Gibson ES-335 vs. ES-339 | Two Sizes of Semi-Hollow Guitars

[@ZWortek]

Really want one of those 339's just gives me everything I want from a 335 but isn't nearly as physically large.

[@anorak211]

I have an Epiphone 339 Pro with coil splitting on both pickups in Pelham Blue, beautiful guitar plays and sounds fantastic

[@jdcsteelers498]

Same here! The 339 is great! Coil splitting is like a must have now.

[@geosank]

me too sun bust

[@stevestalock3200]

The 339 is 4 more.

[@DS-nw4eq]

This guy gets it

[@OldeDog_NewTricks]

This checks out

[@ocelotl23]

Ok bro

[@andre_p_camargo]

Thank you

[@w.callens1629]

Metric...

[@oldfart0851]

I bought a new Custom Shop ES-339 back in 2009 and have never looked back, I love it. I describe it as a lightweight Les Paul that can cover a Paul, 335, and do it's own sound. It growls. You can't go wrong with these.

[@biohazard8295]

Any feedback issue with higher gain? Maybe it's just an urban myth

[@oldfart0851]

Any semi-hollow body will feedback at some point if pressed hard enough. I have never had issues with feedback on mine.Hope this helps.@@biohazard8295

[@JTStein]

It's great that you are so candid in your commentary.

[@andrewmiller2868]

I bought an Epiphone 339 and to me it has beautiful sounds on all pickup configurations. Being on the smaller person size myself, I found the size and layout of the 339 so much easier to play.

[@spwb2k]

I used to have an Epiphone Dot/335-style named Rosie. Now I have an Epi 339 her name is Rosie Jr. We get along great.

[@Doodoo-s7u]

I adore semi hollow style guitars, them and offset jazzmaster/jaguar style guitars are my favorite styles of guitar in the world. But coming in at 5'5', 160lbs and even being slight wider than most people i know, they're massive to me. Even sitting and playing one makes me feel like im being swallowed whole by it, so the 339 has been a godsend, just bought one today in transparent ebony.

[@ronmoore1219]

I liked both, but your second “set” on the 335 was my favorite.

[@bmg696]

Just bought the 339. Beautiful sounding guitar. Very comfortable to play, lightweight, but it does have a bit of a neck dive. I find it sounds, and plays, extremely close to the sound and playability of my Gibson Standard 60s Les Paul, except for the weight of coarse. Both have equally smooth fretboards. I only play clean through a Twin Reverb. The 339 57 pickups "seem" slightly more articulate than the Les Paul 61s. The difference is minimal to my ears.

[@camlev1]

Great comparison. I play a Custom Shop 339 sunburst. I’m only 5’7”, so a 335 makes me look like a 12-year-old. For some reason the 339 never really caught on, at least here in Canada. But I find it perfectly versatile, covering jazz to rock to R & B faithfully.

[@bobbyarthur-yf3yf]

Feel ya 339 is how I’d go scale wise as I’m same height … 335 is out of the question

[@AlbertVersluys]

I have a ES-339 and really like it. It did own a es335 and sold it a long time ago. I liked my Les Paul better. Sold it also. I like the ES-339 better than both of them.

[@ahchv]

I got a 339 this week. It’s amazing!

[@astrofire68]

339 bridge pickup just had more snap….sounded more open…..but I’m 6’ 3 1/2” and can see that the 335 would be a better fit. Both sound great. It really is down to personal preference.

[@Theshark-l4k]

Cooper, you are the best. Of all the you tube channels, you do the very best evaluations. Thanks

[@zacharyking929]

Great comparison. The one that got away from me in this arena was a 2018 Memphis ES-330 (full hollow) with Burstbuckers. Incredible tones. But I’m an idiot, and sold it bc it was “big”. I have serious regerts now.

[@mortonwilson795]

Thanks for the comparison! Never bonded with 335s - played a few, old and new, I think it's just the spread of the body - I'm a Les Paul player and I suspect the 339 would feel more comfortable for me. That said, I liked the sound of this 335 - it struck me as 'wider, fuller, more open' what have you, but I suspect that comes down to the pick-ups to a large degree as the 57s tend to have a bit more 'bite' . . . both really nice insturments.

[@sapelopelo]

I dont write too ofthen, but I do know for the algorythm. I got my 335 from 2016 memphis made with a pair of Burstbuckers and it sound as good as it gets (to me at least). The colour is a beautiful Lightburst which is not sonoften

[@ronmoore1219]

I agree with you on responding to the videos.

[@lydmo8287]

At one point I had both the 335 and 339. I'm now with the 339. Size is more comfortable and the neck is just a little bit thinner. I was having not loving the big chunky neck on the 335, Rounded C. Not my style. The 339 is now being played often. I must add, if you like thin necks on 335 style guitars, you may look into a vintage (1980 - 1995?) Made in Japan Ibanez AS200 for 335 size, or same years in the AM205 for a 339 size, and most def seek out those with original MIJ Ibanez Super 58 pups (with three adjustment screws). I sold my 335 because my 1981 AS200 (John Scofield's year and model) was a much better fit for me. The Chinese and Indo AS models are nice, but nowhere as sweet as the vintage MIJ Ibanez. But the Gibson ES-339 is one of the best out there, no doubt.

[@EURIPODES]

I'm working on building a semi hollow 4 string. The 335 is my inspiration. I've nearly finished the one piece neck that goes the full length of the guitar (no broken scarf joint for me). Next is making a bending jig for the sides. I made a few cigar box guitars that play well and now I'm looking to step up my game even more. I wonder what Gibson would call such a thing.

[@mikeaustin4138]

I bought a 339 and sold it for two reasons: neck-heavy and the horns are much closer to the neck, making access to the upper frets "cramped." I auditioned roughly a dozen 335s at the three local Guitar Centers and the wouldn't stay in tune and I didn't like the finishes. I wound up buying an Eastman T59/V and couldn't be happier. As good as a 335 for a fraction of the price.

[@Winstonrodney6989]

Yeah, I just bought the Eastman version of the 339 and am having the same problem with upper fret access. I should have just got the t59. Oh well live and learn.it’s still a damn nice guitar otherwise.

[@mikeaustin4138]

@@Winstonrodney6989 Bummer. What's the model? I didn't know Eastman made a 339 clone...

[@Winstonrodney6989]

@@mikeaustin4138 yeah I was having a twinge of buyers remorse for a minute. I have really come to like it though and am going to keep it. I will still probably buy an Eastman 335 type someday in the future though. I had been in the guitar shop looking for something new under a grand and nothing was doing it for me. I was pressed for time and just grabbed the Eastman because I had been hearing about them. I hadn’t planned on buying it because it was 500 bucks over my budget but one minute of playing it and the sound and feel was just miles above everything else I had been trying out. Of course after getting it home that upper fret bout was so tight I could not waggle the old fingers in that B pentatonic position. At this point if I really need those notes I just tap them with my right hand or tap and bend if I need that high e. If I have songs that play in that range a lot ( which I really don’t) I’ll just use a different guitar.

[@jw_au]

T484 is the 339 “clone”

[@mikeaustin4138]

@@jw_au Does it have the smaller body? Interesting...

[@emilloffler1216]

I've been thinking of getting me a Gibson 339. But I would want to change the tuners to the Kluson Tulip style, which is typical Gibson in my view. As with my Gibson LP Standard.

[@noeltracey1537]

Great review thank you , always great playing. ☘️

[@edmallon2851]

You really need to try the Epipy 339 with P90's

[@MARKLINMAN1]

339 for me, love the size AND SOUND.

[@musicalgear1024]

57 classic pickups are the best pickups ever made hands down. Mostly found in Gibson 335’s and 61 reissue SG’s and in any player who isn’t a shredder. Lol

[@JAL-cc8jd]

I love the smaller size semi hollow guitars. I’ve had several, including an Epiphone ES-339, a Hagstrom Alvar, and most recently an Eastman T484. All great, but the Eastman is my favorite. I have tried a couple D’Angelico mini DC’s but returned them for various reasons, which is a shame because I really like them. I’d also like to try an Ibanez AM series someday.

[@Matticus898]

I have an Epiphone ES-339 I love it, its a guitar to jam on that is not the traditional larger hollow body size. Think if it maybe if you are looking for a "little bit" of hollow body sound but in the size of a "standard" guitar

[@scottsodyssey2485]

The 339 is smaller than the 335 BUT it is NOT a "small" guitar. Its the same size if not a little bigger as a Telecaster and Les Paul. My 339 with 57 classic pickups in it is a beast.

[@lucianopazos286]

I have an Epi 339 and I am quite happy with it. The only thing I dislike is the access to the upper frets. I bought it because I was afraid of the 335 being too bulky but I've recently tried one and I was surprised to find out it is quite confortable actually and horns a bit more separated, so easier to play higher notes. In your Demo, both sound great but I liked more the 335, I feel it is more mellow, the 339 being crispier. That being said, I think they are not different enough to justify having the two of them. Having a semi-hollow is almost a must.

[@Stringtrees]

I have a 339. Generally I gig with a Strat and/or a Tele and we tune to Eb. My 339 doesn't seem to like Eb so I tend to use it at home or when I sit in with another band. The range of tines available is always a pleasure. I love 335's but they feel a bit big for me.

[@craigthomson3621]

I have a lefty Gibson Memphis 2018 ES-335, and I managed to get a lefty Gibson ES-339 (if you think righty 339s are rare, try scoring a lefty 339)! Both are great guitars, but I play the smaller 339 more often. Wish Gibson would offer a lefty ES-390 (fully hollow, smaller version of the 330 / Casino). The Collings I-30 and I-35 are sized midway between the 335 and 390.

Epiphone makes a Casino Coupe which is basically a Mini 330. Not gibson quality or course but you can upgrade some parts

[@craigthomson3621]

@ thanks Oscar, unfortunately the Casino Coupe is not available in left-handed orientation.

[@jonathonarnold2565]

The 335 had a lot more of that sweet gibson darkness.

[@jeremywills9303]

I prefer the smaller body 339 as I'm a small guy.

[@domagojoinky8262]

339 sounds kinda like a Les Paul. 335 has a quack similar to Strat, but more chimey and brighter.

[@jfar3340]

335 is brighter because ttypes are super bright, 57 classic are dark

[@adamswanson8216]

Isn’t the other difference here the pick ups tea type versus the 57 classic I mean I know that for me my ES 339 now has T type pick ups in it and I get all the jazzy tones that you can get out of a 335 and all the other tones as well without near the amount of the I don’t know buzz sound that I would call Chewbacca if you turn it up a little too loud but honestly the 339 to me is a much easier guitar to use play Cary, etc. that slight size difference does make it more convenient even for somebody like myself at 6.1 feet tall. I have long arms but truly it is a more comfortable guitar to play and of course that’s a personal preference but I think it’s misleading to not say that a pick up swap could make these guitar sound virtually identical and I have tested them against each other since I have several of each lol Gibson tone and guitar fanatic. Thanks love your demos otherwise man I just thought it’s really not American comparison. They are such apples and oranges with different pick ups, but put the same pick ups and they get way more real. Thanks. 7:13

[@pepmasters-999]

Definitely heard the 339 pushing the amp more and I did prefer its sound. I also thought it looked a bit sharper -- the darker fingerboard just pops better with the binding. And boo sucks to the game-running curmudgeons!!

[@mrjonesmusic5770]

Thank you for the review. I prefer the warmer tones of ths 335. The 339 has a great tight sound where the 335 is just plain sexy.

[@LeopoldShitzalot]

And both Gibsons have lots of veneer on them....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.

[@bluemonday4369]

I have a 21 335 in 60s cherry. It came with the Calibrated T Types. I tried to live with them for awhile but eventually ditched them for some Classic 57s. So much happier now. The guitar sounds so much better for my style. Im not sure what Gibson was thinking with those Calibrated T Types. Bleh!! Great demo on both of the guitars.

[@fistovuzi]

i didn't even know a 339 existed until now. but having recently got a Gretsch g5655t and i have fallen head over heels in love with the small-body semi-hollow. so i *obviously* want one of those, a small-body 335? yeeeeees ma'am. GIMME GIMME GIMME!

[@CaptainOfMyBurden82]

Would love to see a 335 v Casino USA comparison. Have to agree though the 339 won out of these 2.

[@brianbrazil4426]

I've owned a 1968 Gibson Walnut finish ES 335 in 1972. I loved that guitar, but it was to big and awkward for me to play comfortably on stage. I had to sell it. 2 years ago I bought the ES 339 Thinking it would be smaller and lighter. It was smaller but weighed the same as the full size ES 335. I wound up being disappointed in it because of it weighing almost 9 pounds.

[@richardeckert1050]

Love my 339. It gives me everything I need.

[@stancoleshill8925]

I really love to play guitars but I can't justify having a Gibson so I have one of each by Epiphone. I just like the look of each one but if I had to chose one I would keep the 339.

[@pauljackson9761]

I heard a definite disparity in intonation. The 335 was very close to right on, and the 339 needs work. Has that one had a recent setup?

[@toddwilliamson2651]

I was thinking of buying one of these the 339 appeals to me, then I watched Cooper play them and decided I should just sell my guitars and get a Keytar....or a mouth harp.😊

[@brucelatronica2046]

I have a 2010 custom shop 339 in black and I sold my 335 epiphone. I'm a small dude 5ft 2 so the 339 feels better to me and i don't look ridiculous with a big Ole 335

[@CQJR007]

Great playing right there.

[@ExternalInputs]

I wanted a 339 a few years back but they were hard to find and expensive. Then Covid came along and freight to my part of the world went through the roof, so I've been waiting for things to get back to normal, if in fact they ever do.

[@ripw1]

I have an old 335 with classic 57s, an early 339 with classic 57s and anew 335 with Calibrated Ts. The 57s have got more life . I've always thought the Calibrated Ts lacked the definition. The 335 is much nicer to play HOWEVER, lying in bed, the 339 is much easier. 🙂

[@jfar3340]

I really dislike t types; i replaced my with sd seth lover

[@davedoubleddykhuizen]

335 owner for thirty years: I'm not a large fella' but I could deal with the ergonomic challenges, but now that I'm a geezer, reaching around that thing for three gigs a week is pretty uncomfortable. I haul her out for special occasions and love it. But, the dimensions of the 339 look ever more attractive.

[@direwolf6234]

curiously there was no mention of the weight factor .. sure the 335 is bigger and it is a heavy guitar .. but even with the somewhat smaller body size of the 339 there is really no difference in their overall weight as they both have that same hunk of lumber thru the body .. i finally tracked down a cherry red epiphone dot 335 and enjoy playing it despite it's overall size and weight .. so when i found a 339 and held it .. although it was a smaller body it also was a dang heavy guitar .. so i'm going to stay with the 335 ..

[@MrDanalaimo]

I'd like to see a comparison with the similar Epiphones

[@scottyb3b7]

...I do like the 60s slim taper neck on 335s - wish that was option on the 339

[@ChrisShortyAllen]

I want both. Quality Gibson's.

[@barrycole]

Sport`s car or Sedan.

[@shilomangan9674]

the 339 sounds good but for my ear I still like the 335 Alot Better

[@EILONadiv]

I used to have a usa stan tele Great guitar with a 15w bassbreaker amp But i hated every sec playing with the tele Sold them both For a drum set I miss the 15w bassbreaker amp Iv got a sec hand hss usa strat(still paying for it-nother 8 payments) Hehe no amp at the moment Thinking about an ac10 vox or a brand new 15w bassbreaker amps One to decide Thinking about selling the strat to own a gibson es 335 Which one is it Suggestions pls

[@kirkwilliams2127]

339 wins… to me. We all have different taste. I’m also only 5-9 so the smaller body sounds nice. I need to try them on:-)

[@EastOfGreenwich]

The different shades of cherry make all the difference. One can hear it if one has brilliant ears like me. Only kidding. Love these guitars and would love to own both if the bux were endless!

[@ggman946]

How much of the difference here comes down to the pickup? 🤔 Are they different pickups? How much of a difference would there be if they both had the same pickups?

[@imct1]

great playing there!

[@nicolen.9642]

I'll take 335 ❤!

[@scottyb3b7]

339s are very hard to find - has anyone noted a significant physical difference though? My 335 has a lot of body/butt dive - I would switch to a 339 if it was truly more balanced on my lap

[@vincenthudson8313]

339 sounds good. Not big like the 335

[@CalebMusicCovers]

love the hat

[@aldocero8959]

Could you do a comparison between an ES-335 with a gloss finish and the ES-335 figured, please?

[@jysmtl]

Why?

[@aldocero8959]

@@jysmtl I want to hear the difference in sound, which might be subtle.

[@jimvonkropsberg399]

Es 339 a clear winner winner 🥇 chicken 🐔 dinner! I got a memphis ❤

[@constantine412]

Good review

[@rvanstar]

339, swap out the pickups?

[@rogerbarrett8441]

I own a 335, 339and a casino, and I love them all. However you will have to pry my 335 from my hands. I play, I collect, I have 4 strats 4 les pauls,2 telecasters including an all rosewood one.2 fender mustangs, a jazz maser and jaguar. a rick 325. I mispoke I have 3 335s. I will probably buy a 345 and 355 just to see. I have a casino like johns love ley guiar.

[@littlemac844]

Just subscribed!!!!!!

[@rogeratac30]

Thanks!

[@markmccafferty6515]

Great comparison my friend. I could still hear that semi-hollow air in the 339 that I like, surprisingly. Loved both, but prefer the 339

[@mkrj2576]

Size of the 339 compared to a solid LP? Neck dive?

[@ExternalInputs]

The body is wider, but the same length. They couldn't possibly be as heavy.

[@jysmtl]

@@ExternalInputsnot nearly as heavy so possibly prone to neck dive. Good question.

[@junkyardjunkie7192]

The og kush 😂😂😂 I love it

[@dalecoffing8655]

Great vid Cooper. How about compare an Epi Shareton ii to a Gibson semi hollow. The ole cheap vs expensive.

[@anthonygallo6319]

I have a 335 sixties cherry,the pickups sound no where near as good as my 61 SG ,57 classics!!!!

[@jfar3340]

yeah those t types are meh.

[@chadrickbasedman987]

i could tell he liked the 339 more cuz my boy was absolutely riffing

[@johnnylance]

Nope, the CS-336 has solid top and back. No plywood... And the phrase is "right out of the gate". It's a reference to horse racing...

[@pouyatorkiyan3258]

Nice 👍

[@OldeDog_NewTricks]

Aesthetically the 335 is what I see when I close my eyes and think of the guitar of my dreams. I have the Epiphone version, but it sounds terrible to me. 😢 I want to love it so bad. It just sounds out of tune, especially the G string. To add insult to injury that string also overpowers all the others 😂

[@toddneary]

Assuming the rest of your setup is fine, have the nut slots backfiled, polished and lubed. Similar for the saddles. Lower the polepiece/s for the 'G' or adjust overall for string and output balance prior to setting intonation.

[@JediJingleMaker]

The Jedi knows....

[@Guitarwizza1]

335 is definitely warmer… due to the size.

[@CA10Z]

I don't see ES-339 without F-holes....except mine

[@wallofrock6725]

I have one also, ES 339 Traditional Pro. It was a Guitar Center exclusive. Awesome guitar, you can dial in all the jazz tones and rock tones and not have to carry around a heavy 335 or Les Paul.

[@Brian_Vallejo]

I’ll take that 339 any day over a 335.

[@BarryPennock]

I couldn't hear much difference but could see plenty.

[@deborahmcalister3936]

it seems the 339 has a little more "bad ass" mojo about it.

[@mariodriessen9740]

Thing is… a 335 makes everybody look cooler. And the 339 uuuuuh just doesn’t. 🤔😎😬

[@ExternalInputs]

Nah, you don't look "cool" when the guitar looks huge on you, like a cartoon.

[@mariodriessen9740]

@@ExternalInputs : It was a generalization. But yes, I’ve seen pictures of Malcolm Young playing a Gretsch White Falcon and I agree, it did look silly. 😊

[@marcpost4034]

@@ExternalInputsOnly if you’re 5’7” …….😂

[@jysmtl]

339 looks much cooler.

[@ASPEDBUSDRIVER1]

You are making the wrong argument. The 339 DOES look just as cool as the 335. However, especially talking hollows semi hollows: MORE surface area just sounds better.

[@loiclebrun6519]

335 far away !!

[@bluesdriver6354]

The 335 sounded the best. How could it not?

[@LuísJoel-s7k]

The 335 is cherrier, it sounds better

[@bysykler4959]

Screw the pickups….. I want to see his pickup truck.

[@AntonioLopez-bc6qg]

I love my 335 because I am big and awkward and I need a guitar that is big and awkward.

[@amziadi]

I actually thought the 335 was better by a mile. Like, not even close.

[@rascaltwitch22]

GAUCHO HAT???

[@georged9615]

Careful who you call a geezer. Might be taken to include some of your best customers.

[@jysmtl]

As a geezer, doesn’t offend me.

[@HappyHermitt]

Being small sucks

[@stevejuliano2488]

There is nothing like a 335. Sorry.