As per usual there are a lot of different opinions and prejudices on display here. I own a couple of 335's, a 330 an L4 and a 1951 175. I love them all. But, and it is a very big but, the majority of Gibson's I have tried have not been as good as I would have expected. You really have to search for a good 335. Believe me there are not that many really great ones out there. The good ones tend to be kept. I know cos I'm keeping mine. Now this could be set up issues, however, I do think that a lot of it is down to quality control. I spent a year trying to find a good "1973" block reissue as a good friend of mine had one I really loved that was made in 98. All the ones I tried just did not have that mojo. I went to Coda Music in Stevenage UK and tried every 335 in the shop and did not like any of them. One of them even had a slightly twisted neck. I was about to give up when I made my friend a really generous offer and he agreed.
There really is little point in asking whether to buy an Epiphone or a Gibson 335. You need to get out there and try them yourself. Only you will know when you find the right one. I mean online everyone is an expert - in their own opinion - which will get confusing for anyone expecting an objective reply. Do yourself a favour and go out and play a few. Try some of the Eastman versions. I have played their version of the 330 and it was great - however not cheap. Actually the best made guitar I own is an Ibanez PM 100 which I bought after a casual play without any expectations.
