Gibson ES-339 - Informed Opinions?

[alpop]

A nice looking 2013 antique red Gibson ES339 with Classic 57's has come up for sale in my town at a nice price.
Does anyone have any experience with these guitars that they would like to share?
I would set it up with TI Swing Flats. I am 5'6" so the size has some appeal to me.
Opinions? (I did a forum search and didn't come up with much on this model.)

[jads57]

I have a 2009 Gibson ES-339 with the fatter 1950's neck shape. Have gigged with it for several years now, and been very pleased with it.
I also currently have newer Gibson Original ES-345 that is a wonderful instrument as well.

Neither is better, just slightly different both in ergonomics and tone. In some ways it's a bit redundant owning both at this point. But I'm into both for really good deals and am happy at the moment.

[alpop]

I have a 2009 Gibson ES-339 with the fatter 1950's neck shape. Have gigged with it for several years now, and been very pleased with it.
I also currently have newer Gibson Original ES-345 that is a wonderful instrument as well.

Neither is better, just slightly different both in ergonomics and tone. In some ways it's a bit redundant owning both at this point. But I'm into both for really good deals and am happy at the moment.

Thanks! Just the kind of thing I'm interested in hearing. I'm hoping this one has the fatter neck, but I'll go take a look either way. If you got yours at good prices, there's no problem in having two.
Easy resale and nothing lost in the process. I don't NEED another guitar, but the very fair asking price on this one makes it low risk if it is as nice as advertised.
Glad to hear yours is gig worthy, gives me some confidence in the model.

[Jimmy blue note]

I had one when they first came out. My all time favourite semi was an Ibanez that had that exact same body size. I changed the pickups on the Ibanez to the Gibsons that are on that guitar. Right. It's perfect if you like that size and the sound is amazing, classic Gibson warmth in a very ergonomic size. It also has a mahogany neck which the Ibanez didn't so the sound is warmer, rounder and more "vocal" than maple necks on many semis. I had the slimmer profile neck and mine was a burst. I loved that guitar and played it til I converted to 7 string playing.
An aside story: Young phenom jazz player Max Light played one all through his years at NEC and gigging while in Boston. At a concert, his strap slipped, he dropped the guitar on the neck and broke the headstock off. I was in the audience and took it from his hands while he was still in shock, took it to my shop (missed the concert) and worked through the night so I could have it for him the next day.
The repair went well and that was his singular favourite guitar. There's nothing else out there close to it. Try it. If it fits your taste, snap it up. They're rare and very sweet guitars.

[alpop]

I had one when they first came out. My all time favourite semi was an Ibanez that had that exact same body size. I changed the pickups on the Ibanez to the Gibsons that are on that guitar. Right. It's perfect if you like that size and the sound is amazing, classic Gibson warmth in a very ergonomic size. It also has a mahogany neck which the Ibanez didn't so the sound is warmer, rounder and more "vocal" than maple necks on many semis. I had the slimmer profile neck and mine was a burst. I loved that guitar and played it til I converted to 7 string playing.
An aside story: Young phenom jazz player Max Light played one all through his years at NEC and gigging while in Boston. At a concert, his strap slipped, he dropped the guitar on the neck and broke the headstock off. I was in the audience and took it from his hands while he was still in shock, took it to my shop (missed the concert) and worked through the night so I could have it for him the next day.
The repair went well and that was his singular favourite guitar. There's nothing else out there close to it. Try it. If it fits your taste, snap it up. They're rare and very sweet guitars.

Thanks for your insights, and taking the time to respond! "Classic Gibson warmth" is a phrase I like. Cool story as well.

[marcwhy]

[Sorry - hijacking from "Jimmy's" story: Max just played tonight at Small's -- I dig his playing, even though it's not on the guitar being discussed!]

[jads57]

Harder to find an ES-339 with the Fat 1950s profile. But they come up occasionally if your patient. Willie's American Guitars in St.Paul has one but they are asking $2500 for it.
The Gear Page has a couple at the moment but not sure of the neck profile.

[steve burchfield]

I used to own one and it was an excellent guitar in every way to me. Gibson 339

[Jimmy blue note]

[Sorry - hijacking from "Jimmy's" story: Max just played tonight at Small's -- I dig his playing, even though it's not on the guitar being discussed!]

Yeah that little 339 got some heavy hard use and eventually experienced a fatal trauma that opened up a parallel breach at which time it was wisely retired from active road use. If Gibson can be faulted for something in their designs, it's their use of a scarf joint with no volute on guitars like LP, 335 and alas on the 339. That point of the neck/head joint is very weak, vulnerable and when taking the shock of a trauma, will neatly focus the total inertial momentary force on the one spot the neck grain is the weakest. They could've used a V join, or a volute, or any number of options especially with CNC machines doing what they do these days...but NOOOOO, Gibson is arrogantly Gibson.
Cautionary tale here on not taking advantage of new options or improving design when it's clearly called for. Oh well. 339's still a singularly brilliant guitar in a sea of limited designs.

Max Light and the 339. Like what you hear?

[Tal_175]

Have you considered ES 390? It's the fully hollow version of ES 339. I've always been intrigued by the ES 390's but they come either with P-90's or mini humbuckers. I prefer full size humbuckers.

[alpop]

Yeah that little 339 got some heavy hard use and eventually experienced a fatal trauma that opened up a parallel breach at which time it was wisely retired from active road use. If Gibson can be faulted for something in their designs, it's their use of a scarf joint with no volute on guitars like LP, 335 and alas on the 339. That point of the neck/head joint is very weak, vulnerable and when taking the shock of a trauma, will neatly focus the total inertial momentary force on the one spot the neck grain is the weakest. They could've used a V join, or a volute, or any number of options especially with CNC machines doing what they do these days...but NOOOOO, Gibson is arrogantly Gibson.
Cautionary tale here on not taking advantage of new options or improving design when it's clearly called for. Oh well. 339's still a singularly brilliant guitar in a sea of limited designs.

Max Light and the 339. Like what you hear?

Wow, it's hard not to love that tone. Perfect for combo playing with a drummer. Cuts through but is still warm. Beautiful playing and touch by the player. Since you have first hand knowledge of that particular guitar, do you remember what type and gauges of string he was playing? And what did you use on yours? (before converting it to 7 string)

[marcwhy]

Max Light and the 339. Like what you hear?

Yes! I remember when that came out after the competition! I wonder, however, if his long hair makes him somehow better ...? [said the balding, old guy, still wanting to look like a rock 'n' roll star after all these years ...]

[alpop]

Have you considered ES 390? It's the fully hollow version of ES 339. I've always been intrigued by the ES 390's but they come either with P-90's or mini humbuckers. I prefer full size humbuckers.

My inquiry about 339's was related to the availability of a specific guitar in my area. I was just minding my own business, not in a buying mode, (actually gonna start selling stuff soon) and this guitar popped up at a no brainer price. So, I'm not actually looking to buy something, so I wouldn't seek out a 390. Looks great though!!

[ruger9]

Currently on a research tear with this one... always wanted a 335, but with my recent shoulder issues, the body is too big to play comfortably for very long. So, 339. For all intents and purposes, the 339 is the little brother of the 335, and sounds almost identical. Not the same, no. But very close. Close enough that no one could tell if they listened with their ears instead of their eyes. I'm getting one. I'll get the Epi version tho, as this won't be may #1 guitar to anything (I'm a tele guy). As soon as one comes in stock at my retail places, I'm buying one.

So, If you've ever wanted a 335, and the price is right, I'd say jump at the 339. Unless you like bigger bodies.

[Marty Grass]

I've regretted not getting a Dwight Trash guitar when they were available. This demo doesn't showcase it's jazz potential, but I'm sure it's significant.

This guitar is an Epiphone Elitist. I like the straight string pull at the headstock. The rest of it is fun.

[339 in june]

I have one that I got new 10 years ago. Pick up these days were Classic '57 and I find them good on this guitar
Very good guitar, comfortable, easy to play, not too heavy, good fat neck
Sounds good for a lot of different styles, from clean dark sound to gritty sounds.
I string mine with Flatwounds 11's
Only work needed when I got it was for the nut, as the slots were too high (usual, isn't it ?)

But play it before you buy ot make sure to get a good return policy from the seller : I tried another before picking mine and I didn't bond with the first one at all.
Check what type of pick up there is on it, as they changed over the years.

[lammie200]

Have you considered ES 390? It's the fully hollow version of ES 339. I've always been intrigued by the ES 390's but they come either with P-90's or mini humbuckers. I prefer full size humbuckers.

I have one with mini humbuckers. It is the only guitar that I have with them so I kinda like the variety. I can see why people would be less enthused about them though. My solution is to use both pickups with the bridge pickup backed away from the strings a little more than necessary if I was going to use that pickup alone. I like the guitar though. I got it for a good price and the quality and playability are superb.

[Jimmy blue note]

I have one with mini humbuckers. It is the only guitar that I have with them so I kinda like the variety. I can see why people would be less enthused about them though. .

The minis have a clarity and focus to them. The Johnny Smith guitar was a Gibson mini suspended as a floater. It's clear, rich but not fat. I like the little Duncans for that reason but they don't seem to have that fatness from the start that full sized humbuckers have. The PAFs and their present counterpart the Classic 57 that you can find on 339s are the epitome of that rich fat warm and singing sound. Never got that from a mini though.

[Jimmy blue note]

Wow, it's hard not to love that tone. Perfect for combo playing with a drummer. Cuts through but is still warm. Beautiful playing and touch by the player. Since you have first hand knowledge of that particular guitar, do you remember what type and gauges of string he was playing? And what did you use on yours? (before converting it to 7 string)

I think he was using .013's D'Addario regular (round wound) at the time, but many guitarists I know are constantly changing their gear and setup so I don't know about now.
I used Labella Roller Wound .012's and love their clarity and lack of squeak.
But please don't take this as a recommendation. Only your hands will know what will unlock the best from any given guitar.

[Gitterbug]

This is probably irrelevant for the OP, but I have nothing but praise for the Epiphone 339 Pro version. For several years, it's been my main test instrument. A Swiss Army guitar, it gives anything from dark jazz tones to twangy single-coil sound. Flawless build. From a touch and tone perspective, no need to invest $$$$ into a nobler headstock. My descendants won't get much for it, but what can you expect from a 400$ outlay?

[Jimmy blue note]

This is probably irrelevant for the OP, but I have nothing but praise for the Epiphone 339 Pro version. For several years, it's been my main test instrument. A Swiss Army guitar, it gives anything from dark jazz tones to twangy single-coil sound. Flawless build. From a touch and tone perspective, no need to invest $$$$ into a nobler headstock. My descendants won't get much for it, but what can you expect from a 400$ outlay?

I checked these out after the Gibson 339 became so hard to find. I was impressed. But it was in the neck that I saw the biggest difference. The quality of the necks on the Gibsons is quite a bit higher because the mahogany in their stock is flat sawn honduras mahogany, it's straight, stable, resonant and light. I don't know what kind of mahogany they use on the Epi's but it doesn't have the warm "ring" and their grain is cut on the skew, and not necessarily consistent the whole length. This was the red flag I saw in the ones I saw (I worked for Guitar Center and I saw quite a few), and knowing what I know about the vulnerabilities of the Gibsons, it put a damper on my enthusiasm for the Asian Epi guitars.
For the price though, yeah, look for a really good one with a true neck. They are really good bang for the buck.

[Gitterbug]

I checked these out after the Gibson 339 became so hard to find. I was impressed. But it was in the neck that I saw the biggest difference. The quality of the necks on the Gibsons is quite a bit higher because the mahogany in their stock is flat sawn honduras mahogany, it's straight, stable, resonant and light. I don't know what kind of mahogany they use on the Epi's but it doesn't have the warm "ring" and their grain is cut on the skew, and not necessarily consistent the whole length. This was the red flag I saw in the ones I saw (I worked for Guitar Center and I saw quite a few), and knowing what I know about the vulnerabilities of the Gibsons, it put a damper on my enthusiasm for the Asian Epi guitars.
For the price though, yeah, look for a really good one with a true neck. They are really good bang for the buck.

For a single-piece mahogany neck, mine has required very little adjustment. Much less than a SA-2200 or Godin 5th Ave.

[pcjazz]

I have a 2009 Gibson ES-339 with the fatter 1950's neck shape. Have gigged with it for several years now, and been very pleased with it.

You know, I had one of these with the fatter neck for a while. The neck was great, but I never really bonded with the guitar. It taught me that I like old hollowbodies and recent solidbodies and prefer single coil to humbuckers mostly. Traded it towards a 1940s Stromberg.

[ruger9]

For those interested in the newer Epi versions:

The "PRO" versions were called that because they had "Epiphone Alnico PRO" pickups in them- these have been verified as Classic 57's. Also, it came with coil taps (push-pull pots) for both pickups.

It seems the PRO has now been discontinued/replaced... all I see is "regular" Epi 339s now... BUT these new new ones still have the Epi Alnico Pro/Classic 57 pickups in them, but no coil taps. I think they've just simplified the line.

[Gitterbug]

There's also the "Inspired by Gibson" ES-339, with said AlNiCo Pro PU's but apparently no coil taps. The parallel figured ES-335 is a cut above the regular, which is not a bad guitar at all.