LOSTVENTURE

I have to wonder why, if someone were out to creat a fake, why they would lable it Epiphone rather than Gibson? Seems like if you are going "fake", why not go "big".

As far as the 335 is concerned: I'm not sure that many people would agree with "over-rated", however "over-priced", as with many Gibsons, is certainly debatable. The same goes for all Custom Shop models, as far as my experience is concerned.

The neck on mine is perfectly straight and the action is incredible. But, if you are comfortable with adjusting the truss rod, get it where you want it.

If all else fails, you might consider one of the newer (2018 - 2020) models. I am a big fan of those ever since Epi added the splittable PrpBuckers. Tons of great tone, and a very well built guitar. I would not hesitate to compare them to the current 335 line.

All of my LP's, both Epi and Gibson, have P90's. You might guess I'm a fan. But you might check out places like GC or SweetWater to see which current models have them. That selection seems to come and go. Good luck !

I chose my 2018 Sheraton over the Gibson 335 based completely on the splittable ProBuckers. Those just added a range of tones that the Gibson did not. Other than those pickups, the two guitars were the same. The Epi was a little nicer dressed though.

You might contact Sweetwater. They have a case/guitar matching process that hasn't failed me yet.

From everything that I have seen, 2015 was the year that Epi really stepped up their game. Fit and finish became equal to Gibson, and all of the hardware became top notch. I have the Sheraton 2 Pro, although from 2018, an ES-339 P90 Pro from 2015 and a Custom Pro from 2017, and all are exceptional in both build and tonal virtuosity. And the inrtoduction of the splittable ProBucker pickups was just frosting on the cake.

I have the ES-339 P90 Pro in wine red. I actually chose it over the Gibson just to get those pickups. The build quality of this Epi is pretty much the same as the Gibson I played, but the Epi's finish and overall tonal versatility sold me almost immediately. I got mine in 2015, the year Epi released it, and while it's far from my most expensive guitars, it's definitely one of my favorites. I might mention that 2015 was the year that Epiphone really picked up on their quality control and upgraded their stock hardware. All that I've ever replaced is the strings. P90's love new strings.

My new Custom KOA came without a pickguard, and no pre-drilled hole. Check out any new model that does not have a pickguard installed and see what comes up. Good luck !!

My 2019 Sheraton Pro is Indonesian. All the others that I've seen, regardless of year of production, were Chinese. So, who knows?

The 339 sets up just like a solid body. You may want to check that all pot mounting nuts are tight. This is easy enough to do and something to think about with any semi-hollow guitar. Same goes for the input jack mount. I found my 339 to be well enough equipped as far as hardware and electronics so that no upgrades have been necessary. You should have a ball with this. Good luck !!

There really is no consistant stamp from what I've seen. All my Epi's from 2015 to 2018 had the date on the stamp, but my last Sheraton (2019) did not.

I was starting to think I was on the Gretsch forum there for a minute. And I second the thought that the 5622 is a forever favorite. But, a $200 Dot would make me suspecious. Don't go too cheap and end up with problems that only show up in the middle of a gig. $300 is a good deal. Just make sure everything works and you are getting the tones you're looking for. Good luck !!!

I don't know about the Dot, but the Sheraton Pro is a stunner both in appearence and tone. Same body, just dressed up a bit.