What is the primary difference between an ES-339 and an ES-335?

The ES-339 features a significantly smaller body size compared to the ES-335. While it retains the semi-hollow construction and double-cutaway shape, the reduced dimensions make it lighter and more similar in feel to a solid-body guitar.

What pickups are installed in the Gibson ES-339 Figured?

This model is equipped with MHS II (Memphis Historic Spec) humbuckers. The Rhythm pickup provides a warm, full-bodied tone, while the Lead pickup is designed for clarity and projection during solos.

What materials are used in the body construction?

The body is crafted from a 3-ply laminate consisting of AAA figured maple, poplar, and maple. This combination is chosen for its balance of resonance and structural strength.

Does the ES-339 Figured have a mahogany or maple neck?

The guitar features a quarter-sawn mahogany neck. This choice of wood and cutting technique ensures a firm playing experience and enhances the instrument's overall sustain.

What type of tuners are used on this model?

The guitar utilizes Grover Milk Bottle Rotomatics. these tuners are known for their precision and reliability, helping the instrument stay in tune during intensive play.

What is the fingerboard material?

The ES-339 Figured features a Dark Rosewood fingerboard. It is decorated with pearloid small block inlays for a classic 1960s aesthetic.

What bridge system is used on the ES-339 Figured?

The guitar uses an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge paired with an aluminium stopbar tailpiece. This combination is a standard for Gibson's high-end semi-hollow instruments to ensure proper intonation and energy transfer.

Is the finish on this model a standard cherry?

No, it features a specific 'Sixties Cherry' finish applied over AAA figured maple. The figuring in the wood gives the finish a more complex, tiger-striped visual depth compared to plain maple.

What electronics components support the MHS II pickups?

The pickups are coupled with 500K potentiometers. These high-value pots are essential for preserving the treble frequencies of the humbuckers, preventing the tone from becoming muddy.

Who is the Gibson ES-339 Figured best suited for?

It is ideal for guitarists who want the vintage 'ES' sound but find the traditional ES-335 body too large or prone to feedback at high volumes. Its smaller size makes it more manageable for smaller players or those transitioning from solid-body guitars.

How does the sound of the ES-339 differ from a solid-body guitar?

Despite its smaller size, the ES-339 retains a semi-hollow airiness and 'woody' quality that solid-body guitars lack. It offers more resonance and harmonic complexity while remaining more feedback-resistant than a full hollow-body.

What is the typical price for a Gibson ES-339 Figured?

In the UK market, this specific model is typically priced at approximately GBP 3199. This reflects its status as a premium, American-made instrument with AAA figured tonewoods.

Gear article

Gibson ES-339 Figured Sixties Cherry

The Gibson ES-339 Figured Sixties Cherry is a semi-hollowbody electric guitar designed to offer the classic tonal characteristics of the larger ES-335 in a more compact, modern dimensions. It features high-grade AAA figured maple construction, MHS II humbucking pickups, and premium hardware suited for professional performance.

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Overview and Design

The Gibson ES-339 Figured represents an evolution of the traditional semi-hollow guitar, scaled down for players who find the iconic ES-335 body size cumbersome. The instrument is constructed with a 3-ply AAA figured maple/poplar/maple body, providing both structural integrity and a striking aesthetic finished in Sixties Cherry.

Stability is a core focus of the design, featuring a quarter-sawn mahogany neck and a dark rosewood fingerboard. The aesthetics are rounded out with pearloid small block inlays, providing a vintage appearance that aligns with the 'Sixties' naming convention.

Hardware and Electronics

The guitar is equipped with high-specification hardware intended for reliable tuning and sustain. This includes an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, an aluminium stopbar tailpiece, and Grover Milk Bottle Rotomatic tuners.

For electronics, the ES-339 Figured utilises dual MHS II (Memphis Historic Spec) humbucking pickups. These are paired with 500K potentiometers to maintain signal clarity and high-end definition. The MHS II Rhythm pickup is voiced for warmth and fullness, while the MHS II Lead pickup is wound for increased presence during soloing.

Tonal Character

The ES-339 Figured is designed to bridge the gap between solid-body bite and hollow-body resonance. Because of its smaller body cavity compared to an ES-335, it typically offers a slightly more focused midrange and increased feedback resistance, while the maple laminate maintains the 'air' and woody compression associated with the ES series. The MHS II pickups facilitate a range of sounds from smooth blues to aggressive classic rock.

Market Comparison

Within the Gibson lineup, the ES-339 Figured sits as a premium alternative to the standard ES-335 and the ES-345 Vintage Burst. While it shares the aesthetic DNA of these larger models, its ergonomics are more akin to a Les Paul. Players seeking a similar aesthetic at a lower price point might consider the Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue, whereas those looking for different tonal signatures might look towards the Gretsch Nashville series with Bigsby vibratos.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary difference between an ES-339 and an ES-335?: The ES-339 features a significantly smaller body size compared to the ES-335. While it retains the semi-hollow construction and double-cutaway shape, the reduced dimensions make it lighter and more similar in feel to a solid-body guitar.
What pickups are installed in the Gibson ES-339 Figured?: This model is equipped with MHS II (Memphis Historic Spec) humbuckers. The Rhythm pickup provides a warm, full-bodied tone, while the Lead pickup is designed for clarity and projection during solos.
What materials are used in the body construction?: The body is crafted from a 3-ply laminate consisting of AAA figured maple, poplar, and maple. This combination is chosen for its balance of resonance and structural strength.
Does the ES-339 Figured have a mahogany or maple neck?: The guitar features a quarter-sawn mahogany neck. This choice of wood and cutting technique ensures a firm playing experience and enhances the instrument's overall sustain.
What type of tuners are used on this model?: The guitar utilizes Grover Milk Bottle Rotomatics. these tuners are known for their precision and reliability, helping the instrument stay in tune during intensive play.
What is the fingerboard material?: The ES-339 Figured features a Dark Rosewood fingerboard. It is decorated with pearloid small block inlays for a classic 1960s aesthetic.
What bridge system is used on the ES-339 Figured?: The guitar uses an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge paired with an aluminium stopbar tailpiece. This combination is a standard for Gibson's high-end semi-hollow instruments to ensure proper intonation and energy transfer.
Is the finish on this model a standard cherry?: No, it features a specific 'Sixties Cherry' finish applied over AAA figured maple. The figuring in the wood gives the finish a more complex, tiger-striped visual depth compared to plain maple.
What electronics components support the MHS II pickups?: The pickups are coupled with 500K potentiometers. These high-value pots are essential for preserving the treble frequencies of the humbuckers, preventing the tone from becoming muddy.
Who is the Gibson ES-339 Figured best suited for?: It is ideal for guitarists who want the vintage 'ES' sound but find the traditional ES-335 body too large or prone to feedback at high volumes. Its smaller size makes it more manageable for smaller players or those transitioning from solid-body guitars.
How does the sound of the ES-339 differ from a solid-body guitar?: Despite its smaller size, the ES-339 retains a semi-hollow airiness and 'woody' quality that solid-body guitars lack. It offers more resonance and harmonic complexity while remaining more feedback-resistant than a full hollow-body.
What is the typical price for a Gibson ES-339 Figured?: In the UK market, this specific model is typically priced at approximately GBP 3199. This reflects its status as a premium, American-made instrument with AAA figured tonewoods.