Epiphone 1959 ES-355 Cherry Red VOS

First off, thanks to the fine folks at Thomann because of whom I was able to order this guitar from Germany, all the way to India. The support team was very quick and informative with their response.

Now as for the guitar, it definitely is amazing and you will be happy with the money spent. This guitar is basically a Gibson Es 355 minus the nitro finish and the logo at the headstock. Equipped with a set of absolutely breathtaking Gibson Custom-buckers, the guitar sounds just gorgeous with a very sweet and warm tone. The neck is slightly chunkier but doesn't take a lot of time to get used to.

I personally love the satin finish of the guitar, but again it's subjective preference, and you can buff it up to a glossy finish with an hour of polishing.

Now with the complaint I have with this guitar is the wrong part used in the bridge of the guitar. And by a part, I mean a singular saddle in the bridge is faulty, and rocks vertically up and down and snaps each time u bend the string. Now the guitar sounds fine, my only gripe is the playability of it, each time u bend the string, I can feel the snap of the bridge saddle. Its an unexpected error that cannot be resolved unless i change the bridge whole. But it's a personal issue of mine and I hope none of the other buyers get to experience it.

All in all, great guitar, but sadly poor QC.

So i never owed an epiphone, but i was always very curious and i was catching up with their latest models since i am a guitar fanatic. When i was this guitar i said this is the one i need to get. Waited around 4-5 months and the day has come to receive one. Thomann WELL DONE excellent service and i received my instrument in a few days during Christmas holidays so that is a miracle itself.
Now the case is amazing and it looks great.
The guitar it self looks spotless! beauty real beauty. Gold hardwear looks from out of this world really and it feels expessive and well made.
The neck is very thick which i love. The sound of the instrument is perfect JUST perfect.
Ebony fret board was dead dry but i get the amount of traveling involed. Frets are a little sharp and the action is kind of high for my taste.
The only reason i didnt give 5 stars is just that. I thought i would have taken it out of the box and play it at once. Yet it needs some adjustments which is fine.

Bought this as I couldn’t justify the many thousands a real Gibson costs. I am not disappointed. The specifications and build quality are excellent and the guitar plays and feels like it should cost much more. For anyone concerned about Epiphone quality assurance , Thomann offer a fantastic service for €45 , where their guitar workshop will inspect and set up your instruments prior to delivery, including dressing the fret ends and a comprehensive set up. Kudos to Frank Graffstedt and the team, as stated my guitar was delivered in perfect condition and ready to play straight from the case. If you want an ES style guitar, this definitely offers the most bang for your buck!