CS 356 vs ES 339

[daveinspain]

has anyone had the opportunity to compare the 356 to a 339? I have a 339 and love it but I really like the high end Custom Shop features on the 356.... The size, shape, pupps are all the same... The construction is different though. I am very happy with the tone and feel of my 339. Would the 356 be much different as far as tone, sustain and feel?

[Murph]

Dave, I've only seen them in this forum. I've never even seen another ES-339 in person. I ordered mine because of you guys in here, but am damned glad I did. I love it. The jury is still out on the ABR-1, but I've got some options.

 

At first it rattled, then I siliconed it and it quit, now it rattles again, but I don't notice it gigging. Then I broke a small E string and haven't broken a string in YEARS, so was concerned about the saddles, and considered the Grap Tech, but haven't done anything yet.

 

I just took a spare guitar (SG) last night, and never used it.

 

So it goes.

 

I think I've read they sound more like a chambered guitar, and my daughters '08 studio is chambered, but has 490/498's and sounds way different than my 339. Not better (duh) or worse, just "different'.

 

Best of luck.

 

Murph.

[clayville]

You do know there's an ES-359 model now, right? Fancier appointments, ebony fingerboard with blocks, etc.

 

I can tell you that my CS-356 sounds substantially better than a BFG to me. I don't know what your 339 sounds like to you, for the sort of playing you do, but my 356 sounds like this for the sort of thing I do (lots of variety, click around):

http://www.soundclick.com/members/default.cfm?member=clayville&content=station&id=223140

[JazzGtr]

I personally found that the 339's are brigther sounding due it's maple laminated top and bottom. Where as the 356 sounds more mellow, due to it's solid maple top and mahogany bottom. I'm currently on order for a 356 and I can't wait.

 

What type of music and sound are you looking for with the 339?

 

Before I buy a guitar, I try to identify what kind of sound I'm looking for. Everyone of my current guitars serves a purpose musically first. Then I look for the guitar that satisfy that requirement.

[KennyF]

I personally found that the 339's are brigther sounding due it's maple laminated top and bottom. Where as the 356 sounds more mellow' date=' due to it's solid maple top and mahogany bottom.

[/quote']

 

Yup, me too.