Epiphone Dot 335

[MaxT]

I've never owned one of these guitars, but have a chance to buy one cheap, as-new.
Somebody on the forum might have some observations....For instance, I don't know if it has a center wood block inside or if it's fully hollow. I'll see the instrument in a day or two, but in the meantime, does it have any quirks or characteristics to look out for? Especially since, anytime something sells really cheap, I ask myself why.

[Uncle Meat]

I used to have a Korean made one, and my friend has a Chinese one, and they're both fantastic guitars, especially for the price. thought I liked mine a little better. They're semi hollow, and with a decent set of pickups in there, they can go from jazz to most other styles without any problems.

[MaxT]

Originally Posted by Uncle Meat

I used to have a Korean made one, and my friend has a Chinese one, and they're both fantastic guitars, especially for the price. thought I liked mine a little better. They're semi hollow, and with a decent set of pickups in there, they can go from jazz to most other styles without any problems.

Thanks Uncle,
I don't know yet where this one was made, waiting for a response to set up a play.

[KevinV]

I've owned a couple of Epi Dots and wouldn't hesitate to own another. I think they're a good buy and as was mentioned, can serve more than one genre respectably. I did swap out pups/electronics, but that was a personal choice...I'm sure you can get satisfactory tone from the stock materials.

[MaxT]

Thanks Kevin,
Sounds encouraging.

[ruiner54]

I am not going to dump on the DOT because of all of the positive feedback I have been hearing about them...I have come to the conclusion that I just had the bad luck to get a dud Epi DOT. May I suggest that you just make sure that all of the hardware is tight and well secured before you buy it including volume, tone knobs, input jack etc.

[MaxT]

Originally Posted by ruiner54

I am not going to dump on the DOT because of all of the positive feedback I have been hearing about them...I have come to the conclusion that I just had the bad luck to get a dud Epi DOT. May I suggest that you just make sure that all of the hardware is tight and well secured before you buy it including volume, tone knobs, input jack etc.

Ah, yes. The basic cautions, easily overlooked. Thank you.

[RuffRider]

I've tested them out in music stores and also picked up an Epi Les Paul.
Some of the things to look for as said are: loose pots, pick ups wired out of phase, pots wired backwards - (turning the volume down actually brings the volume up).
But if you're at a store that has a lot of them and you pick through them you can find a nice one.

Also, I've noticed that the Chinese made Epiphone's usually have pick ups with dull highs. Compared to USA made pick ups they are dull.

[pineapple]

I bought a Dot 6 months ago and checked some features and characteristics:
- the PU have the same inductance of the Classic 57's of my 175 (!)
- neck material is mahogany (some reseller say maple, but it's wrong)
- the body length is one inch less than the Gibson ES 335
- the central block seems maple to me
- it could be necessary to lower the G string at the nut
- it could be necessary to tighten some screws (tuning pegs and pickguard).


I mounted Thomastick Bebop 0.011 string, et voilà: a very good guitar.

[DenisT]

I replaced all the electronics with CTS pots, Mojotone caps, switchcraft, and a Gibson 57 Classic in the neck (don't use the bridge). I polished the frets and fretboard and had to smooth out the rough fret edges and lower the nut for the B string. It now sounds and feels very good. If you do not like to DIY, might want to check it out very carefully. With the exceptions above, the workmanship on the body and neck were excellent. Good value, especially with the upgrades. The block is maple and the neck is mahogany.

regards
Denis

[MaxT]

Okay guys,
Interesting. Electrics may not be the Oriental strong point

[RoyaleT]

I got mine as new for a hundred bucks from a cash strapped, guitar rich player. Replaced pick-ups with Duncans, all new black hardware, new pots and switch for about $200 and change. It always felt good to me so it was well worth the upgrades. Stock electronics are lacking, except the pups which are decent, but not VG or Great.

[MaxT]

Originally Posted by RoyaleT

I got mine as new for a hundred bucks from a cash strapped, guitar rich player. Replaced pick-ups with Duncans, all new black hardware, new pots and switch for about $200 and change. It always felt good to me so it was well worth the upgrades. Stock electronics are lacking, except the pups which are decent, but not VG or Great.

It's starting to look like there's a consensus here, that the Dot is a decent guitar but could use a pickup improvement. Interesting.

[Timo]

I recently played one of the new Epi es 339s - I was very impressed! Only $439.00 in Canada. Comes close to my Gibson 335 in the sound and the feel

[MaxT]

Originally Posted by Timo

I recently played one of the new Epi es 339s - I was very impressed! Only $439.00 in Canada. Comes close to my Gibson 335 in the sound and the feel

We generally pay quite a bit more in Australia...But one never knows. I'll have to check out the 339 when I have time.

[Uncle Meat]

+1 on the Thomastik Bebop 11's. I had them top wrapped on my guitar and it felt like an extension of my body

[willtheguitardude]

Save your money and buy and Epi Sheraton II. One of the best Semi-Hollows ever!