/3 the price, at that.

    • @michaeltsatvs6139
      @michaeltsatvs6139 3 години тому

      Gretch is made in the same factory that Squiers are.

  • @ScottJamesHicks
    @ScottJamesHicks 14 днів тому +1

    Those “rough” matte finishes smooth out and gloss up when you play them a lot. Forearm wear works like micro mesh sandpaper.

  • @Asillyhobo
    @Asillyhobo 14 днів тому +3

    This was the review I was waiting on before hitting the buy button on one of these. Shame about it being a lemon from shipping, but glad you still recommend it over all!

  • @jimyounger9490
    @jimyounger9490 14 днів тому +3

    Could you tell us where you bought it. Sweetwater supposedly checks their guitars before they get shipped. They would have found these issues.

    • @Trog
      @Trog  14 днів тому

      Depends how deep the impressions are. Usually you just have to level and recrown the frets to remedy the situation. On this example, the cuts aren't very deep but on rare occasions they are and it forces a refret due to not much height of frets left after leveling

    • @jimyounger9490
      @jimyounger9490 14 днів тому

      @@Trog thanks. I love that guitar !!

  • @allmostbrothers
    @allmostbrothers 13 днів тому +1

    Thanks buddy i just ordered one i was waiting on your review!!

  • @GuitarsAndLightsabers
    @GuitarsAndLightsabers 14 днів тому +1

    Ordered one of these to try out and immediately returned it. The neck is ENORMOUS. Uncomfortably so. It may look like it's giving off Alex Lifeson vibes, but playing his frenetic leads on this is an absolute chore. Total bummer. I really wanted to like this one.

  • @joermnyc
    @joermnyc 14 днів тому +2

    For about the same price you can get the PRS SE Hollowbody Custom with flame maple veneer top and headstock AND flame maple binding all over the guitar, even in the F-holes! Plus there’s a version with a piezo pickup. I wasn’t feeling that one playing it (not really an ES-style guy), but it certainly is a gorgeous guitar in this price range!

    • @leviathan_is_me
      @leviathan_is_me 14 днів тому +2

      This is something I'll never understand. Gibson went from almost bankrupt to where we are now. Sub par QC and nothing really special about them and people are going ga-ga to pay such a premium for not a lot. Guitar cost is trending downward, thankfully, but Gibson...man.

    • @Aspkkr
      @Aspkkr 14 днів тому

      @@leviathan_is_me As A Gibson collector I have to ask, is your sub par comment based on your experience or a meme? I am not arguing your point but just wondering if you are talking about things like finish imperfections or playability? Also nothing special? What is an examble of special? Bolt on necks, trems, single pickups, made 100% C&C?

    • @leviathan_is_me
      @leviathan_is_me 14 днів тому +3

      @Aspkkr experience, had a few Gibsons. Preferred an LTD KH202 over a Gibson Explorer. Fit/finish, feel, sound, playability, etc. All superior, imo, on the "cheap" LTD. As far as subpar, I refer to Trogly. He says a price tag of 4 to 5 THOUSAND is a reasonable price when the guitars aren't quality checked for crap, come needing truss adjustments, dinged, not properly finished (some dust is ok....Gibsons...wow and yes it is the norm to get it like that), paint running all over the binding, etc. There are sub $500 guitars that take immense pride in none of that happening (not saying it doesn't, it's just not the norm). Gibsons just aren't all that when compared to other brands at 1/3rd the price. You get stainless jumbo frets, better hardware (opinion), better tuners, almost every appointment, again opinions.... and it's just my opinion. People are happy to throw good $ at them, more power to them. It's their money. I just don't understand the "why" when they were almost bankrupt a few years back, now here we are. I don't get it.
      Edit: I am in NO way saying Gibson aren't good guitars. I just don't think the name and headstock are worth anywhere near what they charge. And, yes, that IS what you're paying for, the name on the headstock and its shape.

    • @joermnyc
      @joermnyc 14 днів тому

      @@leviathan_is_me it seems all the QC issues and flaws are “tradition”?

  • @guitarman6632
    @guitarman6632 14 днів тому +3

    I have a half dozen epi's No problems.

  • @bassicmike48
    @bassicmike48 14 днів тому +1

    How’s the comparison for feel to the Dave Grohl signature DG-335?! Thanks for the IGC videos! Loving this series.

  • @eezar21
    @eezar21 14 днів тому +12

    I can’t understand all the epiphone hate. I just bought one of the black 355s direct from Epiphone. I tip my hat to Epiphone, I think these are outstanding value and I love the step up with these specs. Price and value are always going to mean different things to different people and I think this year Epiphone are killing it through the range.

    • @mutantgenius8735
      @mutantgenius8735 14 днів тому +7

      Seems its less "Epiphone hate" and more "Chinese-manufactured-Gibson hate". Some people are just mean and stupid, too.

    • @mr3klax
      @mr3klax 14 днів тому +2

      Congrats! My Ebony VOS Exclusive is in back order. Will be shipped on May 25.

    • @eezar21
      @eezar21 14 днів тому +3

      @@mr3klax It’ll be worth the wait. You’ll love it I promise

    • @eezar21
      @eezar21 14 днів тому +4

      @@mutantgenius8735 sadly I think you’re right 😮‍💨 …the irony is that many of those comments will have been happily tapped out on their Chinese made iPhones or laptops…totally different…

    • @mr3klax
      @mr3klax 14 днів тому

      @@eezar21 Thanks! I know I will. By the way, how do you like the VOS finish?

  • @mp-kq3vc
    @mp-kq3vc 14 днів тому +1

    The digs in the fret wire... can that be easily be levelled off? Or would that change the entire setup?

  • @WilliamHaisch
    @WilliamHaisch 14 днів тому +2

    If I remember correctly, two years ago there was a Gibson exclusive bone white Lucille that I was really interested in. Now, I think I will pass on this one. 😊

  • @adamproctor483
    @adamproctor483 11 днів тому

    I own the cherry and it is STUNNING. No shade on the white or ebony versions, they’re classics, but the cherry finish shows some serious wood grain and it is as gorgeous as almost any Gibson that you can find. Just gorgeous.
    I can promise that if you had ordered a cherry red version, your assessment would have been even higher. You can’t help yourself - it’s just gorgeous

  • @pauljohnson3686
    @pauljohnson3686 14 днів тому

    I tried this guitar in store and it really does feel and sound very nice.. I also tried the Emily Wolfe sheraton in white.. The Emily Wolfe rocks, feels faster on the neck and looks even nicer than this ..and if it had the ebony fretboard... it would really look mean.

  • @Akaite79
    @Akaite79 14 днів тому +1

    It's expensive for an Epiphone, but the cheapest Gibson ES is $3k and a 355 is much more than that, so it still seems like a very good value

  • @mr3klax
    @mr3klax 9 днів тому

    The 59 Les Paul Burst that you were looking for might be the Washed Cherry Sunburst that one can only find from the Gibson/Epiphone website as it is an ‘Exclusive’. I have no problem with the Indian Laurel and the VOS Finish as they are easy fix. Will I buy it? Yes eventually. But for now, I started with the Custom ones (ie, LP Custom in Alpine White & ES-355 in Ebony). We’re living in interesting times as far as what’s available out there. So many makes and models at different price points.

  • @liamplunkett5100
    @liamplunkett5100 14 днів тому +13

    Paying $1300 for the bad frets is a crime

    • @pauljohnson3686
      @pauljohnson3686 14 днів тому +7

      And even more so when you pay 6k for paint and fret flaws on a gibson custom shop

    • @csharp57
      @csharp57 14 днів тому +3

      I think you missed the part where he said that stuff can happen in transit. I’m not sure about anyone else, but I always have my techs go over my guitars once I’ve purchased them.

    • @dorianmorningstar7638
      @dorianmorningstar7638 14 днів тому +1

      Easily fixed by polishing the frets. Gibsons have issues as well

  • @lodrezzon
    @lodrezzon 14 днів тому +5

    I don't know. Waiting 3 to 6 months to get a hold of one isn't what I would call easy to replace.

    • @AbaCornejo
      @AbaCornejo 14 днів тому +1

      I think he means financially it’s easier to replace a $1300 guitar than a $7000 custom shop

    • @lodrezzon
      @lodrezzon 14 днів тому +1

      @@AbaCornejo I know ;)...my point is I've been waiting to buy one for 4 months now, with none available. Sweetwater has them on backorder until December. What good is an inexpensive guitar if you can never buy it?

    • @AbaCornejo
      @AbaCornejo 14 днів тому

      @@lodrezzon it is a beautiful guitar, hopefully you’ll get it soon!

    • @csharp57
      @csharp57 14 днів тому

      @@lodrezzonMy counterpoint is I just saw 5 models for sale on Reverb. Search took less than a minute. One of those is used for $100 off. That sounds kind of easy to replace to me, but this is the internet and I’ll wait for you counter with some reason why those are hard to get too. I’ll wait.

  • @jonkerr2050
    @jonkerr2050 14 днів тому +4

    I got one of the first ebony 355s direct from Epiphone. Love it!!!

    • @jimyounger9490
      @jimyounger9490 14 днів тому

      I went to Gibson website to find that ebony one. Couldn’t find it. Where is it ??

    • @Trog
      @Trog  14 днів тому

      www.epiphone.com/en-US/p/Electric-Guitar/IGC-1959-ES-355/Ebony-VOS-Exclusive

    • @allmostbrothers
      @allmostbrothers 10 днів тому +1

      So no issues? I just ordered an ebony one direct from epiohone too and was a bit concerned i usually use sweetwater

    • @jonkerr2050
      @jonkerr2050 10 днів тому

      @@allmostbrothers no real issues. I will say that it’s taking some time to get used to the pickups. I have guitars with Burstbuckers, 490r and 490t, Epiphone Probuckers, and a few different Seymour Duncan humbucker sets. But these Custombuckers are a different animal. Not being wax potted, they can get away from you. Just like real PAFs. I got to play a ‘61 SG with the original PAFs at a shop in Vegas a while back and it was a very similar experience. Probably amplified by the 355 being a simi hollow.

    • @allmostbrothers
      @allmostbrothers 10 днів тому

      @@jonkerr2050 very intersting to know i have burstbuckers and 490s to but unwaxed pots arent they microphonic??? Thats not good .was intonation and action set up already??? And thankyou for responding i appreciate it thus is the first time ive ever bought a guitar without touching it first

  • @guydude830
    @guydude830 14 днів тому +1

    So out of all of the Epiphone inspired by Gibson model's, including the early Kalamazoo headstock options, which add up the best?
    I think besides the headstock, the Burstbucker's in the 61' SG Les Paul Epiphone with the Kalamazoo was the best bang for buck..

    • @Trog
      @Trog  14 днів тому

      Value for money - yes, you're better off with mid-tier epiphones with KZ style headstocks. They are close enough and you don't have to pay for premium pickups if you weren't going to put them in anyway. These higher end ones are meant for a very specific audience -

  • @darrylmoore127
    @darrylmoore127 14 днів тому

    Reminds me of my Custom 335 bought in late 80s

  • @Myfingersstinklikefish
    @Myfingersstinklikefish 14 днів тому +7

    The specs of a 2021 epiphone modern figured Sg transparent red and recently discontinued and on sale what's left..it's high end.. also the Quingdao epiphone facility is completely American owned and operated by Gibson Epiphone USA with American and Asian luthiers and only Epiphones are made there...Mahogany body Rich, warm, focused sound; added sustain
    Mahogany neck Great sustain, strength, and warm tone
    Ebony fretboard Dark color, tight grain; premium fretboard wood
    Epiphone ProBucker pickups Based on Gibson BurstBuckers & vintage PAF pickupsThe SG Modern Figured from Epiphone's Inspired by Gibson Collection has a classic SG profile made from Mahogany with a AAA Flame Maple Veneer top and Trans Black Fade finish. Powered by ProBucker humbuckers with coil-splitting, phase switching, and CTS electronics. Featuring an Ebony fingerboard and world class Grover Locking Rotomatic tuners with Tulip Buttons with an 1Body:
    Material: Mahogany
    Top: AAA Flame Maple (3/4")
    Neck:
    Neck wood: Mahogany
    Profile: Asymetrical Slim Taper with Contoured Heel
    Fingerboard: Ebony with Pearl "Trapezoid" Inlays
    Scale length: 24.724"
    Number of frets: 24
    Hardware:
    Brige: LockTone ABR
    Tailpiece: Stopbar
    Knobs: Clear Top Hats with Ridge
    Tuners: Grover Locking Rotomatic tuners with Tulip Buttons with an 18:1 ratio
    Electronics:
    Neck pickup: ProBucker-2 humbucker w/coil-splitting and phase switch
    Bridge pickup: ProBucker-3 humbucker w/coil-splitting and phase switch
    Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, CTS electronics
    Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
    Transparent Red

    • @mutantgenius8735
      @mutantgenius8735 14 днів тому +3

      I own a mint 2013 Dot VS I got for $250 that you'll have to pry out of my cold, dead hands!

  • @clayroundtree
    @clayroundtree 14 днів тому +5

    Haven’t had any of the issues with mine mentioned in this video, thankfully

  • @andrewbecker3700
    @andrewbecker3700 14 днів тому +1

    Have you had the new Adam Jones non art model on yet? Maybe you have and I'm baked? Either way, it's got the double diamond stamp on the back of the headstock, but not the case, because it's the Gator TSA chainsaw case.

  • @artaragon7894
    @artaragon7894 8 днів тому

    Huuuuge THANKS for doing the white one. As a huge Lifeson fan this got me really excited

  • @mr3klax
    @mr3klax 6 днів тому

    The uneven binding issue at the neck between the headstock ( bone white) and fretboard (ivory) that you mentioned is also present on my LP Custom in Alpine White. But not on my Ebony ES-355 where the binding (aged white)except for the pickguard (white) is perfect and consistent all around. I wonder if this issue is just on the white finish.

  • @larrynoe6162
    @larrynoe6162 14 днів тому +2

    And the ebony fretboard goes along way.

  • @raytorvalds3699
    @raytorvalds3699 14 днів тому +1

    People need to stop saying Custombuckers are $500 on their own and use that retail price to justify Epiphone's high pricing.
    I don't think you want to know what it actually costs Gibson to make those Custombuckers.

  • @shawn_edwin
    @shawn_edwin 10 днів тому

    For me it was the 1959 355 or the Shinichi Ubukata ES-355. Went for the Bigsby and the Varitone with the Shinichi Ubukata. I so happy with my choice! Love the Varitone! Not crazy about the diamond cutouts but it the classic cherry a new edgy look. Sounds so good! So happy with it!

  • @andrewbrookes2485
    @andrewbrookes2485 14 днів тому

    The red 355 looks great

  • @jrw6061
    @jrw6061 14 днів тому +2

    Do you ever sleep 💤??? Love your work thanks 🙏🏻 so much!!!!! Love single pickup LP,s !!

  • @OfficialKevinFox
    @OfficialKevinFox 14 днів тому +3

    I ordered a white 1959 Es 355, and I absolutely love it. Definitely worth the price if you want a true 355. I personally don’t care about those tiny imperfections at the end of the day. But mine didn’t have the high or damaged frets. It’s a quality and great playing guitar.

  • @TropicalLatitude
    @TropicalLatitude 7 днів тому +1

    I got one of these from Sweetwater and it's in dire need of a fret level. It's ridiculous to pay $1,300 for a guitar that has the frets of a $400 guitar.

  • @user-ko4iy1pp9j
    @user-ko4iy1pp9j 14 днів тому +1

    Thanks Trogly 👏👏💯💯

  • @chris.honeycutt
    @chris.honeycutt 14 днів тому +1

    The neck depth specs are amazing on this one! That's my kind of neck. On an Alex Lifeson clone too.
    Too bad they are manufactured with neck depths all over the map. My luck, I'd order one with a Slim Taper 60's profile.

    • @Trog
      @Trog  14 днів тому

      They are all spec'd with 50s necks so they should be very similar to this

  • @brettaveni4242
    @brettaveni4242 13 днів тому

    Sorry you had issues. Mine came pretty nice. Just lowered the action and changed the crummy strings and cleaned up the fretboard

  • @massimorosestolato6485
    @massimorosestolato6485 14 днів тому +2

    Please put again the measures also in millimetres!!

    • @Trog
      @Trog  14 днів тому +1

      times the measurement you see by 25.4 and you'll get your mm

  • @martingill1089
    @martingill1089 13 днів тому

    Would really like to see you do a review of the Epiphone Richie Faulkner Flying V

  • @ravenheart1439
    @ravenheart1439 14 днів тому +1

    Its a beauty....agreed with black pic guard, it seems EPI have sorta reinvented themselves, I been impressed with them lately, if it plays and looks as good as Gibson, why pay 2-3 times more when you can have this is my theory, not in the market but if I was I'd look really close at EPI Forsure....Alex Les Paul by EPI is as good as Gibson to me and Alex for that matter...

  • @michaelaiello9525
    @michaelaiello9525 14 днів тому

    Was super excited for these, but wow, lots of QC issues. Toggle switch not selecting the neck sometimes???

  • @DanielAlzapiedi-on4oi
    @DanielAlzapiedi-on4oi 14 днів тому +1

    The f holes killed it fr me. Got a 350 dollar Ibanez Art core from 2007 and they are equisit. Bound on the inside. Back to the shelf.

  • @davewestner
    @davewestner 14 днів тому +4

    Can someone explain to me why the middle position is always, "just for fun"?
    Is it because that reading doesn't really matter?

    • @strawsparky33
      @strawsparky33 14 днів тому +3

      The individual pickup readings are usually all that most people care about.

    • @davewestner
      @davewestner 14 днів тому +1

      @@strawsparky33 thanks!

    • @chrishenderson9130
      @chrishenderson9130 14 днів тому +3

      That's what he should have put on the tshirt...

    • @GuitarHutGearZoneReviews1181
      @GuitarHutGearZoneReviews1181 14 днів тому +2

      Isn’t the middle just the average between the two pickups

    • @Aspkkr
      @Aspkkr 14 днів тому +1

      Because once you know the bridge and neck values its pretty easy to divide in half, so you dont need to use a multimeter. So he is just doing it even though we already know what it is.

  • @mr3klax
    @mr3klax 2 дні тому

    Sounds great! Whether it looks great as well depends on personal taste. Personally, I prefer gloss over satin finish except for the neck. If this guitar gets polished and buffed to a high gloss, will it alter the sound? Any comment will be much appreciated. Thanks!

  • @indiekiduk
    @indiekiduk 13 днів тому +1

    I wonder if you could replace the tuning pegs with keystone shape? That would look nice like a Gibson has.

    • @allmostbrothers
      @allmostbrothers 9 днів тому

      Yes you can i did 35. Ucks for just the buttons and 5 min to change them

  • @silvernuggets1285
    @silvernuggets1285 14 днів тому +1

    I like it but I'm not sure I'd buy it over a Sheraton II ya know?

  • @butchmuir447
    @butchmuir447 14 днів тому

    Hi mate, could you do a video on the 90s jimmy page les paul signature please 🙏

  • @Masterfighterx
    @Masterfighterx 14 днів тому +67

    Tooling marks on the fretboard, chewed binding and dings on the frets? Just like a real Gibson, only for $4-5000 less!

  • @papasmamas1
    @papasmamas1 14 днів тому +19

    The best looking one from all the Inspired by Gibson serie. It doesnt scream cheap and "oh, thats an Epiphone", it looks fancy and good.

    • @mr3klax
      @mr3klax 14 днів тому

      I agree. This and the Les Paul Custom, personally. I am getting the Ebony version in a couple of weeks, hopefully as it is in backorder.

  • @luisreneventura
    @luisreneventura 14 днів тому

    Hey Trogly have you had any inside info if they will be coming out with maple necks LPs and ES models mid/late 70s vibe? These Epiphone models are sweet and I would love to get a maple neck version to really get in to the Lifeson ES specs and the Sykes specs 🤞🏼.

    • @martydibergi5228
      @martydibergi5228 12 днів тому +1

      I own a 1978 Les Paul 3 piece maple neck natural finish. I got John Jorgenson to sign it and he said he had one similar. I have no problems with it. Love the thinner neck too! I never cared that it is a Norton guitar. So what. 😊

    • @luisreneventura
      @luisreneventura 12 днів тому

      @@martydibergi5228 I hope the universe conspires rto get me on of those someday 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼.

  • @garynovak1012
    @garynovak1012 14 днів тому +1

    I polished my new Epiphone '59 Les Paul and it turned out great. Pretty easy to do.

    • @mr3klax
      @mr3klax 9 днів тому

      Good to hear that. Were you able to polish it to a high-gloss mirror-like finish? Does it stay?

    • @garynovak1012
      @garynovak1012 2 дні тому

      @@mr3klax It's staying polished just fine, and it's nearly as high-gloss as a new Poly finished guitar. It looks and feels 100% better now.

    • @mr3klax
      @mr3klax 2 дні тому

      @@garynovak1012 So good to hear that. I just got the IGC 1959 ES-355 in Ebony VOS. So, it’s satin finish. It feels and plays great. But, I want to polish it as well. Does it not affect the sound?

    • @garynovak1012
      @garynovak1012 2 дні тому +1

      @mr3klax It does not affect the sound at all. It just made my Les Paul '59 go from a great guitar to an AMAZING guitar. Happy polishing!

    • @garynovak1012
      @garynovak1012 2 дні тому +1

      ​@@mr3klax FYI: I only polished the top and the sides of the guitar. I may do the headstock on my next string change.

  • @Gibsondude
    @Gibsondude 14 днів тому +1

    You have finally convinced me to buy an Epi! That is worth it

  • @matthewaltomare7629
    @matthewaltomare7629 14 днів тому +1

    Are they using better switches and output jacks on these IBG’s?

  • @davemeshamsr6000
    @davemeshamsr6000 14 днів тому

    Nice guitar… what r the other finishes?

  • @larryburwell8550
    @larryburwell8550 14 днів тому +2

    im a gibson les paul player, but i do have some epiphones les pauls too. this guitar dollar for dollar blows the gibson away for sure. you will see these epiphones go up in price in the near future because gibson wants you buying gibsons

    • @adamproctor483
      @adamproctor483 11 днів тому

      No doubt. I have many fine guitars and Gibsons but this Epi 355 is just as stunning of a guitar that you’re likely to find

  • @nedludd3641
    @nedludd3641 14 днів тому

    Anyone know the short-leg/long-leg configuration on Epiphone ES-335s humbuckers? I got hold of two short-leg CustomBuckers. I'm wondering whether I can fit them in an Epiphone Sheraton ii Pro or ES-335? (if not, is there a work-around?) Also, are Epiphones built for metric as opposed to Imperial humbuckers?

  • @TM-ev2tc
    @TM-ev2tc 14 днів тому

    Do you think that the first fret should have a fret marker or not.
    Just curious.
    PS. Would you prefer to order a new guitar, or buy one in a store.

  • @tabby321
    @tabby321 14 днів тому +1

    There is zero point in the Epi vs Gibson comparisons. If you accept Epiphone as just another brand that produces copies of LP’s like Burnsy, Tokai etc you’ll enjoy them a lot more. They should have their own identity. If they’re exact copies of what Gibson produce what’s the point! I’m a fan of Epi’s always have been. Their output is solid and still reasonably priced.

  • @goryburk
    @goryburk 14 днів тому

    I got one of the Epiphone Les Paul customs with the gold hardware and it had a switch issue. I think that the gold switches are glitchy bordering on defective.

    • @mr3klax
      @mr3klax 9 днів тому

      I have the Alpine White LP Custom for about a month now. Except for the very very slight palpable edge where the mahogany neck meets the binding on the ebony fretboard, I found no issues with the one I got. I absolutely love that guitar. Got it for US$1199.

  • @srwaite7
    @srwaite7 14 днів тому +1

    I have a 2023 Epiphone Ubakata 355 that is killer 👌🏻🎸🖖🏻

    • @Winstonrodney6989
      @Winstonrodney6989 14 днів тому

      I have had my eye on one of those. They look pretty darn sweet. Do you use the bigsby much? Also do you like the 57 classics in it?

  • @southlanfilmsusa
    @southlanfilmsusa 14 днів тому

    How sharp are those fret ends?

  • @elcid6325
    @elcid6325 12 днів тому

    I was waiting for you to review this guitar. I've watched other reviews and none mention or had problems with playability. since this is a Chibson i was thinking about playability issues, even USA made have them, and you had them , unfortunately. The specs on this guitar make it very desirable, but crossing your fingers that you get a good one is a gamble. A popular online seller has a 55 point inspection and , if so desired, Plek service which should yield a really good player, more money. Also, you can shave the back of the neck down to a custom size. Thank you for the review.

  • @indiekiduk
    @indiekiduk 14 днів тому

    at that price it should be flawless but those QC issues seems even worse that the old Ltd Edi Epi 345 & 355 where the plastic and metal would fall off

  • @jabarbors
    @jabarbors 14 днів тому

    6:09 Is it okay for the neck tenon to not completely fill the pocket?

    • @Trog
      @Trog  14 днів тому

      That's how most are

  • @jmledesma88
    @jmledesma88 14 днів тому

    FYI Epiphones are not Maple Poplar Maple but 5 ply Maple, where the 2 inbetween layers are thicker than the ones on the top middle and bottom, which are rather more veneer like.

    • @Trog
      @Trog  14 днів тому

      That may be for regular ones - but not this one

    • @jmledesma88
      @jmledesma88 13 днів тому

      @@Trog I work at a guitar store and it sure does look like 5 ply to me and also it's on Epiphones website, but you're right that it says it is poplar for the in between layers on their web, contrary to all maple for other models, at least historically on Epi's.

  • @georgeoh-well8116
    @georgeoh-well8116 14 днів тому +2

    How long do you think it will be before only Gibson custom shop remains in the USA, and everything else is offshore production?

    • @andrewbrookes2485
      @andrewbrookes2485 14 днів тому

      PRS are doing just fine .. same concept ….

    • @jerlewis4291
      @jerlewis4291 2 дні тому

      Never happen, Gibson will keep making guitars in the USA.

  • @lump171
    @lump171 14 днів тому +1

    I feel like the sucess of the dg 335 has really made epiphone want to make better products recently