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#1
10-27-2014, 02:04 PM
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Epiphone - 335 or 339
Hi folks...decided I NEED an electric. I play acoustic, but really want to explore blues and jazz (electric). I have played an Epiphone dot vs and that thing weighs a ton. So, I'm thinking the ES 335 or 339. Have not had the opportunity to play either but since I'm not willing to shell out $$$$ for a Gibson or Fender, I'm pretty sure one of the Epi's will work. I find the 339 (ultra) interesting given that it will emulate an acoustic or can be combined for electric/acoustic tone, I also like the size.
Pros - Cons Thanks - David 
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#3
10-27-2014, 03:08 PM
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I have a Washburn's copy of the 335, and I love it! I did try out the 339, and it felt small to me...and a bit heavier. Oh, I'm 5'2", and I do play a Les Paul!
I think the 335 is "lighter" because of its larger size, the weight is distributed (evenly) all the way around the guitar, instead of all the parts being compacted in a smaller size...if that makes any sense. But if you feel that the 335 "weighs a ton", and you like the 339 "size", I think you've already answered your own question.
__________________
franchelB: TGF member #57! 
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#4
10-27-2014, 08:14 PM
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Quote:
http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=341527 FYI the Ultra was discontinued earlier this year, but you may still be able to find some NOS around if you look. In addition to the review I did at the end of the thread, here's some additional long-term impressions now that the honeymoon's over: Pros If you're looking for light weight it's definitely lighter than most - mine scales in at 7 lbs. 2 oz. according to the original Sweetwater posting - easy-handling, and surprisingly resonant both unplugged and amplified. The humbuckers are Epi's version of Gibson's PAF - this baby sounds like a full-on US-made 335 plugged in, far better than a lot of the '80s/'90s Gibson stuff I've played (including my own first-run '61 SG Reissue) - and the Shadow NanoMag allows for some interesting tonal variations when blended with the 'buckers. The bridge pickup ring sports a digital tuner (that doubles as a mute switch) - handy for tuning during a set, and you don't need a pedal taking up pace on your board or a Snark hanging from your headstock. Finally, if you're into computer-based recording (I'm not) there's a built-in USB port and a free GuitarRig download... Cons Whoever voiced the NanoMag used in this application must've had his face in too many Marshall stacks, since his high-end hearing is obviously shot: this thing is bright with a capital B, and you'll need a darker-sounding electric guitar amp rather than an acoustic-electric rig to get any kind of usable stand-alone acoustic tone (interestingly the LP Ultra doesn't have the same problem, and sounds far more natural). The neck is also an unusual shape, not the Gibson-inspired "Slim-Taper" claimed in the ad copy (which the LP has, BTW) but a cheeky, chunky, flattened-D profile that would probably be just the ticket for a guitar-playing chimpanzee. If you're running both pickups together in mono you'll need to blend in a bit of NanoMag to add some sparkle to the tone - a problem that disappears when patching into the topmost input and running the 'buckers alone. It's also a bit finicky in terms of setup - it took me six months to find a string/action combination that it really likes (11-50 flats/medium-low)... Overall There's a reason this one was succeeded by the 339 Pro with its coil-tapped humbuckers, and considering I bought mine for the same reasons you're thinking, if I had it to do over again I'd be looking at the LP Ultra - while it's a couple pounds heavier and a couple hundred bucks more expensive, it's also a better-thought-out package IMO. If you're looking for a lightweight, straight-ahead blues/jazz guitar Amazon's running the Godin CW II Kingpin - a dual P-90, single-cut 16" hollowbody in the mold of the first-issue ES-175 - for $617 in blonde with TRIC case (go to the one that says "Click for Product Details"); at just a tick over five pounds it's about the same weight as many large-body acoustics, feels/plays like one of the late-model Seagulls with the 1.72" neck, and can handle anything short of death metal (I love mine, BTW - also got it from Amazon on sale). If you're interested I'd move quickly, though - Amazon runs these sales every once in a rare while and discontinues them without notice, and considering this one sells for just under $1K everywhere else you're not going to beat the deal... Good luck... 
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#5
10-28-2014, 10:39 AM
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Aggghhh....Read your review Steve and am rethinking my selection. My price point is below a grand...so I was thinking Epiphone Ultra. Between you and Franchel, it appears I need to do a bit more research...and playing. I have an Epi dealer close to me...unaware of any Washburn dealers within a 150 miles or so. (Memphis or St. Louis...I'm half way between).
The one thing that seems to be a constant theme is the fret issues with the Epis. I plan on buying new for that very reason if I purchase an Epi. Probably go new with any brand at this point. Thanks for everyone's input...transitioning to an electric appears to be an adventure in the making. David
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#6
10-28-2014, 12:13 PM
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Sorry for derailing your thread intended to discuss Epi's, but if your price range is below $1k, and you are looking for a 335 style guitar, I believe one can do no better than an Eastman T386. Nitro finish, 1 3/4 nut width, good stock pups, fast and slim (but not too slim) neck, comfortable frets, fully bound. Feels like a custom shop guitar. It's my main instrument and I gig with it regularly.
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#7
10-28-2014, 03:47 PM
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Jefferson....thanks for the info....I like the size of the 339....maybe have to go to a LP...don't know. I just really love the looks of the ES style. Maybe I should be considering substance over style. I'll take a look at the Eastman. Same situation with the Washburn....no dealers for miles and miles. BUT... I'm on a mission!
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#8
10-28-2014, 06:01 PM
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#9
10-28-2014, 09:22 PM
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#10
10-29-2014, 07:15 AM
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Look at the Ibanez line. Great semi hollow guitars for the money.
__________________
<°)))< 1998 Very Sweet Wife 2000 Cute Daughter (Grand Concert) 2005 Handsome Son (Dreadnought) 2007 Lovely Daughter (Parlor) 2017 Cute Puppy (Duke the Uke)
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#11
10-29-2014, 07:56 AM
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I don't think you're going to find any of your options much LIGHTER than the Epi Dot - they really are not heavy at all compared to solid body guitars.
Looks for used models - Gibson or Epiphone - to save some money, but play any one you find for a while. The problem with Epiphones for quite a while has been consistent quality, not every guitar is the same, some are good , some are lemons. With my Epi Dot Studio, I couldn't get the intonation right - using the usualy extra light strings I've used on electrics for decades. Moved up to some jazz mediums with a wound G string and all of a sudden the intonation problem disappeared. Then I had a problem with the output jack loosening - before I could address it, one of the wires on it disconnected. Fishing wires/components through a semi-hollowbody is not easy (there are techniques I learned).
__________________
Mike My music: https://mikebirchmusic.bandcamp.com 2020 Taylor 324ceBE 2017 Taylor 114ce-N 2012 Taylor 310ce 2011 Fender CD140SCE Ibanez 12 string a/e 73(?) Epiphone 6830E 6 string 72 Fender Telecaster Epiphone Dot Studio Epiphone LP Jr Chinese Strat clone Kala baritone ukulele Seagull 'Merlin' Washburn Mandolin Luna 'tatoo' a/e ukulele antique banjolin Squire J bass
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#12
10-29-2014, 08:04 AM
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The 339 is a fun guitar. It's definitely a winner if you want to pick on the bed, couch, or sitting on the floor with your back to the couch. I've done all three, and it's a lot easier than with a 335.
I guarantee you that you can find a used Epi 339 at just about any guitar center, so it'll be cheap experiment to see if you like it or not. I have a Parker fly with piezo. Everybody thinks they will use it. Few do. I do, so I highly recommend having at least one guitar with faux-acoustic capabilities.
__________________
I only play technologically cutting edge instruments. Parker Flys and National Resonators
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#13
10-29-2014, 08:25 AM
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Hopefully this isn't to far off topic butt if you have a chance to check them out in your travels try some Gretsch Electromatics too. They have some nice ones.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/semi-...rrencyCode=USD
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#15
10-29-2014, 06:18 PM
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Quote:
Quote:
Last edited by Steve DeRosa; 10-29-2014 at 07:05 PM.
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