Epiphone ES-335 Figured Blueberry Burst

Epiphone ES-335 Figured Blueberry Burst review

The Epiphone ES-335 Figured Blueberry Burst offers the familiar large-bodied, semi-hollow electric guitar format with a distinctive blue finish and a listed price of $539. It has been available since November 2020 as part of Epiphone's Inspired by Gibson range. The body, top, back, and sides are maple, with figured maple veneer on the top and back. That veneer contributes to the flame-like appearance, but it is a surface layer rather than solid figured maple.

Owner reports agree that the finish is a major part of the appeal. Several describe the guitar as more striking in person than in product images, although at least one buyer found the color paler than expected, while another received a turquoise-leaning shade. The binding and finish are generally described as attractive, but some examples have had minor color bleed, uneven paint around the f-holes, or small binding flaws. These reports point to variation between individual instruments, so the exact finish may not match every buyer's expectation.

Construction and playability

The mahogany neck has a rounded C profile, an Indian laurel fingerboard, small block inlays, and 22 frets. Its 628 mm scale and 43 mm nut width are listed specifications. Owners often praise the neck's comfortable shape and report that bends feel easy. The guitar's large body is an important practical consideration, particularly for smaller players or anyone used to a compact solid-body instrument.

Setup quality is less consistent than the basic design. Some guitars arrived with comfortable action and clean fret ends. Others needed a truss-rod adjustment, a change to the action, intonation work, or fret polishing. A few owners reported more serious fret problems, including sharp fret ends and high frets that required leveling and recrowning. One buyer returned a guitar after finding that the intonation above the 12th fret was far off. These are individual experiences, not a guarantee of defects, but they make a careful inspection worthwhile.

The hardware includes Epiphone Deluxe tuning machines, a Graph Tech NuBone nut, a LockTone Tune-O-Matic-style bridge, and a LockTone stopbar tailpiece. One owner reported a faulty tuning machine that was replaced; other players found the tuners stable, including during bends. A pickup selector with a loose connection and a poorly finished binding edge have also been mentioned. Most reported issues were described as repairable, but buyers without setup experience may want a technician to check the guitar before relying on it for a performance.

Pickups and sound

Two Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers provide the amplified sound, controlled by two volume knobs and two tone knobs. There is no tremolo. Players commonly describe the tone as warm, full, and clear, with a useful range across the pickup positions. Reports are especially positive for clean and lightly overdriven blues, jazz, and classic rock. Several owners also like the more open, semi-hollow character compared with a solid-body guitar.

Not every player hears the pickups the same way. Some find them balanced and expressive, while others describe the neck pickup as muddy or subdued through their amplifier. That difference can depend on the player's taste, amp settings, and the individual guitar. For higher-gain styles, owners note that this design may sound less forceful than a solid-body guitar. The semi-hollow construction is a better fit for players who want a rounder response and a resonant character than for those seeking maximum punch at heavy gain.

What to know before buying

• Body: Maple semi-hollow construction with figured maple veneer on the top and back.
• Neck: Mahogany with a rounded C profile, Indian laurel fingerboard, and 22 frets.
• Electronics: Two Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers, with two volume and two tone controls.
• Included accessories: No case or gig bag is included.

The strongest case for the ES-335 Figured Blueberry Burst is its combination of appearance, comfortable neck, and warm semi-hollow sound at a comparatively accessible price. Owner feedback also shows why setup and quality checks matter: some examples arrive ready to play, while others need fret or intonation work. Inspect the fret ends, test the pickup selector, check tuning stability, and confirm intonation before keeping the instrument.

Verdict

The Epiphone ES-335 Figured Blueberry Burst is a compelling option for players drawn to the ES-335 format, especially for blues, jazz, and classic rock. Its finish and tonal character earn frequent praise, while inconsistent setup reports are the main caution. At the listed $539 price, it offers a lot of guitar for the money, provided you are willing to check the individual instrument and address any setup problems that turn up.