Mack reviews the Epiphone ES 339 (Best guitar under $500)

[@leviathan_is_me]

My nephew calls me up and says "I got a surprise for you." I get there and he hands me a hardshell case with an Epiphone ES339 (vintage burst) inside. Got a Boss Katana 50 to play through (WOW amps have grown LEAPS AND BOUNDS since my day). I played for years and ended up selling EVERYTHING when I became "dad". 16 years later and I am building my collection back up, lol. Thanks Josh, your a great nephew!

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Way to go Josh! That is awesome!

[@mikemurdock7234]

I've had one of these since 2019 and did not expect it to become my main guitar at the time, but it quickly did reach that spot, replacing a Strat I had been playing since 2012 and completely blowing my Gibson Les Paul out the water (which cost nearly triple the price of this guitar). The ES-339 is amazing. It has never let me down whether playing Blues, Jazz, Rock and even Country. Love the pickups so much. I always like to tell people how well they handle Country and Rockabilly style, cause I have never seen videos of people playing Country to a 339, but I can assure you, it gets that twangy tone perfect. I play a lot of Southern Rock and with some Country influence, I never dreamed I'd find a guitar that handles that style better than a Telecaster but I did with the 339.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Hey Mike, thanks for sharing your experience with the ES 339. I’m totally with you! I have a couple $3K Les Pauls, American strats and tele but this 339 has become my primary guitar. I agree, it can definitely handle the honk and spank styles for country. It truly covers everything you throw at it exceptionally well. I describe it as the guitar you didn’t even know you needed.

[@mikemurdock7234]

@@MackGuitarGuy I love your description there. It is indeed the guitar you didn't know you needed! LOL I was in shock when I bought this guitar and it sounded better than my Gibson that cost over a thousand bucks. Since I play in a Southern Rock band, I was wanting to buy a Telecaster before I found this guitar, and it smoked the Teles I had tried. Epiphone truly hit a home run with these pickups. I usually prefer single coils, but these are hands down the best humbuckers I've ever had. I cannot wait for the pandemic is over so I can bring this guitar to gigs and play it live.

[@garygraves2853]

I thought I was going crazy when I thought the same about it being better than my Gibson Les Paul jr! I got one used today with epiphone hard shell case in new condition for $350 & feel like I robbed the guy! I do plan on upgrading the electronics & nut but have no have no problem sitting it next to my Fenders & Gibson!👍

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Awesome deal!

[@tonylittle2744]

@@MackGuitarGuy I completely agree with the above comments. I have much more expensive guitars but with a wiring mod and a cheap plastic cover on the back covering a hole cut out to access the electronics this is the guitar always with me and the one I always go to for playing at home. Great size and stupidly cheap to buy. Great playing by the way Mack.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I'm glad you mentioned the body size in comparison with a LP. Nobody else I've seen ever mentions that.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

👍🏽 That’s one of the things that I love about the ES 339

[@sp1602]

I absolutely loved this video, man. When I clicked on it I expected you to have a *LOT* more subs. Thanks for the review. P.S. You have an awesome voice.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks so much for the positive feedback 🙏🏽. I’m just really getting things going but looking forward to bringing more relevant content to my YT channel.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I'm about to pull the trigger on an ES-339, but concerned about neck shape, which I've been told is a "D", with broad shoulders and flat back - is that true, or is it more rounded, like a "C" shape...? Thanks!

[@MackGuitarGuy]

It is a D shape but it doesn't feel like most of the D shaped necks that I've played. I actually don't usually like D shaped necks. This is the first one that has felt good to me. Maybe it's a smaller depth. Most D shaped necks feel like a baseball bat to me. The C shape is more of an oval shape with a flatter profile which is usually my preference.

[@richardnish6469]

I have one, your playing makes it shine.

[@mns8732]

Nice description of the guitar but what i enjoyed the mist was your phenomenal playing!

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks so much!

[@guitargirl7452]

Great guitar. I have one too and love it! Awesome playing too! You Sir have chops and tone for days. Great feel! 💓👏👏

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks Guitar Girl! It really is a great guitar!

[@davidriley4895]

really nice playing sample. did it come with a case, gig bag or just the guitar?

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Hey, thanks David. Unfortunately no case or gig bag came with it. I'm looking for a gig bag for it now.

[@mldav4]

Thanks for the great review... i currently play an Epiphone Sheraton, its a great guitar but gets a bit heavy after a while. The 339 being smaller could be my next buy... very nice frettboard i must say..

[@sammiami2654]

I have one of these on order so the info on the guitar and demo were well done. The fact you like it's playability is important for me to hear and have confidence my money will be well spent.. I thought the clean tones sounded pretty good -- better than the dirt. You haven't changed the pickups, right? One thing I plan on doing right away though is to upgrade the wiring harness and then see if I want to swap out the pickups. Thanks again.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Hey Tim, thanks. I think you’ll really enjoy the guitar. Those are the stock pickups coming from the guitar. I thought I was going to change them out but the more I played it I’ve been happy with them for now. The great thing about this guitar is that it’s perfect for any customization or upgrades you want to do with.

[@sammiami2654]

@@MackGuitarGuy I finally got the 339 and am really knocked out by it's quality! You're right about the pickups -- they sound really good! I like to customize all my guitars -- so I do have some Lindy Fralin Pure PAFs that I'm going to install in any case, but right out of the box, this guitar sounded great in all three positions. The neck was really good -- the fretboard was a little dry, but some lemon oil fixed that. The bottom line is this guitar is a terrific buy and I would recommend it to anyone.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

@@sammiami2654 That’s awesome Tim! Congrats! It really is a great sounding and playing guitar.

[@DarrenMalone253]

Great vid, up close shots are best 🤙 nice playing too

[@Nellosphere]

😍 The moment he starts riffing

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks!

[@jamesfyffe2610]

Eipiphone is getting great reviews across the board.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

This is my first Epiphone and I’ve been really impressed.

[@mantrinbago]

Picked up one of these today. Action is low on the rosewood fretboard. Easy string bends. Also mine came with split coil push pull knobs on the volume pots. A really versatile instrument.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Awesome, congrats!! It really is a great guitar and definitely versatile.

[@juicicles5881]

Coil-split was on the Pro from a few years ago. :) The new ones don't have it. At least, not yet... The old regular 339s didn't have neck binding and coiltap. Pro had both. Now it's binding, no tap. But that's easy to install and pretty much worth it on anything with humbuckers

[@livemusicalgarve]

Awesome demo, thanks Mack

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks Adam! Thanks for checking it out!

[@clemdewitt4522]

Hey Mack! First time on your channel. Enjoyed it. Nice review, GREAT playing!

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Hey Clem, thanks so much! 👍🏽

[@clemdewitt4522]

@@MackGuitarGuy You're welcome! You now have another subscriber...your burden to bear! LOL Take care my friend.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

@@clemdewitt4522 LOL, much appreciated brotha.👍🏽

[@michaelkelly1251]

Glad I watched this review I would love to be able to play like you do in the demo. I think you should be in that click with all the big names.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks so much Michael and thanks for checking out the video!

[@tickedoffsheikh8587]

Mack you said rosewood fingerboard...all the others I've been hearing has PF wood. Is that correct by you...rosewood? Where did you shop this guitar and cost? Excellent video.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Hi, that was my error. It is a Pau Ferro fretboard. I got it at my local Guitar Center for $499. Thanks so much!

[@tickedoffsheikh8587]

@@MackGuitarGuy ... thank you too man. Hey, this is the ES 339, and not the 'PRO' right? Can you get the classic heavy metal sounds too? Rock on.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

@@tickedoffsheikh8587 Yes it is the 339Pro. Ohh absolutely, throw some distortion at it and this thing grinds!

[@tickedoffsheikh8587]

@@MackGuitarGuy thanks again.

[@surgeneral108]

great playing 👏🏾👏🏾

[@damagecontrol60]

You, sir, have chops for days! I live in Miami, not sure what are you perform but I would go see you in your city!! I have the Casino Coupe with P 90s (sounds a bit darker than the 339) and the 339 with P 90s (pups are hotter than the Coupe). I put a Deusenberg trem on the 339… it’s great… a beautiful sounding and versatile guitar!

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks so much! I need to check out the Deusenberg trem.

[@harrisonjankovich1942]

Loved the playing! This guy is super 😎 cool

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thank Harrison!!

[@twelveabove1803]

Nice review! Thank you

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@tonya4157]

Nice! And that is a pretty fretboard.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

It's a special guitar!

[@thenewtowncryer]

I just got a used 2019 in excellent condition w/the same vintage type tombstones and case for $359 and took it straight to a looth for a new nut and set up. 2 weeks and I start playing it. I don't even plug in, I just use to play late at night to not make noise.

[@Bumper_jed]

I have an epiphone casino coupe, have you thought about a casino coupe?

[@markmartin3221]

Hey Mack✋Mark here you said you changed pickups out what did you go with? Thanks in advance

[@markmartin3221]

So sorry you did say Alnico pick ups what did you not like about the standard pick ups? Also do you get your shredding riffs by mesmerizing scales or how do you get to fly so quickly across the fingerboard? Thanks in advance for any answers

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Hey Mark, I actually kept the stock pickups in my 339. I like them.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

They're still the stock pickups.

[@markmartin3221]

Thanks for the reply That’s good to hear. I also didn’t want to spend 3k on another guitar. I get mine on the 10th of this month. Excited to play it after seeing and hearing your review, thx. I actually pulled the trigger because of your review. So, TY

[@MackGuitarGuy]

That's Awesome Mark! I think you're going to really enjoy it!

[@charliemcgrain]

Great playing brother.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks a lot Charlie!

[@roymontero4066]

Yo i like your chops. Upload more vids brother

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Hey Roy, I'm currently working on a new show but definitely more vids to come!

[@NonDirectionalFilms]

Nice review Mack. I added a sub.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks so much! Really appreciate the sub.

[@JorgeVonninger]

Great tone and great playing man.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Hey Christopher, thanks so much man 🙏🏽

[@cmmnsenserules4339]

wait..... rosewood???? What year is this axe????

[@MackGuitarGuy]

It's actually Pau Ferro.

[@moedeluca2318]

Great video! Now if this is a new Epi ES-339, then the fretboard is NOT Rosewood. It is Pau Ferro, which is very close to Rosewood but not actually real Rosewood. No matter though as both woods have very similar characteristics. Also, one thing you didn't mention is that the nut is tusq and not plastic. That is really nice because tusq IMO is even better than bone to my ears. I own the cherry version of this guitar and I can't believe how good it is! The only way I would get the Gibson version is if someone gave me one for free as they are nice... but WAY overpriced.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Hey Moe, thanks so much for the response and information. I guess I was finding older specs which referred to the neck as Rosewood. After further research, it seems that the fretboard is a "Indian Laurel" wood? I'm not sure, I've never heard of this wood before. Maybe it is Pau Ferro? Not sure but it is a gorgeous wood for sure. Also I can't believe I forgot to mention the Graph Tech TUSQ nut! That was one of the things I was so impressed with. Usually guitars in this price range have a plastic nut. Epiphone really did great with this guitar! I'm curious and would love to get my hands on a Gibson ES 339 for comparison but I'm kinda with you. I can't imagine it playing or sounding $2400 more than the Epiphone ES 339.

[@moedeluca2318]

@@MackGuitarGuy My pleasure man! Yes, I did my research before I bought my Epi 339. Absolutely love the guitar and the overall workmanship/materials used, etc. is awesome. There are currently 2 different variations of the Epi ES-339: the ES-339 Pro (which is the one I have and the one you demonstrated) and the new "Inspired by Gibson Original ES", ES-339 (not "Pro"). The ES-339 Pro has a Pau Ferro fretboard (which is closer to Rosewood than Indian Laurel, but both woods are very nice), and the non-pro version has the Indian Laurel. Why Epiphone decided to do this is beyond me. Also, the Pro version has coil-tapped pickups so you can have the nice fat sound of the humbuckers or a semi Strat single-coil sound by pulling up on the knobs. The non Pro model does not have coil tapping and is more traditional. A couple other things are that the nut material for both are Tusq (however, that's NOT listed in the specs for the Pro model) so I called Epiphone myself and found out for sure that it is in fact Tusq, I asked them why they didn't list that and the guy had no answer for me?? Also, and this is a curious one, the nut size & scale length for the Pro model is the standard 1.68/24.75 respectively while the non-pro model has an unusual nut/scale length of 1.69/24.72. Your guess is as good as mine as to why. I had a chance to play both before I bought and I definitely prefer the Pro model for its versatility. They both sound great but the Pro was best to my touch and ears. Oh, almost forgot, the headstocks are different as well, the Pro has the traditional headstock you showed in your video while the non-pro has a headstock that Epiphone used to have quite a few years ago, both are very cool IMO. The last thing : )) is that they both have the same neck pickup, but the Pro model has the Alnico Classic Pro PLUS in the bridge while the non-pro has the same pickup for both neck & bridge (the standard Alnico Classic Pro). The plus means the magnets have more coil winding so it's a slightly hotter pickup for a greater "bite". I have had the opportunity to play several Gibson 339's and the materials used are practically the same as Epi except Gibson use more of them... as in thicker lamination for the tops, heavier duty bridge and stopbar, and a few other cosmetic "upgrades". But overall, the Epi's are SO close that the price difference is TOTALLY unjustified! Cheers!

[@Lexington1]

@@moedeluca2318 I'm a beginner guitarist learning on both acoustic and electric (strat). I'm not super comfortable playing the strat while sitting (doesn't feel stable) so I've been looking around for something that feels better to me. I dismissed the 335 because of it's size but came across a 339 Pro in a store and really gelled with it. I think that I will be replacing my strat with this guitar but I'm not sure which version I should get. I'm learning the usual beginner songs at the moment but my goal is to start playing soul, r&b, neo-soul, jazz. Would I be better off with the pro since it can also split the coils and kinda do the strat/tele thing? Any difference in quality?

[@moedeluca2318]

@@Lexington1 No differences in quality. They're both excellent. I'd go for the Pro as it is more versatile than the standard. The single-coil coil split won't sound exactly like a Strat but close enough where you'll get the skinnier sound. Best of luck!

[@chriswebb383]

It's a graphtech nut

[@LilyWhite0]

Great video!!!!

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks!!

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

I just ordered an Epi ES 335 in Ice Tea from AMERICAN MUSICAL SUPPLY a few days ago. But it's on back order until end of June. So I'll have to wait. I'm pacing the floor right now looking at the wall calendar. 😁

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Awesome! That is a nice finish. Definitely worth the wait getting the exact guitar you're wanting. It really is a great guitar, especially for the price.

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

@@MackGuitarGuy Thanks Mack. But I had a bit of a brain fart here. It's actually the BEGINNING of June, not the end, my mistake. But much better for me! 😁

[@barrypilson2158]

I think it may you that makes the guitar sound good. Nice groove

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks Barry!!

[@rodriguez63]

Very good review...good information and report about how it is to play and work with...AND...no endless twideling around trying to show how "good" you play wich is often very anoying...just a couple of licks and parts that show exactly what to expect from this guitar...thanks Mack

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks so much Rodriquez. I really appreciate your feedback.

[@michaeljoyce3286]

That’s exactly how I am right now Im in the market for a semi hollow and don’t want to spend three grand and I came across an Epiphone es pro 335 and I’ve been contemplating between the two but I think this video help me out out

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Hey Michael, I definitely hope it helps. I really like the ES339 and it's size.

[@KernelComics]

Really nice guitar and super handy. It would be better if Ephiphone makes a version with the mother of pearl handle just to make it more precious like the Sheraton Pro II.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

I agree. That would have been a really nice touch.

[@sychustudio2525]

Its very good but you need too change the bridge couse its really bad. I put gotoh, with out changing pickups.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Before I got it I did see reports of some having rattling in the bridge. That was one of the first things that I checked when I was trying this guitar out. Maybe there’s been some upgrades to the bridge because the bridge on my guitar is as solid as the tunamatic bridges on my $2 & $3k Gibson Les Pauls. The beautiful thing is that at the price of the ES339 it’s easy to make upgrades and still be within a great price for the guitar and upgrades.

[@sychustudio2525]

@@MackGuitarGuy that's awesome, my was really bad and out of tune, after I changed guitar respond also better. Anyway, really good guitar 🙂 And I like the pickups and the colour too, my it's cherry .

[@jfishcake]

What pickups did you switch in?

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Hey A.J. after recording with the guitar, I decided not to switch the pickups. I actually like the stock pickups just the way they are.

[@jfishcake]

@@MackGuitarGuy Nice. Thank you for the response!

[@rogersilcox524]

No mention of the coil tap facility.😟

[@bobboitt3126]

Nice playing, you sound a lot like Steely Dan 😎

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Wow, thanks!

[@jakjan1]

great vid

[@chriswebb383]

But this after a pickup swap ..the stickers are DARK !!

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Stickers?

[@Mr.56Goldtop]

SUBSCRIBED!

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Thanks so much for subscribing!

[@tomfoolery342]

Great review, your voice makes me think of incenses and joining a cult, but other than that, Awesome review! HaHaHa just kidding....

[@MackGuitarGuy]

LOL 😂 Thanks Tom

[@garygraves2853]

Hell nah!😂😂😂

[@CourtesyOfAR]

Killer review 🎸🔥 and comment 😭🤣😂

[@webusecom]

If you're with the fourth Internationale, that's your cult right there :D

[@tomfoolery342]

@@webusecom Dude, I just liked Trotsky's hair and mustache, the fact that he was trying to bring back Leninism and fought Stalinism was NOT a factor in me choosing my avatar! HaHahaHa

[@natestrayhorn1578]

keep up the bob ross vibes theyre going to get you somewhere

[@MackGuitarGuy]

LOL 😂 Okay 👌

[@natestrayhorn1578]

@@MackGuitarGuy Yessir! Do you think you could help me decide on the es 339? I want to get a super super soft tone sort of similar to how a fender rhodes piano sounds like, but I want the strumming to be super silky and buttery (as far as pick noise) .. could you message me on instagram @natestrayhorn so we can talk about the tones of it?

[@moedeluca2318]

@@natestrayhorn1578 Hey Nate! All you pretty much need to do is feed it clean through your amp with no effects except for maybe light touch of reverb. I'm mostly a Jazz/Blues player and I rarely use too many effects and this guitar sounds like pouring warm honey. It's thick, rich, and really sweet sounding. Due to the coil tapping ability, there are so many sounds you can get from this thing it's just crazy! Just experiment a bit and you'll get it!

[@stsgabe]

and then he shreds

[@MackGuitarGuy]

🤣

[@johnlund2654]

$549.00 now

[@octave06]

Are these made in china?

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Hi Carl, yes these are made in China.

[@jboyle679]

thanks Lenny Kravitz

[@MackGuitarGuy]

LOL

[@kjv-public-domain]

If you are going to sit in your room and play for fun, then go for it. If you play at least two hours a day to learn new material, do a 4 hour practice once a week, and play two four hour gigs on the weekend, then don't buy it. I bought a brand new Gibson 335s Deluxe in 1980. I'm still playing it. I've had the frets changed out twice, and the finish is worn off the back of the neck, but it is still a work horse, and the electronics are awesome. Even the newer Gibsons are going to last a lifetime. You do not have to seek out vintage gear. It's your hard work and money. Buy something that is going to stay with you.

[@MackGuitarGuy]

Great guitars should last a lifetime, for sure.