Experiencing child like impatient excitement while waiting for my Epi ES-335 Trad Pro to arrive

[Sheepdog1969]

First, thanks to all of the Gibson forum members who provided their expertise, insight, and advice regarding my Epiphone vs. Gibson ES-335 purchase dilemma. Honestly, each reply I received made complete sense, and all were fact based. I was able to find a few nearby music stores that had quality Epi & Gibson ES-335's in stock, which I was able to play and compare. Unfortunately, I was not able to try out a 2023 Epiphone ES-335 traditional pro, but I was able to play a few EPI ES-335 pro's, which are close enough. For numerous reasons, I decided the Epiphone would more than meet my needs. So on 8/16/23, I went to the Epiphone website and ordered a 2023 "Inspired by Gibson" ES-335 Traditional Pro Exclusive Ebony, and the matching hard case.  https://www.epiphone.com/en-US/Electric-Guitar/EPIQCW436/Ebony  The Epi site stated that I was "pre ordering" the 335, (I think I actually was just ordering an item that was on "back order"), and the estimated ship date would be 8/28/23. Epi estimated 9/6/23 as the date it would arrive. (The hard case was in stock and arrived 3 days after I place the order, btw.) 

Fast forward to today, and my 335 still hasn't shipped, and Epiphone customer service cannot even give me a "ball park" estimate as to when it will. Admittedly, I acknowledge that Epi's ship/arrival dates were estimates, and I am NOT pointing fingers at Epiphone or blaming them for the delay. I am, however, surprised at my "child like" impatience, as I wait for my new guitar. At my age, very few things get me to "chomp at the bit".  I am the father to a teen aged daughter, so waiting is nothing new to me.  Based on my agitation whilst waiting for a $550 guitar to arrive, I know I made the right choice to buy the Epi 335 instead of the Gibson, if only for the following reason; If the wait for a $550 Epi 335 has me freaking out like this, the wait for a new, 2023 $3,500+ Gibson ES-335  would have killed me already!  🤪

[merciful-evans]

Well I hope the wait will be over soon. Thanks for sharing your excitement, because can experience some of that vicariously too. 

I've never even played a 335 of any type. I will one day. 

You might post pics of the case!? Yes really. rct is not the only case nut here. I'll even share one of mine as encouragement. 

If anyone can guess what guitar this OHSC belongs to, I'll be gobsmacked.

[Murph]

I love 335's. Never owned one, ended up getting a 339 Gibson for a bit.

Dig it.

[kidblast]

the waiting does suck, but time goes by fast, and before you know it......

 

[Larsongs]

Keep in mind these are coming from China so it’s anyone’s guess.. I’m sure it will be worth the wait as MIA Epi is making some really good Guitars.. The Epi Pro 335’s I’ve played can compete with many Gibson 335’s in looks, build, playability & sound for a fraction of the price.. 

I’ve owned a few Gibson 335’s & one Epi 335’s.. I currently own a 2013 Memphis 335 with 57 Classics.. I’m thinking of installing Custom Buckers though.. They sound very reminiscent of my old vintage 1959 Gibson ES-345 that had original PAF’s.. Wonderful Guitar I regret selling…. But, I’m happy with my current 335 which I don’t have to worry about..

Anyhow, the waiting is the hardest part…. We look forward to Pics & review… Congrats!

[Narwhal6]

One of the few guitars I bought online was an Airline resonator, made in Korea. 

Anyway it shipped quickly but was delivered signature required and it wasn't til the third attempt by UPS that I was home and able to sign for it. I was as impatient as you each time I came home and saw a notice on my door that they had attempted to deliver my guitar.

But then it arrives and you get that new guitar unboxing moment where it feels like Christmas.

[sparquelito]

On 9/2/2023 at 4:44 AM, merciful-evans said:

Well I hope the wait will be over soon. Thanks for sharing your excitement, because can experience some of that vicariously too. 

I've never even played a 335 of any type. I will one day. 

You might post pics of the case!? Yes really. rct is not the only case nut here. I'll even share one of mine as encouragement. 

If anyone can guess what guitar this OHSC belongs to, I'll be gobsmacked.

Does that case hold a 2015 Gibson Les Paul Less Plus, by any chance??

🤔

[merciful-evans]

44 minutes ago, sparquelito said:

Does that case hold a 2015 Gibson Les Paul Less Plus, by any chance??

🤔

No. The Less Plus has a gold case (like yours?).

This is is a pretty good quality Hagstrom case that I got with the Deuce (DC) model. 

[IanHenry]

Thw wait gives you something to look forward too, and it will be all the sweeter when it does arrive.  I hope it becomes a friend for life 👍

[sparquelito]

3 hours ago, merciful-evans said:

No. The Less Plus has a gold case (like yours?).

This is is a pretty good quality Hagstrom case that I got with the Deuce (DC) model. 

Oh yeah, that's right.

Nice case!
I love Hagstrom guitars.

Always wanted a Metropolitan Spinster, but could never find one in the colour I sought.

😐

[merciful-evans]

On 9/4/2023 at 2:34 PM, sparquelito said:

Oh yeah, that's right.

Nice case!
I love Hagstrom guitars.

Always wanted a Metropolitan Spinster, but could never find one in the colour I sought.

😐

I might've got one of those instead if I had realised they were closer to the spec I was after. That was: Flat wide f-board, 25.5" scale, hard tail and single coil PUs.

 

But I'm mindful I'm drawing away from SD's 335 Trad Pro, and I'm looking fwd to that. They come in 4 finishes. Ebony, Inverness Green, Wine Red & Metallic Gold. I always go for reds, but that Green is interesting me strangely. Looks almost like teal.

[sparquelito]

4 hours ago, merciful-evans said:

I might've got one of those instead if I had realised they were closer to the spec I was after. That was: Flat wide f-board, 25.5" scale, hard tail and single coil PUs.

 

But I'm mindful I'm drawing away from SD's 335 Trad Pro, and I'm looking fwd to that. They come in 4 finishes. Ebony, Inverness Green, Wine Red & Metallic Gold. I always go for reds, but that Green is interesting me strangely. Looks almost like teal.

Very much teal, and I love it.

😛

[Sheepdog1969]

Update: Got an email from Epi on 9/7/23 that said my 335 has been shipped!!  Huzzah!!  The Fed Ex tracking number should provide me with an estimated delivery date on Friday 9/8, in the afternoon (24 hours after actual shipment).  Fed Ex has been very reliable here, from my experience, and their "detailed tracking" has always been accurate. I plan to be at home for the delivery, as it would be a sin to allow this package to sit outside on my porch for even a minute. (I hate that Epi was unable to ship my 335 in the case that I ordered, at the same time, for it.) Regarding the case, ME asked for pics, and I will post case pics here soon. (my daughters iPhone 14 has way better image resolution than mine, so I'm at the mercy of her busy schedule.)

Speaking of my daughter, I told her about the 335 finally shipping, and how I'm even more excited now than I was when I first posted this thread.  She then asked, "Dad, were you this excited for me to arrive, right before I was born?",  to which I replied, "Not even close.".   -Dad jokes are fun!

[merciful-evans]

6 hours ago, Sheepdog1969 said:

 (I hate that Epi was unable to ship my 335 in the case that I ordered, at the same time, for it.)

Coincidently, the case pic I posted arrived at the same time as the guitar did, but in separate boxes! I suppose box shifters like Thomann always think outside the box.

[mihcmac]

The Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro in Ebony or any color looks really good to me specially with the new Inspired by Gibson design including the new style headstock.

I love my IBG 2020 Epiphone ES-339.

[Larsongs]

On 9/8/2023 at 7:28 AM, merciful-evans said:

Coincidently, the case pic I posted arrived at the same time as the guitar did, but in separate boxes! I suppose box shifters like Thomann always think outside the box.

I’ve requested a couple Epi Guitars be shipped with the optional Case I bought.. I was told, In these types of Guitars they are 2 separate items & 2 separate purchases.. The reason they don’t is mostly due to Returns. Also, the extra labor time & expense to unbox & rebox.. It’s just not profitable on $500-$600 Guitars.. Then what happens if the buyer returns it? They threw the other box away as they don’t store empty boxes not knowing what to anticipate from buyers..

Hope it’s sounding great & you’re Rockin’!

Edited September 10, 2023 by Larsongs

[mihcmac]

I had mine shipped in its Epiphone 339/Casino Coupe case from the Music Zoo. My 339 uses the same Rounded C  24.75" Scale neck as the 335, which is killer and very well balanced. I did do a few minor mods to mine.

Edited September 9, 2023 by mihcmac

[Sheepdog1969]

16 hours ago, Larsongs said:

I’ve requested a couple Epi Guitars be shipped with the optional Case I bought.. I was told, In these types of Guitars they are 2 separate items & 2 separate purchases.. The reason they don’t is mostly due to Returns. Also, the extra labor time & expense to unbox & rebox.. It’s just not profitable on $500-$600 Guitars.. Then what happens if the buyer returns it? They threw the other box away as they don’t store empty boxes not knowing what to anticipate from buyers..

Hope it’s sounding great & you’re Rockin’!

Makes sense! 

Update: My 335 was to arrive Sat. but, due to an "unreadable" bar code, it was delayed in NJ. Should be getting it Monday morning!

[Sheepdog1969]

[Sheepdog1969]

Setting it up now. The one that came Monday had the headstock completely snapped off. Very poorly packaged. Got this replacement today. Will update when it is set up. Sounded great out of the box.

[Sheepdog1969]

[Sheepdog1969]

To my surprise, my ES-335 came "set up" by a USA Tech, (No. 7 specifically). The intonation out of the box was good on all but the B and G. The action was a bit high for my taste and the pick ups  were quite low. The finish was glossy and clean, save for a few minor marks on the headstock, near the logo. The electronics/pots/selector were clean, with no issues. 

After lowering the action as far as I dared, without fret buzzing, I intonated the guitar with ease. I then raised the bridge pickup considerably until it produced a crisp, live, and hard hitting output. The bridge pickup needed to only be raised a bit, until it developed a buttery, warm, and rich tone, without being muddy.

When people say the ES-335 "is an extremely versatile guitar.", they are understating it. The Traditional Pro's ability to "coil split" individual pickups,( or both or neither), only expands this versatility. The range of tones and character this guitar produces is simply amazing. I found myself reworking my amp settings with each variation of the 335's selector/pot level/single or double coil change, to fully capture and amplify it's rich tones. 

After running the 335 through it's paces, I decided to channel Alex Lifeson, and play a bit of "The Trees", by Rush.  My 335 didn't disappoint! 

 

 

[kidblast]

alright!  new guitar day!  Sweet!

A shame about that snapped off headstock delivery.

you would think from the "Factory" they'd pack em proper.

one of the pluses for places like Sweetwater, they don't screw around,  all guitars are double boxed   Able survive almost anything a shipper can do to it.

[Sheepdog1969]

13 hours ago, kidblast said:

A shame about that snapped off headstock delivery.

you would think from the "Factory" they'd pack em proper.

Me too! Had a long talk with the Epiphone rep about that exact issue. First, the outer box had no labels/stickers indicating "fragile", "handle with care, "This side up", and/or "Do not stack".  Second, there was no packing material, like Styrofoam, between the outer box and the box that the guitar is in. Third, the inner box was not wrapped in plastic, or anything to provide a water barrier. The only additional packing material inside the inner box was a few of those air filled "pillows", which they laid on top of the headstock. (the guitar was strung, and the string ends popped those things before it got to me.) There was no extra support around the neck and the head, beyond the "pillows" that failed. The guitar was packed just like one you may get new at Guitar Center, if you chose to ask for one that had not been on display. It was wrapped in that synthetic "cloth" material and had a few folded cardboard spacers under it to keep it from shifting too much. Defiantly not the type of packaging needed to keep it safe during cross country shipping.  (I requested an "overpack" on the replacement they sent me, and specified adding "fragile" labels as well.) I never even took the guitar out of the inner box or unwrapped it. I took a few pics for evidence, but I never even tried to inspect the damage. I still am trying to understand how the headstock was completely separated from the neck without the truss rod kind of keeping them together. I actually did not even see the truss rod sticking out of the neck. I asked the Epiphone rep to be sure to inspect the guitar when it got back to them, because if it had no truss rod, and/or if the Chinese factory was only putting in a short length of rod from the head into the neck so it looked like there was a full rod, that would be a big issue. (My return arrived at Epiphone Friday nite, so I will be talking to a rep Monday about that.) Even with the replacement guitar they sent me, despite it having "fragile" stickers, the outer box was crushed and had large puncture holes in multiple places. Thankfully the "overpack" protected the replacement.   This was the first guitar I ever bought online and had shipped to me. I assure you it will be the last!

PS - During the first guitar's shipping process, Fed Ex screwed up while it was on the East coast, which delayed the shipment by 3 days. This delay meant it would arrive on Monday, which was accurately forecast as a wet, rainy day. I chose to stay home and wait for the delivery so it wouldn't sit on my porch in the rain. Fed Ex said it would be dropped off between 9:30am and 1:50pm, yet the Fed Ex truck pulled up at 3:15pm. I went out and stood at the door of the truck, in the pouring rain, waiting for the driver to get my package out of the back. After standing there getting soaked for way too long, he appeared out of the back of the truck and said my package was not on his truck, despite it being on his manifest. He just said it should be coming tomorrow and drove off. Unwilling to accept that, I got on the phone and worked Fed Ex's very customer unfriendly customer service system until I got a manager to deliver the package 3 hours later, using his personal car. Sadly, after all that effort, the guitar was delivered broken beyond repair. 

Epiphone's customer service was decent, but the exchange was complicated because they only had a handful of exact replacement guitars in stock. It was very likely that if I/we simply followed the standard return/replacement processes, the replacement guitars in inventory would already be sold before my replacement could be pulled and shipped. (Epiphone cannot make ES-335 traditional pro's, nor any of their "Inspired by Gibson" 335 line, faster than they are selling them.) So, I just paid for a new one, and had the return refunded back onto my card. Apparently, Epi will not hold inventory for damaged/defective return and replace claims until Epi has the returned item in their possession. This is not an issue unless their inventory is low and the demand for that item is high. Epi paid for everything, and my only out of pocket costs were my time and gas to drop off the return, (40 min each way), and my time on the phone dealing with this issue. My stress and additional wait time were not compensated for. 

[merciful-evans]

Wow! Great that you got it ok after all that. Looks terrific. 

It must have been a heart sinking moment when the 1st one came in 2 bits. But you're there now and you its a great idea to buy another to speed things along. I'm glad to hear they acted promptly and properly too.

Rock that thing