Swap
Swap
Ibanez AS53
Epiphone ES-335 Figured
VS
Playability
73
Sound
61
Build
54
Value
73
Score
63
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logoAmazon logoMusician's Friend logo
Playability
73
Sound
65
Build
58
Value
70
Score
65
FIND IT ON:
Sweetwater logoMusician's Friend logo
Add more to comparison

Ibanez AS53 vs Epiphone ES-335 Figured

Reasons to Get
Ibanez AS53 over Epiphone ES-335 Figured

Country of Manufacturing
Indonesia vs China
Built with higher quality standards
Body Type
Hollowbody vs Semi-Hollow
Warm tone, lighter and acoustic sound
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.827'' (21mm) vs 0.84'' (21.3mm)
More comfortable open chords for small hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.945'' (24mm) vs 0.94'' (23.9mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for big hands
Value Score
73 vs 70
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Epiphone ES-335 Figured over Ibanez AS53

Decorative Top
Flame Maple Veneer vs None
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Release Year
2020 vs 2011
From a more recent year
Frets Height
Taller vs Shorter
Easier to press down strings and bend them
Nut Material
NuBone vs Plastic
Hard and self-lubricating nut to keep it in tune
Body Type
Semi-Hollow vs Hollowbody
Lighter and allows more gain than a hollowbody
Volume Knobs
2 vs 1
More volume control
Tone Knobs
2 vs 1
More tone control
Neck Thickness at 1st Fret
0.84'' (21.3mm) vs 0.827'' (21mm)
More comfortable open chords for big hands
Neck Thickness at 12th Fret
0.94'' (23.9mm) vs 0.945'' (24mm)
More comfortable at higher frets for small hands

Other Key Differences
Ibanez AS53 vs Epiphone ES-335 Figured

Bridge Pickup
Infinity R vs Alnico Classic PRO
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Infinity R vs Alnico Classic PRO
Different Neck Pickup
Body Wood
Basswood vs Flame Maple
Different Body Wood
Neck Wood
Nyatoh vs Mahogany
Different Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Walnut vs Laurel
Different Fretboard Wood
Nut Material
Plastic vs NuBone
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Ibanez AS53 vs Epiphone ES-335 Figured

Headstock
3-3
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Pickups
HH
High output without hum
Number of Frets
22
Same maximum octave
Nut Width
1.693'' (43mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Paint Finish
Poly
Resistant paint that ages well
Bridge
Fixed
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Scale Length
24.75'' (628.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Fretboard Radius
12'' (304.8mm)
Same fretboard comfortability
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Set
Neck is glued to the body
Type of Frets
Medium vs Medium Jumbo
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Locking Tuners
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • Strap Lock
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

SET PRICE ALERT
SET PRICE ALERT

These are affiliate links. We may earn a fee if you purchase after clicking. These prices are prone to error. Make sure you're buying the right product after clicking on a link from our site. We are not liable if you buy the wrong product after following these links. As an Amazon Associate site we earn from qualifying purchases.

Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Epiphone ES-335 Figured is probably the better product overall with its final score of 65 compared to the Ibanez AS53's 63 score, although not by a lot.

The Epiphone ES-335 Figured wins when it comes to sound, build quality. On the other hand, the Ibanez AS53 has the upper hand when it comes to value for the money.

If you got small hands, none of these instruments will make a big difference when it comes to comfortability.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

Both meet 4 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players. If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, you can't go wrong with either of them.

New Player Friendliness

Ibanez AS53
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners

New Player Friendliness

Epiphone ES-335 Figured
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

Ibanez AS53 Overview

  • From Ibanez's 2011 AS series
  • Made in Indonesia
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Basswood body
  • Nyatoh neck
  • Bound Walnut fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Infinity R (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Infinity R (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 1 volume and 1 tone Speed knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Gibraltar Performer bridge
  • AS Artcore Set neck
  • 22 Medium frets
  • Ibanez tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Epiphone ES-335 Figured Overview

  • From Epiphone's 2020 Inspired by Gibson Original ES Collection series
  • Made in China
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Flame Maple Veneer top
  • Layered Maple, AAA Flame Veneer body
  • Mahogany neck
  • Indian Laurel fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Alnico Classic PRO (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Alnico Classic PRO (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 2 volume and 2 tone Bell knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge
  • Rounded C Set neck
  • 22 Medium Jumbo frets
  • Epiphone Deluxe tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Sound Quality Comparison

The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

Woods Used in the Ibanez AS53

Nyatoh wood pattern used for guitar building
Nyatoh
Walnut wood pattern used for guitar building
Walnut
Basswood wood pattern used for guitar building
Basswood

Nyatoh has been replacing Mahogany for guitar building. It's fairly hard, durable, more sustentable and common than Mahogany. Find out more about Nyatoh.

It's a hard wood with a chocolate color that is often used to give an elegant finish. Since it's quite expensive and rare, it's mostly used for guitar tops. Find out more about Walnut.

Basswood is a lightweight type of wood that isn't as expensive as other popular choices for guitar building. It gives more power to the mid-range frequencies. Its color can vary from pale white to light brown. Find out more about Basswood.

Woods Used in the Epiphone ES-335 Figured

Mahogany wood pattern used for guitar building
Mahogany
Laurel wood pattern used for guitar building
Laurel
Flame Maple wood pattern used for guitar building
Flame Maple

Mahogany is a fairly rare wood nowadays. It's used mostly for bodies due to its relatively lightweight. Gibson popularized it with their Les Paul guitars during their golden years, so this wood has a lot of good reputation behind it. The most expensive type comes from South America and it's still used by Gibson even today. Find out more about Mahogany.

There are many types of Laurel, but East Indian is the most common for guitar building. Its color can vary from dark to light brown with black lines. Many people find its tonality similar to Rosewood, which favors the warmer frequencies. Find out more about Laurel.

This wood has beautiful patterns only found in specific types of maple.

Winner: Epiphone ES-335 Figured.

Pickup Configuration

Both pickup configurations are HH. Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

Pickups Quality

None of these use a specialized pickup brand for their pickups. Some of the best guitars on the market come with pickups from brands like EMG, Seymour Duncan, DiMarzio, etc. You might want to replace your pickups eventually if you want to get the best sound out of any of these instruments.

Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

Winner: Tie.

Versatility Comparison

Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

Switch Options

Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

Neither of them come with some kind of coil split or pickup mod option. This makes both lacking in terms of versatility.

They both share the following switching options:

Ibanez AS53 and Epiphone ES-335 Figured pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Ibanez AS53 and Epiphone ES-335 Figured's switch options

When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

Winner: Epiphone ES-335 Figured.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Ibanez AS53
Pickups 60
Sustain 70
Versatility 49
Tuning Stability 65
Sound 61
Epiphone ES-335 Figured
Pickups 60
Sustain 75
Versatility 53
Tuning Stability 70
Sound 65

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Ibanez AS53 compares to the Epiphone ES-335 Figured.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. The Ibanez AS53 is built in Indonesia while the Epiphone ES-335 Figured is made in China.

Indonesia is becoming the most popular country for guitar building because they can make good instruments for a low price. Some people think that they're 'the new China' when it comes to build quality. But the truth is that Indonesian guitars are more consistent, although Chinese quality has improved a lot in the last few years.

China has a bad reputation when it comes to building quality. However, times have changed and now respectable brands use China's cheap labor to build good instruments for a lower price. Don't discount a guitar only because it was built in China, but also expect more quality from countries like Korea.

Winner: Ibanez AS53

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

The Ibanez AS53 has a Plastic nut. This is a low-quality nut that you might want to consider upgrading soon. Bone and TUSQ nuts are the best for guitars with a fixed or simple tremolo bridge.

On the other hand, the Epiphone ES-335 Figured comes with a NuBone nut. It's made by the same company that makes TUSQ nuts. It's slightly softer but hard enough to give you a brighter sound when playing open strings. It's also self-lubricating, so it's good for tuning stability.

Winner: Epiphone ES-335 Figured.

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

Winner: Tie.

Bridge

The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

Both come with a similar bridge: Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

Winner: Tie.

Tuners

Both come with regular tuners. The Ibanez AS53's are Ibanez while the Epiphone ES-335 Figured's are Epiphone Deluxe

Winner: Tie.

Neck Joint

Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

Both have a Set neck joint. This neck is tightly glued to the body. They give you the least versatility because you can't swap them for a neck that fits your hand better if you want to, unlike bolt-on necks. Some people think this gives more resonance and sustain, but there's no real difference if the bolt-on joint is well built.

Winner: Tie.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez AS53
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in Indonesia
  • No Expensive Woods
  • No High-Quality Nut
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock
Strengths & Weaknesses
Epiphone ES-335 Figured
  • Expensive Wood
  • NuBone Nut
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • Made in China
  • No Top Brand Pickups
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Ibanez AS53
Quality of materials 41
Features 55
Quality Control 65
Build Quality 54
Epiphone ES-335 Figured
Quality of materials 58
Features 55
Quality Control 60
Build Quality 58

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

Ibanez AS53 Nut Width
Both Guitars Have The Same Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, both have a nut width of 43mm (1.693'').

This is within the most common range of nut widths for a 6-string guitar. It offers a good balance of string separation at the nut. It's the size that most guitarists prefer as it gives them just enough space to play open chords without muting the strings, but without spreading the strings too wide and making bar chords difficult to perform.

Scale Length

Ibanez AS53 and Epiphone ES-335 Figured's Scale Length
Both have the same scale length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

In this case, both have a scale length of 24.75".

This is the scale length that Gibson uses for most of its Les Paul guitars. It's a smaller scale than the typical Stratocaster's 25.5''. Short scale lengths like this make it easier to bend the strings, which is pretty important if you have a fixed bridge. They also have a shorter fret separation, which makes it easier to change position fast at the fretboard.

On the other hand, a shorter scale like this one will make fret buzz more likely, which can affect you if you want to use thicker string gauges.

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

Ibanez AS53 Neck Profile
Ibanez AS53's neck profile
Epiphone ES-335 Figured Neck Profile
Epiphone ES-335 Figured's neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

Both the Ibanez AS53 and the Epiphone ES-335 Figured have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

Fretboard Radius

Ibanez AS53 Fingerboard Radius
Both Guitars Have The Same Fretboard Radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

Both the Ibanez AS53 and the Epiphone ES-335 Figured have the same fretboard radius of 12". This is the radius used in most Gibson guitars. It gives you a good balance for playing chords without muting, but also good comfortability for playing single notes and bending.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

After taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that both in this comparison are balanced for most hand sizes.

Ibanez AS53:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Epiphone ES-335 Figured:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Ibanez AS53 Frets Size
Ibanez AS53's Frets Size
Epiphone ES-335 Figured Frets Size
Epiphone ES-335 Figured's Frets Size

The Epiphone ES-335 Figured has Medium Jumbo frets, which should be taller than the Ibanez AS53's Medium frets.

Some people prefer taller frets because they result in more sustain since the strings get pressed cleanly without interference from the fretboard. However, if they're too tall—like Jumbo frets—, you might change the pitch of the strings accidentally if you press too hard because you won't be touching the fretboard with your fingers. This is also why some guitarists with a heavy grip prefer smaller frets. They like to feel the fingerboard to avoid pressing down too hard and getting out of pitch.

Final Playability Scores

Ibanez AS53
Bending & Vibrato Ease 85
Chord Playability 65
Solo Playability 70
Playability 73
Epiphone ES-335 Figured
Bending & Vibrato Ease 85
Chord Playability 65
Solo Playability 70
Playability 73

Specs Side-by-Side

Ibanez AS53 vs Epiphone ES-335 Figured
General Ibanez AS53 Epiphone ES-335 Figured
Brand: Ibanez Epiphone
Year: 2011 2020
Configuration: HH HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: Indonesia China
Series: AS Inspired by Gibson Original ES Collection
Colors: Sunburst, Black, Brown Blue Burst, Sunburst Burst
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Hollowbody Semi-Hollow
Body Material: Basswood Layered Maple, AAA Flame Veneer
Bridge: Gibraltar Performer Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Set
Tuners: Ibanez Epiphone Deluxe
Fretboard: Bound Walnut Indian Laurel
Neck Material: Nyatoh Mahogany
Decoration: White Dot Small block
Scale Size: 24.75" 24.75"
Shape: AS Artcore Rounded C
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.827'' (21mm) - 12th Fret: 0.945'' (24mm) 1st Fret: 0.84'' (21.3mm) - 12th Fret: 0.94'' (23.9mm)
Frets: 22 Medium Nickel Silver 22 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 12" 12"
Nut: Plastic NuBone
Nut Width: 43mm (1.693'') 43mm (1.693'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Infinity R (Humbucker / Passive) Alnico Classic PRO (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup:
Neck Pickup: Infinity R (Humbucker / Passive) Alnico Classic PRO (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Speed Bell
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 1 2
Tone Controls: 1 2