An Epiphone So STACKED - It Is Only Sold in Japan | 2023 Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 2 Review + Demo
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An Epiphone So Well Spec'd - It Is Only Sold in Japan | 2023 Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 2 Review + Demo
🐕 Episode Guide:
0:00 - Intro - Check Links in the Description
0:13 - Unboxing / About Shinichi Ubukata
1:02 - Shinichi Ubukata's Other Models
1:56 - 2023 Epiphone Release
2:57 - The Case / Case Candy
3:47 - The Other Finish I Bought
4:53 - Inside Look / Specs
11:47 - Clean Tones
15:05 - Dirty Tones
16:28 - Final Thoughts
18:04 - What to Watch Next!
🎞️ Videos Mentioned:
0:45 2014 Gibson Dave Grohl Signature DG-335
• Someone's Getting THE ...
1:33 One of The RAREST Gibsons EVER?
• One of The RAREST Gibs...
2:37 Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Explorer
• This New Epiphone is I...
2:40 Inspired by Gibson Custom 1958 Korina Flying V
• Another WINNER For Epi...
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Which color would you choose?
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I would have chosen the Olive Drab. That just my color in general and I've been contemplating buying one of the Casino's in OD.
Pelham Blue because as they aged it would turn green/greenish
Pelham Blue all day!
I like their Elitist les paul series
Could do with an Epi blue DG soon!
I don’t care what the headstock says that is a killer guitar
Didn't think I'd see Ubukata mentioned on english youtube. You love to see it.
epiphone has been killing it lately.
Killing the sound you mean?
Well as the cork sniffers will tell you, the tone originates from the letters g-i-b-s-o-n on the headstock.
@@jerryhubbard4461I hope the QC issues have been resolved.
I bought and returned a right dog about 3/4 years ago
@@folderol8487 "Cork" is a strange way to spell "fart" :).
Seriously, Epi and Squier, man: it's getting to the stage where if you're a workin' muso, you get these, if you're a collector, get a Gibson or Fender.
@@hoilst265I hear you. The Epi 59 Les Paul Standard I got made a believer out of me, and I really didn't expect that much from it. In terms of tone and playability I'd put that one up against any Gibson, and it cost me about a fourth of the price of a Gibson LP Standard (I got the Epi at a discount).
12:57 is that space-sonic lol
Has anyone seen that sweetwater is selling the black one now for $1200?? Seems like a decent deal considering the specs.
This guitar looks very nice and seems to sound good. 57 Classic is definitely my favourite Gibson pickup.
Does the nut move from vibration or friction hold is good enough?
WHEN YOU DO YOUR SOUND CHECKS , DO YOU PUT ALL THE TONE CONTROLS ON YOUR AMP ON 12 OCLOCK ?
@05:30 - What is with those neck pocket shims?
Nice guitar. Interesting to hear how useable the sounds from the Varitone switch can be. A lot of variety in there. :)
Having the Nut not glued down isn't necessarily a QC issue. In most cases the Nut only needs a drop or two of Lacquer to hold it in place when strings are being replaced.
Until you've had to replace a Nut you'll not fully appreciate why little or no glue is used on this component during the guitar's build.
Yes, nothing like having to cut one off after someone thought epoxy would do the trick. 😄 It was likely snug while being built and stored in the Asian humidity.
@@cataclysmicconverter Agreed.
I just replaced a Nut on an old Jazzmaster. The Nut had been replaced once many years ago. I had the joy of sawing through the Nut lengthwise and then collapsing the fingerboard and headstock sides in on themselves to break it free. Someone used contact cement! Nothing like contact cement to transfer string vibration to the neck!
Seriously, 2 small drops of lacquer always does the trick for me.
How is the tuning stability with the Bigsby? I have a gretsch that isn't very stable with its Bigsby and it makes me very sad 😢
Nice touch playing Ellegarden on the varitone demos, I'm definitely getting this is either black or green!
I was looking for a 335 and stumbled upon this. Watched a few reviews then bought one from Sweetwater. They had a limited run. My first play through was ok. The fretboard needed some serious work and I never played a bigsby equipment guitar before. But after my favorite tech did a set up this guitar plays fantastic. A Gibson equivalent would cost me thousands more and I wouldn’t want to play it out fear of putting a small scratch on it.
While my goal is still to own a Gibson equivalent one day, this will do just fine at my gigs
Beautiful piece!!! Thank you for sharing.
So other than colors, what differences can be found between Trini, Dave and Shinichi guitars? Obviously this is a 355 and the others are 335 but what makes each unique?
Question for you,, since you seem to really know your guitars,,which would you pick this Shinichi or the 1959 inspired by Gibson es355..
My quick review - a very nice sounding guitar once you change the strings (what are those?!). It’s a chunky, heavy guitar but thank god many of the Japanese retailers list the weight, so was able to select a light one in olive drab. A few shops in Japan are discounting these at the moment - got mine shipped to Hong Kong for $850 - really a steal given the specs.
The case is a bit nicer than the Noel Gallagher signature, quite a bit lighter too. Note, it comes with a made in China B700 Bigsby rather than the made in Korea B70 that every spec sheet lists. Judging by the serial numbers on Digimart listings, these were produced in three batches of 1,000 in Jan 2023 and one batch in Feb 2023, so 4,000 guitars total.
Very very detailed review! Love it
Shinichi Ubukata has long been one of my favorite guitarists and my love for semi-hollows is one I've owed to him. Thank you for reviewing this awesome guitar!
I thought you were talking about that really weird thing they eat with the reptiles and the poisonous mushrooms…
Anyone notice the gaffer tape over the logo at 1:39 when Dave Grohl is playing on Sesame Street? Great video @trog
Apparently Seasame street doesn't want to have to pay Gibson 😅
My first thought when I see a white 355 is always Alex Lifeson!!! Big fan of that guitar
That was my first thought
Looks cool. The Epiphone semi-hollows have been great for a few years. I love my Sheraton II-Pro.. John Lee Hooker vibes. Although the poly lacquer gives it a certain ceiling of admiration for me.
Just FYI Sweetwater is currently taking pre-orders for these guys and they're listed at $1,200.
I’m on the waiting list
Should be 500
Also zzounds. They split the colorways among the retailers. Zzounds had green and cherry and I bought the green
@sooparticular $1200 for a made in China guitar? Naahhhh. If epiphone was made in Japan still or Korea. I'd be tempted to buy.
I have a neat Epiphone LesPaul Special II P90, nicely crafted guitar. It had a lightning bar wrap tail bridge, but the intonation was off, so I swapped it out with a Wilkinson adjustable and it not only fixed the intonation but the action was nice and low without any fret buzz. The only issue is the bolt on neck is too flat on the back, no real grip at all and my hand goes numb. I wish they sold 50s curve necks like my 50s reissue MIM Fender Telecaster. I love it, the U neck fits my meathook left hand like a dream, but those P90s sound like an SG!
I bought this from American music supply for 1200 bucks in cherry red.... WORTH EVERY PENNY beautiful guitar... played good sounded good out of the box and set up very well
Aaaarrrgh how I love me semi-hollows !...cool guitar !...love all the colors and the new headstock design ...d-d-duh white one brings Alex Lifeson to mind. Thanks Trogly !!
Beautiful guitars!
A lovely guitar alright. I'd like a black one given the choice. It'll age nicely. The flood gates of price increases are fully open on Chinese and Epiphone guitars, so snatch 'em up while ya can, kids. I just grabbed an Epi Pelham Blue SG Special wrap tail for $449, but I know that will likely double within a year. And from what I've seen and heard, they're awesome well made guitars.
I'll keep my Pelham Blue ES339 Epi for 500 bones.
Me too, but, if Epiphone makes a DG-335…
Available at Sweetwater for $1200 delivered, backordered though.
Sweetwater is taking pre-orders for this model in black, $1199.
Just wanted to say thank you for doing this review! After watching your video I found a 2019 model on Reverb and it has instantly become my favorite guitar!
People who think bigsbys don’t hold tuning just own guitars that Trogly took apart/put back together to get a closer look at their individual parts and specs (most people don’t set them up right so that the trem arm swings freely and doesn’t bind due to the screws being uneven, causing the roller/arm bar to bind)
Na, bigsbys just stink. They’ve been archaic from their conception. Fender trems are miles above and they’re not great either.
@@777LateralusI’ll have to disagree. Bigsbys can stay in tune VERY well if you know how to set them up, but most people don’t and they blame the Bigsbys. I install them on all of my guitars and I recently installed a 60s Bigsby B5 on my ‘64 Epiphone Wilshire that I uploaded a video here showing the tuning stability and it’s rock solid, I can’t get the guitar out of tune even if I try.
@@Subropontes hell yeah
Most tuning issues are due to setup. Although with that not being an actual Bigsby I would be concerned if it's good quality or not.
Pow!@@Subropontes
Love that color!
I have an Epiphone ES-345 that they had out back in 2011-2012. The only thing I like more about this is that the headstock isn't the typical Epiphone shape. Otherwise I prefer my 345 even if this one is a bit more high end compared to the average Epiphone.
That Varitone switch is one of the best I've heard.
Sounds like my dad's 1966 dead on. I miss that guitar and may get this one. It sounds better in the clean test than the Gibsons new
The only gripe i continue to have with Gibson, but mostly Epiphone is their terrible QC on the high-end Guitars. I dont understand why increase the price and label it high end or custom shop but Overlook the smallest QC details. How do ypu forget to install the bone nut, this version supposed to so stacked its only available in Japan🤔🤷🏾IJS, Bro
Dose are expensive pick ups. I got 57 classic and a 57 classic plus on my traditional Les Paul. What a beautiful sound pick ups. That Epiphone is very nice.
AlNicO Classics= 57 Classics.
Now available from Sweetwater in US
Pretty cool, I love Ellegarden!
Insert a diamond earring or a jewel earring of choice in the pick guard hole....
I watch your channel for the construction and build quality inspections. But I don't see a measurement of neck relief, string height or fret evenness from the factory. That would help to get an idea of playability. It seems that no matter how much I pay for a guitar, frets are not all even.
THANK YOU for being so clear and well-spoken.
These need to be made available in the UK 🇬🇧 👍
It do sound quite nice
3:06 I am a little confused. It's Gibson Japan and sold as such, however on the sticker on the back it says hand crafted in China. So...how is it Gibson Japan?
They're beautiful. I like the white model and of course Trogly likes the blue model !!!
That white one would look stunning withh a tort pickguard
@@benlow46 I'm preferential to pearl white mother of toilet seat pickguards, especially on a white guitar, sometimes cream or white. I really like Tortoise shell pickguards on any tobacco burst guitar, electric or acoustic. It just looks traditional to me.
It is worth every penny.
Lovely guitar and paint are unique white very tempting, but unfortunately only sold in Japan, the price plus taxes are too high, as a fan of FOOFIGTHERS I choose to wait for the version of DAVE, hoping that EPI will be released soon, recently there is no chance so I bought a cheaper epiphone riviera and waited for them to release DG335.
I live in Yokohama - these are absolutely everywhere in the Tokyo area now you can’t move for them in stores.
The Bigsby marks on the paint just polish off. It’s where it’s assembled as soon as it’s painted and not 100% cured
Damn! So close to my dream Lifeson spec 355.
I got the first run of the 2019 series, it came with extra case candy plus a limited branded pouch :o
Yeah, right. Ubukata shinichi is very famous in Japan and South Korea. And it is said that Dave participated in the design of UBU's Gibson sig. and UBU gave one of his sig to Dave as a gift. Well I'm not sure if the broken one in the music video is THAT gift, but... hmmm
Dave grohl broke it because it just didn't seem "authentic" enough
Also he felt the guitar was just a ummm pretender.... okay I'm done lol
Dave Grohl learned how to play guitar?
The clean tone sounded like a banjo!
Pelham Blue always looks great.
Should do a episode on Los Straightjackets guitars. DePinto Galaxie I believe.
Harukawa Reiko The guitarist for Jittern Jinn also had a signature Epi 335.
I want this guitar! WOW!
I like everything but diamond F holes. especially the white one.
it's actually somewhat similar to a BB King Lucille.
I’d like to believe both Dave and the Japanese guitarist were both inspired by BB KING. This guitar is very similar to the guitar BB King play at the Live at the Regal show
I like it! The blue one or the a black one if available. What I don't like is that skull logo on the back of the headstock and case.
I really wish the olive drab one was available here in the U.K. I’d add filtertrons for a “bargain” Cornell model.
I like this green one better than the Cornell because of the dot inlays.
I’m with you, it sounds just so so. I like 57 classic’s but something was just a little “off” with the sound on that guitar. It looks nice though.
It might have something to do with the really rough center block that fits like crap, and the globs of glue that hold it in place.
Sixties cherry is nice but you’re nearing used Gretsch pro line (Japan) territory at these prices
Japan exclusives used to be great MIJ guitars made by FujiGen with the correct Gibson headstock - now that would've been exciting!
I couldn't agree more with you. This is defeating the whole purpose of epiphone - to be totally affordable. This is why I got an edwards, a japanese 335 copy that is esp's gibson & fender copy brand. They are only legal to be sold new in Japan because gibson's lawsuit tactics mean nothing there. Japanese courts don't give a fuck about protecting the trademarks of american companies. Think top of the line LTD or bottom of the line ESP quality. Top notch for the price. Including fees and importing from Japan I got a 2017 in great condition for $950. Gibson is more interested in profits than trying to maintain the reputation of the brand. That is why someone like me who dreamed for years of getting one gave up when I learned there was a way cheaper legitimate alternative that even has more consistent quality control.
With Orville (Gibson's Japanese licensed guitars) there was Orville (guitars made by Fuji Gen) and Orville by Gibson (made by Terada),which are the best.
@@jochemjonker3362 there are some pretty high end epiphone Japan too!
at the beginning of the video you can clearly see on the box, in capital letters « made in china « !!!
@@chukka62 yeah, that's why I'm not excited about these new ones at all
One of the nicest Epiphones I've seen
Those are really nice..I'd choose the Olive Green
Love the slightly quirky sound.
A good guitar is a good guitar regardless of where it is made.
I have played my made in china Gretsch electromatic at the 02 in the uk and have had many comments on the tone.
I think the thing to consider with this epiphone is that the Gibson equivalent in the uk would be £6000 upwards and no one is going to be taking that to bar gigs. Yes it’s more money than other epiphones but there is more guitar for the money. I’m not saying the Gibson wouldn’t be better quality but that’s not always the case and to be really truthful If I personally owned the Gibson and the epi I know which one I would take giging and which one would stay at home. It’s well worth the extra money for a decent hard case, eboney board and decent pickups. Just take it for a professional set up and fret leveling and Bet it would be a beast.
Have you ever reviewed a epiphone coronet? Sweetwater has them. I think they seem like a working man’s les Paul junior. Which may mean I need one.
Chinese made Japanese only model of an American guitar...oh well
Can you let us know how the neck feels? Had a Gibson DG-335 some time ago and I just loved the chunky neck on it.. Since I have quite big hands I can't stand necks that are too slim/thin.. Great Video, thanks!
Hey can you review and demo the Kurt Cobain Jaguar? Particularly the road worn and NOS, would be interesting for the show.
New subscriber here.
I was lucky enough to see one of these in person! I was picking up an 05 Tele Deluxe and he had one of these too. He told me the price which was around $1,600 like you said.
Sweetwater is currently selling them for $1199
I really like 57 classics..
Yep. Like Coke, The Real Thing...
My Ibanez was made in Japan and its basically perfect. My Chinese Epiphone LP custom pro is a fantastic guitar except the frets wore down quick and the push/pull pot went out, its not aging so well.
The older epiphone frets can't take much abuse I've seen this time and time again. The newer ones however have been getting tougher
It looks like am Epiphone version of the Noel Gallahgher ES-355 and I love it for that!
They have that bright orange sticker in one f hole, they should have put a purple sticker in the other f hole. They could use the glue they didn't use on the nut to attach it. Haha!
I think you're right, the varitone does sound best on like 2 or 3!
The ivory one is really nice
Honest question: why dont you review some awesome Greco, Tokai, Burny, Aria Pro II from late 70’s and early 80’s? Also modern Orville, Epiphone MIJ , Cool Z and History? Japanese manufacturers created some very sought after collectible jewels. Thank you
No one pays him to review old guitars, and he seldom does non-sponsored videos, that I know of.
Gibson, please give us an Epiphone DG-335 or at least remake the made in USA Gibson DG-335. I could never afford $20k for the OG.
We need to get those wankers who pay $20K (or more) for the guitars to stop doing it. As long as people keep buying them Gibson and the artists are going to keep cranking them out. "Business is business"!
No one hears the buzzing? It’s pretty bad. Maybe that’s because of the loose nut, but it even seems to be messing with sustain, particularly on the A string.
That’s about the nicest looking epi I think I’ve seen. I like the olive drab. Reminds me of the unaffordable Chris Cornell sig model.
Anyone here got one, what do you think of it?
😊epiphone guitars are very good I have epi left handed standard 57 Les Paul vintage edition has the klauson tuners great sound
Funny guitar turns from the kind of cobalt blue to White? Interesting!
Even if I were that big of a Dave Grohl fan that I had to have a guutar with his fingerprint on it, why is Epiphone edging the Gibson realm of overpricing? Just adding the Veritone doesn't cut it.
I would keep the white one, I liked that the best. I'm not a fan of Bigsby trems, varitones or skull design's but I think a tune o matic bridge and just a standard switching system would be more appealing to me.
In my experience with Varitones (owned one), they are actually a great creative tool for soundscaping. Go to the full out setting and you have a 335 sound, the others are a nice sonic bonus.
Well, there go all the ones I'd been keeping an eye on on Reverb...lol
Hey Trogly, how would you compare this Shinichi Ubukata to a Lucille?
I've been looking at the Japanese domestic Epiphones for a few years, I just haven't pulled the trigger yet. Cheers Trogly
They look so much alike the new D'Angelico Tour Line
I want it! Pelham blue
Wow! Wow! Wow! What a gorgeous pair of guitarrs.Stunning work on it. My only criticism is at this price point. Would it hurt Epiphone to have locking machineheads? My G.A.S. has been triggered!
If that’s not what the artist uses why would the be on his signature guitar
That’s very nice.
Made in China but that expensive? That's insane
My Robin was made in Japan in 1983 and its kick ass