GIBSON ES-339 SEMI-HOLLOW ($1,799 street)

[Jon Chappell]

Gibson ES-339 Semi-Hollowbody Guitar ($1,799 street)

Gibson has been making headlines recently through two high-tech innovations—the slick-looking, self-tuning Robot Guitar and the technically deep (if gawkily named) HD.6X-Pro Guitar System. But the Custom Shop division of Gibson recently introduced another guitar that showed innovation from within the low-tech arena. They revisited the ES-335 semi-hollowbody by addressing its most-questioned design choices: the large size and top-mounted output jack.

The result is the ES-339, which is something like an ES-335—but with a smaller body and a side-mounted jack—yet altogether a different guitar and a unique instrument in its own right. I’ve had two review models in my possession for some time now, an Antique Red with a ’59 neck and a Light Caramel Burst with the 30/60 neck. I can say that these guitars have really grown on me—meaning in appeal; fortunately, their size has remained the same. That leads to my most important (and perhaps controversial) point: They are much more in scale to my way of thinking of “guitars” than the 335. More on that below.

http://jonchappell.com/hc/339_largeARD.jpg

This is the Antique Red finish. It has a vintage look and a translucent finish that allows the maple top to show through. The top is a nice piece of wood, too, that the photo doesn't do complete justice to here. It's not the highly figured stuff you'd see on a $6k guitar, but the grain is interesting and attractive.

[Jon Chappell]

The ES-339 features a laminated maple top, back, sides, and centerblock. It has a mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard, and a nicotine cream binding that looks great (except when it comes in contact with the shock-white nut--the photos don't reveal this) and wraps over the fret ends for a smooth feel when you come up over the side (say, to use your left-hand thumb in fretting the low E).

The electronics feature ’57 Classic Humbuckers with a three-way switch, two tones and two volumes, and a Memphis Tone Circuit—500 kOhm audio pots that prevents the highs from rolling off as you turn down the volume.

The guitar is lighter than a 335, yet rings out quite loud (which might be attributed to its light lacquer coating, as Gibson suggests). Whether it’s louder is hard to tell, but it was different from the 2004 ES-335 I had on hand. Rounding out the hardware are Kluson tuners (a nice touch) and a Tune-O-Matic bridge.

Gibson offers two neck profiles, as mentioned: a fatter one called the ’59, and a slimmer, more-low-profile version called the 30/60. The deeper ’59 is rounded and C-shaped, and definitely requires more strength and gripping power than the 30/60, which has the slim feel of an early ’60s Gibson, with an extra .030 inches of depth (thus the name 30/60). The 30/60 is a faster neck, with a “rounded corner” or D feel, and is not as smooth as the ’59 as far as a consistent feel all the way around the neck. But it would be the better choice for someone with smaller hands (who might be entertaining the 339 for the same reason), or who was looking for a faster neck. It’s not quite as thin as a ’60s ES-335, though, but this helps it to sustain—an important consideration when you make the body smaller.

My blues and rhythm friends liked the ’59, describing it as “more organic.” My rock and lead friend preferred the 30/60 for its fast feel and for its ease of playing widely spread intervals and full-fingered chords. Both guitars ring out wonderfully on the acoustic side, and don’t sound appreciably different for their respective neck choices.

Other than the necks, the only other options to consider are the finishes. The ES-339 comes with a choice of three: Antique Red, Antique Vintage Sunburst, and Light Caramel Burst. I have the AR and the LCB, and both are beautiful, with their translucence showing off well the wood grain of the top wood, but the LCB is drop-dead gorgeous. The specs describe the finish as “applied with a light, even touch to resonate naturally,” and it certainly does appear the lacquer is on the light side. I certainly don’t like my lacquers looking like those polished rocks you see at beachside souvenir shops, but I hope this will age well and not check or over time, with the changing seasons and inevitable ding assaults. It definitely is more reminiscent of the vintage style than the modern “hard candy” boutique look.

The Light Caramel Burst:
http://jonchappell.com/hc/339_largeLCB.jpg

The Antique Vintage Sunburst (below):
http://jonchappell.com/hc/339_largeTSB.jpg

[Jon Chappell]

Though this guitar is smaller, the scale length is the same as Gibson’s other standard guitars: 24-3/4". It feels well proportioned, and of course when viewed in isolation, it looks just like another ES series guitar. So I wanted to see just how different it was. I compared it to an ES-335. Here are two photos of the guitars side by side:

http://jonchappell.com/hc/339_335_2.jpg
_

http://jonchappell.com/hc/339_335.jpg

[Jon Chappell]

Pretty subtle, the design differences. (Though the size difference is quite dramatic, don't you think?)

What I notice most is the horns: they’re slightly pointier, and they have a steeper top contour. I actually like both qualities, and may even prefer them to the 335, but of course that’s just a personal aesthetic preference.

What is more objective is the scale of this guitar: meaning the size of it compared to the size of its player (in this case, me). Because I’m 5'7", I’ve always felt a little funny about playing a 335 (and its ilk, like the ES-355, a pre-Varitone version of which I still own).

Actually, I felt fine playing it, but when I would see photos of myself onstage or in the studio, it looked like I was holding a clown guitar. I noticed that even in taller people’s hands, the 335 still looks big. Ditto for women, who are, on average, shorter than men. But the “full-length-mirror-check” really puts things into perspective, and the side-by-side placement in the photo shows why: The 339 is significantly smaller than the 335 (the 339’s lower bout is less than an inch wider than a Les Paul’s). Though there have been other attempts at smaller semi-hollowbody's (there was the LP version), none have them seem to have clicked the way this one has. And yet, it's clearly a derivative of a larger-scale guitar (by Gibson's own admission), not a clean-sheet re-design.

I think Gibson is to be commended for really making a difference here, rather than making the new guitar a wee bit smaller. That’s why I said that this guitar looks scaled down, but after you play it for a while, you really realize it’s a different instrument.

[Professor Tom]

Thanks for the reviews, very interesting. I shall be checking these out soon but there's a problem. I just read a review of a Collings I-35 which is a little more money but I imagine probably better. The only problem for me is finding one to try alongside the Gibsons.

[Jon Chappell]

I believe most would agree it's more than "a little more money."

Collings I-35: $5,500
Gibson ES-339: $1,799

Not really a fair comparison.

But you raise an interesting point, one that I haven't covered yet (except with a passing reference regarding the top wood in my caption to the Antique Red photo above):

The ES-339 streets at $1800.

Whenever you evaluate any guitar, you have to consider its price as part of the equation. So my impressions (favorable thus far) have been tempered the fact that this guitar's price is quite reasonable when you consider the other stuff coming out of Gibson and especially the Custom Shop. In electric guitars, once you start taking wood out of the middle, things get pretty pricey.

[Mikeo]

The ES 335 is one of person favs that I own, I have seen the ads for the ES-339, which looks closer to the size a a Les Paul. The biggest hurdle of the ES 335 is the size, especially when some of us come from Les Paul and SG territory.

Either way the 339 looks very sweet, and I personally don't think the street price is bad either. Now on that note and not to take the wind out of the sails of anything Gibson did on this one, but The Heritage Prospect has been around for years. With this being said, when I test drove both the Heritage and the Gibson ES 335 I choose the the Gibson. I have zero regrets, and personally prefer it to my Les Paul and my SG.

I think when folks look at the ES 335 they think jazz box, which is to bad, cause it offers a lot more and delivers some sweet classic tones. Maybe with a slightly smaller body style folks that play more rock oriented music will look at this one.

Would even mind test driving that 339 myself. So "the powers that be at Gibson" if you're out there just give me a call and I'll tell you where to send one. Oh my Birthday is also just around the corner too.


Mikeo

[Jon Chappell]

I think when folks look at the ES 335 they think jazz box, which is to bad, cause it offers a lot more and delivers some sweet classic tones.

I agree. People equate "big bodies" with "jazz," though Chuck Berry, Freddie King, Otis Rush, Larry Carlton, Lee Ritenour, Mike McCready, Eddie Vedder, and B.B. King have all done fine by the ES series (and that includes cameos by Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan!).


But ES's large silhouette was originally based on the hollowbody, unamplified jazzboxes of yore, when you needed a large resonator--even though the ES went shallow in the middle (and then put centerblocks of various sizes in the body to further "solidify" it). So those "jazz associations" are not without merit. (I mean, who doesn't love a Super 400? Beautiful to behold on the rack, but when you strap one on, mercy, it's gargantuan -- oh, and expensive.)

When I first went to a Les Paul, after my first go 'round with a 335, I said, "Now this is a guitar I can get on top of!" But it was just so dang heavy. :)


Maybe with a slightly smaller body style folks that play more rock oriented music will look at this one.
Good observation, Mikeo, and a concept I'm sure was not lost on the Gibson folks.

[Joe Vocht]

I'm with you on the heavy! I had a 335 reissue and found it too heavy and also had to do some fret tweaking. I bought the 339 a month ago and am in heaven!! This guitar can allmost do every sound out there...is very comfortable sitting or standing and that 30/60 neck feels perfect. The workmanship is top notch too...Gibson must have been listening!!

[Jon Chappell]

I'm with you on the heavy! I had a 335 reissue and found it too heavy and also had to do some fret tweaking. I bought the 339 a month ago and am in heaven!! This guitar can allmost do every sound out there...is very comfortable sitting or standing and that 30/60 neck feels perfect. The workmanship is top notch too...Gibson must have been listening!!


I'm glad you're happy with your choice, Joe. I should point out that my comment about "heavy" was directed at the LP, and you seem to be referring to the 335. But of course you're right: the 339 is not only smaller than the 335, it's lighter too. Just look again at my pictures above where they're side by side, and note how much more "belly mass" there is on the 335!

[spoonie g]

anybody done a comparison b/t the 339 and cs-336?

[barndream]

Something 335ish is on the top of my guitar wish list, and the 339 is very interesting at $1799.

The one concern I have is the placement of the jack on the rim. I almost always play seated, and from the photos it looks like the jack would be on top of my right thigh.

Jon, did you play it sitting down, and was that an issue?

[Singin' Dave]

Here's a completely amateur review I gave my LCB 30/60 ES339 upon receipt at the end of November/early December. I think some will find it interesting and lots of pictures inside.

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1820721

After a few months of playing it, I continue to fall deeper and deeper in love with this amazing guitar. Highly recommended to all!

[kkyle]

Here's a completely amateur review I gave my LCB 30/60 ES339 upon receipt at the end of November/early December. I think some will find it interesting and lots of pictures inside.

http://acapella.harmony-central.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1820721

After a few months of playing it, I continue to fall deeper and deeper in love with this amazing guitar. Highly recommended to all!
That's a beautiful guitar, congrats!:thu:
I just bought a Collings I-35, that 339 was what I was waiting to try, unfortunely my shop was told the original release was just for the big Musicians Friend type dealers and the "smaller brick and mortars" would get them later. Now they told my shop that the release to their type shops would be later, unspecified I think. I see what the smaller dealers go through with their required bulk purchase...I'm out because I'm not buying any Gibson on the internet.

[playonj]

I'm with you on the heavy! I had a 335 reissue and found it too heavy and also had to do some fret tweaking. I bought the 339 a month ago and am in heaven!! This guitar can allmost do every sound out there...is very comfortable sitting or standing and that 30/60 neck feels perfect. The workmanship is top notch too...Gibson must have been listening!!

The 335 reissues are all quite heavy IMO. The originals made in the 60s were much lighter... not sure what is up with that, cheaper woods I guess? Some new 335s I've played weigh as much as a solid body.

[otaypanky]

I have owned a '66 ES-335 since '68. I bought it from a grade school buddy along with a '66 Deluxe Reverb and paid the handsome sum of $200. for both. Luckily, I still have the guitar, but somewhere along in the confusion of my youth, I parted ways with that smokin' little amp. i was too green to know what I had there. I still love my 335 to this day. At 5'9" the guitar feels fine to me, but it's been with me so long, I guess I wouldn't know any different. I have a '73 hollow body Les Paul Signature as well. About identical in size, the most noticeable difference being the lower horn is shaped like a L.P. The electronics are quite unusual as well. My biggest 'fit' problem with these guitars is not body size, but rather the width of the neck. I have an xl or xxl glove size, and that's a lot of hand on such narrow necks.
While I am quite curious to see this new model, and have been since I first read about it some time ago, I don't know that I am expecting to be won over when I finally get one in my hands. The reason being, over the last several years every time I have looked at a new Gibson product, I was shocked by the build quality, or more accurately, the lack of. Even a '92 Custom Shop L.P. Custom that I purchased was so flawed that Gibson sent me a new one. That one was worse. File marks and score marks in the neck binding, areas of the neck binding that didn't get any lacquer and are stark white as compared to the rest of the antique white butter color of the guitar. File mars in the fingerboard. Score marks in the neck binding overlapping the fret ends, and on and on. At least the neck didn't come loose and the paint crack within a week like the first one. Other Gibsons I have looked at in shops, or ones purchased by friends, were not much better or even worse. In todays' world of technology, and with the fierce competition in the industry, I would think Gibson would be more diligent and demanding. But somehow they manage to press on. In spite of the fact that Asian factories are building incredibly precise instruments for a fraction of the cost.
What words of encouragement would you have for a doubting Thomas like me, Jon. Is their attention to detail on the money with this one?

[kkyle]

I have owned a '66 ES-335 since '68. I bought it from a grade school buddy along with a '66 Deluxe Reverb and paid the handsome sum of $200. for both. Luckily, I still have the guitar, but somewhere along in the confusion of my youth, I parted ways with that smokin' little amp. i was too green to know what I had there. I still love my 335 to this day. At 5'9" the guitar feels fine to me, but it's been with me so long, I guess I wouldn't know any different. I have a '73 hollow body Les Paul Signature as well. About identical in size, the most noticeable difference being the lower horn is shaped like a L.P. The electronics are quite unusual as well. My biggest 'fit' problem with these guitars is not body size, but rather the width of the neck. I have an xl or xxl glove size, and that's a lot of hand on such narrow necks.
While I am quite curious to see this new model, and have been since I first read about it some time ago, I don't know that I am expecting to be won over when I finally get one in my hands. The reason being, over the last several years every time I have looked at a new Gibson product, I was shocked by the build quality, or more accurately, the lack of. Even a '92 Custom Shop L.P. Custom that I purchased was so flawed that Gibson sent me a new one. That one was worse. File marks and score marks in the neck binding, areas of the neck binding that didn't get any lacquer and are stark white as compared to the rest of the antique white butter color of the guitar. File mars in the fingerboard. Score marks in the neck binding overlapping the fret ends, and on and on. At least the neck didn't come loose and the paint crack within a week like the first one. Other Gibsons I have looked at in shops, or ones purchased by friends, were not much better or even worse. In todays' world of technology, and with the fierce competition in the industry, I would think Gibson would be more diligent and demanding. But somehow they manage to press on. In spite of the fact that Asian factories are building incredibly precise instruments for a fraction of the cost.
What words of encouragement would you have for a doubting Thomas like me, Jon. Is their attention to detail on the money with this one?

I have a 66 as well, when compared to today's 335s I'm always disappointed. "Orange peel, file marks, bad cut nuts...those things don't change the fact the Gibson's still sound good. Before this thread goes south, I'd like to state I bought a new LP Standard a while back and other than a some "orange peel" finish flaws, it's perfect (I love the chambered body :o).
BTW- My 66 with Bisby weights 8.4 lbs.

[otaypanky]

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w49/otaypanky/DSCF0227.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w49/otaypanky/DSCF0228_2.jpg

Here's my sweet old '66. I decided I have to go and check out this new one Jon wrote about. He's definitely got me curious now ~

[Jon Chappell]

The one concern I have is the placement of the jack on the rim. I almost always play seated, and from the photos it looks like the jack would be on top of my right thigh.

Jon, did you play it sitting down, and was that an issue?

I play mostly sitting down, too, and it's not a problem if you put the waist of the guitar on your right thigh, as nature intended. I don't have tree-trunk legs, but the jack is a mile away--not even close, even if I were, as Hartley Peavey likes to say, "A big ol' hairy-legged country boy." So it's a non issue.

Also, if you balance the waist on your left leg, classical-style, the jack (and protruding cord) falls conveniently between your legs. The only time the jack and cord do become a problem is if you like to balance the rim right on top of your right leg. I sometimes do this, but only momentarily (like when working out a fingering up high on the neck), and I don't need to be plugged in.

[Jon Chappell]

While I am quite curious to see this new model, and have been since I first read about it some time ago, I don't know that I am expecting to be won over when I finally get one in my hands. The reason being, over the last several years every time I have looked at a new Gibson product, I was shocked by the build quality, or more accurately, the lack of.

Yes, every guitar is an individual creation, and for $1800 and with "Gibson" on the headstock, you should expect perfection. Fortunately, even if you buy over the Internet, you can exchange the guitar.


Even a '92 Custom Shop L.P. Custom that I purchased was so flawed that Gibson sent me a new one. That one was worse. File marks and score marks in the neck binding, areas of the neck binding that didn't get any lacquer and are stark white as compared to the rest of the antique white butter color of the guitar. File mars in the fingerboard. Score marks in the neck binding overlapping the fret ends, and on and on. At least the neck didn't come loose and the paint crack within a week like the first one. ...
What words of encouragement would you have for a doubting Thomas like me, Jon. Is their attention to detail on the money with this one?

Wow. Sounds like you've had more than your share of bad luck. I can say is this: the guitar is worth the money, and I can say that because the two I received (and they're not hand picked, they're sent right off to the reviewer in the closed box) were impeccable. If they weren't, I'd tell you. And if I bought one and it wasn't perfect, I'd exchange it. If that one wasn't perfect either, I'd abandon the "sight unseen" approach and buy it from the showroom floor directly. (As guitarists, we're lucky in that we can assess a guitar very quickly by looking at it--unlike, say, the automobile shopper.)

But inherently--that is, without a flaw introduced in the realization of the ideal--the guitar is worth it. But you have to love the 335 and you have to be attracted to a slightly smaller body size. As I said, I used to see pictures of myself with a 335 and always cringed at the size of the guitar in relation to my body. This is much more scale to my frame.

I'm also liking the guitar for its own sake, and not just as a "scaled-down-335." The pickups reveal that the sound is different. Brighter in the bridge pickup, and not necessarily superior to the 335, but different. I ended up lowering it slightly, and I like the sound better. I think this guitar might appeal to a younger rock player who won't necessarily have the 335 as a reference.

Hey, I noticed your '66 doesn't have a stop tailpiece. Another reason to consider the 339.

[otaypanky]

Thanks for the reply there, Jon. Surprisingly, I get nice sustain with that trapeze tailpiece. I was curious when that I first saw the hollowbody LP too. I just like the more organic feel of a semi-hollow. Beside the 335 and the '73 LP Signature hollowbody, I'm lucky enough to have found an Epiphone LP Sig. hollowbody some years back. Compared to the original, the model is also downsized a tad, but probably not as much as the difference you showed in your pics of the 339. The slightly smaller body is instantly comfortable, and seems every bit as full sounding as it's older brother. I don't have a full pic of it handy, but this may give you an idea of the body shape if you haven't seen one.
http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w49/otaypanky/DSCF0186.jpg

[thebloodbrother]

i just came.
i definitely am going to try one out.
...after i change my pants of course...

[Jon Chappell]

Beside the 335 and the '73 LP Signature hollowbody, I'm lucky enough to have found an Epiphone LP Sig. hollowbody some years back. I don't have a full pic of it handy, but this may give you an idea of the body shape if you haven't seen one.


I'm impressed. You must be the only person in the world who has room in his collection (let alone his life!) for a 335, an LP Sig. hollowbody, a 339, AND an Epi LP hollowbody!

You're obviously a connoisseur on the subject, so where do YOU think the 339 rates? (Keep in mind it's a Gibson CS issue and the $1800 street price.) Curious ...

[otaypanky]

Room in my life? Beside my wonderful wife, they ARE my life : )
You have a great website Jon. And I can see you a quite a well rounded fellow as well. It's funny, I had just written someone on here for a suggestion for a learning aid to help me become more adept at using my newly acquired Live 6. I jokingly asked if he knew of a "LIve 6 for Dummies". I howled when I went to your page !
Living here in south central Pennsylvania is wonderful. Until you want to get a hold of something out of the ordinary musically speaking. I had to drive 200 miles round trip for my last Strat. My most local G.C. didn't even have the bread and butter Deluxe Reverb Re-Issue for what must have been 6 months. So as much as I want to try one of these out, I'm not holding out any great hopes of being able to play one unless I drive a couple of hours to Philly or out of state. The formula seems right for sure. The price point seems fair, assuming the build quality is as good as the ones you have played. And I'm convinced the smaller body will sound as full as it's larger sibling. For me, the stop bar tail piece would be a nice change too. Spring will be here soon and I have a Ducati that hopefully will be finding a new home, so having the coin might become a reality. It looks like the stars are lining up ~ All I will need to do is locate one ~ lol

[FullerBrushMan]

I'm 6'4" and most guitars don't fit me when I'm playing them sitting down.

I happen to love the sound of a Les Paul but even at a gig while playing standing I actually had an ole geezer approach me years ago in one of the "animal" clubs and ask me "Is that some kinda 'lectric mandolin?".... It was a les paul.

Personally I take points off for "downsizing". For this reason alone I have never been interested in say a PRS for example. As they seem even smaller than a Paul.

For my money, they got it perfect with the 335 and monkeydiddling with it...well I don't see it as progress. But people do love anything new and different and it probably helps spur the economy ...I'm not interested.

[Bubbalou]

Gibson ES-339 Semi-Hollowbody Guitar ($1,799 street)

Gibson has been making headlines recently through two high-tech innovations—the slick-looking, self-tuning Robot Guitar and the technically deep (if gawkily named) HD.6X-Pro Guitar System. But the Custom Shop division of Gibson recently introduced another guitar that showed innovation from within the low-tech arena. They revisited the ES-335 semi-hollowbody by addressing its most-questioned design choices: the large size and top-mounted output jack.

The result is the ES-339, which is something like an ES-335—but with a smaller body and a side-mounted jack—yet altogether a different guitar and a unique instrument in its own right. I’ve had two review models in my possession for some time now, an Antique Red with a ’59 neck and a Light Caramel Burst with the 30/60 neck. I can say that these guitars have really grown on me—meaning in appeal; fortunately, their size has remained the same. That leads to my most important (and perhaps controversial) point: They are much more in scale to my way of thinking of “guitars” than the 335. More on that below.

http://jonchappell.com/hc/339_largeARD.jpg

This is the Antique Red finish. It has a vintage look and a translucent finish that allows the maple top to show through. The top is a nice piece of wood, too, that the photo doesn't do complete justice to here. It's not the highly figured stuff you'd see on a $6k guitar, but the grain is interesting and attractive.


Gordeous Guiter in that darker red color and I especially love the tone of the 57's

Here it is played clean on You Tube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIBkI34hZOg


Or some BB King Style Blues

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xP8lHrxzq6A&feature=related

[blimpo]

Sorry, but for $1800 "laminated" anything is too expensive.

[search now]

I bought an ES-339 . I like it but have some issues with it. I think the frets werent leveled as good as they could have been. There is fret noise. Its not neck relief and Ive taken it to a luthier . He said the radius of the bridge did not match the neck and he was not favorably impressed with the fret leveling.He fixed that and it did feel a little better but still the fret noise. From the 10th to 13th fret its a little on the dead side.

I do not want to have the frets filed because they are already too small for me. I am very seriously considering having new frets put in it.

you can hear it here on the songs "Chickin Pickin on ES-339" ( a little fret noise doent matter with that) and "Jam for OJ on ES 339"

www.soundclick.com/artist/5/davemusselman_music.htm

Its also on the 2nd part of the song (after the quiet interlude part) "ZZ MUSSELMAN" the 1st part of that song is played with a 272 dollar carlo robellie guitar ,see if you can hear the difference between a 272 dollar and a 1800 dollar guitar

thank you for your intrest and patience

[spoonie g]

Sorry, but for $1800 "laminated" anything is too expensive.

arent the 335's laminated too?

[Joe Vocht]

Not only are the 335's laminated too, but most great guitars nowadays are!! And this leads me to answer 'search now'...I have 17 guitars, been playing over 55 years, and have been experimenting all those years with various combinations...My guitars range from a 129.00 sx to a 3,000.00 ES175...when I play the same tune with them all I allways seem to sound like 'me' because I go out of my way to adjust my pups and various amps for the sound I like...now its true that various pups will elicit certain sounds e.g. strat bridge vs 175 neck etc...but the nuances are slight. I also have the ES339 and feel, for the money, Gibson has introduced a long awaited lighter version of the 335...the sound diferential is slight and, lets face it, in a band situation no one will ascertain those differences!

[andrew_face]

i want one
at that price it is a possibility too!

[DaBender]

It would be interesting to see a side-by-side picture with a Hamer Newport Pro.

[NASCARL]

I have a 66 as well, when compared to today's 335s I'm always disappointed. "Orange peel, file marks, bad cut nuts...those things don't change the fact the Gibson's still sound good. Before this thread goes south, I'd like to state I bought a new LP Standard a while back and other than a some "orange peel" finish flaws, it's perfect (I love the chambered body :o).
BTW- My 66 with Bisby weights 8.4 lbs.


The last three Gibsons I have bought have been horrible...being a lefty I buy alot of stuff online since there's virtually no decent selection of lefty guitars in my local neighborhood...on Les Paul was just dead...no character or decent tone to be had in it...another Les Paul the bridge was so far off center that the strings sat right on the edge of the saddle...how that ever left their shop I don't know..and then a 335 that had serious intonation issues, plus it was dead and lifeless as well...I owned dozens of Gibsons back in the 60s and 70s that were great guitars...but with the last three newer ones I've bought I've lost all faith in that company. I bought a MIJ Tokai ES 120 (335 clone) and it surpasses the 1997 Gibby 335 I had in every department...it's on par with the 60s 335 12 string I once owned...it's everything a 335 should be...resonates great unplugged and that transfers well through an amp...the nitro finish is flawless not a sign of orange peel anywhere...the guitar came setup perfectly right out of the box...intonation is incredible all the way up the neck and the Tokai hardware and pups are second to none.

[animal69]

The last three Gibsons I have bought have been horrible...being a lefty I buy alot of stuff online since there's virtually no decent selection of lefty guitars in my local neighborhood...on Les Paul was just dead...no character or decent tone to be had in it...another Les Paul the bridge was so far off center that the strings sat right on the edge of the saddle...how that ever left their shop I don't know..and then a 335 that had serious intonation issues, plus it was dead and lifeless as well...I owned dozens of Gibsons back in the 60s and 70s that were great guitars...but with the last three newer ones I've bought I've lost all faith in that company. I bought a MIJ Tokai ES 120 (335 clone) and it surpasses the 1997 Gibby 335 I had in every department...it's on par with the 60s 335 12 string I once owned...it's everything a 335 should be...resonates great unplugged and that transfers well through an amp...the nitro finish is flawless not a sign of orange peel anywhere...the guitar came setup perfectly right out of the box...intonation is incredible all the way up the neck and the Tokai hardware and pups are second to none.

I got me an ESP Edwards equivalent slightly used for $800 and I think it blows away the $3500 Gibson ES335's I've tried in shops.

[NASCARL]

I got me an ESP Edwards equivalent slightly used for $800 and I think it blows away the $3500 Gibson ES335's I've tried in shops.

I have an Edwards Les Paul...it's a great guitar...as good or better than any of the half dozen Gibson LPs I've owned over the years....like I said...I don't see me every buying a Gibson again...and this is coming from a guy who's been playing for 40 years...most of those professionally doing all original music, I've worked with the likes of Brendan O'brien and Peter Stroud (who was co-guitarist in a band with me for several years).

[blimpo]

arent the 335's laminated too?



Yeah, and I suppose it doesn't matter as much as it would on an acoustic, but for any kind of hollow or semi-hollow I'd prefer solid tops.

I have a Reverend Club King (semi-hollow) with a solid spruce top and mahogany body. It wasn't near $1800 so it can be done.

[spoonie g]

Yeah, and I suppose it doesn't matter as much as it would on an acoustic, but for any kind of hollow or semi-hollow I'd prefer solid tops.

I have a Reverend Club King (semi-hollow) with a solid spruce top and mahogany body. It wasn't near $1800 so it can be done.

yeah my 336 is all one piece of wood, but that thing is mondo $$$.

[showmethemoney]

I love Gibson guitars and I know many local musicians who own Gibson guitars.. They are expansive but they worth the money!

[ATXbonehead]

I just picked up a Custom Shop ES-359 which is based on the 339. I was totally caught off guard by this guitar. This is an incredible playing guitar.

I am very pleased with the 30/60 neck on the 359. I have big hands and love a neck I can swim around in. And generally cannot play a 60's neck. But I can with this one pretty easily. I have always been a fan of the 57 pu's and on this guitar they work well and do not create a dark or muffled tone. The Memphis Tone Circuitry really does work. This is no BS. When you turn the volume down on this guitar the tone does not die it stays the same just lower. I find it very easy to get an array of tones from searing crunch to a sweet mellow jazz tone.The body/neck balance is a bit off. The neck is a bit heavy and acts like the Firebird when you let go of it, the headstock heads down towards the floor. I let one of my country chicken pick'n friends use the guitar last night and I could not believe what he was making the guitar do. This guitar can do some mean spanking when need be.

Just my 2 cents but their ya go.

[songsforbears]

Fantastic guitar. Mine is Antique Red, although I owned a Vintage Sunburst one with some pretty crappy QC issues for awhile. On Musician's Friend's courtesy after a really long ordeal with a blem VS one, I got the brand new AR one for the blem price of $1,367.

http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r297/songsforbears/IMG_1026.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r297/songsforbears/IMG_1027.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r297/songsforbears/IMG_1028.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r297/songsforbears/IMG_1029.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r297/songsforbears/IMG_1030.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r297/songsforbears/IMG_1031.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r297/songsforbears/IMG_1032.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r297/songsforbears/IMG_1033.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r297/songsforbears/IMG_1034.jpg
http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r297/songsforbears/IMG_1035.jpg

[andrew_face]

sexy

[otaypanky]

Maybe it's just me, maybe it's my obsessive compulsive nature and attention to detail ---- but when I see close up photos like that of a 'Custom Shop' guitar, or any guitar that sells for thousands of $$$, I would expect to see finished edges in the 'F' holes, careful workmanship when finishing the neck binding, etc. That's just a sad visual commentary of Gibson.

[daggles]

playing through a live amp, how does feedback compare with the larger body 335 or even casino/dot's? oh and hello forum :)

[Stratosteam]

Haven't had a chance to try the 339, but a few years back, I had G.A.S. for a 335 type guitar. I tried a dozen used from the 60's and 70's and one brand new dot re-issue, but was disappointed in either the condition of the used ones, dinged necks, checked finishes, broken headstocks, and the poor fit and finish of the new ones. My local guitar tech, turned me on to a brand new (at the time) Guild Starfire IV from the Westerly, RI plant. The neck, the sound, everything was head and shoulders above the Gibsons, and for less money! I still have the Guild, and it still looks and plays like a dream nearly 10 years later.

[Fusion1]

I remember someone posting a similar guitar as this 339 awhile ago on here or another forum. Similar smaller body and deeper cutaways. I asked what guitar it was an it was a Gibson from the 80's or 90's. I forget the model of it. Was there a 339 back then? What is the model I am talking about?

[DrG]

$1800 is a reasonable price as long as the fretwork is acurate. As long as the nut is cut right.As long as the saddles are cut properly.
But in my 25yrs as a luthier I have never seen one done right. Hopefully this guitar is plekked. It can cut the nut/saddles & dress the frets acurately. Throw in a Ebony fretboard & a lot of players will crawl out of the wood work for one.

[mrSatan2u]

i love this guitar. the 30/60 neck is very comfy. great tones all around. the smaller body is better for a fat man sitting down too. it's a good thing they done.

[scaryfried]

Thanks for the review - very nice looking guitar!

[kidgloves]

I'd certainly love to get my hands on this for an extended period of time, but I wonder if it can coax me away from picking up a similarly priced Heritage? That might be a bit of an unfair comparison to make these days, though.

[search now]

$1800 is a reasonable price as long as the fretwork is acurate. As long as the nut is cut right.As long as the saddles are cut properly.
But in my 25yrs as a luthier I have never seen one done right. Hopefully this guitar is plekked. It can cut the nut/saddles & dress the frets acurately. Throw in a Ebony fretboard & a lot of players will crawl out of the wood work for one.

I own a 339 . I can answer one of your questions for sure.

No, the bridge saddles didnt match the neck radius. I had to have someone who knows what he is doing do it for me.

He said the fretwork was off and I think so. The neck has a slight dead spot from like fret 10 to 17 ,in between those frets some places sound good and some dont ,specially on the high E and B.

A clean note can be had with no fretnoise anywhere in this deadzone but you have to pick very soft,as soon as you hit it hard you hear the deadness.

I find myself purposely taking it easy where I know the dead spots are.

I know all this sounds bad but all thing considered it does sound really good.
I mean it IS perfect to fret 10 and just good to fair above that. The sound of the guitar is very fat and juicy and makes my mouth water. I mean I really cant believe how good it sounds sometimes.

[ToneSage]

i have owned 4 gibsons; 1 '81 lp std ; 1 '78 lp cust. silv.brst; 1 '68? sg spcl w/p90; 1 ''40's?charlie christian type es125 i think. i have tried to fall in love with the post '85 gibs. i WANT TO!!!! but there is some THING that is just gone. the fact that this guitar(es339)has binding over the fret ends is very enticing. i miss that. all bound neck gibs used to be like that and i think that is something they have forsaken that has cost them dearly in my opinion. but even the guitars that have the binding wrap now days (that i have played) seem to have a cheaper and thinner, less pronounced "smoothness" to the fret ends that the old ones had. i know times have changed. i am going to give the 339 a chance. i have been playing a fender for almost 8 years now and to be honest i miss the gibson scale length.

this review just gave me the go ahead to try one so if i buy it, and i will let the fat cats know you sent me, they need to compensate you with at least a few sets of strings Jon.

[Jon Chappell]

this review just gave me the go ahead to try one so if i buy it, and i will let the fat cats know you sent me, they need to compensate you with at least a few sets of strings Jon.

Thanks. I can always use strings. I go through them like potato chips. :)

[axuality]

I owned a 1960 Gibson 335 for 36 years. It was my only guitar. I loved hollow body. I always knew subliminally that the guitar was overly large, but I never really complained to my conscious mind. :)

I got a solid body bug finally, traded my 335 for a Les Paul, kept it 4 months and had to go back to a hollow. I chose the 339. I've had it for about 6 months now, and I realize it is the right guitar for me. It oddly has much the same sustain or 'power of notes' that an LP does, but of course it has the hollow body 'bloom' of a 335.

I am a slender neck freak. My 1960 335 was like a flat toothpick. But I bought the larger 50's neck in the 339. I think it's partly responsible for the sheer power of the notes. At the same time, I have some getting used to on the larger size.

I give thumbs up to the 339. It's might be the finest crafted guitar I've ever had.

If I had $100,000 with which to buy a guitar, I would keep the one I have. I'm that satisfied. (I felt the same about my 335 too :))

[Jon Chappell]

It oddly has much the same sustain or 'power of notes' that an LP does, but of course it has the hollow body 'bloom' of a 335.

Well said, sir! My "sediments" exactly. :thu:

[firestone]

My blues and rhythm friends liked the ’59, describing it as “more organic.” My rock and lead friend preferred the 30/60 for its fast feel and for its ease of playing widely spread intervals and full-fingered chords. Both guitars ring out wonderfully on the acoustic side, and don’t sound appreciably different for their respective neck choices.

[Jon Chappell]

My blues and rhythm friends liked the ’59, describing it as “more organic.” My rock and lead friend preferred the 30/60 for its fast feel and for its ease of playing widely spread intervals and full-fingered chords. Both guitars ring out wonderfully on the acoustic side, and don’t sound appreciably different for their respective neck choices.


And this is my quote from earlier in the review, which you can read in its entirety in #2 (http://acapella.harmony-central.com/showpost.php?p=26404173&postcount=2).

Please give attribution when quoting!