Comparing the Gibson ES-335 and Gibson ES-339
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- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- Two really, really cool guitars get the spotlight today.
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This video is exactly what I wanted to know about the 335 and the 339. I've been looking for a great comparison and you definitely delivered. Thank you so much. Love you all Bill.
Thanks Bill and i'm really happy this was useful for you, they appear to be so similar but they are indeed quite a bit different
I'm liking this 339. May buy one. always wanted a semi hollow body. with a trem but no bigsby, I can put a duesenberg les trem II on the 339 and it will feel like a light les paul to me.
this is the ONLY review worth watching on these guitars, it’s informative and comparative and really helps what to expect and look for. thank you
Man I really appreciate that. I just wanted other people to know those size and feel specific things that I wish I knew when I was shopping around, no forum or website really let me know that it was that noticable.
I watched a few different demos of the 339 also. It’s hard to tell when some experts use effects. I was glad audomo music didn’t.
I appreciate the fact that you didn’t use a ton of effects. I could hear The nuances of each guitar. I have a 335, and the 339 is supposed to be delivered on Saturday.
Thanks again, 👍🏼🎸nice demo
Thank you Tim, i try to avoid everything but reverb for the same reason. Too much alteration makes side by side comparisons pointless to me, happy you appreciate it and congrats!!! Which 339 did you go with?
I had an Epiphone 339 but a contractor that I’m in a band with did a whole bunch of work for the guitar. I made out like a bandit. However, I missed that guitar. It played very well. I just bought another one on eBay it’s the sunburst Epiphone 339. I have a 75 Les Paul standard tobacco burst. I haven’t played it out Lately because I get worried about theft, accidents that kind of stuff. I won’t cry near as hard over an Epiphone, And they play really nice.
Thanks for the reply to my comment.
Great video! I absolutely love my 339 - feels so comfortable, lovely rock and bluesy tones. The 335 is awesome too but personally I just find the 339 more comfortable but both great guitars of course!!
The 339 may not be my "best" guitar, but it's probably my favorite. It's just so easy to play, comfy, and versatile. I love it.
@@AudiomoMusic absolutely! Plus that sound you describe, close-ish to a les Paul but between that and a 335 I find perfect. I tend to record with that and my jazzmaster and find i can get a huge sound with those covering the areas of the spectrum I love! Plus like you say - sooooo comfortable! Looking forward to more videos with it in!
I used it for todays video, I just adore it. I also use a jazzmaster with it! Small world you're a man of good taste as well! Which model is yours?
@@AudiomoMusic oh awesome!! Great choice! I have an FSR American Pro Jazzmaster- really liked it cause essentially it has a glorified strat bridge pickup and I got a more traditional JM neck pickup so for me it's super versatile! Gonna get a more original jazzmaster one day but for gigging and recording it gives me everything I love! What models yours?!
I have an American Vintage 65, currently also have a Made in Japan Traditional 60's which I am obsessed with the neck profile on but that one is for sale. They are such cool guitars.
I wanted to thank you for the excellent information and the sonic content. Your channel helped me to decide to get an ES-339 over the 335. I am a big Les Paul fan and the 339 nicely complements it. The 335 is gorgeous but just too cumbersome for me. It was similar to playing a big dreadnought acoustic guitar. You are doing a solid for the musician community. Two last things: 1. the horn/upper neck access of the 339 reminds me of my Fender American Telecaster that was built in the late 1990s. It takes a little adjustment but is workable. 2. A poorly cut nut seems to be a problem that crosses over to so many manufacturers. I think they rely on machines and don't slow down to QC. Maybe you could do some digging and find out?
Same here. I also got the 339. No point in getting a guitar that I'm going to be fighting all night at a gig. Would rather keep the Les Paul-like size and play more comfortably and as a result play better. 335 is so big it's a constant fight.
Honestly, when I closed my eyes and just listened... I couldn't tell the difference. Nicely done. Thank you.
i have had an eastman t484 at home for a year now. Same size as ES339. The playing comfort is just incredible on this guitar. nice comparison and thank you for this nice video!
I love Eastman guitars. I am waiting for the right T486 to pop up so I can pick up one of those because I genuinely preferred it to the last 3 Gibson ES335's I've played and it's a third of the price. I didn't realize they made a 339 sized variant, I would love to try it against this Gibson.
I have watched a ton of these comparison videos and this is by far the best one. Thanks so much.
Thanks a lot! I tried to talk about the things people never talk about, im glad so many found this one useful.
man... THANK YOU SO MUCH for putting both these guitars on your leg and showing the comparison. EXACTLY what I was looking for. I tried the 335 in store... instantly was like.... this thing is huge and the nut is FAR AWAY.
I went out of my way to film that part for this video because I was also shocked at the physical difference as far as how it feels to play them and there was no way to gauge that based on demos online. I'm super happy you also appreciated that!
@@AudiomoMusic yeah i really do man. I travelled an hour the other day to go compare two guitars in terms of size... then realised i should have done the ES guitars while i was there! but now i found your video and that saved me the trip again.
Came for the comparison and saw the Blackstar Kt88 in the background! Twinsies! I love mine. Good stuff mane.
Kt88 is a great amp! I loved that thing!
Great comparison. The 335 has bigger natural sound - more resonance and that shines through on the cleaner tones but the 339 comes into it's own the more crunch is added. I don't do a lot of clean work and play mostly live so the 339 would be the one for me!
I think that's a great assessment you've taken, the 339 is much more like a Les Paul than a 335 strangely enough. Factor in the light weight and smaller body and you have yourself an outstanding guitar
@@AudiomoMusic Fantastic, I normally play a Les Paul!
I just returned a 335. It felt so huge to me that I could not get comfortable with it. It sounded great, but felt like I was playing a cow! I'm looking for a 339 now and I'm also looking at the Harmoney Comet, semi-hollow. I like to feel I'm bigger than my guitar, with the 335 in my hand I felt like it was too hard to reach the first fret and I didn't need any more obstacles to my playing success. Hey Frank Costanzo, have you ever noticed that there is always one jerk in every crowd? You should keep your negativity to yourself as it seems you enjoy it! We don't need it or want it!
The harmony is a decent guitar too, vert underrated but i couldnt vibe with it because of how it physically felt for me... similar to you and the 335 but for different reasons. The 339 is just unbeatable for that of guitar for me because it feels like a slightly bigger les paul that sounds much different. I wish i could get past how big a 335 is but i simply cant. Best of luck in your search
Awesome review! I don't see any other reviews that compare the size of the 335 and 339 directly enough and this video was perfect for that.
Can you tell me a bit more about how the two sound unplugged? The 339 definitely sounded just slightly quieter, but it's hard to tell any other qualities from a youtube video.
The 339 is absolutely thinner, and a bit brighter unplugged. The 335 sounds much thicker in the lower frequencies, and kind of has a smoothness to the tone compared to the sweetness that the 339 has. Unplugged the 335 is absolutely better sounding to the ear than the 339 is.
First time on your Channel. Definitely what I want to hear and also see when it comes to comparisons. The "Live" v "Studio" comparison was invaluable. Good one. Sincerely. Thanks.
Thank you so much, when I was filming this I wanted that to be a part because it's something I wanted to know but nobody had when I was shopping. It really is important to hear the acoustic differences in these types of guitars, and in the case of these two... that difference is gigantic.
I'm starting to come around and really liking the 339.
I love the thing more every day I play it. True story.
me too. thinking about grabbing one
Lol that 335 looks comically large when you first put it on your knee! The jacket is stretching out to contain the whole thing 😂
Absolutely, it's really amusing to me as well and was part of the reason I chose the 339 to begin with 🤣
I reserved an ES339 over the 335 the other day. Your video helped me make that decision.
I'm humbled and congratulations! Which one did you pick?
@@AudiomoMusic Gibson ES-339 Figured Blueberry Burst.
@@ushbag i'm so jealous, I saw that on sweetwater when it was first announced but I simply can't justify having too. That is a fantastic instrument I'm sure you'll love.
Great review! Did you wear a fender shirt to review the two Gibson guitars :)
Thank you! No, that was entirely unplanned haha... don't think I'll be wearing much Fender gear anymore these days in the future tho.
ES-335, just cus I feel it’s more balanced. The 339 is more mid-range focused. Didn’t think they were too different until I watched this video.
The 335 has much more of a warmth to it as well. The 339 reminds me of a thinline Les Paul, whereas the 335 is just totally it's own beast.
I came to pretty much the same conclusions in my hunt. I ended up with the 339. To me it’s the best of both a LP and 335... and it’s 7.0 lbs!
It's by far the best gibson electric I've owned, and I've owned a bunch! Can't beat the weight and it's own unique vibe, it's just people are trained to think either 335 or LP... why not have a little of both?
Excellent comparison. Thank you for the vid. I have an Epiphone Sheraton II Pro. I found your comment about standing up and playing the 335 is not comfortable or natural. I find the same with my 335 size Sheraton. Sitting down is OK but standing up is another matter. I am a 6 foot tall person with long fingers. I am used to playing smaller body sized guitars like a strat. I always thought I would like a 339. I am having second thoughts on that now. I have played them and they are more comfortable when standing up but... The subtle tonal differences in a 335 is hard to beat. That being said, If I were to be offered a deal on a 339, I would scoff it right up! lol. I also liked your comments regarding string tension. I have also found those differences on certain guitars and can relate to going sharp! Thanks again for the video. It was great!
Oh man, you just saved me some cash at 1:05. I have big hands...thanks!
it's all in the details, stuff like that you don't read on a spec sheet but can be a dealbreaker when you play it in person. Glad i could help!
Around 2009 I sold a CS LP and 335 and got a 339. It generated some cash but I regret as I have rarely played the 339. The LP is now worth 2x what I sold it for. The 339 sound somewhere between the two but just find it uninspiring. If you want a focused lead tone use a LP, if you want some richness and funk get a 335. Just my 2c.
That tone at 6:17 is so juicy! It’s awesome!
Thanks I also love that sound, just raw and full
I think the 335 does a better job at getting that classic semi hollow tone but I really like the size of the 339. I think the 339 would definitely be great if you wanted to buy one guitar to cover Les Paul and 335 territory. I want a 339 now, I have both the 335 and LP but love the idea of a single guitar cover both areas and just like the size of it.
I still think if they’d have made the 339 a half inch thicker with a narrower block inside it would still be comfortable but get closer to 335 tone.
The only actual complaint I have with the 339 all this time later is the upper fret access... it's something I never have problems with on Les Pauls or 335's, but once you hit the 17th fret forget it, it's just so uncomfortable and limiting.
I thin you're right about also making it a bit thicker, it would help fill it out. I love all the Gibson Semi-hollows, and have been recently shopping around for a 345 myself instead of fa 335.
@@AudiomoMusic I really think I’ve decided on a 339. I actually have a Ibanez AS73 (great guitar for not much money) that I did a fret dress and setup on and put a set of Gibson 490 pickups in that does a great 335 tone when I just really want the full 335 sound. The more I think about it the more I believe a 339 would be more versatile as well as comfortable.
I had a as93 in months ago and was very impressed with the actual build on the guitar itself. Smoked the epiphone 335s ive played in the past.
Great detailed comparison, hitting all the questions I would have when testing both guitars.
It is always nice to see a demo by someone who - just like most of us - struggle with the instrument. Most of the time demos are done by players who can make any instrument shine.
Awesome good job man I always wondered about those two I think I have the bigger one it's an old Epiphone with no number on it the thing screams is so versatile and the clean sounds are just can't beat
Semi hollow body guitars are there own thing, you can make a lot of solid body guitars soudn like other ones but a semi really can't be replicated easily. they are awesome!
I'm a bit late to the party! Really like your comparison though and the genuine attempt to covey the differences!
Thanks Eddy I appreciate that, it's strange what being locked down for so long got me thinking at the time for curiosities sake haha
the very best of this video is, that you show us the differences in size and the issues in reachability in the higher frets at the 339 at 1:05. For me the 335 is too big and the 339 has a big lack of playability (as you showed) - so these models are not my guitars. First comes playability then comes sound, because if you can`t play it very good, your sound might be bad - at the end the sounds comes out of your fingers !
I was thinking about a 339 figured sixties cherry for the last few month - now I have canceled this - - - - Thank you - you saved me about 3000 bucks !!!!!!!!!!
I'm happy to have helped, there are somethings I wish I would have learned before making purchases so i try to keep that stuff in mind that doesn't show up on a spec sheet or generic demo
I got my les paul to start staying in tune by pressing down the strings on the headstock a little before I tune. If it doesn't make it fall back in tune most of the time it does, but if it doesn't then use the tuning key. Stretch both ends of the strings. Pulling up on the stringvlike a bend does, and returning it with pressing down on the headstock strings. Throw in a little graphite when you put new strings on it placing in the nut string grooves. Wal law
I bought a 335 a few weeks ago, I already have a LP. I don't feel it's big at all, at least not to the point that it feels uncomfortable. I find it really comfortable to just sit back in a chair and play with it sitting between my legs. It's more comfortable to hold than a dreadnaught that's for sure.
Great overview again. Love your videos. Have you ever looked at the Hagstrom Viking or Hagstrom Alvar?
I've played a Viking! It was a really nice guitar, I enjoyed it very much. They sit really uniquely compared to others of that body style in your lap, it was a memorable experience.
Try the Joe Bonamassa replica 1962 Epiphone ES 335 and the Albanez 2020 AS74FM.semi hollow body.
And lots of veneer on them Gibsons.....Gibson's semi-hollowbodies like the ES-335 and ES-339 have tops and backs constructed of layers (either 3 or 4) of maple veneer. My understanding is that the veneers are assembled in successive cross-grain layers with the top layer having its grain longitudinal to the length of the guitar. The tops and backs are approximately 1/4" in thickness after layup.
The schism is solved by the Collins i35. Smaller by a bit from the 335 but if anything the "box" tone is better. The workman ship on these is a step up from Gibson. If you have a chance pull one of these down Bill. One guitar to rule for me!
The Collings are incredible indeed, truly special instruments. I played a I35 a few months ago and couldn't believe how good it was, a shame it was 7500 dollars
@@AudiomoMusic well sell the 339, add in what you budgeted for the 335 addition and..one guitar to rule! The reverb pre owned market is 5k ish..
339 is sold, and id never buy a guitar at that price online. There are a few shops that sell them close in person but for that kind of purchase im playing it first
Good job! I own the 339. I have also considered getting a 335, so this is helpful
Glad I could help!
I managed to get a lefty Gibson ES-339 to go with my ES-335 and ES-330. I like all three guitars (with Gibson did a lefty ES-390). It would be interesting if you ever had the opportunity to try a Collings I-30 and I-35.
Ive played an i-35, it was shockingly good to the point where I was scratching my head. The problem is I’m not really in the market for one and they aren’t cheap, so it will take a perfect storm for me to get one here to talk about on the channel. I love the Gibsons but man that Collings was something else.
The 339 at the 6:30 mark has a good bit more clarity and bite when you were playing that full-on overdrive strum .. interesting!
I listened back to the actual Pro Tools session I recorded this into just to see how much the youtube compression might have had on the comparison and you're right, the 339 absolutely cuts through in a way that the 335 can't touch. Much more like a Les Paul except just a little bit more airiness to it. I love this guitar.
Very interesting and useful video. Concerning effect of the size it might be helpful when you'd mention your height, so we can compare how the 335 'would fit us'😉. I'm 6 feet 4, so for starters I look ridiculous with smaller guitars.
Helpful video 👍🏼
Mission accomplished! Thanks a lot man.
Great video. Thanks for making these. What is the weight of the 339?
The difference in the reach between the two necks has to do with where the neck joins the body. Because the neck on the 335 joins the body further up the neck, the nut is further away at the nut on the 335. That’s the reason it feels like you are reaching further away as you play down the neck toward the nut. It’s because you ARE reaching further. BTW in guitar speak “Up the neck” means toward the body, “down the neck” means toward the headstock.”
I too have, and prefer, an ES-339. I absolutely LOVE the instrument. You can play any genre of music on either guitar, but the 339 is far more comfortable. It has a more intimate feel to it as it is easy to get into it. The overall size of the 339 reminds me of a Les Paul in size which makes it much easier to handle, plus it is on average 2 lbs lighter than the LP. The tones you can get from the 339 are many and great - from warm jazzy tones to all out shred with distortion stomp boxes, etc. It’s a great blues machine. Although it is a hollowbody, there is no feedback due to the block of wood that goes through the center of the body. The ES-339 is a very misunderstood and under-appreciated phenomenal guitar. It is a wonderful alternative to the ridiculously-heavy Les Paul. It is a pleasure to play for hours on end.
The only disadvantage for both the 335 and 339 is that because of the location of the strap button in the middle of the back of the body just below the heel, the guitar wants to tilt forward away from you when playing standing with a strap.
2:09 Watching this also just illustrated what I find uncomfortable about a 335. For me it's not just that the nut is farther away, but that the bridge is too far forward under my picking hand, which doesn't feel right. So now I've got to add a 339 as a possiblity in my new guitar search.
Honestly it's a bigger deal than I anticipated. I never knew it would be that big of a difference yet somehow, it is. Thanks for the comment amigo.
I'm a smaller guy (5'9") and I went with a 339. I had a 335 style Edwards and it was just too big for me. I love both of my 339's (P90 & Humbucker versions).
I have both and they are very different. The 339 is like a les paul and the 335 is like an acoustic guitar. My epiphone casino is close to the 335
Finally a comparison with no BS !!
Thanks
Thank you! I tried my best to hit on unique aspects that most "demos" don't ever touch on.
Really valuable information. Gracias Amigo!
Padre Dave
De nada Dave, these guitars are truly special.
thanks for your review! I have had an Epi "Ultra-339" for a few years and really like it. Was looking for an affordable Lucille at the time but thought this would do the trick. It's called "Ultra" because it has the humbuckers AND NANOmag active pups, and a lot of other bells and whistles too. Has a wide / thin neck making it easier to play (for me) than my Teles and Strats. When I want to play a ballad, I use this instead of my acoustics. You can also record right into your computer software. view: Epiphone Ultra-339 Electric Guitar | Everything You Need To Know - RUclips"
I remember those guitars being for sale! That's really great that you like it so much. it's a really versatile instrument that's also super comfortable
Well done. I have an Epi 339 ultra iii but pine for a 345. (And a 5420tg).
I would love to own a 345 one day, it's a shame the newer Gibson versions do not have the varitone
Is this the same 335 you still have?? Loving the blue blazer by the way.
haha nope, this 335 was a memphis one that i was working on for someone in San Diego
Even though the best sounding guitar I ever played was the Jim James ES335, I still prefer the 339. Its just more comfortable to me, even though the size difference isn't noticeable when playing. lm going this week to check a Johnny A model, which is a 339 size, but not sure how similar they are.
One looks cool and is an absolute classic. The other one just seems like a solution looking for a problem.
I take it you've never actually played a 339 based on this
I'm getting an epiphone 339 pro p90 Monday. Pelham blue.
great choice! I wish pelham blue was easier to get for the gibson 339, i waited ages looking for one before I settled on this
My ES-335 Blows lots Wind from F Holes with High Gain Amps - Lots of Fury 💫Got to have wood block inside middle ..
well done
2:28 at the nut it seems the same, but watch the 12th fret to see the difference.
339 all the way for me. Don't care about anything acoustic or any of that stuff. I won't play guitars I have to fight. And having a 339 hanging on your shoulder all night at a gig makes all the difference. That's why I got 339 and never looked back.
Especially on clean the 335 shines. I don't see why, when you want a hollow body, you wouldn't go for the biggest one.
I agree but disagree at the same time. I wanted something that would sound more like a Les Paul but with a little added warmth, plus the overall comfort that the 339 smokes the 335 in. At the end of the day in the recording studio if I want a semi-hollow sound there isn't a scenario I'd prefer the 339 over the 335 but in practical use for me and what I like, it's no contest I want the smaller one.
My sg was hard for me to get used too because it was a good bit longer than my les pauls.
I Have 2 es 339 and es Les Paul play like a dream ~#~
And LP Bonamassa i'm very happy with the es fam ~#~
i wish one day to find a ES les paul that doesn't have the F-holes... very rare and surprising instrument
@@AudiomoMusic Les Paul = a Fantastic instrument ~#~
es 339 Great Guitars ~#~ Love it Coool ~#~
Loved the videO MAN BUT IM STILL JUST AS CONFUSED AS I WAS.WHICH ONE SHOULD I GET.OR A LES PAUL OR FENDER STRATOCASTER?PLEASE HELP ME.OR A GRETCH CHAMPAGNE JET PRO.
If you have zero idea of what guitar to buy, just buy a good telecaster and call it a day
More vids , please. yeah! ps: nice prs that blue/green one looks amazing. BTW we liked the 339 better. ha. Michael t and 99
Jam night jammers, 2013- 2019 era. West los Angeles/Reseda/Hollywood. 90230
I'm amazed how many people say they prefer the 339 after this video! Haha I used to gig all around that area! I'll definitely be checking you guys out.
@@AudiomoMusic rock on, baby from mtw.
Excellent video
Sincerely thank you very much, I'm glad so many enjoyed this one I tried my best to show the differences that matter.
would you happen to know whether the es-339 fits in a es-335 hard case by any chance?
It will move around like crazy, I will not recommend you do that as a permanent solution
Very helpful! Thanks
Glad it was helpful, which one were you thinking about?
Only some of the 335s have tuning issues due to a garbage nut. Same with the 339s, 345s and the 355s. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar the 335 in the best production line guitar in the world.
It would be if the telecaster didn’t exist, but id say its absolutely number two and all around the best humbucker equipped guitar all around.
you must have a defective 335 then or they changed something... my 335 stays in tune perfectly. Better than my SG or Les Paul even. Also doesn't have neck dive whereas my SG does.
It was a defective nut on that specific guitar, that was not my guitar it was a friends that let me borrow it. I also in general don't have the typical tuning problems most do with Gibsons because I wind the strings upwards on the pegs instead of downward and just lubricate the strings. The 335 is one of the 2 or 3 best guitars ever made imo, love them.
I have both and wouldn’t part with either.
If you're not forced to, I'd never see a reason to! They are different enough and fantastic in their own right.
🔵 güdd comparison on size ❕🎸
i'm 6'2" and actually need the larger 16" body to feel comfortable in my es-335 (normally play acoustic too) ; my body feels outta whack too big - using my son's 'tiny' prs 245 solid body ❕😛 🐸🍀
If you are 6'2 then yes, I'd be playing a 335 and not thinking twice about it! Sadly I am a bit shorter than that 😅
335 ftw
It's a really nice guitar, definitely a bit boomier and fuller.
Watching those two expensive Gibson guitars bang against each other on your lap made me go into shock.
I hope you survived
Why does the 339 have the jack on the side?
I haven't the slightest idea. I actually prefer it there than on the top like the 335s and 345s do.
I have an Epiphone 339. I'd put it up to a Gibson any day.
They are really, really good! I played one of the newer ones a few months ago in a Guitar Center of all places and it was actually impressive!
More sound and punch from the 335.
I can tell you're exaggerating a bit on the fret access point.
Not to take anything away from the rest of the video though. It's just obvious that you weren't going as far up as you could
You should have got 330
I may get one of those at some point, I always go for the best deal when it pops up and the model/brand varies obviously.
This video shows that even mediocre beginner guitar players can own really nice instruments.
Brother I just watched you botched a basic Elton John cover, don't make me laugh.
you definitely hate the color blue.
is it that obvious haha
335 is much better
It's a great guitar indeed
😂
Nice waiter jacket*are you ready to take our order?
I actually had just come back from playing a wedding before shooting this, I don't normally dress like that for these videos haha
Don't give up your day job.
What are you trying to say Frank?
@@jdl2180 He’s obviously just a mean-spirited troll.