# Epiphone Futura ES-355 review

> A modern take on a classic semi-hollow with stunning looks, high output pickups, and playability tweaks that make it a worthwhile alternative.
- Title: Epiphone Futura ES-355 review · Guitar World | Shortify
- Summary: A modern take on a classic semi-hollow with stunning looks, high output pickups, and playability tweaks that make it a worthwhile alternative. The Futura…
- Keywords: epiphone, futura es-355, semi-hollow guitar, guitar review, electric guitar, gibson es-355, probuckers ignite pickups, compound radius fretboard, chromashift finish, dragonfly shift, coil splitting, phase switching
- Source: Guitar World — https://guitarworld.com/gear/electric-guitars/epiphone-futura-es-335-review
- Published: 2026-09-21T16:40:35+00:00
- Read time: 3 min
- Topics: epiphone, futura es-355, semi-hollow guitar, guitar review, electric guitar, gibson es-355, probuckers ignite pickups, compound radius fretboard, chromashift finish, dragonfly shift, coil splitting, phase switching
## Modern twist on a classic
Epiphone's new Futura line reimagines six revered Gibson guitars with modern specs and a striking Chromashift finish that changes color depending on viewing angle.
## The Futura ES-355 specs
This semi-hollow features a 10-14 inch compound radius, modern C-shape neck, ProBucker Ignite pickups, coil-splitting, phase-switching, stainless steel frets, and locking Grover tuners. Price: $899.
## Show-stopping finish
The Dragonfly Shift finish shifts from green to blue as you view it from different angles, creating a mesmerizing visual effect that demands attention every time you pick up the guitar.

> I can't help but spend a chunk of time admiring the guitar every time I pick it up.
## Premium details throughout
Gibson Custom-inspired split-diamond inlays, bound fretboard and body, knurled control knobs, and nicely finished stainless steel frets give it a premium look beyond the price tag.
## Minor finish imperfections
The finish inside the F-holes is slightly scrappy and sticky, showing a bit of room for improvement in the manufacturing process.
## Hardware quality shines
The guitar arrived well set up with buzz-free, low action and excellent tuning stability thanks to quality hardware including the Graph Tech nut and locking Grover Rotomatic tuners.
## Strap buttons have limits
The Posi-Lok strap buttons add extra security but can still detach if pulled at the right angle, so they're not true strap locks despite marketing claims.
## Compound radius feels great
The 10-14 inch compound radius makes open chords and country picking comfortable at the lower frets while facilitating flashy runs higher up the fretboard.
## Effortlessly playable
Low action and the modern neck profile make lead licks feel buttery-smooth and stretchy chord shapes pop out with minimal finger strength required.
## Upper fret access challenge
The shallow cut of the lower horn makes reaching the top two frets awkward, and players with bigger hands may find the 20th fret slightly uncomfortable.
## Tighter lows, more output
The ProBucker Ignite pickups deliver a tighter low end than traditional ES-355s and considerably more output, creating sparkling cleans and excelling at overdriven sounds.
## Semi-hollow sustain and feedback
The guitar offers buckets of sustain and readily breaks into musical feedback at minimal overdrive levels when combined with volume, delivering classic rock tones before uncontrollable feedback kicks in.
## High output requires gain tweaks
The increased output drives amplifiers harder than comparable guitars, requiring significant gain adjustments when switching between the Futura and other models like a Les Paul.
## Coil-split and phase options
Three push-pull pots enable coil-splitting on each pickup and phase-switching on the neck pickup, creating thin single-coil tones and a distinctive quacky midrange reminiscent of a cocked wah.

> Like most coil splits, these are a little thin-sounding
## Modern features, classic respect
The Futura respects ES-355 heritage while adding modern tweaks like compound radius, high-output pickups, and coil-splitting that bring it up to the present day.
## Not for traditionalists
If you prefer traditional ES-355 specs and lower output pickups that reflect the semi-hollow nature, this modern iteration isn't for you.
## A different, rockier sound
The Futura ES-355 offers something different from the traditional ES-355, delivering a rockier take on the classic semi-hollow tone with more growl and presence.
## Overall verdict
A superbly playable guitar with a stunning finish and modern features that make it a worthwhile alternative to the traditional ES-355, despite the high-output pickup choice.
## Key takeaway

The Futura ES-355 respects the heritage of the original while adding modern features like a compound radius fretboard and coil-splitting pickups, though the high output may require gain staging adjustments.