ToneMonster Posted December 12, 2011 Share Posted December 12, 2011 Hello All! I realize this is probably not the best topic for my first post since none of you know me, but none the less I would like to share my thoughts. First of let me say I am 55 years young and have been playing 40+ years. I even had moderate success while in a Metal band back in the 80's opening for Motley Crue and Dio on the Holy Diver tour. Recently I had my 1960 ES 335 stolen and decided to replace it with the new CS 336 Gibson Custom shop solid wood carved top. I had plenty of insurance money so I thought I'd pull out all stops and really treat myself. That model has it all! What most of us dream of as our ultimate expressive tool. I ordered it and paid $3,400 for what I hoped would be the end all for archtop wanton cravings and also be a great legacy heirloom for my child when the time comes. I must say that I was less than impressed upon receiving it. It had a few QC problems as can be expected from any handmade instrument, but that was not my primary concern as this just gives it a bit of personality. What I will say is that after thoroughly putting it through its paces it fell short regarding the intangibles. In short it had no soul. There was no magic that came to the surface as it should with a special instrument when it is pushed. Heartbroken I returned it and continued my search. On a lark, after exhaustive researching I happened across the new Epiphone ES 355. Being a bit of a purist (translated snobbish)I would not normally consider a mass produced Chinese made guitar to replace my lost treasure. Maybe a vintage Epi but certainly not one of these. I set aside my prejudice and took the leap for a Cherry ES 355. I fully expected to be using GC's liberal return policy, but something strange happened. As is normal for me, I did a quick setup (intonation/truss rod adjustment and string replacement with my beloved Pyramids)and as I started playing magic happened. I was shocked! Not only was this a fine looking and well made guitar with no visible flaws or QC issues but it had the intangibles. As I continued playing it repeatedly found nuance, character surfaced and dare I say it had a "soul" that one would only expect from a treasured vintage masterpiece that cannot be replicated without the passage of time. With all humility and years of hard earned experience I have to say this is the finest instrument these hands have ever had the pleasure of playing on and more importantly the sweetest tone these ears have ever heard. What I can say with confidence is that the purchase of this guitar has changed over 40 years of ingrained first hand experiences with regard to instrument purchasing. Now did the guitar fairies come out of the shadows and sprinkle this particular guitar with magic dust or possibly was this just the luck of the draw that gave this particular guitar raw materials with special properties? This I do not know but I will say this I am insuring this guitar for $40,000 and if offered that by someone wanting to purchase it the offer would be refused. Price paid shipped with hard shell case $707 !!!! There is absolutely nothing on this that will ever get upgraded as it is perfect as is. If there is only one thing that I could say I wish was different it would be that I would have preferred it have a nitro cellulose finish for elegant aging. The again, even that would have an effect on the magical tone. Do I miss my Vintage ES 335? Not one bit... I am not one to normally post in forums (just a lurker) but I felt compelled to share this info. For those of you procrastinating over this model all I can say is that what I have shared here is the gospel truth. May you too find "THE ONE". Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted December 12, 2011 Share Posted December 12, 2011 G'day TM, welcome to the forums, there's a great many like minded individuals around here, I hope you like the place and come back regularly, when you just want to blow of a little steam or let you hair down the Epi Lounge can be a really fun place to hang around. To be honest, up until this point, many of the early adopters of the new Epi ES series have encountered qc issues, you'll find a few stories of woe on this page, that said, it is fairly common for a new run to have teething troubles, regardless of price bracket, and not just guitars either, any product that is new to the production line will usually suffer a few teething problems. I'm so happy to hear that they seem to be getting on top of such things with this range, I know many covert them and I think they really deserve to succeed with them. Glad also to hear that you are so enamoured with yours, hope you enjoy it for many years to come, HNGD to you. EDIT: I have a collection of over 60 geets, from $100 dollar Chinese to Custom Shop guitars worth several thousand dollars, one thing I do know, price or place of manufacture is no guide as to what an instrument will deliver, just as you seem to have discovered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epi Rocks Posted December 12, 2011 Share Posted December 12, 2011 Hello All! I realize this is probably not the best topic for my first post since none of you know me, but none the less I would like to share my thoughts. First of let me say I am 55 years young and have been playing 40+ years. I even had moderate success while in a Metal band back in the 80's opening for Motley Crue and Dio on the Holy Diver tour. Recently I had my 1960 ES 335 stolen and decided to replace it with the new CS 336 Gibson Custom shop solid wood carved top. I had plenty of insurance money so I thought I'd pull out all stops and really treat myself. That model has it all! What most of us dream of as our ultimate expressive tool. I ordered it and paid $3,400 for what I hoped would be the end all for archtop wanton cravings and also be a great legacy heirloom for my child when the time comes. I must say that I was less than impressed upon receiving it. It had a few QC problems as can be expected from any handmade instrument, but that was not my primary concern as this just gives it a bit of personality. What I will say is that after thoroughly putting it through its paces it fell short regarding the intangibles. In short it had no soul. There was no magic that came to the surface as it should with a special instrument when it is pushed. Heartbroken I returned it and continued my search. On a lark, after exhaustive researching I happened across the new Epiphone ES 355. Being a bit of a purist (translated snobbish)I would not normally consider a mass produced Chinese made guitar to replace my lost treasure. Maybe a vintage Epi but certainly not one of these. I set aside my prejudice and took the leap for a Cherry ES 355. I fully expected to be using GC's liberal return policy, but something strange happened. As is normal for me, I did a quick setup (intonation/truss rod adjustment and string replacement with my beloved Pyramids)and as I started playing magic happened. I was shocked! Not only was this a fine looking and well made guitar with no visible flaws or QC issues but it had the intangibles. As I continued playing it repeatedly found nuance, character surfaced and dare I say it had a "soul" that one would only expect from a treasured vintage masterpiece that cannot be replicated without the passage of time. With all humility and years of hard earned experience I have to say this is the finest instrument these hands have ever had the pleasure of playing on and more importantly the sweetest tone these ears have ever heard. What I can say with confidence is that the purchase of this guitar has changed over 40 years of ingrained first hand experiences with regard to instrument purchasing. Now did the guitar fairies come out of the shadows and sprinkle this particular guitar with magic dust or possibly was this just the luck of the draw that gave this particular guitar raw materials with special properties? This I do not know but I will say this I am insuring this guitar for $40,000 and if offered that by someone wanting to purchase it the offer would be refused. Price paid shipped with hard shell case $707 !!!! There is absolutely nothing on this that will ever get upgraded as it is perfect as is. If there is only one thing that I could say I wish was different it would be that I would have preferred it have a nitro cellulose finish for elegant aging. The again, even that would have an effect on the magical tone. Do I miss my Vintage ES 335? Not one bit... I am not one to normally post in forums (just a lurker) but I felt compelled to share this info. For those of you procrastinating over this model all I can say is that what I have shared here is the gospel truth. May you too find "THE ONE". Regards G'day. HNGD and congrats on your new ES. Yes, it's true, brand names mean nothing if the gem you are playing is any indication. It's how it feels to you that matters. All other considerations are moot. Many on this forum have , I believe, have learned this lesson well. I am one of them. Enjoy your new baby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar dog Posted December 12, 2011 Share Posted December 12, 2011 Welcome to the forum. I hope I have the same luck with my new ES 339. I took the plunge sight unseen, they aren't in the stores yet. She is scheduled to be delivered Wednesday - I hope it got a touch of the same magic fairy dust! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danl56 Posted December 12, 2011 Share Posted December 12, 2011 I must agree with all the above. Until just recently I have only owned one Epiphone a accoustic which is still being handed around in the family.I mostly played Fender strats then finally spent more money on some Gibsons in search for a better tone.Just this year I decided to search on and bought two guitars( Nighthawk and 50th anniversary LP V-3) both Epiphones,and four more since then of various models.I did have to send two back one for damage reasons and one for bridge misalignment. The visual part of all the guitars are a quality build. But maybe I have just been blessed.If I had too pick one of all the guitars I own it would have to be Limited Edition 50th anniversary LP V-3 The tone off most all the Epiphones just my opinion could be my lying ears are exceptional over what I have . Notes are distinct and clear don't seem to muddy up etc. Seems like China is making them better and cheaper plus lending us money. Me being a carpenter seems like we have lost a lot of quality in America lost our perception but that is just my opinion But as yet I haven't spent 3000 maybe thats when they get better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted December 12, 2011 Share Posted December 12, 2011 HNGD, and welcome to the "nut house!" I'm delighted, for you, regarding your new Epi ES-355! Having said that, the perceived "mojo" the new one has, may BE that illusive quality that some guitars have, over others...even others of the same model, and brand. But, the comparison, with the former Gibson ES-336 is a bit odd, as the Gibson was carved solid top, and not of the same type construction, as the regular ES models (Gibson or Epiphone) are. Body size, is also a factor. So, the feeling, and tone will be different. I would not argue with you, on how much better your Epi is, over the Gibson. But, I would be interested, in a "real" comparison, between an ES-355 Gibson, and the Epi ES-355! At any rate, enjoy your new Epi, and again...Welcome to the Forum! Cheers, CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigneil Posted December 12, 2011 Share Posted December 12, 2011 Welcome to the forum Tonemonster I am glad to hear that your new Epi has soul. I hope that you will stick around, someone with your experience and insight will be a great addition to the regular crew here. Oh!, and you have neglected your duties as the proud owner of a new guitar and and forgotten to post pics....we like a bit of guitar porn round here ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToneMonster Posted December 12, 2011 Author Share Posted December 12, 2011 Welcome to the forum Tonemonster I am glad to hear that your new Epi has soul. I hope that you will stick around, someone with your experience and insight will be a great addition to the regular crew here. Oh!, and you have neglected your duties as the proud owner of a new guitar and and forgotten to post pics....we like a bit of guitar porn round here ;) Thanks all for the warm welcome. Will post pics soon as I get some batteries for my camera! In reference to the earlier post about the odd comparison with the CS. The reason I made the comparison is that it is the most expensive guitar I have ever bought and it is considered by many the pinnacle of the semi hollow body guitars for their use of real tone woods rather than laminates. I did try out a ES 339 and a Gibson "59" reissue ES 335 in store and they were not as good as the CS that I actually bought. That said The CS 336 I returned I feel would be cherished and enjoyed by the vast majority of those who would of played it. It was a fine guitar, it just did not have that extra little bit that makes it a treasure. The Epi ES 355 in my possession is a special tone beast that can only be appreciated first hand. Yes it is THAT SPECIAL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToneMonster Posted December 12, 2011 Author Share Posted December 12, 2011 PS If anyone is interested in hearing how it sounds send me a pm with your email address and I will send an mp3 sample. To large to post here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 PS If anyone is interested in hearing how it sounds send me a pm with your email address and I will send an mp3 sample. To large to post here. The standard attach files option is fairly useless as they don't give you enough storage space to work with. It's pretty easy to post mp3s of almost any size, host it on a sharing site, and use the last little icon on toolbar above the editor (shows "Insert Media" on mouseover) and copy the URL into it, it'll show up on the page as a little transport control. Another option is to host it on a site called "soundcloud", many use that to host their soundclips. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigneil Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Yea, I'd love to have a wee listen, And as Rastus says, soundcloud is a great way to share mp3 files with folk. It makes it easy to just post a link into a post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToneMonster Posted December 13, 2011 Author Share Posted December 13, 2011 The standard attach files option is fairly useless as they don't give you enough storage space to work with. It's pretty easy to post mp3s of almost any size, host it on a sharing site, and use the last little icon on toolbar above the editor (shows "Insert Media" on mouseover) and copy the URL into it, it'll show up on the page as a little transport control. Another option is to host it on a site called "soundcloud", many use that to host their soundclips. Thanks for the tip. I posted it to soundcloud you can hear the sample here. Please be gentle this is about tonal quality not playing ability. Arthritis has taken its toll over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Thanks for the tip. I posted it to soundcloud you can hear the sample here. Please be gentle this is about tonal quality not playing ability. Arthritis has taken its toll over the years. http://soundcloud.co...9768/355-sample Ah, the Top Gear theme (ashamed to say not sure of the original song), that does sound like a tone monster, no doubt about it, thanks for sharing that, I enjoyed it very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigneil Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Thanks for the tip. I posted it to soundcloud you can hear the sample here. Please be gentle this is about tonal quality not playing ability. Arthritis has taken its toll over the years. Great sound you got there I have to say, Arthritis or no, you have a nice touch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToneMonster Posted December 13, 2011 Author Share Posted December 13, 2011 Thanks for the tip. I posted it to soundcloud you can hear the sample here. Please be gentle this is about tonal quality not playing ability. Arthritis has taken its toll over the years. I forgot to mention. This was done with no effects. Bridge Pickup, tone knob set at 6 using only the volume knob for tonal variation. The amp is a hand wired bluesbreaker clone built by me. Cabinet is also hand made with one 12" Celestion Alnico blue and one Celestion 12" Heritage. No turret boards just point to point wiring and NOS Sylvania tubes. Lava Clear connect cables. The 355 is bone stock with Pyramid .10-.48 strings. Recorded with a cheap all in one digital recorder at 5 feet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigneil Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 The sustain you got on that note that kicks in about at about 45 seconds is great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToneMonster Posted December 13, 2011 Author Share Posted December 13, 2011 The sustain you got on that note that kicks in about at about 45 seconds is great. Thanks! You are too kind. I did that on purpose to demonstrate the guitar's ability. Also you can see the evenness of the tone even on the unwound strings. It required zero effort for it to sustain like that BTW. Time to head home now as the Seahawks are playing on MNF. Yeah I'm a football junkie, have to be to be a fan of the hawks this year. LOL Cheers All Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Time to head home now as the Seahawks are playing on MNF. Yeah I'm a football junkie, have to be to be a fan of the hawks this year. LOL LOL, mentioning football to a UK guy and you're talking about two totally different games, mention it to an Aussie, and it depends what part of the country they come from, and you're talking an added two different types of game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_edward Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Nice, very nice - welcome. that amp sounds great... now what's the name of that tune please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Epi Rocks Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 LOL, mentioning football to a UK guy and you're talking about two totally different games, mention it to an Aussie, and it depends what part of the country they come from, and you're talking an added two different types of game. GO BOMBERS!!!!!! \:D/ \:D/ \:D/ GO MELB> STORM!!!!!! \:D/ \:D/ \:D/ Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gordy01 Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 I can't remember the name of the tune, but I think it's by the Allman Brothers. Am I correct? Nice tone for sure. I too chose my Epi over a Gibson. Played them both side by side and back and forth between a few different Gibby's. Still ended up with the Epi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar dog Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Allman Brothers - Jessica. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggs Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 Welcome TM... Love that lick (& the tone) at 0.55 I just had to go find it ... & I do like the bass in this clip also ... Some more Epi quality? Cheers, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 ... & I do like the bass in this clip also ... Some more Epi quality? THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eggs Posted December 13, 2011 Share Posted December 13, 2011 THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO !!! Advance apologies for a small thread-jack here BUT: 1. That clip is from 1996 2. Epi released the 'Seafoam Green' Non-Reverse Thunderbird in 1995, & 3. If you look very closely at 1.21 I reckon that's a Great Big 'E' on that TRC Back On Topic: Epis are, generally, outstanding value Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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