Nic Posted October 19, 2008 Share Posted October 19, 2008 Is there a big difference between the ES 339 and CS 336? They are both the same size, look identical, and have the same pick ups. I've played a CS 336 and absolutely loved it, but it is expensive. I have never had the chance to play a ES 339, but they are affordable. Should I take a chance and get an ES 339? I play mostly jazz fusion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff_farkas Posted October 19, 2008 Share Posted October 19, 2008 I would try it out, the 339, but you will love it, IMO. I got one just about a week ago and I can't put it down. Great for Jazz, IMO. Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GuitarJunkie Posted October 19, 2008 Share Posted October 19, 2008 Is there a big difference between the ES 339 and CS 336? They are both the same size' date=' look identical, and have the same pick ups. I've played a CS 336 and absolutely loved it, but it is expensive. I have never had the chance to play a ES 339, but they are affordable. Should I take a chance and get an ES 339? I play mostly jazz fusion.[/quote'] Although they look similar, they're totally different guitars construction wise. The 339 is all maple and made up of separate back, sides and top with a mahogany center-block. The 336 is a solid chunk of mahogany that is hollowed out and then capped with a maple top. It's basically a chambered Les Paul but with f-holes. I have a 339 and love it. It's a fantastic guitar, especially for under 2 grand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobv Posted October 20, 2008 Share Posted October 20, 2008 Yes there is a big difference between a CS336 and an ES339, as guitarjunkie points out. I played (and worked on) a CS336 which is a great guitar; it's bright and has lots of sustain, but the Les Paul "punch" in the low-midrange is diminished so some of the other tones start to be appreciated. An ES339, which I now own, is a much further step in that direction - you start to get some acoustic qualities in the attack and there's an overall "airiness" or "woodiness" to the tone (if that makes any sense at all). Both guitars are somewhere between an ES335 and a Les Paul; it's a spectrum of flavors, if you will, that are hard to describe in words. I believe they both have '57 Classic pickups so the differences are almost entirely in the construction (the ES339 does have the "Memphis" tone circuit which is a little different but not a dealbreaker). I basically wanted a semihollowbody but an ES335 is so much more expensive than an ES339 so I went for value. However the figured ES339 is a lot more expensive so for that fancier model you're up in the range of a CS336. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JazzGtr Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Is there a big difference between the ES 339 and CS 336? They are both the same size' date=' look identical, and have the same pick ups. I've played a CS 336 and absolutely loved it, but it is expensive. I have never had the chance to play a ES 339, but they are affordable. Should I take a chance and get an ES 339? I play mostly jazz fusion.[/quote'] No, I don't think you should take a chance. Guitars are tools to be use for a specific job. The question on your mind should be, what is the job and what would be the right tool to use to accomplish the task. I currently own a Gibson ES 346 PJR. I play smooth jazz and blues. I found myself changing the strings from D'addario's chromes (jazz) to nickel (blues) so much that it was driving me crazy. I realized that I am very comfortable with my Gibson ES 346 PJR so much that I wanted to used it for everything. To make a long story short, I finally decided to buy a Gibson CS 356 (which is identical in materials and size to the Gibson ES 346 PJR and little more sexier) for my blues work and keep the Gibson ES 346 PJR for my smooth jazz work. I also use my PRS Santana III for my fusion stuff. And I am finally at peace with this decision. This is the same approach the pros used. Once the pros figure out which guitar is comfortable for them to play, they offend stick with that make and model. It's common for them to owned many LP (s), Santana II (s) and 335 (s). The only differences is that each guitar is setup differently (different strings, pickups, and amps) to derived different sounds. You should take a look at the "Gibson CS 336 and Gibson CS 356 pictures" posts. Choose the right tool for the job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted October 22, 2008 Author Share Posted October 22, 2008 No' date=' I don't think you should take a chance.[/b'] Guitars are tools to be use for a specific job. The question on your mind should be, what is the job and what would be the right tool to use to accomplish the task. I currently own a Gibson ES 346 PJR. I play smooth jazz and blues. I found myself changing the strings from D'addario's chromes (jazz) to nickel (blues) so much that it was driving me crazy. You should take a look at the "Gibson CS 336 and Gibson CS 356 pictures" posts. I realized that I am very comfortable with my Gibson ES 346 PJR so much that I wanted to used it for everything. To make a long story short, I finally decided to buy a Gibson CS 356 (which is identical in materials and size to the Gibson ES 346 PJR and little more sexier) for my blues work and keep the Gibson ES 346 PJR for my smooth jazz work. I also use my PRS Santana III for my fusion stuff. And I am finally at peace with these decision. This is the same approach the pros used. Once the pros figure out which guitar is comfortable for them to play, they offend stick with that make and model. It's common for them to owned many LP (s), Santana II (s) and 335 (s). The only differences is that each guitar is setup differently (different strings, pickups, and amps) to derived different sounds. Choose the right tool for the job! These are great comments. The only problem is that there are no es 339's in my area so I can't try it out. But, based on everything I hear, they seem to be what I'm looking for. I agree that ideally I would like to find one type of guitar and settle on that and just deal with variations of that guitar. Unfortunately nothing stands out, I'm still searching for exactly what that guitar should be. The guitars that I really enjoy right now are a Epiphone Joe Pass with a Gibson 57'classic pick up, and a Telecaster. I also own an Epi LP Ultra II which is not completely up to the quality level I like. I'd like to replace the EPi LP with something similar but better. When I say similar I mean a Gibson solid body or semi-hollow. It's also important that it is not too big, the Joe Pass is as big as I can go. Also considering a Pat Martino Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JazzGtr Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 NIC, I think you are experiencing some serious GAS (guitar acquisition snydrome). If you want the ES 339 because it looks cool, buy it! But if you are looking for something to add to your musical tool box, then research it! Gibson has a Memphis Custom site where you can hear the ES 339 being demo. But know this, the next guitar that you buy should satisfied what you are searching for. If not, then maybe, you are not ready to make a decision. PS I like the Pat Martino model, too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted October 22, 2008 Author Share Posted October 22, 2008 JazzGtr We all, always have GAS, no denying that. But seriously, I do spend a lot of time researching this including listening to many players on youtube using the guitars I like. My goal is to own as few as three guitars. After I resolve this current issue I would like to upgrade the Joe Pass to a really high quality jazz box. Regarding the Pat Martino, I would buy my guitar teachers Pat Martino but neither of us has any idea what it is worth. And neither of us wants to cheat the other. If you have any idea what they go for, please let me know. It's a Carmel figured top in flawless condition. I do know that you can still order one from the custom shop for $3500. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JazzGtr Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Nic, I hear you! The music you like to play dictates the kinds of guitars and number of guitar you will own. All guitarists are slaves to this fact. Did you know that we guitarist have more GAS than any other kinds of musicians on the planet? I started a post called the "Replacements" in the Semi and Hollow area. I also wrote another post called " If you could only have one guitar in life". Check them out. What would be your three guitars if money what not an object? Sounds like another post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted October 22, 2008 Author Share Posted October 22, 2008 This is highly personal, but the three types of guitars I would like are: 1. An archtop jazz box. The Joe Pass is good for now. I would eventually like to upgrade to something really nice. 2. Fender Telecaster. I already have this covered. 3. Gibson semi-hollow body. This is a replacement for my Epi LP Ultra II. Looking for something that is smooth, warm, a little punchy, but with a more complex sound than a Les Paul. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clayville Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Looking for something that is smooth' date=' warm, a little punchy, but with a more complex sound than a Les Paul.[/quote'] That sounds like a description of my 356. Here are a couple of examples of what it sounds like playing lead (give or take my limited skills): http://soundclick.com/share?songid=4701680 http://soundclick.com/share?songid=5278487 http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6404721 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted October 22, 2008 Author Share Posted October 22, 2008 Yes. That's it. A little research indicates the 356 is an upgraded version of the 336. Does that sound right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clayville Posted October 22, 2008 Share Posted October 22, 2008 Yes. That's it. A little research indicates the 356 is an upgraded version of the 336. Does that sound right? Two significant differences' date=' mostly cosmetic: The 336 has a rosewood/dots fingerboard, simpler headstock ornament and nickel hardware. The 356 has an ebony/block inlays fingerboard, fancy headstock parallelograms, three-ply binding and gold hardware (a bit like an LP Custom-style neck look). Construction is the same (solid mahogany back and sides routed to create severely chambered hollow body with an integral center block, carved maple book-matched cap/top like an LP), and the sound should be similar -- though as with any other guitar models, no two examples sound identical due to wood, pickup and setup variance. The ebony vs. rosewood difference can be a can of worms: some folks swear ebony gives a brighter tone with more clarity and articulation along with a "smoother/harder" fingertip feel. Others say rosewood "feels" softer and sounds warmer. I personally don't think it's necessarily valid to use an LP Standard vs. LP Custom [i']sound[/i] comparison between these two, since Customs are often significantly heavier/more dense than Standards -- but visually, that's the right comparison. The "upscale looks" and consequent extra hand-work of the 356 lead to it's higher price. The several 336s I've tried sounded very similar to my 356. The only 339 I've tried seemed, perhaps, to be a little more growly, a little more mids-heavy. But that was only one example, tried out in a noisy guitar store. All sound terrific, imho. 'Hope that helps Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JazzGtr Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 That sounds like a description of my 356. Here are a couple of examples of what it sounds like playing lead (give or take my limited skills): http://soundclick.com/share?songid=4701680 http://soundclick.com/share?songid=5278487 http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6404721 Nic, Clayville's sound is the very thing that turned me on to the CS 356 (which is on order). After I heard a few of his tracks, it was all over for me and time to put up. Clay, nice touch, I'm feelin you on the "Gospel of Clay" track. It's going to be a long wait until Christmas for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clayville Posted October 23, 2008 Share Posted October 23, 2008 Clay' date=' nice touch, I'm feelin you on the "Gospel of Clay" track. It's going to be a long wait until Christmas for me.[/quote'] Thanks a bunch. "Slow" is the only speed I've got, so touch comes in handy! Santa Claus will be here before you know it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ES345 Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 JazzGtr We all' date=' always have GAS, no denying that. But seriously, I do spend a lot of time researching this including listening to many players on youtube using the guitars I like. My goal is to own as few as three guitars. After I resolve this current issue I would like to upgrade the Joe Pass to a really high quality jazz box. Regarding the Pat Martino, I would buy my guitar teachers Pat Martino but neither of us has any idea what it is worth. And neither of us wants to cheat the other. If you have any idea what they go for, please let me know. It's a Carmel figured top in flawless condition. I do know that you can still order one from the custom shop for $3500.[/quote'] A new Pat Martino can be bought for around 3000, with the economy the way it is maybe a little less. The problem is trying to find one. Why does he want to sell his? an advantage is that you can try it, even tho a new one might be slightly different you are actually playing and hearing his so that is a plus. You said his in flawless condition, being used, but semi hard to get a hold of, probably worth 2200 to 2400, no tax or shipping, seems fair. By the way i really like mine. peace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted October 24, 2008 Author Share Posted October 24, 2008 A new Pat Martino can be bought for around 3000' date=' with the economy the way it is maybe a little less. The problem is trying to find one. Why does he want to sell his? an advantage is that you can try it, even tho a new one might be slightly different you are actually playing and hearing his so that is a plus. You said his in flawless condition, being used, but semi hard to get a hold of, probably worth 2200 to 2400, no tax or shipping, seems fair. By the way i really like mine. [img']http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa32/ES345/014.jpg[/img] peace I don't think he is really anxious to sell it, but he said he would be willing to sell it to me. He has an incredible collection of guitars including a LeGrand, L5, L4, Benedetto, and an incredible hand mad jazz box he just showed me. He also has his classical guitar collection. According to him, the Pat Martino plays better than any guitar he's ever owned. But he is more interested in the archtop guitars. Thanks for your response. We needed an independent knowledgeable person to put a price on it, though we both thought the $2200 to $2400 price was about right. One more question. The strings he has on it are 11's with a wound third. I would prefer 10's with a wire third. What do you use on your PM? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ES345 Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 I have 11-48 D' Addario chromes on it, it did not need any nut or truss rod adjustment, i put these strings on the guitar within a few days of getting it. it is a great playing jazz guitar, no feedback issues. A few things that i did, which it certainly didn't need, i put black speed knobs on it and a black pup selector ring, it matched the pup surrounds. peace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted October 24, 2008 Author Share Posted October 24, 2008 I noticed it comes with 10's. I saw someone put a PM on E-bay with a buy it now at $2300. Either you have an incredible sense for guitar values, or the guy saw your post. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ES345 Posted October 24, 2008 Share Posted October 24, 2008 I just searched for it and that is the first one i have seen on ebay in a year. from the pictures, which are too small to see the detail, i actually like that top better than mine, it is a softer more natural appearing flame. If i were interested i would have him email me some pictures that i could view better. i am partial to the caramel color. his description sounds good, but i would also like to see some more photos. http://cgi.ebay.com/Gibson-Pat-Martino-Custom-Shop-Guitar_W0QQitemZ220299836826QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item220299836826&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318 peace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nic Posted October 25, 2008 Author Share Posted October 25, 2008 I've never seen one on e-bay. In fact I've never seen one for sale on the internet anywhere. This is too much of a coincidence. I'm betting the owner saw our conversation and decided he'd rather have $2300 in hand rather than a guitar in the closet. Too bad I just got an unexpected hospital bill for $2400. There goes my guitar money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johnhw Posted October 28, 2008 Share Posted October 28, 2008 OH my...I should have never listened to clayvilles soundbites. I am in serious trouble....356 huh. Nic...sorry to hear about the big bill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JazzGtr Posted October 29, 2008 Share Posted October 29, 2008 I've never seen one on e-bay. In fact I've never seen one for sale on the internet anywhere. This is too much of a coincidence. I'm betting the owner saw our conversation and decided he'd rather have $2300 in hand rather than a guitar in the closet. Too bad I just got an unexpected hospital bill for $2400. There goes my guitar money. Nic, You made be down at the moment but you not out of the game. Bills in my life are a constant. Talk to us when you are ready to " hunt" again. Peace Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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