Gibson ES 339 possibly I can answer a few questions.

[Dave Carpenter]

Friends and fellow guitar enthusiasts, who know that I have been playing the ES 339 prototypes since June, and who frequent forums like this one pointed to some possible confusion on various forums about the ES 339. I really think that the Gibson web site answers a lot of these questions. But I guess if I can add a bit of clarity for anyone about the ES 339 it would be worthwhile.

Thoughts and possible confusion about the ES 339.

??Lower price CS 336??;

The ES 339 is not a lower priced CS 336. They are similar in size and appearance and to me that is where the similarity ends.

The ES 339 belongs to a different family of design/build (ES Electric Spanish semi-hollow body) and does not react like a CS 336. For some people these differences may be subtle but for others these differences prove to be vast. The body of a CS 336 is made from 3 pieces of wood (the single piece carved and chambered mahogany back/sides and a book-matched top) but on an ES 339 there are a total of 3 pieces of wood just for the maple center block and two spruce contour braces that attach the top and back and tie the top and back together for the feedback reduction that allows the semi-hollow family of guitars (ES 335, ES 345 and ES 355 etc) to perform at high volumes. Because of the differences in construction the CS 336 is well behaved by comparison to any ES semi hollow such as the ES 339 which has the moan tone.



??Thin Finish is for "Cost Reduction"??;

Not at all, any savings in materials is overshadowed by the increase in labor etc of applying a thin finish. The better guitar manufactures use thinner finishes on their more expensive instruments. Those of us who believe that thin finishes of nitro cellulous lacquer are superior for tone will pay for the extra labor. Those who don't believe that "Thin Lacquer" is better, pay less for thick finishes because the process decreases the costs associated.


??Switch tip missing in the first photos??;

This is my fault. It wasn't a Gibson, Guitar Center or MF oversight. It was me. I am more into the performance, tone and feel of a guitar. As word leaked out about this new guitar I provided some images that my son had taken so people could see what was being discussed. I gave permission for these images to be used, as at times I had the working prototypes. When I am evaluating a guitar things like pickguards and switch tips I tend to leave in the case. More important to me are necks and electronics. The pickguard was not settled until recently anyway. I think the web masters expected that I would provide accurate photos. But I did not. My apologizes



??The ES 339 with reduced dimensions (approx 14 inches) will sound different than an ES 335 (approx 16 inches)??;

Yes it does and sort of doesn't. Most ES series semi hollow guitars have a 16 inch (or >) body. I always wanted a reduced dimension ES semi hollow (maple center block, spruce contour braces etc.) guitar, in hopes that this would lessen the energy dissipation, increase the focus, and change the ratio of the fundamental and higher overtone characteristics that articulate subtle musical expression so well. A working analogy would be; the way a Martin O-18 sounds different than a Martin OOO-18 does. I recently recorded some videos with guitar wizard Carl Tosten ( http://www.carltosten.com/ check it out!), known primarily for his great acoustic guitar works. Carl played a family of Martin 18 series guitars a OOO-18, OO-18 and a O-18. What we witnessed when Carl played the Martin 18 family guitars in succession, is that as the guitar body dimensions are reduced the guitar gains exciting musical overtones and tightens the bass response. The inverse is true for volume since the diaphragm (top) size has a direct effect. Bigger is louder. We also witnessed a cool phenomenon: Because of construction, design and material similarities of all 3, these guitars exhibited a consistent Martin (" Mahogany Ought series") quality of sound. The difference in tone between an ES 335 and an ES 339 is similar to the difference in tone between Martin family members. But it is different and so far I have read or heard that anyone is claiming that a ES 339 will replace an ES 335 especially for the purist. Being a long time modest collector of ES semi hollow instruments I would suggest that the ES 339 is not an either/or guitar but an also guitar. If you will, an adjunct to your tone arsenal.

??Maple Center Block and Spruce Contour Braces like on an ES 335??;

Yes there absolutely is a maple center block and spruce contour braces just like any ES 335 coming from Gibson Custom. See the video on my son's web site that I list below.
http://www.myoldguitars.com/wordpres...-339/#more-132

??Not on Gibson's web site??;

But it is on the Gibson web site Just navigate to the ES family of guitars. Here is a web address: http://www.gibsoncustom.com/flash/pr...s/339/339.html

There is a video that I recommend on the ES 339 page http://www.gibsoncustom.com/video/339/339.html


??Is it truly a smaller 335 or is it remotely like the very different CS-336??:

It is truly a reduced dimension 335. I put a little video of the ES 339 body being glued up on my son's web site; http://www.myoldguitars.com/wordpres...he-new-es-339/


??The ES 339 has the same electronics and neck profiles as the CS 336??;

No, not the case. The ES 339 has neck sizes ('59 LP Gibson Custom profile and a 60 neck with an added 3 hundredths of an inch )which both are different than the CS 336. The ES 339 also is wired different than a CS 336. The wiring is modeled after my '61 ES 335. The tone circuit follows the voltage divider circuit of the volume control on the ES 339. On the CS 336 the tone circuit does not follow and is always connected directly to the pick up. Both guitar do use '57 classic pick ups.


??USA made??;

Absolutely! Above I put a link to some video I shot of the ES 339 being glued up at Gibson Custom in Memphis Tennessee. Also When I was there last Gibson was still in the habit of giving multiple tours through out the day. I am told that you sign up at the Gibson store that is at the entry of the massive guitar plant. There is also a Blues Museum there.


??Will have a sound all its own??;

Let me put it this way, there may be only a few people could pass a blind fold test. It is sonically so much a part of the ES semi-hollow family (335,345,355 etc)! But with that said, absolutely!, as you reduce the dimensions you will decrease energy dissipation and increase the articulation harmonics. These new dimensions may be the perfect dimensions, as far as tone goes, for some players. Just the same as some of the acoustic finger picking artist favor reduced dimension acoustic guitar models. These guitars we obtain are all tone tools and we now have a new tool that may prove useful.


??Other manufactures have built reduced dimension double cutaway guitars previously, this is nothing new??;

This is partially true because these look alikes that come before are actually very different. Gibson is the only manufacture to use the one machine and the proprietary process that produces this very expensive laminate for musical instruments. The same machine and proprietary process that Gibson uses today is how Gibson produced the historical guitars that Charlie Christian played when he recorded the first electric guitar solo and that Freddie King used to inspire the aspiring English guitarist and that Eric Clapton used for the famous landmark performance on Crossroads. While all may be fine guitars, there is a difference.


??Price??;
It is incredible! I can tell you that I have watched the craftsmen build the 335 and the 339 and they are built with the same quality of materials and craftsmanship. I believe the Memphis factory gives tours almost daily (call in advance) and you can see it for yourself. Gibson is will proudly show you everything.


In Closing:
As I typed this I have an ES 339 in Light Caramel 'Burst strapped on. I type a little... I play a little. It is that comfortable. This particular ES 339 has a '59 Gibson Custom Les Paul Reissue Profile and weighs in at 7.8 pounds. There is a 30 thousandths over the '60 Gibson Custom Les Paul Reissue neck Profile on the stand next to me that weighs 7.6 pounds. I play both a lot. When compared to most solid bodies, I like that there is this acoustic sound and nature, coming from these guitar. I think the weights will average in that range. I would look at this ES 339 not so much to replace existing guitars that are working for you musically, think of it as an additional choice that may excite and inspire you differently in musical in ways.

I hope this helps.
Dave

[CR9]

Well stated Dave. I can't wait to get my hands on one....

[Jimmy Murray]

Dave,
I played the proto in Nashville at the Gibson Jam. SHIT!!!!!
I was jamming in a small room with a celeb...guitar guy and that guitar simply smoked!
It sounded great and obviously he wished he had been on the 339.
Yes it was 335 Vibe...but to me it just felt better...smaller. Same bite and voice maybe even better...maybe even warmer. I want one..!!!!
Cheers,
Jimmy

[moonweasel]

I am at a complete loss because I can't decide between the two neck sizes AND until I saw that video I was certain that I wanted the dark burst. Now, Im leaning cherry!

Dave, I do have a question for you, is the color of the neck finish on the prototype vintage burst representative of the final production models you have seen? Thats a big deal for me. If it is the lighter, almost sand color I have seen on a few 335s I would definitely go with the cherry finish. The color in the pictures looks great, and I hope that is what they are going with. Thanks!

I bought one of your special order medium darkback R4s which is my favorite mahogany finish a couple years ago. Still loving that guitar; I play it every day!

[CR9]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Murray

Dave,
I played the proto in Nashville at the Gibson Jam. SHIT!!!!!
I was jamming in a small room with a celeb...guitar guy and that guitar simply smoked!
It sounded great and obviously he wished he had been on the 339.
Yes it was 335 Vibe...but to me it just felt better...smaller. Same bite and voice maybe even better...maybe even warmer. I want one..!!!!
Cheers,
Jimmy

Jimmy I wish I would have seen you on the 339. YOU smoked with your LP at the Jam.
Dan

[Itsallmuscle]

Excellent Post Dave, Thanks!

Priced under 2k for a custom shop piece with great potential, you can't go wrong.

How does the balance of the guitar feel? What is the weight of yours?

Anyone got more "real life pics" of the Tobacco and the Caramel colors?

[djdersh]

Dave. It looks like Gibson got everything "right" on this guitar. My only question is will Gibson offer true jumbo (6100) frets on these guitars? Thanks...

[moonweasel]

They are so cheap you could a 339 refreted for less than a 335

[Jimmy Murray]

Originally Posted by Cloud9

Jimmy I wish I would have seen you on the 339. YOU smoked with your LP at the Jam.
Dan

Gosh Dan,
Thanks for the kind words and the pics. Wasn't the jam unreal?
Great to see you there again. Yep this 339 is gonna be one I'll buy for sure.

[Zoomer]

[quote=As I typed this I have an ES 339 in Light Caramel 'Burst strapped on. I type a little... I play a little. It is that comfortable. This particular ES 339 has a '59 Gibson Custom Les Paul Reissue Profile and weighs in at 7.8 pounds. There is a 30 thousandths over the '60 Gibson Custom Les Paul Reissue neck Profile on the stand next to me that weighs 7.6 pounds. I play both a lot. When compared to most solid bodies, I like that there is this acoustic sound and nature, coming from these guitar. I think the weights will average in that range. I would look at this ES 339 not so much to replace existing guitars that are working for you musically, think of it as an additional choice that may excite and inspire you differently in musical in ways.

I hope this helps.
Dave[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the info Dave I have one of your Stingers and it is the treasure of my collection. It's great to see dealers who care so much about Gibsons - very exciting !!

I was wondering 2 things -

1- Musicians friends is taking pre orders - are you ??

2- Is it possible to get one of these in an all black finish.

Thanks for the info and the time !!!

,

Zoomer

[CR9]

If you want to order one, I would suggest calling John, Barry or Jason at Guitarsale as they will be able to hand pick your guitar and try it, maybe even compare a few. I think the other places will just send a flunky out to the warehouse and ship you one without even unboxing it.

Jimmy, the Jam was even better this year. It was great to hear you play a whole set. One of these days I'll get down to your Jam. I hear it is the best.

[Dave Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Murray

Dave,
I played the proto in Nashville at the Gibson Jam. SHIT!!!!!
I was jamming in a small room with a celeb...guitar guy and that guitar simply smoked!
It sounded great and obviously he wished he had been on the 339.
Yes it was 335 Vibe...but to me it just felt better...smaller. Same bite and voice maybe even better...maybe even warmer. I want one..!!!!
Cheers,
Jimmy

Hi Jimmy - It is a winner! It makes me feel good that you liked it so much!
I had that proto for a while. I had my son take snap shots while I had it and I of course hadn't mounted the pickguard or put the toggle on. The proto that you played is the cheery guitar missing the switch tip in the photos.
I have a '59 neck at home currently and it is an ass kicker.
By the way, the wiring of the electronics in the ES 339 is very much like my '61 ES 335 wiring complate with all audio taper pots, which in one way or another is different from the pots used and/or modern wiring used on all of the other Gibson guitars!
Thanks
Dave C.

[Dave Carpenter]

Originally Posted by moonweasel

I am at a complete loss because I can't decide between the two neck sizes AND until I saw that video I was certain that I wanted the dark burst. Now, Im leaning cherry!

Dave, I do have a question for you, is the color of the neck finish on the prototype vintage burst representative of the final production models you have seen? Thats a big deal for me. If it is the lighter, almost sand color I have seen on a few 335s I would definitely go with the cherry finish. The color in the pictures looks great, and I hope that is what they are going with. Thanks!

I bought one of your special order medium darkback R4s which is my favorite mahogany finish a couple years ago. Still loving that guitar; I play it every day!

The VS proto that I have is as dark a neck of any example I have seen. When I visited the factory recently there was one that was this dark but there were some that were much lighter in color. It is all in the piece of Mahogany. Gibson Custom is doing a very nice antique cherry color. Jason Smith from Guitarsale.com was in Memphis with me last. We sent him back to the shop at Guitarsale in South Bend IN. with a proto so he, Barry and John could put it through the ringer. He was given a choice of color and he took a Cherry. The Cherry used for this ES 339 definitely has a vibe that gets to me. By the way Jason has used the ES 339 on the gig. We should get Jason Smith to tell us a bit about what his experiences with the new ES 339 have been!
Thanks
Dave C.

[moonweasel]

Thanks Dave.

[Gitfiddler]

I've never seen this much positive energey about a new guitar here on the LP Forum! Very cool!!

And yes, I want one!!

Are these going to be limited production models?

[pit_s_xroad]

very interessting post...

this guitar seems to me to be an attempt of Gibson to try something else/new but with enough Mojo of the classic model to stand the axemen's conservative attitude... at least mine ... for me it works lovely...

It's got a very homogeneously genaral visual appearance...

I loved instantly when I saw the first pic of one... maybe one day I can check one out in a shop in my neck of the wood...

PIT...

[Jason Smith]

Originally Posted by Itsallmuscle

How does the balance of the guitar feel? What is the weight of yours?

The prototype we have at GuitarSale in South Bend balances great. This one weighs 7.46lbs and is not neck heavy in the slightest.

I played it at a gig a couple nights ago and it is extremely comfortable. I started the set thinking I would try it out for a couple songs and probably switch back to my main guitar (a '64 strat), but this thing played, sounded, and felt so good, I ended up using it the whole night! It really blew me away.



I'm going to start another thread about the sound of this bad boy.

[Jason Smith]

Originally Posted by Itsallmuscle

Anyone got more "real life pics" of the Tobacco and the Caramel colors?

Here's a photo of a prototype in Caramel Burst:



Yummy.

[Itsallmuscle]

Originally Posted by Jason Smith

The prototype we have at GuitarSale in South Bend balances great. This one weighs 7.46lbs and is not neck heavy in the slightest.

I played it at a gig a couple nights ago and it is extremely comfortable. I started the set thinking I would try it out for a couple songs and probably switch back to my main guitar (a '64 strat), but this thing played, sounded, and felt so good, I ended up using it the whole night! It really blew me away.



I'm going to start another thread about the sound of this bad boy.

Please do! Post some sound clips of it going through a Epiphone So Cal 50 to see how close it comes to the Gibson promo. I'm really excited about this model! I think its gonna have to be caramel burst

[Browneyes]

Originally Posted by Dave Carpenter

Hi Jimmy - It is a winner! It makes me feel good that you liked it so much!
I had that proto for a while. I had my son take snap shots while I had it and I of course hadn't mounted the pickguard or put the toggle on. The proto that you played is the cheery guitar missing the switch tip in the photos.
I have a '59 neck at home currently and it is an ass kicker.
By the way, the wiring of the electronics in the ES 339 is very much like my '61 ES 335 wiring complate with all audio taper pots, which in one way or another is different from the pots used and/or modern wiring used on all of the other Gibson guitars!
Thanks
Dave C.

Hi Dave..

Hold the phone... Audio Taper pots?? So I don't have to change the linear pots to an RS Kit?

I wish all historics came with Audio Taper pots so I can stop changing them out.

Thanks!

[sinner]

Ooh, I like that red one--Jason, I think you better send it to me for another opinion!

[moonweasel]

Cherry, 59 neck -- order placed. I never buy guitars, but this looked too cool.

Once again, order from Guitarsale!

[sinner]

Alright, moonweasle--just emailed Jason. Can't resist that red one any longer.

[moonweasel]

ha! Nice sinner! Which neck did you go with? Was a tough call for me.

[sinner]

I went for the Cherry with the 30/60 neck. Sounds like just what I'm looking for, but will call Jason for a in-hand discussion when the guitars get there in a couple weeks. There may be some neck size variance from guitar to guitar for each neck spec model.

[moonweasel]

Cool.

R9 necks are smaller than R4 right?

[Itsallmuscle]

Dave,

I think you should have Gibson put up on their site, the differences between the the CS-336 and the ES 339.

[sinner]

Originally Posted by moonweasel

Cool.

R9 necks are smaller than R4 right?

It's that way on mine--my 2004 R4 neck is HUGE, fat all the way down. My 2004 R9 is not as big as the R4 but bigger than a real '59 'Burst I played; also my '59 Historic 335's neck was bigger than my R9--confused now?

[moonweasel]

Yup!



Im sure it will be fine. If not, Ill see if I can find someone who wants to trade. Dont think it will be though.

[Jason Smith]

Here's a video link that shows Barry testing the ES-339 Bridge pick-up:

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n...339test001.flv

[Itsallmuscle]

^ Mooooore

[Jason Smith]

Here is the neck pick-up:

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n...9test002-1.flv

[Jason Smith]

In this video, Barry does a little on the bridge pickup and then switches to the neck pickup:

http://s114.photobucket.com/albums/n...339test003.flv

[Itsallmuscle]

Any SoCal50 Clips? I think Barry said he would try to get some

[moonweasel]

Suspense is killing me!

Can't wait for this sucker to ship.

[Jimmy Murray]

Moonie,
You will not be let down . I really think they have created another great one. The Proto I played spanked!

[sinner]

Dave, what fret size is on the new ES-339?

My 30/60 neck Cherry Red 339 just came, I love the frets, feel is great!

[Dave Carpenter]

Originally Posted by sinner

Dave, what fret size is on the new ES-339?

My 30/60 neck Cherry Red 339 just came, I love the frets, feel is great!

Sorry this took so long. I have been swamped. This fret is a nice choice and is what Gibson uses on their ES 335 Dot and a few other models. It is spec’d @ .090” wide and .050” tall. I like the slightly narrower width which may allow a bit more woodiness in the tone and the extra height allows for clean bends. At .055” tall and .090” wide, the 6105 fret could have been used but I think these frets feel great. Because the ES 339 has a 12 inch radius fingerboard, bending is not an issue like on vintage Reissue style Fender Guitars. For example we used 6105s on the American Vintage “Thin Skin” Fender runs (at Guitarsale we still have some of these great Fender guitars in stock) and just that little 5 thousandths extra allowed me to take my 57 Fender Thin Skin to Freteck and I was able to have Rodney put a much flatter radius in the top of the frets using his PLEK. PLEKs by the way are good for many things. This custom radius on my 57 Thin Skin improved the bending greatly… yet my neck still has that great vintage feel and look.
Back to the ES 339 and your comment, I agree these frets feel great.
I will look over the rest of this thread and try to answer other questions as I can. Thanks

Dave Carpenter

[moonweasel]

I want to get my early 69 LP Custom refretted with these frets. I really like 'em. (referring to es-339 frets)

[andreja marovic]

so who got the es339 finaly?
Are they available for sale or this is a mith?

Want one and quickly....

This new ES style must be a killer guitar.

Andreja