Epiphone Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 Custom Bigsby Semi-hollowbody Electric Guitar - Ebony Reviews
A 20-year veteran of the Japanese music scene, Shinichi Ubukata of Ellegarden and Nothing’s Carved in Stone has long favored the old-school elegance of the ES-355 for his distinct brand of alt-rock edge. The Epiphone Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 Custom Bigsby doubles as a stunning replication of his axe of choice and a feature-stacked 6-string with world-class hardware and electronics. Firstly, the maple semi-hollowbody is loaded with dual Gibson ’57 Classic humbuckers and a vintage-style 6-position Varitone rotary switch to provide you with endless PAF-style tonal possibilities. Next, the rounded “C” mahogany neck is topped off with a beautiful slab of ebony, then finished with custom block inlays. What about performance? A top-class hardware trio of Grover Rotomatic Tuners, an ABR-1 LockTone bridge, and a Bigsby B70 Vibrato system ensure the highest level of tuning stability and playability. It’s all wrapped up in an attention-demanding black-on-black finish with graceful diamond F-holes, 7-ply body binding, and a signature Shinichi skull on the back of the headstock.
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Highest Rated Reviews
My new #1
Fantastic guitar, amazing customer service from Sweetwater, as always.
Special thank you to Eric and Rob
This thing is transformative. An absolute switchblade.
Wow
I bought this because I was in the market for a new guitar but I didn't know what I wanted or really what I was looking for. When I saw this guitar with the diamond "F" holes, bigsby and the Gibson "Custom" appointments along with the variatone; I just knew it was the one. When it arrived I couldn't have been more right. The setup was perfect out of the box, acoustically it resonates clearly and quite loud and plugged in the Gibson pickups really sing! I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Side bonus is its similar to Dave Grohl's guitar but in ebony with the Bigsby, it's much classier.
The Real Deal
I have a figured Gibson ES-335, a Gibson ES-333, a Gibson Custom Shop ES-339, an a Japanese-made Epiphone Elitist ES-335. From a craftsmanship perspective, the Epiphone Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 guitar is as well made as any of them, and is just as good a player.
I don't know if it's the addition of the Bigsby and an effect of the spring, but mine is very resonant and louder than any of the others acoustically.
Mine was blemish free. The multiple layer binding was artfully applied with no finish overlap. Even the kerfing inside the guitar was neat and tidy.
The Varitone provides a useful variety of tones, the ebony board is smooth and has no file marks, the are frets well-dressed, and the tuners are top-notch and hold pitch well even when using the Bigsby.
The 57 Classics sound great, and the volume and tone pots control them well.
I'm a fan of big chunky necks, and this one's shaped nicely. My other ES guitars have necks with a flatter profile, and I find myself enjoying playing the Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 more because of the rounder, fatter neck. I suspect this might be a sticking point for some players, but I love it.
The included case is well-made and has a nice arch on the top for added protection. It's lighter in weight than my other similarly-sized cases, but should provide ample protection. The interior is well padded. The exterior has a more smoothly textured surface than you often find on Gibson and Epiphone cases today, sort of like the Gibson cases in the sixties.
If I could change anything, I wish the fretboard blocks were pearl or abalone like the headstock inlay. That would only enhance the looks of this lovely, classy instrument even more. I might also upgrade the bridge, though the one included is perfectly serviceable. Otherwise, this is a tremendous value for a unique looking, great sounding, and well-crafted instrument.
The perfect guitar (for me)!
There's nothing bad I can say about the Ubukata 355. It has become my number one guitar since I took it out of the case. I haven't had to make a bridge or neck adjustment, the specs are great, the pickups sound fantastic; I couldn't ask for a more perfect guitar. If I have to fault it for SOMETHING, I suppose the spring in the Bigsby is a little stiff, but that's beyond negligible and is easily fixed by wearing it in or replacing it with a different spring. Make sure you refer to Mike Adams' (Puisheen) video on YouTube on setting up your Bigsby equipped guitars if you have troubles! Also, some string noise (ringing) is to be expected with Bigsby equipped guitars, so don't let other reviews mentioning it put you off from buying one!
Epiphone perfection
Everyone who's always wanted a semi Hollowbody Gibson, without the price tag or possible quality issues, this is your instrument! Top notch construction, binding,finish,Bigsby installation and the fretwork is fantastic! The 57'Classics sound great, and take this guitar to another level.Put yours on order now, as there sold out already.
Oh, and as always,Spundy, my sales rep was great
Dark Horse
I was originally on the waitlist to get an Epi DG-335, but this caught my attention because of how similar the price points and features of the instruments were. I'm so happy with my decision! I paid the extra to have it plek'd, and I'm grateful I did so. My SSE, Alex Campos, helped me a lot through this process and the ultimate decision to choose this amazing axe. Thank you Good Sir, and thank you Sweetwater as always!
Epiphone
Every thing about this guitar I like….. signature epiphone models are well made and honestly do rival Gibson models at one forth the price….
Overall decent but one flaw
I just received this Epiphone recently and I'm still getting acquainted with it, but I noticed a sustained ringing sound coming from the B string. I don't want to return it so I'm going to a top technician in my area to look it over. Maybe it needs a proper set up or something, I'll let a pro figure it out. If it doesn't stop I may have to return it. (I'd rather not)
Nice Guitar
Made in China. That wasn't what I wanted stamped on it. It is a decent guitar. It's set up in the US and that was good. Plays nice.
