The action is near perfect not too high to make complicated runs a problem, not too low to be detrimental to the tone. Its slightly flattened C-profile increases marginally in depth further up the neck, making for a suitably vintage feel.Īs this Dot arrived with a set of heavy-gauge strings, complete with a wound third, we wondered if Epiphone sees this as one for the jazzers? Let's hope not, because as good as it is for that style, this is a much more versatile instrument. The neck, while by no means clubby, feels substantial in your palm, probably due to the 43mm width at the nut. Our advice is: go and play one! The body isn't much fatter than a Strat, for example, and standing or sitting, the Dot feels comfortable to hold and play. We've heard many players say they didn't think they'd get on with a big semi, because they're too, er, big. There are two Epiphone design, Korean humbuckers, a tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece and a set of modern-looking machineheads. The hardware is chrome plated, which won't tarnish as nicely as nickel, but again, its down to cost.

It's all a matter of taste, but we love the simplicity and function that dots breathe over the guitars they adorn. Until now, modern Epis such as the Casino, Sheraton and Supernova only came with block inlays. In between the 22, well finished, medium frets lies the primary reason why vintage Dot-neck 335s are worth so much more than their block-inlayed brethren. If you're still wondering why it's called the Dot, look at the rosewood fingerboard.

In this case, Epiphone opts for the thinner, elongated design and scripted logo, all adding to the Dot's charming vintage character. The joint certainly looks and feels solid enough to withstand years of faithful service, as does the scarfed joint under the first and second fret securing the headstock. The Dot's fixed neck is finished in vintage sunburst, too, perhaps disguising the fact that it's made of maple. If you fancy something different, Epiphone also offers heritage cherry sunburst, cherry, ebony and natural as options. To these eyes, vintage sunburst isn't the most attractive option, as it appears slightly abrupt where the dark brown turns to black. These areas would benefit from more careful finishing, yet bear in mind that this guitar costs less than £400, not £1400-plus. The cleanly applied finish is flat and consistent, save for some lacquer build on the inner edges of the f-holes. The cream, plastic edgebinding is neat, looking suitably 'yellowed' and authentic against the vintage sunburst finish.

Epiphone casino vintage sunburst review