Re: Epiphone Dot Studios....?
You're talking to the right guy. I love 335's but won't pay the price for a Gibson. Necessity being the mother of invention, I've figured out how to affordably get the look, sound, & feel of a Gibson. Over the years, I've bought at least 10 various Epi 335's, all were used. I WOULD NEVER own a Dot Studio, just too many basics left off. Looks SO cheap.
For $200-250, you can get a used Epi Dot Std in great condition, & for under $300 a flame-maple Dot Deluxe. For a little more than that, you may find a Sheraton. I've been very pleased with all the ones I've bought. Sheratons are made the same as a Dot, but with a few extra cosmetics, like gold hardware, extra binding, & block inlays. If you don't need the flash, don't pay for it.
I upgrade the PU's with used SD's, DiMarzio's, & Gibson's. So for the cost of a new Dot Studio, I can get a used Dot Std with upgraded PU's, that sounds like a $2,000 guitar.