The Best Value Guitar Epiphone Has Ever Released? The New Epiphone 1959 ES-355 

I don't understand why people still get upset at this new IGC line. The electric models, like the ES355, literally come with every high-end spec that you can ask for. Custombuckers, cts-pots + mallory caps, open book headstock, pearl inlays, custom shop neck profiles etc. and people still b1tch. Why? Yeah they're pricey... because they come packed with high-end specs, DUH! I played most of the IGC models and I think they're fantastic guitars. If you think they're too expensive, good news! Epiphone still makes plenty of affordable models that you can buy. Like fr, stop b1tching. I feel like people that get upset at this line of models go through life actively looking for something to whine about lol

Hey Chris and Cooper, these are indeed Gibson Custombuckers made here in Nashville. Glad you guys are enjoying it, let us know if you have any other questions!

I got mine. It is right up there with my favorite Gibsons. I picked it Saturday and took it to the Gig that night. I used it almost the whole night. Didnt miss my customshop. It has just a lil less Gain then my 58 reissue. Sounds very similar. Great for classis rock, blues, country ect... The neck is great. The finish is perfect. There is less flaws then a couple of my Gibson standards. I highly recommend the Guitar. I tried the custom and the neck pickup was darker. I didnt care for the thick poly finish. This satin finish feels great. Im glad Gibson did this because I cant justify buying even a 335 at the moment let alone a 355 at 7 k.

I just wanna say, I love your guys' videos. My go-to for fun, comfort content. Thanks for doing them.

sounds like everything I would want or need in an electric guitar.

When I disassembled my Epiphone 1959 Les Paul that was similarly spec'd, it had pickups labeled to match the spec sheet.

Bought the exclusive ebony model straight from Epi and can’t wait to get it in.

Now we need the Gibson comparison video please.

Cooper should do a guitar course. Or a separate channel where he shows how to play the stuff he plays in the demos

"If anyone's had a chance to disassemble or dive deeper and you know the answers to some of these questions..." Whaddya waiting for Trogly - an engraved invitation??? 😀

I own both the $7k Gibson '59 ES 355 in Ebony and this $1300 Epiphone Inspired by Gibson in white, and I can assure you can "feel" the difference between the two, especially in the finish, As an experienced player that's important to me. In my opinions these guitars would never really compete against each other. There's a reason I buy high end Gibsons, so I would not be the "target audience" for this product BUT... I will tell you hands down, for $5,700 LESS money, this is a very good guitar and GREAT VALUE for the money! I'm snobbish about the expensive Gibsons I own, but I have no problems having this one and the BB King (Stereo out and Varitone) Epiphone models in my collection. Great job Gibson!

I got this guitar as soon as it became available. Installed a gold Bigsby and some locking Grover tuners with ivory keystone shaped tuning buttons. It's been mistaken for a Gibson a few times already and sounds just as sweet. I love this thing. Now if they made a '61 SG in cherry with a Vibrola, the Gibson open book headstock and some Gibson electronics I'd buy that in a heartbeat too. In fact, I think they should start making all of the artist signatures with the open book headstock from now on. The Jerry Cantrell Wino, the Bonamassa SG, the Alex Lifeson Custom with the Floyd Rose, even the modern offerings like Matt Heafy's sigantures, all of these would be soooo much better looking with the Gibson headstock

Gibson is positioning epi as their mid to upper tier brand, while moving Gibson into the upper premium/luxury tier. I expect epi to eventually use the "elite" model specs as standard within the decade.

You guys and Andertons are my favorites for reviews!!

I’ve got a 1960 ES-330 that I’ll play until the day I die, but being able to justify another ES guitar to gig out more is fantastic. I get they are different guitars, but if they ever make another high end Casino or 330 in this price range, I’ll get one of those too.

Fantastic review, great tone, great playing, this kid can play

Love the Conn tuner behind y’all.

That guitar sounds fabulous. Full stop. Great value.

I had four Epiphone Japanese Elitist models over the many years I have bought and sold guitars....amazing guitars.

You can always tell when Cooper is super happy playing a particular guitar. Just watching you play is the best ad you could produce. It certainly sold me.

Beautiful guitar

Thanks for the demo. Would be curious how it compares to the Larry Carlton Sire?

Nice video. Just got my IGC 1959 ES-355 in Ebony today. My very first semi-hollow body. And it’s fantastic. It’s VOS. But, I prefer gloss. As expected, it’s got those sharp fret ends. Other than that, craftsmanship is flawless. For me, it looks, feels and plays great. It’s got that woody and airy tone. Cheers!

Sounds good, I have a 1996 es355 59 reissue. That sounds pretty good compared to what I hear from mine.

Really appreciate you guys voicing your concerns about the guitar. Everyone else just goes along with the hype without critical thinking. That said I did put an order in for one. If there are QC or other issues I can handle those myself and I'll still be way in the green compared to buying a Gibson USA model or higher. Plus the tone in the sound clip was pure honey! What amp did you use for that?

I personally think this is a gorgeous collaboration between the two company’s. Love everything about the guitar and I’m not even a guitarist.

Want the black one but can't find it anywhere, only the red and white seem to be in stock anywhere.

Hello : I love my 335 into high gain amps and feel the F holes make wind . Have this now , adjust the truss rod for new 10,s raise the tail bar for bending , lower bridge & pickups . These Tuners are smooth as silk 18/1 , because most mine have locking tuners . Guitar and Amp Collector 57 years . This is a Babe !

That’s some very nice “hoop-la” Coops 🎸

Yup now just sent this great lookin guitar to me for my approval!

Hi, is the poly finish as thick as the standard series ?

Looks like it's in stock. You guys do great advertising. Smart, showcasing stuff you have in stock. Think this one will move pretty fast. Imagine if Gibson would put their name on the headstock like "Gibson SE" like PRS, or or something like that. These would be "flying off the shelves". Brand dilution?

I got mine and it's fantastic!!

Another channel took them out and they have the same markings on the base plate.

Cooper, how does this guitar compare to your Larry Carlton?

Nice. I would be really swayed by a Gibson headstock shape, on an Epiphone. Epiphone has made some excellent guitars over the years that were obvious "cousins" to Gibson models. Functionality and price point, swapable p'ups and pots. The MIK Epi Sheraton back as far as the 90s(?), with the 5-pc neck, I always thought was a killer value too. Great great neck feel, to me. A cousin, and obvious Epiphone. But a great guitar.

How much would it cost to replace the button tuners with Gibson shaped ones?

I got one in cherry red. It’s stunning in every way. Go ahead and hate on it - the fewer folks who catch on to this means the more unique I’ll be haha your loss

Sounds like a great deal for a Epiphone.

Do you guys ship to Ireland ?

What's with narrow pickguard? Notice how much of the bracket is showing.

I totally dig it. Wish it came in Ebony :D

What is the song called that chris is is always playing where he starts off hammering on the G? it's a real folky song on the acoustic demos

I heard these are 10x better than the Sheraton which I have, worth looking into seriously worth looking into.

Start a poll… Would you honestly buy this based on the specs/feel/appearance/price instead of a real deal Gibson equivalent? Is this guitar “good enough”to scratch your 355 (or Les Paul or SG) Gibson itch? For me the answer is… maybe? I’d like to try one first to really get a sense for myself how good these new Epiphones are. I suspect the Les Pauls are pretty heavy (are they weight released at all)? I also know that the flame top veneers don’t look anywhere near as nice as the real Gibson flame tops. But a solid color guitar like the 355 in this video? Unless you absolutely must have a nitro finish there may be damn near zero difference between the Epiphone and Gibson model other than the name on the identical headstock… things to ponder while sitting on the can. 🤔

Not nit picking here because it probably is going to be someone’s dream guitar. It definitely checks all the boxes…save one. The six position variance switch. The addition of it would definitely make it a tone monster. Cooper definitely brought it out regardless. For the price point, you can include me. Semi hollows rule.thank you.

The quality of materials Almost had that Elitist Japanese Epiphone vibe to it ( but the pickups on these are way better). I have yet to judge when I finally laid my hands on this Inpsired by Gibson Custom shop models. One piece neck, Ebony fingerboard and mother of pearl inlays and a Gibson pickups. P.s. I'd love to visit this wonderful music store and watch a San Antonio Spurs game. Morr power to your channel. - a guy from the Philippines

Epiphone Iommi SGs came with USA Gibson pickups for years.

Sounds really 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!

It's a fantastic value, looks and sounds great! I'd submit for consideration for best value Epiphone the previous (I believe 2021) Inspired by Gibson Firebird. True neck-through and Alnico rails. Granted the headstock isn't vintage-accurate and it'd be nice to have a vibrola option but still... sub-$1,000 it's an absolute steal.

(First!) I'd reiterate a question that cropped up in another vid: beyond the hardware used, what specifically is the involvement of the Gibson Custom Shop with this guitar? When they say "in collaboration" does it go no further than the use of the CS pickups?

Sounds good.

So if I understand well, Epiphone is the the Seiko, Gibson is the Grand Seiko, Custom shop and Murphy lab are the Credor.

To me they're clearly going after the D'Angelico, Eastman and (non-Japan) Ibanez lines in this price range. It will be interesting to see how the competition responds. Are they also doing that so they can raise the price of Gibsons? To each their own but Gibson prices are already not particulary attractive as they are.

Bought the Gibson - pendant 3 weeks ago for 6800.- and it is a good Guitar for sure - but as at 11:30 said : for the road and on smaller stages i will buy an Epiphone as well. Definitely the better option in terms of what you get for your money.

Haven't read up enough to know whether these have treble bleed circuits, but it would be nice to hear this guitar played at 5 or so on the volume control. Also, is the neck a fuller profile? My Epi's have a D feel, which i prefer over Gibson's "slim taper".

This Epiphone looks good and sounds great. As for best value, I think my Excellente acoustic-electric is a similarly great Epiphone value for about the same price. It sounds better than most Gibson Hummingbirds I've played in guitar stores. Also love my cheap Epiphone Les Paul, which cost about one-fourth of this one; of course it doesn't have any high-end specs, but it sounds darned good for the money.

I had a black Epiphone 335 that I regret ever parting with, but I honestly didn't think we'd ever see a 355 from them. Thing sounds freaking amazing but it got me to thinking. _ why don't they start making the 135-137 style single cutaway guitars that Gibson have discontinued down there at the Epiphone plant?? I'm someone who regularly checks them on the used market and they can sometimes be had for less than 1,500 bucks, but I think that the reason for this is simply the p100 pick-ups. They could offer mini humbuckers or straight up P90s in them and give them the Gibson headstock but be able to try out other appointments for a guitar that maybe would have been too much of a gamble for the American made product lines.

I just wonder how it would fare against those old Korea-made Epi's. There's the John Lee Hooker 335, it was made in Korea, I believe.

Pickups are the USA made Gibson custombuckers. Confirmed last time I was in a popular Gibson dealer in the Houston area, the Gibson rep was in store and this was one of my questions.... How is that possible?!? Because $289/each price on the USA Gibson Custombuckers have plenty of margin. Epiphone actually has to buy them from Gibson, but they are a fraction of the retail price... Because Gibson owns Epiphone, Epiphone gets the Gibson parts at cost, so it's actually cheaper for Epiphone to put USA Gibson Custombucker pickups in an Epiphone than it would be for them to buy DiMarzio's or Seymore Duncan picksups in bulk that are priced less at retail than the Custombuckers at retail.

This vs the Dave Grohl sig is my current inner-debate

Back to the futur !❤

For that price I prefer a Gibson Les Paul Tribute (still available in GC) or Custom made in USA. How do I resell an Epiphone in a couple of years at that prices?

Great Sound

I think theyre very reminiscent of the older japanese made epiphones for their market. Also had the gibson headstocks. Id buy one before the price goes up or they quit making them.

1399 for a full gloss version?

Okay now what is different from the Gibson 355

No doubt I think this is the best value. I have two ES 335 standard Gibson models that I play and my son truly wanted one so I upgraded him from the guitar he had which was a less Paul tribute and gave him this and I’ve got to tell you after I had the fretwork on it fixed. It was a great guitar. The Fretz suck. However, I was not surprised I own $12,000 custom shop guitars from Gibson and I have had Fred issues on those two but these were really bad so hopefully you got one with good Fretz and hopefully the guitar stores will correct that before shipping them out if they know about it, who knows maybe that goes with the inspection we can only hope so because the kid could cut themselves on that neck if a parent weren’t present 1:08

Chris: "Some people are going to balk at $1299USD". But this Epi 355 is $1900CAD in Canada if you can believe it! Even as sweet as this sounds (what doesn't sound good when Cooper plays), while I can afford used Gibson LP and SG, I can't afford these new import Epiphones, lol. Still they might suck me in yet if they come out with a 359 fitted out like this.

My issue with this model is no bigsby and no inclusion of stereo output with phase switch. That is a big part of what makes the ES-355 and its omission makes this a hard sell for me. I prefer to just buy a standard Epi 335 and put the bigsby on it and save myself $800.00.

$1879.00 w/ case at Long & McQuade. Pricey but well worth it for what you get.

Gibson custom shop does not use Gibson USA pups. They are still made in US. Gibson usa just means it is production line

I don't think Gibson is diluting their brand because I think someone who is generally even considering an Epiphone are probably not considering a Gibson, just due to the price differential. I do think Epiphone is certainly being upped, which is great.

I own a Murphy lab 355, I happened to play one of these at my local shop. I didn’t notice a quality bump to the standard newer epiphone ES models there at $479. Of course the pickups are better in these, + the headstock. It still doesn’t feel as “nice”. It played fine but I personally found nothing better when compared to the $400-$500 models. Gibson is successful in marketing these to be a Gibson at a “budget” level when it’s far from it. Still, perhaps the headstock change and USA Pickups is enough at 1K+ it’s still an fairly cheap made guitar from China, at around 1K you can find amazing Korean made guitars from other manufacturers that surpass epiphone.

I bet this is to compete with the D’ Angelico guitars.

Wish there was an epiphone ES-339 without a pick guard and satin finishes...the 335 is too big for me

I think Gibson is making a genius move here. For years the main complaint about Gibson guitars was the price point. They’re creating future Gibson customers out of current Epiphone customers. By giving these fence sitters a solid taste of the Gibson brand at a price they can justify now it makes it all the easier to sell them the Gibson proper down the road when we all hopefully are in a much more secure financial position. This is a long term game plan for a company who has felt the of recent financial insecurity of their own. A we’ll scratch your back if you scratch ours scenario if you will.

Geeezzz epiphone, do something about that nasty truss rod cover !!😮

A Gibson ES-355 is $6999. Why exactly would they need a $1299 Epi version to “justify raising the price of a Gibson”? To what? $7999? $8999? A 355 is already insanely priced.

this is the funniest video you guys have made … i am laughing in my flight seat next to the restroom and the end of the plane …

I'm a big epiphone fan at pre 2022 prices but sorry at current pricing I'll pass. I just got a 60s Gibson standard from S Ash on sale for 1860. Speak with your wallets and if you want the open book so bad go Chibson. Fender and Gibson are trying to justify these increases to make up for lack of shut in sales. Please don't support that. These are great designs but not at these prices, buy them second hand and let someone else take the hit 😂 Great video

How much work, and money, would it take to make that a 'real Gibson'?

I'm a bit worried that we pay big bucks just for the headstock. Yes, it's a pretty headstock, but the Epiphone open book isn't as bad as some of the older Epiphone headstock designs. Of course looks matter, but not for any price. And I'm also a bit sceptical towards the higher output pickups. My two other 335 models (Epiphone Dot and Epiphone inspired by Gibson) are both absolutely wonderful. I love the chunky necks and the warm sound. I'm not saying that this model is bad, by any means, but I don't want to pay that much extra for a headstock design from another guitar. So it's a narrow no from me.

This premium line of guitars was really a great move by epiphone..... to offer guitars that are of gibson quality but without the price tag... For what you are getting here, these guitars are a steel...Those who don't want to pay the extra money can stick to the less expensive lines now that the choice factor has expanded... They really nailed it with this line, especially on the 355 and the LP customs.. And yes that Gibson headstock is such a nice touch to the overall finish and look of the guitar when you compare it to the older ugly duckling "not quite at home" epiphone headstocks

Wow, surely I'm wrong, but there's no way you guys are ticked about this. Gatekeeperish? I mean no..right? Your not alone...its confusing kinda...it almost feels like the idea of us Plebs getting anywhere close to the private club is upsetting to some. Like I said, surely I'm wrong but the perception really does hint...this isnt the only video yall have done that might suggest..have an open mind and consider..thx guys. Yall really do have a great show and pcast.

Haven’t ever practiced with one lol.

Guitars like these address I think the need for "not" famous professional and semi-professional guitarists to be able to have a top professional quality guitar in both looks and build and sound quality without having to spend more than twice or three times their price for a comparable Gibson. I don't think these will actually cut into Gibson sales as guitarists who can afford them will buy them regardless of price. However, when you're a player like me, you're not getting all the gigs at the most famous venues, but playing local bars, clubs, various events, etc., but I still want to have the best instrument I am able to afford that looks, plays and sounds as good as top of the line guitars. When you consider all the specs, this guitar is a bargain. I think people forget that Epiphone was once a top end guitar company that was also Gibson's biggest competitor. After Gibson acquired it, they were still building guitars that matched Gibson models in quality side by side with Gibsons in Kalamazoo. It wasn't until 1970 that Norlin, after acquiring Gibson, decided to make Epiphone an import brand. I also personally like the fact that they are releasing classic Epiphone original designs and finally acknowledging Epiphone's own unique heritage.

I just wish Epiphone was a completely independent company. No ties to Gibson. They have a super long history and they deserve to be there on their own. Kinda annoying to hear things like "oh, it doesn't say Gibson on the headstock". Well, Epiphone should be strong enough of a brand to be like "wow, this says Epiphone on the headstock!" / by the way, I bought the Greeny model for 925 USD and I'm happy with it. Would I be willing to pay 1400 USD for it? Unlikely, but that's because I'd rather get a Strat or Tele for that kind of money.

I’m not 100% sure on this, but I believe the Epi’s ( 1299 ones ) are coming with real MoP inlays, the Gibson’s of the 50’s didn’t even come with that ( again… I think but not 100% certain ). If it’s true it’s actually an upgrade over the actual Gibson. The LP’s still come with Indian Laurel boards, not sure about the ebony ones… All and all though, I won’t be buying a 1,300 dollar Epi personally but I thought I’d just mention that.

It is the real custombuckers what are you talking about ?

I was under the impression that in order to be a 355 the guitar had to have a varitone.

Why keep referring to the podcast? You haven’t uploaded a new episode in almost 12 months… 🤦🏻‍♂️

They’re the same U.S.-made Custombuckers! Geez, guys.

Taking it to Eastman

Gibson can price any pickup they make how they want. The price they sell Custombuckers for on their website is pure marketing. By selling them for a higher price they appeal to the boutique market buyers who are paying the same silly money for ThroBaks and other similar brands. The pickups don't actually cost that much to Gibson, so their value is basically arbitrary when it comes to pricing. The value of the pickup is perceived to be higher for the person buying it, but the cost difference of putting this pickup in this guitar instead of another is likely minimal. They aren't made of anything more precious than any other pickup Gibson offers. Gibson knows this, and knows this is great marketing for them. Gibson does this with a lot of their pickups - they put them in high-end or limited edition guitars, create some mysticism about them, and then release them in a second-tier offering before saturating the market. They've just made a "production model" outside of the CS version of the Custombucker. They did this with the Burstbucker line (remember all the unbalanced coils marketing, the Tribute versions, etc) and with the '57 Classic before that.

"speculaish?" Sorry, never heard of that word before. Care to provide me with a "definish?"

When they came out with the Adam Jones custom art models, the neck pickup is listed as being an Epiphone Probucker Custom? Well, there is no such pickup. It's listed as having over 10kohms of resistance. To this day, after having a "The Berserker" version for over a year now. Nobody has been able to tell me what pickup it actually is? It's certainly NOT an Epiphone pickup, regardless of what cover it has. It has classic 2 wire construction with the shielded ground. As far as I know, Epiphone doesn't even make any 2 wire humbuckers, and certainly not that hot of output. I believe they wind the pickups in the states, and then slap an Epiphone cover on them to conceal it. If they didn't do that, people would raise a huge stink. My theory is, it's an overwound Custombucker specifically built for those guitars. That's what Epiphone has said from the beginning. I just hadn't realized why, until I started looking into it. Now they're just using Custombuckers openly in lots of models. So it makes sense that they would conceal the Gibson pickup in an Epiphone cover, before that phase of sales strategy kicked in.

We can thank the 80s re-issues of the Casino-Riviera-Sheraton and Emperor for starting the ball rolling, the Casino put "Epiphone" back in the spot-light. This 1299 dollar Guitar(with hard case) must be a very aggresive loss leader if the specs are 100%, lose the bulk of the profit or just break-even to get to the no1 selling F -hole Guitar spot ? I would'nt buy one but I would "use" one if I got the opportunity cos it does sound close to a 355 mono.

Unless we're getting lost in semantics, I don't think the threat to 'sales' is the question - I mean, as Chris astutely says, it's all a game of flip-flop "USA Gibson/Gibson USA" and margins but ultimately it all goes in Gibson's - or I suppose more accurately, KKR's bank account. I think the question is what's the threat to the Gibson brand. Whether this is a one-off or not, it raises expectations and questions in more than a few folks' minds out there who have to be wondering more and more why to bother putting out 3x more if they're THIS close to the same thing. At best, I'd say one helluva painstakingly calculated risk. Or am I missing something in the equation?

The best value Epiphone is the Uptown Kat ES.