All 3 of those have the more classic PAF style humbuckers.Īs of this writing I have an opportunity at a locally offered clean '03 Riviera fitted with the Mini-humbuckers, original HS case included. Once I had that easily sussed it became a great player and a sound investment.Īs the 335 body style is about as iconic as the Les Paul, I have since acquired a Korean-made Sheraton in alpine white, and more recently an '01 Supernova. Anyway, the guitar itself was cosmetically fine on arrival, but had some minor fret buzz and sprouting, likely why it was a return. It was listed as a 'blemished' or a return on one of the online retailers sites (can't recall which Music-Go-Round or Z-Sound). I do own a newer Epi ES-335 Pro with a natural finish, which I do like, especially for the entry-level cost of $400. Can somebody put up the list of serial prefix again that was a letter breakdown indicator for the plant production? I never can seem to remember them all.Next to Gretsches, I have mostly Epiphones, and lean toward the older Korean-made ones. I would say the fit/finish on it was also probably better than my EE as well. The newer white EE seemed to be much lighter, (like 2 or 3 pounds lighter). Also an EE I was amazed at the difference in weight between it and my own EE built one. Recently, I looked at a white g-400 CustomShop with standard Epi pickups. Still, the fit, finish, and playabilty are right up there with my Samick and Unsungs, (allowing for wear). I've also got a g-400 EE, I've tried to find something to dislike about it and don't hold it in as high of reguard as my Korean built ones. This is off topic but I'll add it just since it's current. Might be a tad better balanced as well, comparing g-400 to g-400's.

I like my Unsungs and can't find fault with any of them, but my Samick just seems more comfortable and the neck joint profile is smoother for sure. Hard to really say much here as I've got three Unsungs and one Samick.

Epiphone dot vs casino vs riviera