The Gibson ES-339 is a semi-hollowbody instrument that is a cross between a Gibson Les Paul and a Gibson ES-335. While the ES-335 is admired by guitar players for its rich semihollow tones, its body size is comparable to an archtop guitar and is cumbersome for some. Enter the ES-339, which marries the Les Paul feel with the ES-335 sound.
Let's talk about the construction details, first. The instrument's top and body are laminate (maple & poplar) and the neck is mahogany (rosewood 22 fret fingerboard) with a 30/60 profile. The bridge is the standard Gibson tune-o-matic and stop tailpiece. Kluson tuners are standard, as are '57 Classic Humbuckers and chrome hardware. The instrument also features "Memphis Tone" electronics.
The practical value of the "Memphis Tone" electronics is plain. For starters, when you turn the volume down, the instrument's highs stay seamless throughout the taper. Normally, you lose high end when you decrease a guitar's volume, so this is a welcome add-on. The volume decreases logarithmically, so the volume lessening is real smooth and even, corresponding with the actual volume knob numbers!
Another differentiating feature of the ES-339 is the 30/60 neck, which is a 60's style neck and an extra .030" added to the depth. This particular profile is at once comfortable and orthodox, helping maintain both playability and the semi-hollowbody tone we're all familiar with.
When we strapped on the ES-339, we were pleased at the ease of play and comfort, especially likened to larger semi-hollowbody guitars such as a Gibson ES-335.
All of the sounds of a nice Gibson semi-hollowbody are here, though. We played everything from Eric Clapton to Larry Carlton to B. B. King, and it all sounded great!
Feedback was useful and easy to control when we cranked it up. We just couldn't get a bad sound out of the ES-339. From rock and blues to jazz and country, this is one of the most complete and well-playing guitars we've critiqued in a while.
We particularly dug the "Memphis Tone" feature. Call it what you will, it's no marketing ploy. We truly enjoyed getting different settings out of the volume and tone control settings.
We thought we might have to swap out the Classic Humbuckers for some "real PAF" pickups, but we had no need to do so. Likewise, the 30/60 neck profile was extremely comfortable and made the ES-339 a real delight to play.
If there's something that could be improved about the ES-339, we'd like to know what it is, because we sure as heck couldn't find any faults. If you're looking for a semi-hollowbody guitar that's not just the same old thing, give the Gibson ES-339 a try. You'll be glad you did! - 32370
Let's talk about the construction details, first. The instrument's top and body are laminate (maple & poplar) and the neck is mahogany (rosewood 22 fret fingerboard) with a 30/60 profile. The bridge is the standard Gibson tune-o-matic and stop tailpiece. Kluson tuners are standard, as are '57 Classic Humbuckers and chrome hardware. The instrument also features "Memphis Tone" electronics.
The practical value of the "Memphis Tone" electronics is plain. For starters, when you turn the volume down, the instrument's highs stay seamless throughout the taper. Normally, you lose high end when you decrease a guitar's volume, so this is a welcome add-on. The volume decreases logarithmically, so the volume lessening is real smooth and even, corresponding with the actual volume knob numbers!
Another differentiating feature of the ES-339 is the 30/60 neck, which is a 60's style neck and an extra .030" added to the depth. This particular profile is at once comfortable and orthodox, helping maintain both playability and the semi-hollowbody tone we're all familiar with.
When we strapped on the ES-339, we were pleased at the ease of play and comfort, especially likened to larger semi-hollowbody guitars such as a Gibson ES-335.
All of the sounds of a nice Gibson semi-hollowbody are here, though. We played everything from Eric Clapton to Larry Carlton to B. B. King, and it all sounded great!
Feedback was useful and easy to control when we cranked it up. We just couldn't get a bad sound out of the ES-339. From rock and blues to jazz and country, this is one of the most complete and well-playing guitars we've critiqued in a while.
We particularly dug the "Memphis Tone" feature. Call it what you will, it's no marketing ploy. We truly enjoyed getting different settings out of the volume and tone control settings.
We thought we might have to swap out the Classic Humbuckers for some "real PAF" pickups, but we had no need to do so. Likewise, the 30/60 neck profile was extremely comfortable and made the ES-339 a real delight to play.
If there's something that could be improved about the ES-339, we'd like to know what it is, because we sure as heck couldn't find any faults. If you're looking for a semi-hollowbody guitar that's not just the same old thing, give the Gibson ES-339 a try. You'll be glad you did! - 32370
About the Author:
The Gibson ES-339 is an incredibly versatile instrument. If you need to purchase yours today, then you should head on over to Ray's Guitar Shop, which offers the best prices on all new and used acoustic and electric guitars. It doesn't matter if you need a Gibson Les Paul, a Fender Stratocaster, or a PRS Mira, they offer the best deals online.
