I just the "new" epiphone and I am very happy with it. I have many Gibson 335 in my life. But now due to age (I am 70, retired) and circunstances (I am now living in Brazil and all guitars here are very expensive, a Gibson 335 costs a lot of money), I can´t afford a Gibson. Besides, for what I play (I am primarily a drummer), the new Epi 335 is just amazing. I still paid a lot for it. I wished I could back to the US (i proudly hold an American Passport, but too old and little money to start all over again). Good luck to everybody. Cheers! The blues is still alive and doing well!!!

Good job! Very thorough review of these two guitars! I have played professionally for over 35 years and have been a factory certified guitar tech for a major brand. I have owned Gibson 335's, 347's, 137 Custom, Les Paul's, SG's, Flying V, all high dollar guitars. I still own a few high dollar guitars but no longer will I spend over $1000 for a guitar. These days Gibson guitars are ridiculously overpriced and are cursed with poor craftsmanship. I would take the Epiphone hands down over the Gibson 335 and save $2000+. I have $400 Ibanez guitars with better finishes, better necks and fret work than the Gibson's costing $2000 and up. I have an Epiphone Sheraton that cost about $600 new that is as good as the Gibson 335 that I had and sold. Inexpensive Epiphones and Ibanez guitars do have cheaper electronics so for the picky guys, just swap out the pickups and controls and save yourself $2000. Besides, who wants to take a $3000 guitar to a bar gig? If the Epiphone gets stolen or broken, you are only out a few hundred bucks.

I bet most people who are not gigging musicians and aspire to own a Gibson guitar will feel the same way as this gentleman after finally owing a Gibson. Why? Because the desire to own a Gibson has finally been fulfilled, then the reality of the guitar's cost vs what the home guitarist really needs sets in, where the conclusion is that the Epiphone version of the Gibson guitar is really all that is needed. In the end the Gibson is sold, the home guitarists has $2K more in the bank, the desire to own a Gibson is gone, and the home guitarist is happy playing the Epiphone. It truly is "The Smart Way".

@thesmartway693

2 жыл бұрын

Pretty spot on I say 👍🏻 Though I would add that the Epiphone is just as gigable as the gibson os and less of a worry regarding damage and theft.

@motorbikeray

2 жыл бұрын

@@thesmartway693 Yes, most certainly the Epiphone is just as capable for gigs as the Gibson, and the Epiphone is also better for peace of mind for the reasons you mentioned. 👍

@stanlawson3472

Жыл бұрын

​@@thesmartway693 Ive lived your story and fear that I will live it again. Few years back I just had to have an 814 CE Taylor acoustic. It is the top of the line Taylor. mid life crisis. always wanted it. Now I worry about it every time I take it out to play. It cost me 3500$...that brings a lot of worry when playing out. It is a gorgeous guitar and it plays beautifully unplugged...but I hate taking it out to play. So now I am where you were...been listening to too much Larry Carlton and itching for the Gibson 335. And I have seen enough on KZread to know the Epiphones have come so far that you can't tell the difference. If I get the epi and a nice hardshell case, I am into it for 750$. Vs. 3500$. Please pray for me that I do not get the Gibson!!! BTW this is the best side by side comparison of these on YT with your closeups. I appreciate it!

@srh361

7 ай бұрын

Not really, this guy may agree with you but I feel it's the other way around personally. You sound like someone who is trying to talk themselves into tge age old epiphone is just as good when it's not.

@jjohn341

6 ай бұрын

@@srh361 I have both the Epiphone and the Gibson And I kid you not It’s a real tuff choice I am forever comparing them The Epiphone seems to have a deeper more jazzy sound to me , which I like , Plus you can dig in more with your picking , But then the Gibson has its own good points . Ha ha real tuff on which is best I think

I chose A in the blind test both times. And honestly the neck pickup on the Epiphone sounded great.

Just got my inspired 355 last night. Took 15 mins to setup and intonate, I was actually pretty blown away how close it was. I had to raise the bass side as the E string was just aweful buzzing, but no joke, they got pretty good damn close with some low slick action. Pickups were also real high for my preference, but hot damn, they are doing something right with these Epiphones.

On the clean tones I knew Which was the Epiphone and which one was the Gibson. On the distortion. I really couldn’t tell them apart.

the clean sounds of epiphone on the blind test is stunning，i mean when you hit the lower strings it just had that sort of diving and punchy feeling，as to Gibson ，it Just floated in the air

My epi es-335 honestly is the best bang-for-buck guitar I own. I've played and owned a few Gibson's but their quality when they're new has always given me problems

I used to work at a guitar store 20 years ago and thought epiphones were garbage. Hit 20 years later and I have a 2019 es-335 and an eb-3. Both are two of my favorite guitars and basses I have ever owned. The 335 is really amazing. I am really surprised at the change in quality Inthe last 10 years. Really show how overrated Gibsons are now.

WOW, I picked the Epiphone in the blind test 🤔

Thank you so much. Really well done. Just ordered the epi.

Fantastic and very honest dude 👍

Great comparison cheers

In the blind test, I chose the Gibson both times. It has just a tad more clarity but both guitars are superb. I actually own the exact same Epiphone and I love it. It is the closest thing I have ever seen or heard to its big brother. The price difference, in my opinion, is definitely unjustified. However, if someone wants the provenance of owning a Gibson 335, then that is entirely up to them and I could never question their decision. It will hold its value better than the Epiphone. Personally, I am not wealthy enough to warrant paying 5 times as much for the Gibson and I am perfectly happy with the Epiphone. I do, however, much prefer the satin finish ..... just not 2 grands worth of preference lol

@thesmartway693

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly my thoughts Pete. Thanks for you comment 👍

@newgunguy4176

2 жыл бұрын

That clarity is most likely due to the pickups. I'd get the Epiphone and install a set of Dylan DAF pickups.

@Mountainrock70

Жыл бұрын

I have Gibson pickups in most of my Epiphones and that was all it took. I ended up selling a Gibson Les Paul because of this. For some reason the Epi Paul sounded better to my ears???

@newgunguy4176

Жыл бұрын

@@Mountainrock70 Tone is in the electronics. From pickups to amps. That is all.

@Mountainrock70

Жыл бұрын

@@newgunguy4176 woods will do it to to a slight degree. Also my Epiphone LP has a neck tenon that fully extends into the neck pickup cavity. My Gibson Standard did not.

I have a Gibson 335 with MHS pickups which are amazing and the Epiphone 335 as on the video. The crazy thing is that I prefer to play the Epiphone as it gives me more inspiration! What a great value it is.

@brianoblivion8218

Жыл бұрын

I have the same one. it's my first real guitar and I love it

Thanks for the great video, chose the Epi on both tests, sounded cleaner. Just ordered one in tea burst but having to wait two months for it, but worth the wait. Why on earth would you pay 2.5k !!! against £479

Superb video. Thank you! I agree with you. I preferred the sound of the Epiphone - it definitely has more resonance, and was more mellow to my ears.

Wow you got me good!! Bravo !

I was looking at a Cosino an es 335 an eart es 335 and a firefly still undecided I love your review pal, mate, friend.

Excellent detailed review.

I liked the way you did the comparison. I just purchased a Epiphone ES-335-IG Gold Top(the entire guitar is gold) it has split coils. This comparison was very helpful. The constant closeups was very helpful. Thanks Ricky from IBM, Ret from the States

@thesmartway693

Жыл бұрын

Thank You Please like and subscribe for more reviews :)

Complimenti, questo è il migliore e più completo confronto tra i due modelli. Mi hai chiarito le idee!!! Grazie.

Great review. Good comparison of both guitars. Own the Epi, very versatile guitar.

Saludos desde ;México, excelente el video

Epiphone makes all your sounds epic.🎉🔥

The Epiphone sounded bigger on distortion for sure. And if you think it sounds weak , Brian Mays does without the treble booster so it seems like the Epiphone will take a treble booster pedal so well

Best comparison I’ve ever seen. I got it wrong on the first part. I just bought the Epiphone a couple weeks ago, glad I did now.

@thesmartway693

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Thomas, I'm glad you enjoyed it 👍

I prefer the satin over the glossy too, I prefer the Gibson binding being thicker on the body too and the colour of the rosewood fingerboard over the drier laurel, but I would never buy a Gibson, it's not outstandingly different, and for the value of have one or more of the Epiphone, your getting more than 85% of the Gibson for 4 times less the price After the blind test I thought the Gibson sounded better, until I realised it was the Epiphone

just got a epi 335VS few days ago for $420.. man I love it.

You little rascal, with your Fender strap. Thanks from the bottom of my blood pumper for that blind Pepsi taste test. It made me finally relax, as I have that epiphone on order, and I can rest at ease knowing it's a gooder.

How about that upper fret access on the Epi? I never had an issue with a Gibson. It looks like there is more room. I agree with you 3:18 slightly different shape. Thanks for putting this up.

I brought the epiphone inspired 335 when they first came out because I was curious, Then really fell in love with the 335 style , And well you know how it is , had to then try the real thing , and (Bang) Brought the Gibson . So I suppose I was caught in the if you love 335s you have to have the real thing . My opinion on them is they are both great But but the Gibson is Best purely because I’m a huge ottis rush and Freddy king style blues fan and wanted to be in the club .

I have that same guitar (same color and absolutely love it

I bought that Epi 335 in sunburst and the Epi Casino in worn ebony....could not be happier with both instruments and will never part with either....I put a bone nut on the Casino, took off the pickguard on it and only lowered the bridge on the 335....don't be fooled by the autographs on the headstock...these are both real player instruments!

@gustavo-gj6vd

Жыл бұрын

Which one do you prefer?

@gregmock6808

Жыл бұрын

@@gustavo-gj6vd for singing/songwriting the Casino....for live louder gig the 335....no feedback ..for a solo gig...the Casino...the Casino can be just like an acoustic electric. It's great for blues at a reasonable volume but if I play rock volume gigs I'm taking the 335. This is why I have both.

@gustavo-gj6vd

Жыл бұрын

@@gregmock6808 thank you so much, I just bought the casino yesterday!!!

@gregmock6808

Жыл бұрын

@@gustavo-gj6vd You're going to love that guitar!

Great video, really on the edge of buying one of these, very helpful, thanks

@thesmartway693

2 жыл бұрын

You will.not be disappointed I promise you. If you are lucky enough to.find a 2nd hand one locally then even better 👍

@MrGdong

2 жыл бұрын

@@thesmartway693 I'm torn between this and a guild Starfire DC 1 at the moment, but it's hard to find reviews online of those, hopefully going to play them both in my local store this week

@thesmartway693

2 жыл бұрын

@@MrGdong That's the best way to try a guitar. Get as close as possible to the amp you have at home too. Lots of people make the mistake of playing a guitar in store through a totally d8fferent amp or a real high end one, which is also how a lot of stores operate and then cam never recreate that sound at home

I own a 99’ Epiphone dot and it’s lovely. I did buy Gibson 57’s for it which will be going in soon. The originals are good but I’m after more warmth. I will say I do own a new 50’s series J-50 acoustic Gibson and I’m in love with it. Sold my 73 J-50 and the new one is just so special. So I’ve got both bases covered I suppose. Epiphone 335 style guitar and my dream acoustic. Thanks for the great video!

I noticed some difference when play two strings simultaneously it sounds with more harmonics to me.

Awesome video. Can you put the same pickups that are in the Gibson in the Epiphone?

I did the same side by side comparison in store when I bought my Epi a year ago. I just revalidated my decision watching this…I chose the Epi in the sound comparison both clean and dirty. In person you can hear and feel the difference. No question the Gibson is nicer, more refined, but not worth 5x the $$

Great review, been wanting a Gibson 335 all my life but after seeing this I just may end up with the Epiphone. It's always been the cost is why a don't have the Gibson. And others models just don't have the sound I'm looking for.

I've got one for £150.00 and put Seymour 59 in neck and 490 in bridge and it's fab, I won't bother to get Gibson, thanks for the video great stuff cheers Andrew

I own a Gibson 335 made in 1960……… it got stolen but I got it back………. One thing I’ve noticed is when I saw them do a test with Gibson vs Epiphone……….Gibson is always “A” and Epiphone is “B”…………. Naturally everyone picks “A”………. the best test I’ve seen is Gibson was “A” & “B” and Epiphone was “C” & “D”……… what got me was they added another guitar for shits and giggles…………..what they called a mystery guitar which was “E” and “F”……….. The mystery guitar was Epiphone……….Gibson lost big time………As a Gibson owner it was a bit disappointing………..now at the same time you gotta give it to Epiphone………… The Epiphone’s they used were made in Korea……….. The ones made in China in my eyes are OK………

I definitely liked the Epiphone tone wise. I was surprised. Like you, I always wanted a Gibson 335. I now have to get over the psychological aspect. I hate to admit it but I must be a guitar snob because I was rooting for the Gibson....but it lost. Especially when comparing price/value. GREAT VIDEO. The best comparison vid on KZread.

Very nice review and very nice Gibson and Epi ES 335 ! The Epiphone neck is actually two piece where it meets the headstock .I have watch so many reviews on the IBG Epiphone ES 335 and people want to pick apart and believe this $500 Epi is as good if not better then the Gibson, but not the case IMO. Gibson would not allow Epiphone to produce a superior product for that price. Epiphone electronics are inferior to Gibson but the Epi is a great value for the money100%, IS the Gibson price difference 2K or more better? Epiphone made superior products prior to the take over from Gibson in the 1957. I would rather have the Gibson at the end of the day.

Among the Epiphones I own, I have the 2020 ES 335 Vintage Burst (which I recently purchased used....inspired by this video) and a 2021 ES 335 Raspberry Burst. Unplugged, the Vintage Burst is much louder and somewhat more resonant than the Raspberry Burst which sounds closer to a solid body electric unplugged. Both sound great amplified. In your experience, have you seen anything similar between two guitars that are almost identical (with exception of the 50's style neck on the Vintage)? I've swapped bridges with no sonic change.

I bought the Epiphone and dropped some Seymour Duncan Antiquity’s in it , Ernie Ball Super Slinky 9’s and it’s great for the price . Even with the pups upgrade , it’s still waaaay cheaper than the Gibson . ( I have a Gibson Les Paul Classic Lite for the Epiphone haters )

Sucks they put the new headstock on it, the classic long style on the Casino is awesome, suits the semi hollow double cutaway shape loads better too.

I own a Gibson 347, a heritage 535 and 2@Epi 335's. The first two are definitely "better", but these Epi's punch WAY above their weight. I was lucky finding 2 used, one in cherrry and one in the berry burst. I have $640 in both of them. Great guitars.

@topografer

Жыл бұрын

What about 347 vs 535?

@deanmass

Жыл бұрын

@@topografer Well- the 347 is prettier and plays like butter. The 535 is also gorgeous but not quite as buttery. The 347 is from 83’ so it is in the “fine wine” period of life:). Both guitars are outstanding and I am lucky to own them both.

@topografer

Жыл бұрын

@@deanmass tone wise?

thank you ...I got the cherry IG used cheap.....changed the pickups to Seymour duncan Seth Lover pickups ....beautiful ....when I can pay for a Gibson I will.....love your review

@thesmartway693

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you and I'm glad you liked it. Yes great guitars and Seymour Duncan are great pick ups too 👍

@RavenMadd9

2 жыл бұрын

@@thesmartway693 subscribed....dig the honesty

@RavenMadd9

6 ай бұрын

​@thesmartway693 just added a faber bridge and tailpiece replacement.....sounds even better

There is also an Epiphone Traditional Pro ES-335 that has coil spliting pickups. I just ordered one. I hope it sounds as good. BTW, I hope they make an ES-175. That's my favorite guitar do to Pat Metheny and Steve Howe.

@thesmartway693

2 жыл бұрын

I've had a 335 pro and they are a nice guitar and quite sought after now

@blueeyedsoulman

2 жыл бұрын

@@thesmartway693 This is the new Traditional pro. It was changed from the one your referring to. I would like to put '57 pickups in it but the work to get to the soldering points seems extensive. I would need '57's with four wires to keep the coil split feature and they do sell four wire '57's but they are $250 US each. That's a lot of money. I will try seeing if a compressor helps to get more clarity. Of course amps make a huge difference in electric guitars. 335's are not comfortable guitars to play but they sure are iconic. Most people don't realize that bands like RUSH and Kansas used these guitars in prog rock a lot. 335's are all over the blues world and even some jazz guitarists like Scofield used them. Total luck, but it's in the top 5 most important electric guitars.

@JiminTennessee

2 жыл бұрын

I just bought the Traditional Pro. The binding on the body does not look as nice (same as the one here) but it sounds and plays incredible!!

@johnm3152

Жыл бұрын

Guitar Center is dumping ES-335 trad pros for $399.00 u.s. - Almost pulled the trigger, but I still find it hard to believe the Epi pro pups seem to be getting a lot of love. Epiphone has been famous for decades for two things: fret sprout and "mud-bucker" pickups

@thesmartway693

Жыл бұрын

@@johnm3152 these new inspired by have binding so no fret sprout and the new pick ups are superb 👍👍👍👍

Keep in mind they're both laminate construction so this is great I would like to see a follow up putting the Gibson pickups,/hardware on the Epiphone and the Epiphone in the Gibson and see if the Gibson now sounds like an Epiphone and the Epiphone sounds like a Gibson or if they each respectively sound marginally different. Because it seems to me other than finish, electronics and where the wood is harvested they're the same bones, laminate semi hollow with f holes, is it possible Gibson is higher quality laminate or what...

@msaintpc

2 жыл бұрын

Better wood. Gibson's wood is drier and from a better grade and cut. As they age, the Eppie will begin to sound and play funny as a result of the wood drying out and shrinking, but the Gibson will always continue to sound better and better because, the wood was already aged and cured prior to being used in the guitar's construction.

@Ledzepfan88

2 жыл бұрын

@@msaintpc thank you, and now we watch people troll this comment with wood lives matter.. lol I'm pro tonewood

Took me a while, but I got it. A is fuller, richer, more "hi-fi" than B. In fairness, the Epiphone has more "vintage" style pickups than the Gibson. The issue comes down to this: So you want a 335, or do you want a GIBSON 335? Because if you want a GIBSON 335, buying an Epiphone 335 isn't going to scratch that itch. So think ahead, is the 335 you buy going to be one you keep for 10 years? If so, get rhe Gibson if you figure you'll want one anyway. If you're a "guitar magpie", get the Epiphone and atart saving up a "gear fund".

Great taking the time for us to really look at them side by side. I have this Epiphone. The Gibson has ever so slightly better sound, but if the Epi had those Gibson pickups I don’t think anyone could hear a difference. I don’t need the Gibson name on the headstock to feel good about my wanker. I do own a great Gibson however, but it was not worth the price I paid, especially when you look at Epiphones copy.

That’s crazy I could easily tell from clean which was a Gibson, but the dirty I preferred the Epiphone and I have a pretty good ear! Very surprised, The epiphone pickups really respond well to distortion IMO! Love the sound

@patrickgribben2781

Жыл бұрын

Yes. I have the epiphone and it is great ovrrdriven but lacks a little articulation ehen clean. New pickups will most likely be my next move.

The fret wire on the Gibson looks thicker than those on the Epi and a slightly different color.

@thesmartway693

2 жыл бұрын

They are both listed as medium jumbo. No mention of materials. It could be just the lighting ?

I just got the epiphone Sheraton looks identical to the 335 just the neck is different 5 piece walnut maple neck and it has the epiphone E on the pick guard but sounds amazing like the 335

@thesmartway693

2 жыл бұрын

Sheratons are lovely guitars

@frankcastle2045

2 жыл бұрын

@@thesmartway693 yes sir a great guitar I am a beginner 52 years young🤣 this is so nice compared to my Ibanez and jackson

Epiphone both times.

Im a bit conflicted because I know that they both sounds great, but I’d like to think that the Gibson would have higher quality control and build quality. I’d want to have a guarantee that I won’t have to worry about doing any tinkering on my own, but I also don’t know if that can justify paying thousands more

@Mountainrock70

Жыл бұрын

Ive had 2 Gibsons and had to tinker with both!

@jeffreyfoster4260

Жыл бұрын

@@Mountainrock70 yup always have to, but it really pays off in the end 😉

I've owned the Inspired by Epiphone ES335 and got rid of it because it didn't hold tune well and I could never get the bottom E string to intonate properly. So, they are not all great I'm afraid.

@thesmartway693

Жыл бұрын

No that’s true. I’ve had Gibson’s that have the same issues too. Quality control isn’t what it used to be with these. It’s a pain if you buy online at least with a shop you could get it sorted much easier

"Handcrafted in China"...ruins everything

@johnnyx9892

7 ай бұрын

CCP is just evil.

B sounded a bit fuller clean, distorted not much different

The Gibson has an ever so slightly warmer tone on clean settings. But $4,000 warmer? Not in my opinion.

l like them both but l think the epipi looks better

How much you selling the Gib for? 🤣 (I bought a Epi in cherry) but seriously, how you gonna get £2k back on the G335?

@thesmartway693

2 жыл бұрын

Its sold I'm afraid 😨

@DaraM73

2 жыл бұрын

@@thesmartway693 😢

I really want one, but I am poor 😢

The big problems with import guitars is the thick ass poly finish other then that they are not bad🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

What strings are you using, 10s?

@thesmartway693

2 жыл бұрын

Both Ernie Ball 10s

I've noticed the Gibson is v slightly warmer in tone. Really if you changed the pickups and electronics, there would be zero difference at all.

Gibson sounds better. But yeah for the price...it's good

The f holes on the Epi look bigger.