It’s no secret that one of our favorite electric guitar deals of Black Friday this year came from Guitar Center, which offered an Epiphone ES-335 Traditional Pro for just $479.
However, while the Traditional Pro may have been the most versatile Epiphone semi-hollow, we may have just found the nicest-looking one: a Raspberry Burst limited-edition Epiphone ES-335, which is currently available in this sensational Cyber Monday guitar deal for just $499 from Guitar Center (opens in new tab).
That represents a whopping saving of $150, making it not only one of the cheapest Epiphone ES-335s of the entire saving season, but also the nicest-looking.
Just look at it. That special-run Raspberry Burst finish; that flame maple veneer; that Kalamazoo-style headstock; the cream binding; the vintage tuners, it's got it all. In the aesthetic department, we can’t find any flaws – apart from maybe the laurel fretboard – and the spec sheet is equally impressive.
(opens in new tab)Epiphone’s ES game has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, with the recently released “Inspired by Gibson” range providing the brand’s best takes on affordable Gibson-style guitars. With this model, which hails from that very same collection, those of you looking for genuine ES-335 tones without forking out for the real deal will find yourself in very good hands.
Build-wise, it’s got everything you’d ever want – and need – from an ES-335. The maple top and body sandwiches a maple center block – added to prevent feedback and increase resonance – and accommodates true-to-original hardware, including a tune-o-matic bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece.
The rounded-C profile neck, found on the majority of Gibson models, will feel weighty but comfortable in the hand, and the slightly shorter 24.7” scale length will play like a dream.
If you're not sold, read our review, which unearthed only one flaw: a lack of finish options. Well, throw in this Raspberry Burst colorway into the mix and you've got yourself a pretty darn great guitar.
What we’re trying to say is, not only is this a seriously good-looking piece of kit, it’s also an immense-sounding one that will play extremely well. And, while it may not fully replicate a Gibson, it does a pretty decent job, and does so for a fraction of the price.
Guitar Center has been on a roll this Cyber Monday. To see what else the retailing giant is currently offering, head over to our hub for Guitar Center Cyber Monday deals.
