jake_xms3_punk
New member
has anyone played any of the new epiphone 355s? what was the quallity like? I want one but where I live I can't just go to a guitar store and play one.
new epiphone 355 question
- Thread starter jake_xms3_punk
- Start date
Quencho092
New member
Re: new epiphone 355 question
I would look at gearjoneser's serial number guide, try to find epis made in qingdao or what not. If you can check serial before you order, make sure it's from that factory and you should be golden.
Epiphones 600+ dollar guitars are fantastic right now.
I would look at gearjoneser's serial number guide, try to find epis made in qingdao or what not. If you can check serial before you order, make sure it's from that factory and you should be golden.
Epiphones 600+ dollar guitars are fantastic right now.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: new epiphone 355 question
I've heard good things so far. The 345 is pretty sharp too.
I've heard good things so far. The 345 is pretty sharp too.
thespricket
New member
Re: new epiphone 355 question
Working at GC I see a lot of epiphones coming in and out. Most of them are not very good, you can get lucky and pick up a decent one though. If you want a Gibson style axe for little money I'd go for it but do try before you buy. And know right off the bat you'll need some new strings and a setup.
Working at GC I see a lot of epiphones coming in and out. Most of them are not very good, you can get lucky and pick up a decent one though. If you want a Gibson style axe for little money I'd go for it but do try before you buy. And know right off the bat you'll need some new strings and a setup.
PRSfan nym 1985
New member
Re: new epiphone 355 question
I will agree with the last post however I will argue that even more expensive guitars should see a setup and new strings before you play it. I've played some pretty pricey big name guitars that were setup like crap.
If I had my way I'd probably pickup a cherry red ES-339 ultra model and try to throw in my set of Fralin Pure PAFS (though i'd lose the coil tap/split feature).
I noticed the instrument would need some work but I usually put a new bone nut on and do a complete setup anyway on anything I buy.
I will agree with the last post however I will argue that even more expensive guitars should see a setup and new strings before you play it. I've played some pretty pricey big name guitars that were setup like crap.
If I had my way I'd probably pickup a cherry red ES-339 ultra model and try to throw in my set of Fralin Pure PAFS (though i'd lose the coil tap/split feature).
I noticed the instrument would need some work but I usually put a new bone nut on and do a complete setup anyway on anything I buy.
ItsaBass
New member
Re: new epiphone 355 question
Without the cool Vari-Tone and the stereo output, I don't see much point in the Epi 355 guitar being made with the features it has, since there are already the Lucilles and Sheraton II's. IMO, Epi should have put those two features in, and skipped the 345 completely.
I say go with the Lucille instead. It is IMO the best low-end archtop out there, at least in terms of features. If you want F holes, go with a used Sheraton II. Their trim and headstock are nicer than the 355's IMO, and they also came in black.
As for quality, they are decent, but not great. I'd have (and have had in the past) no problem playing one for recordings or live.
Without the cool Vari-Tone and the stereo output, I don't see much point in the Epi 355 guitar being made with the features it has, since there are already the Lucilles and Sheraton II's. IMO, Epi should have put those two features in, and skipped the 345 completely.
I say go with the Lucille instead. It is IMO the best low-end archtop out there, at least in terms of features. If you want F holes, go with a used Sheraton II. Their trim and headstock are nicer than the 355's IMO, and they also came in black.
As for quality, they are decent, but not great. I'd have (and have had in the past) no problem playing one for recordings or live.
Last edited:
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: new epiphone 355 question
1) Typical music store guitars. Don't forget the ten thousand oily fingerprints on them too.
2) Great choice of guitar and PU's.
1) Typical music store guitars. Don't forget the ten thousand oily fingerprints on them too.
2) Great choice of guitar and PU's.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: new epiphone 355 question
The problem I had with my Lucille was the neck was so thin; don't know if they're all that way. Although they added bling, I didn't have any real use for the varitone and stereo.
I'd like to see an Epi 355 with a maestro vibrato instead of a Bigsby.
The problem I had with my Lucille was the neck was so thin; don't know if they're all that way. Although they added bling, I didn't have any real use for the varitone and stereo.
I'd like to see an Epi 355 with a maestro vibrato instead of a Bigsby.
LtKojak
New member
Re: new epiphone 355 question
It looks killer, it just doesn't work very well... I've repaired quite a few SGs... not a very good design, IMHO.
In the way it works and sounds, nothing can beat the Bigsby in a semi or full hollow.
YMMV.
It looks killer, it just doesn't work very well... I've repaired quite a few SGs... not a very good design, IMHO.
In the way it works and sounds, nothing can beat the Bigsby in a semi or full hollow.
YMMV.
blueman335
Mojo's Minions
Re: new epiphone 355 question
True, but I'm not a vibrato kind of guy, so it's mainly for cosmetics. I just love the looks of a maestro; that engraved cover plate is so classy, and there's no vibrato with a better-feeling handle. There's a white Alex Lifeson signature 355 with a maestro that is gorgeous.
True, but I'm not a vibrato kind of guy, so it's mainly for cosmetics. I just love the looks of a maestro; that engraved cover plate is so classy, and there's no vibrato with a better-feeling handle. There's a white Alex Lifeson signature 355 with a maestro that is gorgeous.
LtKojak
New member
Re: new epiphone 355 question
http://www.gibson.com/jp-jp/Divisions/Gibson Custom/Designer _ SG/SG Custom - VOS/
If you zoom the picture you can see the detail: you could simply get an used one and just install the cover keeping the tailpiece and bridge; there's plenty of space.
Good luck with the hunting!
http://www.gibson.com/jp-jp/Divisions/Gibson Custom/Designer _ SG/SG Custom - VOS/
If you zoom the picture you can see the detail: you could simply get an used one and just install the cover keeping the tailpiece and bridge; there's plenty of space.
Good luck with the hunting!
Last edited:
david kornblatt
New member
Re: new epiphone 355 question
I bought something similar.
I bought something similar.
