antwhi2001 Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Got my new Ultra 339 in Pelham Blue today. Never thought I'd pay this much (£599) for a Chinese Epi, but the spec sounds great and this is a great limited edition colour and will be rare in the UK. I knew you get a warranty, so thought I'd take a risk on buying online. As far as I know this is one of just 2 to make it to the UK. Generally, looks great cosmetically. Set up ok but a bit of the usual buzzing/rattling on bass E. I sort of expect that with Epis. The Grover Deluxe tuners are nice and firm. Neck is not a slim 60s, the "D" profile makes it chunkier than that. No serial on headstock. My first impressions were generally good. However, plugged it in and found that the sound level drops and tone becomes thin in middle switch position, like single coils out of phase. Definitely a wiring or component problem. Also found a tiny nick in middle of 17th fret which the G string catches when bending. For £599 I hoped for better: this is a Chinese poly finished guitar which comes with no case or gigbag. For the benefit of our USA friends, that's $950. I still think it was a good move by Epi to bring out a 339, it's a good design and the Gibson is unaffordable to most of us. However, selling at that price point and screwing up on quality isn't going to do their reputation any good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strat-o-steve Posted February 7, 2012 Share Posted February 7, 2012 Epiphones are great when you use them in their context. They are for those who want the "style" of guitar that they otherwise cannot afford. They even play fairly well and some upper end models sound good too! But, they are what they are, and at the end of the day they are imported guitars that were built with corners cut to save production costs. Hardware is sometimes questionable and the electronics are either dead on arrival, or things like switches break without much use. If you buy an Epiphone, buy a mid-level model. When you get up there around $900 (USD) or more, you can easily budget for a Gibson (several models in this price range!), with vast improvements in the hardware/electronics, wood quality.....and some would say even better sound, and much better resale value. I am not an Epiphone "hater" :) Just saying don't get your hopes up with anything made in the far east! Who here would ever consider buying a $900 Squier? LOL I wouldn't! Squiers have their place too! Hopefully I did not come off as too much of an A-hole Just keep in mind...a $200 and a $1000 Epiphone are both made in the same factory out of the same material stock, and by the same craftsmen......using the same quality hardware and electronics (unless the model uses upgraded pickups or tuners). To them, a switch is a switch is a switch LOL. As for your guitar, I am sorry to hear you have found a second model with an issue. Send it back. You have warranty and you paid good money for a guitar you expected to be new and flawless (that's why you bought it new!) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antwhi2001 Posted February 8, 2012 Author Share Posted February 8, 2012 Steve, I've owned 10 or 11 Epis over the years, mostly Korean (Samick and Usung)and no problems. I've had a Sorrento, a Sheraton and an Alleykat, and the quality was excellent on each. Also Les Paul Standards, Customs, Juniors and a G400. I've owned 6-7 Gibsons, mostly secondhand, as well as several Fenders and Squiers. At this price level you can't get a Gibson hollow / semi-hollow, even secondhand. New Gibby 339s in the UK are $2,400! I own a good range of solid bodies, I wanted a semi-hollow that suited me. A 339 looked ideal. The Epi is expensive for an Epi, but nearly a third of the price of the equivalent Gibby - with the added attraction of the nanomag. As to the relative quality of components, with some of the recent models Epi seemed to have closed the gap on Gibson considerably, hence the higher prices. These tuners and humbuckers are Gibson quality, and I doubt that this is a cheap switch. Where they seem to have let me down in this case is (a) workmanship, and (b)inspection. Worryingly, I'm one of several posters who has been disappointed with their new 339. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigneil Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 No guitar manufacturer gets it right all of the time. I think one of the weak links in buying eastern guitars is that they can get bashed up a fair bit in transit. I tend to think of most Epis as a carcass that will need some work to get it to play and sound the way i want it too. however they do make some great guitars right out of the box. I also believe that the build quality on Epiphones guitars that are exclusive to epiphone is generally of a very high standard. Wilshire's, Sherries, casinos amongst others. Bottom line is if you are not happy with the one you got, send it back and ask for a replacement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 No guitar manufacturer gets it right all of the time. I think one of the weak links in buying eastern guitars is that they can get bashed up a fair bit in transit. I tend to think of most Epis as a carcass that will need some work to get it to play and sound the way i want it too. however they do make some great guitars right out of the box. I also believe that the build quality on Epiphones guitars that are exclusive to epiphone is generally of a very high standard. Wilshire's, Sherries, casinos amongst others. Bottom line is if you are not happy with the one you got, send it back and ask for a replacement. Add to that, "dealer" incompetence! If they don't get inspected, set up properly, etc., there are going to be some problems, cosmetic, or otherwise. Big box stores, with noted exceptions (Sweetwater, for one) just don't give individual guitars, the time/care, that a smaller dealer (usually) will. There's are always exceptions, of course. But, that's been my experience, over many years. CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DADDEO Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Does anyone know if there are problems with the 339 Pro. Don't fancy the nanomag, do like the idea of coil split. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrBo42 Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Add to that, "dealer" incompetence! If they don't get inspected, set up properly, etc., there are going to be some problems, cosmetic, or otherwise. Big box stores, with noted exceptions (Sweetwater, for one) just don't give individual guitars, the time/care, that a smaller dealer (usually) will. There's are always exceptions, of course. But, that's been my experience, over many years. CB Speaking of Sweetwater. How in-depth do they really go on that inspection they do before shipping? I saw their 50+ item inspection list but is it just BS? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clanky44 Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Speaking of Sweetwater. How in-depth do they really go on that inspection they do before shipping? I saw their 50+ item inspection list but is it just BS? I can't say how in depth or honest their "50+ item inspection" is,.... but I can state that my household is 2 for 2 in the very satisfied column with Sweetwater. Highly recommended from this member. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrBo42 Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I can't say how in depth or honest their "50+ item inspection" is,.... but I can state that my household is 2 for 2 in the very satisfied column with Sweetwater. Highly recommended from this member. I appreciate the feedback. I'm just wondering what they do if they find issues with frets, buzzing, or intonation..if anything. Hah. Looking to order an Ultra 339 tomorrow and I'm trying to figure out who to buy from. Maybe someone here can confirm, but is the natural finish on the Ultra 339 this green/dull looking? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fretter Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I appreciate the feedback. I'm just wondering what they do if they find issues with frets, buzzing, or intonation..if anything. Hah. Looking to order an Ultra 339 tomorrow and I'm trying to figure out who to buy from. Maybe someone here can confirm, but is the natural finish on the Ultra 339 this green/dull looking? No, that's a bad pic. I played a natural ultra before ordering my VSB 339. That natural is very nice. A kinda creamy looking. I would have gotten one but I was staying with a theme Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tweed2 Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 No, that's a bad pic. I played a natural ultra before ordering my VSB 339. That natural is very nice. A kinda creamy looking. I would have gotten one but I was staying with a theme +1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james_edward Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 I appreciate the feedback. I'm just wondering what they do if they find issues with frets, buzzing, or intonation..if anything. Hah. Looking to order an Ultra 339 tomorrow and I'm trying to figure out who to buy from. Maybe someone here can confirm, but is the natural finish on the Ultra 339 this green/dull looking? In almost all cases fret buzz and intonation are not "issues with frets" they're issues with set up. Why anyone thinks that a guitar can be taken home from the store and played without any work is beyond me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrBo42 Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 No, that's a bad pic. I played a natural ultra before ordering my VSB 339. That natural is very nice. A kinda creamy looking. I would have gotten one but I was staying with a theme Much appreciated, you've alleviated my fears. In almost all cases fret buzz and intonation are not "issues with frets" they're issues with set up. Why anyone thinks that a guitar can be taken home from the store and played without any work is beyond me. Well intonation/action is usually something you need handled when you take it home, sure. Having frets that you need to file down just to do bends/play comfortably isn't something I want to or should have to deal with on a $800 guitar. That's all I'm saying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antwhi2001 Posted February 9, 2012 Author Share Posted February 9, 2012 I've been playing live since 1976 and I've been setting my own guitars up for about 15 years. In that 15 years I have owned 12 Epis (Sorrento, Les Paul Standard x3, Les Paul Custom, G400, Les Paul Jnr x2, Sheraton, Alleykat, and now 339). I've also owned 7 USA Gibbys. The only Epi that I could get completely buzz/rattle free was the Usung Alleykat. It's usually bass E string, sometimes A as well. The only adjustment that eliminates it is ridiculously high action. I have not had the same issue with any of the Gibbys, or Fenders I have owned. With those, I've been able to achieve a rattle-free set up without recourse to a luthier. I just accept it's part of the package with Epis, and it's tolerable given the prices. I suspect that a fret level would fix it, but that costs about £80 in these parts, so I put up with it. Intonation is a different issue, I expect to have to tweak that on a new guitar, and it's only a 5 min job if the guitar has been built right. Anyway, back on topic... Visited the dealer I got the 339 from today. By luck, I work in the same city and didn't realise when I ordered online. It's RichTone Music in Sheffield...they have a great range of new Gibbys and Epis. They confirmed what I thought; when the selector switch is in middle position, the humbuckers are out of phase. They then tried 3 other 339 Ultras and a 339 Pro they had. All were the same! Volume drops noticeably and you get that thin single coil tone. When you select each pickup individually they are fine. Anyone else notice this??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philm Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Hello, I have my es339Ultra for two weeks and I'm pretty disappointed for these reasons: 1 - the A and E strings buzz tremendously from the first box at the 15th fret, I have put the strings (but it is much too high), changed the strings (10-52) is better but difficult to play ... why this problem? I did resolve to better the handle with my luthier ... the NANOMAG be the problem? because of too large a magnetic field? ... 2 - the central position of the micro switch (both simultaneously), a fact his very thin, as if they were opposion phase ... what does it do? reverse the direction of a micro? 3 - The junction box handle, the varnish is cracked 4 - There is no CD 4 guitar rig, but be aware that guitar rig demo 5 is free for everyone just download it on the site of Native, I tested it and its USB buzz bzzzfzzz much .... it is best to insert the jack into a good sound card (MR816 with good latency) and the sound is much better, the uSB is not used, the sound is not good, USB is it just a gimmick? 5 - if she is beautiful ... 6 - The handle is really a "slim type"? I want an answer to all these problems is given by an official Epiphone Service Center, and participates in the discussion to help customers who bought this guitar. Thanks. PS. i use google traduction ...sorry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrBo42 Posted February 10, 2012 Share Posted February 10, 2012 Placed an order last night with Sweetwater for the Ultra 339 in Natural finish. Got a call from them today saying it was defective (what a shock) and they have no more in-stock. Now to wait a month or more and try again. Fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antwhi2001 Posted February 10, 2012 Author Share Posted February 10, 2012 Philm seems to have the same experiences; out-of-phase humbuckers in mid-position, rattling bass strings, and if you're expecting a slim 60s neck you will find these chunkier. I do want to like this guitar, it looks beautiful and it's a great spec. I've e-mailed Customer Services about the selector switch mid-position issue. We'll see what they say. The out-of-phase tone does give another dimension (Peter Green-ish), but the drop in volume makes it difficult to use on the fly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbydog Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Just taken delivery of what must be the other Pelham Blue Epi 339 from Rich Tone in Sheffield. All seemed fairly OK (first impressions exactly as per the OP's description) until I hit the selector mid-position and found it sounded out of phase. Off I went to google, and the first result brings me here! Yay for the internet! As I've only had it a couple of hours I haven't started poking round inside yet - but any feedback from Customer Services would be great (get the impression you're planning on sharing it anyway) so TIA for that, and thanks for posting in the first place. I will probably drop the shop a quick line to let them know... I'm in Warwickshire so not as close (although could be much worse). Overall my first impressions (fit, finish) of the 339 are pretty much as I expected from having had Epis before. Some rattle and buzz but no deal breakers (pleasingly it makes my '57 ES-125 feel soooo tight & solid!). Individual pups sound OK (haven't quite got my head round the nanomag yet TBH). Would be great to get a more conventional sound from the mid position though... not many alternatives for exchange over here in the UK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philm Posted February 22, 2012 Share Posted February 22, 2012 Hello, someone was there any news? eventually solve the problems? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Overall my first impressions (fit, finish) of the 339 are pretty much as I expected from having had Epis before. Some rattle and buzz but no deal breakers (pleasingly it makes my '57 ES-125 feel soooo tight & solid!). Individual pups sound OK (haven't quite got my head round the nanomag yet TBH). Would be great to get a more conventional sound from the mid position though... not many alternatives for exchange over here in the UK. Is this an Ultra or the regular 339 Pro? I just noticed yesterday that my Pelham Ultra 339 has a nasty 60 Hz hum when using the Nanomag plugged in. It only occurs when touching the pickup covers with your hand. Seems like a grounding problem with the Nanomag wiring or electronics. When using the humbuckers alone, the 60 cycle hum is no worse than any other guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianh Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Hello, I have my es339Ultra for two weeks and I'm pretty disappointed for these reasons: 1 - the A and E strings buzz tremendously from the first box at the 15th fret, I have put the strings (but it is much too high), changed the strings (10-52) is better but difficult to play ... why this problem? I did resolve to better the handle with my luthier ... the NANOMAG be the problem? because of too large a magnetic field? ... 2 - the central position of the micro switch (both simultaneously), a fact his very thin, as if they were opposion phase ... what does it do? reverse the direction of a micro? 3 - The junction box handle, the varnish is cracked 4 - There is no CD 4 guitar rig, but be aware that guitar rig demo 5 is free for everyone just download it on the site of Native, I tested it and its USB buzz bzzzfzzz much .... it is best to insert the jack into a good sound card (MR816 with good latency) and the sound is much better, the uSB is not used, the sound is not good, USB is it just a gimmick? 5 - if she is beautiful ... 6 - The handle is really a "slim type"? I want an answer to all these problems is given by an official Epiphone Service Center, and participates in the discussion to help customers who bought this guitar. Thanks. PS. i use google traduction ...sorry 1. You need new strings and a proper set up - simple procedure for a qualified guitar tech. 2. This is a problem that has been discussed, not sure if this is a defect or just the way humbuckers sound when combined. I do not notice this on my Pelham Ultra 339. 3. Not sure what you mean - can you post a photo? 4. This has been discussed too. Don't know the resolution. 5. Yes, beautiful girls get away with murder sometimes. 6. Yes, I think so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barcham Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 To reduce the USB noise, try plugging the cable directly into a motherboard mounted USB port, not a top or front mounted port on the case. Definately do not use any extension cable or extra long USB cables or a USB hub. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Philm Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 OK, thanks all !!! Friday I get my guitar, my luthier worked on it, and he installed a vibrato ... I do tests and photos ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RaSTuS Posted February 23, 2012 Share Posted February 23, 2012 Welcome to the forum, to get your software check THIS post out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antwhi2001 Posted February 23, 2012 Author Share Posted February 23, 2012 A few more comments on mine, now I've finally had time to play it amplified. 1. Neck is much chunkier than a slim 60s, closer to a 50s. This is a negative for me but i'm getting used to it. 2. It's heavier than expected; heavier than my solid Les Paul. I don't know how the weight of the Ultra compares with the Pro model. 3. Neck humbucker has comparatively dark tone, as if a different value capacitor is used (not .022?). This is ok, adds to the tonal possibilities. 4. If I use one mono cable from the mono socket to get humbuckers and nano in one signal, output from humbuckers seems slightly lower. Switching it to the other jack socket gives humbuckers only (no nano) but best sound for the humbuckers. 5. You really need to send the nano signal to a seperate amp/deck/PA,with clean settings. When you do this it comes into its' own...nearly passes for an amplified acoustic guitar, although more like a shallow bowl Ovation than a jumbo. Send the humbucker signal in parallel to a regular guitar amp with a bit of crunch and you get a lovely combination. For home practice I'm sending the nano to a Laney 12" powered wedge monitor. I'm setting the nano gain on the back of the guitar so that the volume matches the humbuckers when the nano volume pot is on "5", that gives me headroom to adjust while playing. 6. The built in tuner actually works quite well. 7. After re-set up by the dealer, action is acceptable, there is still some rattling on bass E but not an issue when amplified. 8. As it doesn't look much bigger than a Les Paul body, I'd hoped it would fit in one of the many cases I already have....but, no. Just too wide for a Les Paul case, too long for a Fender-style rectangular case. I might try it in a bass gigbag, I don't want to spend another £70 on the correct case. I don't know if I'd have bought one if I'd tried it first, due to the thickness of the neck and the bulk/weight. I was hoping for something more like the Gibson Blueshawk - a much lighter semi-hollow with a slim neck. Now I've got it, I'm going to persevere with the neck and hope I get used to it. The range of sounds when you bring the nano in is really nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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