The term semi-hollow relates to the center block. The ES-335 isn’t going out of fashion soon. Since 1958, the ES-335, the world’s first semi-hollow guitar, has taken the guitar world by storm. Epiphone remains the only manufacturer that can officially license Gibson designs today. Gibson positioned Epiphone as a budget brand. So, to nullify the competition, Gibson acquired Epiphone in 1957. In the 30s and 40s when archtop guitars were the rage, Epiphone was in direct competition with Gibson. Established in 1873, they began as a fiddle manufacturer in Turkey and later moved to the USA. Let’s start with a surprising fact, Epiphone is an older brand than Gibson. It’s the perfect ES-335 alternative if you can’t afford the real deal. See, The Epiphone ES-335 is a budget Gibson. Epiphone ES-339 P90 PRO – Best with P-90 PickupsĮpiphone ES-335 Semi-Hollow – The Best Gibson ES-335 AlternativeĪ logical starting point.Gretsch G2622 Streamliner – Best for Intermediate Players.PRS SE Hollowbody Standard – Best Under $1,000.D’Angelico Premier Mini DC – Best for the Money.Recap of the Best Gibson ES-335 Alternatives.
Ibanez AM73B – Best Gibson ES-335 Alternative for Small hands.Gretsch G2622 Streamliner – Best for Gibson ES-335 Alternative Intermediate Players.Ibanez Artcore AS53 – Best for Beginners.Heritage Standard H-535 – Best Premium Gibson ES-335 Alternative.
PRS SE Hollowbody Standard – Best Gibson ES-335 Alternative Under $1,000.Grote Semi-Hollow Body – Best Cheap Gibson ES-335 Alternative.D’Angelico Premier Mini DC – Best Gibson ES-335 Alternative for the Money.Epiphone ES-335 Semi-Hollow – The Best Gibson ES-335 Alternative.