'Scales Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 Hi all. Here's the next in a series of threads like this each week on a random Gibson electric model (outside of LPs and SGs that are already covered very well) and simply invite comments, photos, videos, information, memories of past ownership, or whatever you like quite frankly... The main intent is simply to put a spotlight on some great guitars that many of us might not know much about or have had a lot to do with. This week - the smaller bodied versions of Gibson's most famous archtop electrics - the ES 339 and its derivatives. I remember seeing the first adverts and thinking "what a great idea" but am yet to own one or even plug one in (might yet try the Epi Casino coupe for size soon) - over to you... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
badbluesplayer Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 I had a 339. It was cool!! It could do the distorted plywood thing like a 335 but it was also spanky like a tele. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimi Mac Posted August 23, 2014 Share Posted August 23, 2014 I'm very smitten with these! I want an ES339 in the worst way, but I'm just not a fan of a dot neck. If it had inlays I'd have bought one already! The ES359 didn't come in this vintage Cherry color and the ES390 has a trapeze tailpiece and I'd rather a stop-tail... If I come across one at the right deal I'm certain I'll capitulate, but right now the right deal for me would have to be under $500 and I don't see that happening short of a nuclear catastrophe or zombie apocalypse... I've come close with both the ES390 and have had my hands on an ES339 in Guitar Center and was very close to pulling the trigger... Having one of them is on my bucket-list for sure! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daveinspain Posted August 24, 2014 Share Posted August 24, 2014 I bought one when the first came out, bought it sight unseen from GC and was very anxious to get it. When it finally arrived to Spain and I opened the box and saw it, I loved it! Unfortunately the set up was so bad or maybe it didn't travel well, I don't know. I sounded like crap, buzzes, terrible action…etc A real let down. Anyway never was able to bond with it so I traded it for a Chet Atkins Signature 6120… Only pic I could find of it is this one next to some of my keepers… Oops, actually the Takamine acoustic was another never bonded with guitar and is no longer with us as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted August 24, 2014 Share Posted August 24, 2014 I was really excited when they came out but I guess years of 335 ownership made it feel weird by comparison. I suppose it's all in what you get used to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10K-DB Posted August 24, 2014 Share Posted August 24, 2014 I bought one when the first came out, bought it sight unseen from GC and was very anxious to get it. When it finally arrived to Spain and I opened the box and saw it, I loved it! Unfortunately the set up was so bad or maybe it didn't travel well, I don't know. I sounded like crap, buzzes, terrible action…etc A real let down. Anyway never was able to bond with it so I traded it for a Chet Atkins Signature 6120… Only pic I could find of it is this one next to some of my keepers… Oops, actually the Takamine acoustic was another never bonded with guitar and is no longer with us as well. The blue Paul is wild,,but the doubleneck ,,,wow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pick6 Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 I just picked one up. Bought sight unseen of GC's used website. I always wanted a 335, but it never felt right to play, then I played one of these and swore when I found a good deal on one I'd pop. Well one came across for $1300 so I went for it and I'm glad I did. Amazing guitar plays great and is fairly versatile tone wise for a semi-hollow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dub-T-123 Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 I prefer the original 335, but whoever designed the 339 did such a good job. It's beautiful and sounds great Don't forget about the cs-336 and cs-356 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimi Mac Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 I prefer the original 335, but whoever designed the 339 did such a good job. It's beautiful and sounds great Don't forget about the cs-336 and cs-356 It looks like the CS356 is exactly what I'm looking for! And it comes in the classic cherry color that I love so much! I will be keeping my eyes posted for one, but I'd quickly settle for an ES339 @ $1,300!!! That's a fantastic price!!! But the CS356 comes in cherry and has the neck inlays. Just Gorgeous!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketman Posted August 26, 2014 Share Posted August 26, 2014 Love everything about mine. I'm not a big guy and I could never really get used to a 335, but the 339 fits like a glove. I never had issues with it and it sounds great. Plus, I can't complain about how it looks. Ok, you egged me on by starting this thread, so I'm using it to post pictures of my 339 again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Scales Posted August 27, 2014 Author Share Posted August 27, 2014 Wow Well worth posting those pics! Good points re the 336 and 356 - they'd have to be superb to top R'man's 339! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveFord Posted August 27, 2014 Share Posted August 27, 2014 That is a beauty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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