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.

Personally, I would keep my eye out for a used Standard model. You get the total LP experience without the expense. If you have access to EBay, they are always showing up there.

From the little that I've read, you are correct. A lot of those YouTube guys get the various switching schemes mixed up. I've yet to see anyone get the swirching on my Gretsch 5622 right.

As far as the tuners are concerned, you will probably have to replace the entire unit. I would start at Stew-Mack, and research parts numbers from there.

I would do the return rather than possibly mess up either the guitar or that new bridge. Now that you know what some of the problems can be, you will be a more experienced shopper. I would also take a look at what EBay has, or talk to the guys at Tru-Arc. They might be able to give you a little more personal advice as to what you're looking for.

Any stable stand will do the job. I prefer the little folding Fender stands primarily for the ease of storage and when travelling. Get the "acoustic" model. It has a deeper rest that works very well with my Sheraton.

Nothing against CTS, but using them to replace the stock pots will not change anything. On the other hand, a Switchcraft jack and switch replacement gives immediate results

Same here.

Go with a good contact cleaner on both the switch and the pots. After being unused for so long they will oxidize.

Unfortunately, the only one that I've been able to get my hands on was not in the best shape. It was hanging on the wall at GC, and I was told that it was just unpacked. The lack of a decent set up was probably the reason for how it played. It was really difficult to get a feel for what the guitar would play like in that shape. It did appear to need considerable nut work for starters, and that always annoys me, being that our local GC is not big on free set ups. It turned out that the guitar was a return item from an internet sale, so whether they will ever get one in as stock is hard to say. I'm keeping my eyes out for one though.

The neck profile is actually very true to the period. It's large, but you should be able to handle it fine.