Epiphone 339

jrdavis · #1 08-03-2016, 01:33 PM

Hello guys,

Thinking about purchasing a new Epi 339. What do we think of them?

Thanks in advance,

BahPa · #2 08-03-2016, 02:47 PM

I bought the Epi - es 339 about a year ago from GC. It's the Pro model with P90 pickups. It's the Pelham Blue, and that's the only thing I don't like about it. I tried the others that they had in various colors, but this was the best of the bunch. It's sounds really sweet on the songs that I use it for. "I Know You Rider, " " So you Wanna Be a Rock n Roll Star." I've read throughout the years about how hard Epiphones are to keep in tune. I have not found that to be a problem at all. I like it a lot, I just wish it was a sunburst finish. Go for it, you will like it.

jrdavis · #3 08-03-2016, 03:00 PM

Bah,

I've read some very good reviews regarding the Epi and although I'd love to spring for the Gibson. I don't think I can justify the difference. Thanks for taking the time to respond, much appreciated.

Steve DeRosa · #4 08-03-2016, 04:04 PM

Before you spring for an Epi 339, consider one of these:

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-GIB-DSDC15T-LIST
http://www.zzounds.com/item--GIBDSDC15T

Also comes in a 335-style vintage sunburst FYI...

Speaking as the owner of an Epi 339 Ultra, if I had it to do all over again I'd spring for one of the above Gibson Midtowns in a heartbeat; although the pickups are every bit as good as the '57 Classics that came in my first-generation '61 SG Reissue, the fit/finish are not up to the standard set by the Korean-made Epi semis of the '90s/early-2K's (paint smears on the side of the headstock, under-finish gap at the neck/body joint), much less Gibson Memphis. In addition, aside from the fact that the neck is a cheeky, chunky hard-D profile that bears absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to the sleek Gibson '60s Slim Taper it claims to emulate, I needed to invest in a pro fret-level/setup job (along with my own tweaking) to get it to a playable state; simply put, between the initial cost of the instrument/case (the latter sold separately) and the post-sale work, an additional $100 would have gotten me a far-better guitar from the get-go. FYI they're also a limited edition, having been factory-converted from g-Force/High Performance to their current configuration; when they're gone, they're gone - and their replacement recently entered the market at $2500

- so if you're intrigued I'd beg/borrow/steal the money to get one while the getting's good...

mikealpine · #5 08-03-2016, 04:42 PM

Steve, you are a font of information, and those look like beautiful instruments!

jdto · #6 08-03-2016, 04:55 PM

I had an ES-339 Pro that was pretty nice. It sounded great, too, with the stock Epiphone Alnico Pro pickups. I miss it, sometimes. Hard to go wrong for the price.

jrdavis · #7 08-03-2016, 05:11 PM

Thanks to all for the great info, much appreciated. Steve, thnks for the heads up, I didn't know Gibson made that model.

rmp · #8 08-04-2016, 05:42 AM

the 339 Pros are a pretty right value. A friend of mine has one, and it's impressive for the cost. I have a few epi's,, but no 339s.

the most recent is sheraton pro II (my second sherry, last one was a late 90s MIK) it was "ok..." the new Pro II is 10X better in regard to hardware/pickups/and overall fit an finish. they've come a long way in the last 10/15 years quality wise.

Dru Edwards · #9 08-04-2016, 08:16 AM

Seems like a great deal for $999.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Before you spring for an Epi 339, consider one of these:

http://www.americanmusical.com/Item--i-GIB-DSDC15T-LIST
http://www.zzounds.com/item--GIBDSDC15T

Also comes in a 335-style vintage sunburst FYI...

Speaking as the owner of an Epi 339 Ultra, if I had it to do all over again I'd spring for one of the above Gibson Midtowns in a heartbeat; although the pickups are every bit as good as the '57 Classics that came in my first-generation '61 SG Reissue, the fit/finish are not up to the standard set by the Korean-made Epi semis of the '90s/early-2K's (paint smears on the side of the headstock, under-finish gap at the neck/body joint), much less Gibson Memphis. In addition, aside from the fact that the neck is a cheeky, chunky hard-D profile that bears absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to the sleek Gibson '60s Slim Taper it claims to emulate, I needed to invest in a pro fret-level/setup job (along with my own tweaking) to get it to a playable state; simply put, between the initial cost of the instrument/case (the latter sold separately) and the post-sale work, an additional $100 would have gotten me a far-better guitar from the get-go. FYI they're also a limited edition, having been factory-converted from g-Force/High Performance to their current configuration; when they're gone, they're gone - and their replacement recently entered the market at $2500

- so if you're intrigued I'd beg/borrow/steal the money to get one while the getting's good...

jrdavis · #10 08-04-2016, 09:24 AM

rmp, Dru

Thanks for the help.

jayhawk · #11 08-04-2016, 02:38 PM

I have a 339 that I really like. It is just the standard 339. I would also look at the Ibanez model, AM???, can't remember the model off the top of my head. I actually thought the Ibanez might be a better guitar but I just like the classic look of the Epiphone in the cherry red.

Now, I did do a lot of work on mine, by my choice. I upgraded the pickups, pots, wiring, and bridge. I had the frets crowned and leveled. It is a fine sounding guitar that I think would rival a Gibson 339.

Very happy with it.

Jack

Mr. Scott · #12 08-06-2016, 09:07 AM

I've had a 339 Pro for a couple of years now. Bought it because I am, in the main, a single coil player. The Pro has splittable humbuckers and plays like a dream in my experience, in fact it was so good I gigged it the night I bought it. I've spent some time on a detailed setup since, but they are excellent guitars in my opinion. I don't think you will be disappointed if you decide to buy one. Try one if you can.

jpjr50 · #13 08-23-2016, 07:13 AM

My son had a 2014 Epi ES-339 in Pelham Blue "Custom Shop".

He regrets getting rid of it, probably the best bang for the buck guitar ever.

He did buy a 1963 Gibson ES 125T with the money (well part of it).

It's a great guitar, highly recommend.

dagobert · #14 08-23-2016, 05:18 PM

I had the pots replaced on mine with CTS pots(Same as Gibson) made a big difference.

stevecuss · #15 08-28-2016, 09:57 AM

The Epi 339 sure offers a lot for the money, but I'd recommend buying one in hand, not online. The quality control varies pretty wildly - a friend of mine bought one with serious fretboard issues and it needed a fret job right away. The pickups are quite good, but not as clean as the Gibson PUs. The above Gibby Midtown offers a lot for the money, as does a Gibson 335 Studio used if you shop carefully. The semi hollow market is full of good options now days, including the Ibanez and Eastman models