What pickups are used in the Shinichi Ubukata ES-355?

The guitar is equipped with a pair of Gibson 57 Classic humbuckers. These are designed to deliver articulate clean tones and gritty overdrive suitable for alt-rock.

What is the purpose of the Varitone switch?

The Varitone is a six-position rotary switch that acts as a frequency filter. It allows the player to select from six distinct tonal presets, significantly increasing the versatility of the humbucking pickups.

What type of neck profile does this model have?

The guitar features a mahogany neck with a rounded C-shape. This profile is intended to provide a comfortable and smooth playing experience for various techniques.

What tailpiece is included on this guitar?

This model comes equipped with a Bigsby B70 vibrato. It allows for expressive pitch bends and traditional tremolo effects commonly used in rock and blues.

What is the fingerboard material?

The guitar features an ebony fingerboard. Ebony is a premium wood choice known for its durability, dark appearance, and smooth feel under the fingers.

What finish is available for this signature model?

The instrument is finished in a striking and modern Olive Drab colour. This matte-style green finish sets it apart from more traditional ES-series finishes like Cherry or Sunburst.

Is the Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 a fully hollow guitar?

No, it is a semi-hollowbody guitar. It features a solid centre block which helps reduce unwanted feedback while maintaining the resonance associated with hollow instruments.

How does this model differ from a standard Epiphone ES-335?

This model includes higher-end Gibson 57 Classic pickups, an ebony fingerboard, a Bigsby vibrato, and the Varitone circuitry, all of which are upgrades over the standard ES-335 specifications.

What genres of music is this guitar suited for?

While highly versatile, it is particularly well-suited for alt-rock, blues, and jazz. The combination of the semi-hollow construction and Varitone switch allows it to cover many sonic territories.

Does the guitar handle high gain well?

Yes, because it is a semi-hollow design with a centre block, it manages high-gain signals better than a fully hollow guitar, making it suitable for gritty rock tones.

How does the Bigsby B70 affect tuning stability?

The Bigsby B70 is designed for smooth, expressive pitch bends. When properly set up, it provides reliable stability for traditional vibrato use.

Gear article

Epiphone Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 Custom Bigsby

The Epiphone Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 Custom Bigsby is a professional-grade semi-hollowbody guitar designed in collaboration with the Japanese guitarist. It features a distinct Olive Drab finish, Gibson 57 Classic humbuckers, and a six-position Varitone switch for extensive tonal shaping.

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Overview

The Epiphone Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 Custom Bigsby represents a high-specification interpretation of the classic ES-355 platform. Built to the requirements of Shinichi Ubukata, the guitar is distinguished by its utilitarian Olive Drab finish, a departure from traditional cherry or sunburst aesthetics. The instrument is constructed as a semi-hollowbody, providing the resonance of a hollow guitar with a solid centre block to manage feedback at higher gain levels.

Construction and Playability

The guitar features a mahogany neck carved into a rounded C-profile, designed to offer a substantial but comfortable grip for a wide range of hand sizes. The neck is paired with an ebony fingerboard, a premium feature typically found on 'Custom' level instruments, providing a smooth playing surface and a sharp visual contrast. Stability and expressive potential are provided by the inclusion of a Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece, allowing for subtle pitch modulation.

Electronics and Sound

A primary highlight of this model is the electronics package. It is equipped with two US-made Gibson 57 Classic humbuckers, which are voiced to replicate the articulate and warm response of late-1950s 'Patent Applied For' pickups. The tonal palette is further expanded by a Varitone rotary switch. This six-position control acts as a notch filter, removing specific frequencies at each setting to provide everything from thin, single-coil-like textures to mid-heavy jazz tones.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other semi-hollow instruments like the Gibson ES-335 or ES-345, the Shinichi Ubukata signature stands out due to its specific hardware combination and unique finish. While the Gibson ES-345 Vintage Burst offers similar Varitone functionality, this Epiphone model provides a more modern alt-rock aesthetic. For players seeking a different vibrato feel, Gretsch Nashville models with string-thru Bigsbys offer a distinct alternative, though they lack the specific Gibson 57 Classic pickup voicing found here.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in the Shinichi Ubukata ES-355?: The guitar is equipped with a pair of Gibson 57 Classic humbuckers. These are designed to deliver articulate clean tones and gritty overdrive suitable for alt-rock.
What is the purpose of the Varitone switch?: The Varitone is a six-position rotary switch that acts as a frequency filter. It allows the player to select from six distinct tonal presets, significantly increasing the versatility of the humbucking pickups.
What type of neck profile does this model have?: The guitar features a mahogany neck with a rounded C-shape. This profile is intended to provide a comfortable and smooth playing experience for various techniques.
What tailpiece is included on this guitar?: This model comes equipped with a Bigsby B70 vibrato. It allows for expressive pitch bends and traditional tremolo effects commonly used in rock and blues.
What is the fingerboard material?: The guitar features an ebony fingerboard. Ebony is a premium wood choice known for its durability, dark appearance, and smooth feel under the fingers.
What finish is available for this signature model?: The instrument is finished in a striking and modern Olive Drab colour. This matte-style green finish sets it apart from more traditional ES-series finishes like Cherry or Sunburst.
Is the Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 a fully hollow guitar?: No, it is a semi-hollowbody guitar. It features a solid centre block which helps reduce unwanted feedback while maintaining the resonance associated with hollow instruments.
How does this model differ from a standard Epiphone ES-335?: This model includes higher-end Gibson 57 Classic pickups, an ebony fingerboard, a Bigsby vibrato, and the Varitone circuitry, all of which are upgrades over the standard ES-335 specifications.
What genres of music is this guitar suited for?: While highly versatile, it is particularly well-suited for alt-rock, blues, and jazz. The combination of the semi-hollow construction and Varitone switch allows it to cover many sonic territories.
Does the guitar handle high gain well?: Yes, because it is a semi-hollow design with a centre block, it manages high-gain signals better than a fully hollow guitar, making it suitable for gritty rock tones.
What is the approximate price of this model?: The typical price range for the Epiphone Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 Custom Bigsby is approximately GBP 1099.
How does the Bigsby B70 affect tuning stability?: The Bigsby B70 is designed for smooth, expressive pitch bends. When properly set up, it provides reliable stability for traditional vibrato use.