I recently tried the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson Custom ES-335 1962 and was immediately impressed by its stunning looks and excellent build quality. The finish and attention to detail are truly top-notch for this price range, and the guitar feels solid and well-made.
Sonically, the ES-335 delivers the classic semi-hollow tones you’d expect. On my Supro amp, I found the neck and neck+bridge positions a little too dark for my taste, though the overall sound is rich and full. The guitar has a lot of character and would be a great fit for blues, jazz, and classic rock.
However, I struggled with the ergonomics. The large body is less comfortable for me, especially when sitting, and I found it difficult to keep the guitar stable on my lap. Additionally, I’ve realized—after trying this and several Les Pauls—that Gibson/Epiphone neck profiles just don’t suit my hands or playing style.
In summary:
This ES-335 is a wonderful instrument in terms of looks, build, and sound, but it’s not the right fit for me personally due to ergonomic issues and neck feel. I’m glad I gave it a fair try, but I’ll be looking for something that suits me better.
