html Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 Review: The Foo Fighters Hero We Waited For

Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 Review: The Foo Fighters Hero We Waited For

Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 Review: The Foo Fighters Hero We Waited For Channel Your Inner Dave

Welcome back to the tone lab, demon disciples! Today, we are looking at a guitar that fans have been practically screaming for since 2007. For years, if you wanted Dave Grohl's iconic "Pelham Blue" semi-hollow tone, you had to mortgage your house for the Gibson Memphis Custom Shop model or shell out thousands for a used reissue. But finally, the Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 has arrived to bring rock stadium glory to the masses. Is it just a pretty face in blue paint, or does it have the grit to back it up?

Overview

The Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 is not just a standard ES-335 with a different coat of paint; it is a faithful recreation of Grohl's beloved hybrid, which mashes up the body of an ES-335 with the diamond f-holes and Firebird-style headstock of a 1967 Trini Lopez Standard. Priced around $1,299, it sits at the premium end of Epiphone’s "Inspired by Gibson Custom" line. With real Gibson USA Burstbucker pickups and CTS electronics under the hood, this axe promises professional-grade tone that punches well above its weight class. Check current availability at zZounds here.

Key Features

  • Pickups: Gibson USA Burstbucker 2 (neck) and Burstbucker 3 (bridge)
  • Body Construction: Layered Maple/Poplar semi-hollow body with Maple center block
  • Neck: One-piece Mahogany with an Elliptical "C" profile
  • Fretboard: Indian Laurel with Mother of Pearl split-diamond inlays
  • Electronics: CTS Potentiometers, Mallory capacitors, and Switchcraft 3-way toggle
  • Hardware: Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners and LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge
  • Aesthetics: Iconic Pelham Blue finish, bound diamond f-holes, and Trini Lopez headstock
  • Extras: Includes an Epiphone Dave Grohl hardshell case

Professional Reviews Summary

The critical reception from major music publications has been largely enthusiastic, validating the hype surrounding this release. Guitar World awarded it high marks, specifically praising the "Elliptical C" neck shape as a standout feature that offers more heft than a SlimTaper profile, making it perfect for rhythm work (Williams). They also noted that the inclusion of genuine Gibson USA pickups allows the guitar to cover "everything from blues to indie to classic rock tones with ease" (Williams). MusicRadar echoed this sentiment, calling the visual impact of the Pelham Blue finish and Trini Lopez-style headstock an "uncanny sight" that feels surprisingly close to the Gibson original ("Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335"). However, reviewers have pointed out that at $1,299, it is one of the most expensive Epiphones on the market, approaching the price territory of some entry-level American-made or high-end Japanese instruments.

User Sentiment Summary

On user forums and retail reviews, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the sound, with many players feeling that the Gibson USA Burstbuckers make this the "best sounding Epiphone" they have ever played ("Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 User Reviews"). The included hard case is also a frequently cited win. However, not everything is perfect in paradise. Some users on the Telecaster Guitar Forum have reported minor setup issues out of the box, such as dry fretboards and occasional cosmetic flaws like orange peel in the finish ("Just Bought an Epiphone DG-335"). A few nitpickers have mentioned that the volume and tone knobs sit a bit high ("proud") off the body, and some YouTube reviewers identified a metallic rattle coming from the retaining wire on the stock bridge, though this is an easy fix ("I Couldn't Stand This"). Despite these minor gripes, the general consensus is that this is a serious gigging instrument.

Pros

  • Authentic Tone: The Gibson USA Burstbuckers deliver the genuine, high-output rock growl Grohl is known for.
  • Premium Components: CTS pots, Mallory caps, and Switchcraft jacks mean you won't need to upgrade the electronics.
  • Iconic Style: The combination of the Firebird headstock and diamond f-holes is undeniably cool and unique.
  • Case Included: Comes with a custom Dave Grohl hardshell case, adding significant value.
  • Neck Profile: The "Elliptical C" shape is substantial and comfortable, superior to standard budget profiles.

Cons

  • Price: At roughly $1,300, it is expensive for a Chinese-made Epiphone.
  • Quality Control: Some reports of cosmetic blemishes and dry fretboards that require immediate conditioning.
  • Fretboard Material: Some traditionalists prefer Rosewood over the Indian Laurel used here.
  • Hardware Rattle: Occasional reports of bridge rattle from the stock retainer wire.

Ideal For

This guitar is a non-negotiable purchase for Foo Fighters fanatics and 90s grunge devotees. Beyond the fandom, it is an excellent choice for rock and alternative guitarists who need a semi-hollow body that can handle high gain without uncontrollable feedback. It serves as a perfect "step-up" instrument for players ready to graduate from beginner gear to a road-ready workhorse.

Competing Products

Social Media Promotion

Blog Link Summary: The long-awaited Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 is finally here, and we reviewed it to see if it earns its legendary status.

Twitter/X: Finally! The Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 brings the thunder of the Foo Fighters to the masses. Does it roar like the Gibson? Full review in the Tone Lab! #geareview #musicproduction #DaveGrohl #FooFighters

Threads / Blue Sky: Is the new Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 the best signature model of the year? It’s got real Gibson pickups and the iconic Trini Lopez diamond holes... but the price tag is hefty. We broke down the good, the bad, and the noisy in our latest review.

LinkedIn: For musicians and producers seeking reliable stadium rock tones on a budget, the new Epiphone Dave Grohl DG-335 offers a compelling blend of professional specs and iconic design. Our latest analysis breaks down its ROI for gigging musicians compared to its Gibson Custom Shop counterparts.

Works Cited