A Tale of Two Semi-Hollow Guitars - Ibanez AS73FM vs. Epiphone ES-339

[@andrewclarkeguitar]

I really like the sound of that 339!

[@shawnhuff3920]

I just bought this exact ibanez and I am very excited about it

[@andrewgonoudemusician]

Thanks for the video. I just got that Ibanez last week and I am very pleased with it. Mine is the olive green version, looks and sounds amazing. But I do agree, the pickups on your Eppy are better. I might upgrade my pickups! Thanks again. : )

[@danfurr1907]

I have both of those guitars and love them! After several years I still can't pick a favorite. They're both great with good frets , and good pickups........

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

I’ve never played an Epiphone that an Ibanez didn’t outplay

[@Kindacutehuh]

I can only agree!

[@darksabe]

I really love how the Ibanez looks so much, but the 339 sounded noticeably better to my ears 😢

[@MalamuteMan1]

I know it was 2 years ago but would love to know how specifically? Genuinely interested

[@titichartay7216]

Thank you for a great review.

[@jeffreyRfike]

Ibanez and Epiphone have been my favorite guitar makers for a long time, good value for great quality and features. Have an AS73 and have been considering a dot/339 so this video is exactly what I've been looking for! Definitely picking up a 339 now, thanks for the great and clear comparison.

[@curtolmscheid1661]

I have an epi 339 pro P90’s. Fit and finish are excellent. I had expected to replace pickups when I first bought it. However, the stock pickups sounded fantastic. No need to swap them out.

[@paxonearth]

I was hoping that the Ibanez would come out on top, but although they both sound terrific, the 339 is the hands-down winner in this comparison, IMO. It just has a wicked edge to the sound that is absent in the Ibanez.

[@phlobleg]

I like the review. I bought and Epi 339pro Pelham blue, lovely guitar but couldn't get on with the neck so I gave it to my son who loves it. I then bought an Epi 339 inspired by Gibson and I love it, slim C profile neck , no coil tap but who cares, a fab guitar.

[@fernandomolina7151]

Rayos no puedo decidirme, en un par de semana voy a comprarme una y estoy justo en esos dos modelos. Ambas se ve ven y oyen fantásticas, no puedo decidirme.

[@twowaymuir]

I picked up a used Ibanez AS 73 Artcore in red and made of maple instead of the Lindenwood they switched to. Has the Elite pickups and I really like them. Good for Jazz to Rock. The playability is super with very low action.

[@pimpovic2]

When did they switch wood species on the Artcore?

[@twowaymuir]

2019@@pimpovic2

[@gregweber3387]

Both guitars sound wonderful but I think I'm a little partial to the Epiphone ES-339. 🎸

[@MerlinMusic]

I must say that I'm definitely in Team Ibanez. My first electric guitar was an Ibanez SA160FM and I much prefer that one over my Epiphone Les Paul which has a lot of quality control issues :( btw these kind of more personal videos are awesome! I'd love to watch more of your vlogs :)

[@TheGuitarFam]

I used to have an Ibanez SA series too! Thanks for watching Merlin.

[@alvisgrady3357]

Great playing and two nice boxes .

[@TheGuitarFam]

Thanks for listening

[@JackTheSkunk]

I am in the market for a similar guitar. Leaning towards an ES339 in cherry.

[@CayTexDavid]

I like the Ibanez. It sounds fuller and a bit more mellow to me. Not much tho. I also like the looks of it. I would be interested in trying out the smaller Epi; never tried a smaller guitar.

[@TheGuitarFam]

Yeah, I really like both. I'd be interested to hear what you think of an Epi like the one here David.

[@johngarrity6687]

Agree totally on the warmth. Sweeter for jazz maybe. Will be looking...

[@rileylucky6276]

I own an Epiphone es-339, an Epiphone es-335 Dot (coil taps), a Blueberry which doesn't coil tap, and an Ibanez as93zw. I have some others. I love them all. Changed the strings to Flatwound jazz . They sound great. The 339 is a little smaller than the 335. I am going to have the Blueberry modified to coil tap. I have an Epiphone Florentine Les Paul which I had modified with some Seymour Duncan Hotrod Humbuckers and push-push coil tapping pots. They all have their own voices. I may invest in moding out the Ibanez.

[@yetivanmarshall1473]

So date night for you guys is trading licks!😊! Well, this crosses off the Ibanez for me. I'm looking to be able to get closer to the old Clapton tone or Steve Howe. Ty.

[@TheGuitarFam]

LOL. Yes, sometimes.

[@yogabodymindpositions5153]

2:01 good tone from the Ibanez!

[@mitcharney1]

Obviously the Ibanez is a larger instrument which will give a slightly fuller tone. There is no differences in the pickups of both guitars. I have worked guitars for over 30 years and own both Epiphone and Ibanez models 2 models of each brand. Keep playing you sound great and what a nice situation to have your wife playing also.

[@ceelee5850]

Nevet talk about body affecting tones, because once pickups and electronics are replaced, the tones will be different.

[@farkasgabor3491]

These two guitars differ a lot. The Ibanez has different centre block construction sandwiching spruce and balsa on top with maple in bottom. The neck is sandwiching laterally maple with Asian mahogany substitute. Together with larger body it produces louder volume and sounds with more presence (top end frequencies) acoustically. The 339 classic full maple c. Block and pure mahogany neck provides a rather classic semi hollow sound with much more bite. The pickups of Ibanez are underwound also vs. Epi. The 339 is excellent for jazz vibe with neck pickup , the spectrum of the Ibanez is not so suitable for this genre, this is why I sold mine long ago.

[@Bulletisred]

Have an As-83vls. I love it even with the ACH pick-ups. Sound great to me

[@davidburckhardt7672]

I owned an ES-339 and an Ibanez AM93 simultaneously, playing jazz. For some reason, I preferred the feel of the Ibanez. My daughter loved the look (cherry red) of the Epiphone, so she now plays it, and I’m happy with Ibanez.

[@TheGuitarFam]

Win Win!

[@michaelp8856]

NATE - great work -Thanks - been waiting for a head to head of Ibanez (I) vs Epiphone (E) - thanks thanks thanks! mike I purchased an AS73-TBC (2021) from Ebay B-Stock ($220, make an offer, Adorama). I chose the I over the E because i compared the two at Guitar Center. The fit and finish seemed much better on the I. For example the volume/control knobs on the E looked and felt cheap and some other things too. When i received my Ibanez-AS73 i found the quality to be exceptional - not one issue -frets, etc. The only thing, a friend found a slight crack where the body meets the neck - a problem with Ibanezes (?). Not sure if it came that way from Adorama or not (?) - complete bummer. I don't know if i did it - but don't handle your guitar by the neck and carry it at an angle by the neck - carry it perpendicular to the floor at all time - to avoid this. Note - Ibanez makes a AM-73 which has a smaller body than the AS-73. I think that would be beneficial as the AS-73 is pretty big and clunky. Also Ibanez makes a step up AS-93 which has much better pick-up Super58s - much better. IF I HAD TO DO IT AGAIN - But i'd buy a Ibanez AM93 (used for ~$500). AS-113 has coil splits/taps good luck

[@TheGuitarFam]

That's a great deal Michael.

[@miguelmb396]

Ibanez es más limpia...y aguda ..para mí más versátil

[@weldingrockandroll2197]

Had both of em at different times. I currently have the ibanez and love it! But one major issue is the neck pickup is way to warm for me. It has no bite to it. Loved my epiphone, but had to sell it a couple years ago

[@vittoriobassi9880]

Ibanez AS73 vs Epiphone ES339: - bridge (gain) - 0:45 vs 0:51 - bridge (clean) - 0:56 vs 1:04

[@Dodgerm1cbo]

Hi I have the es339 and love it my main guitar has always been a telecaster but love the versatility of the 339

[@TheGuitarFam]

Kind of in the same boat. A tele has always been my primary and I love the 339... even though it's really my wife's now. ;D

[@roberttosa2560]

Ibanez. Love the tone. I play an AS93 and love it. Thanks Nate. Love your playing.

[@CayTexDavid]

How does a Gretsch hollow body compare?

[@TheGuitarFam]

To me... Gretch has it's own thing going . I had a G5120 and loved it. It wasn't as versatile as the guitars in this video because it was a full hollowbody, but it was more unique.

[@oldtimer99]

Nice demo. Can you share the string set gauge on your AS73FM? The tailpiece height? Action? Thanks!

[@TheGuitarFam]

I use 9.5 gauge strings. The tailpiece height is down as far as it can go without the strings touching the bridge. I shoot for 1.5-1.6mm on the bass side at the 12th fret and 1.25-1.5mm on the treble side at the 12th fret. Thanks for watching.

[@oldtimer99]

Thanks @@TheGuitarFam

[@kendallpeters6451]

I just got a Ibanez AS53 and it’s everything I hoped for. It plays great..any genre you might like. 👍👍👁❤️🎸🤩

[@alibaba-wy1iv]

For me IbanezAS73 sound brighter especially the treble feedback, while Epi339 sound more tight, buttery warm and deep. Both are great, but I like ES339 sound more

[@jimmrvos2930]

Another terrific video Nate! I've also got a Epiphone 339 Pro. I really like it. It's got a nice tone and is very comfortable to play. I don't own a Les Paul, but I kind of think of my 339 as a semi-hollow Les Paul. It's got several things in common. I bought my 339 for playing jazz, but I never could get the tone I wanted. It just missed a bit on the thick jazzy sound I wanted. So I ended up buying a 335, but still kept the 339 because it sounded so good.

[@TheGuitarFam]

Thanks for watching Jim. Yeah, the 339 can fake jazz but it's great for blues and rock stuff.

[@CaiqueML]

I have the same epiphone 339 (same color as well) and i just love it. The luthier thay do the maintenance in my guitars aways try to buy it from me 😅

[@co7013]

That Ibanez looks and sounds so much better then the Epi, although the two tone finish is a bit funky. But that fits nicely with the painting you have on your wall. I had that 339 when it first came out but I bought and sold a full size semi-hollow (Samick). Great guitar. I didn't like the look (very dark burst), the feel (neck and balance -neck heavy), the sound and the quality of the finish on the Epi. Maybe I could have given it some more time. But that 335-size Samick feels so much better.

[@TheGuitarFam]

Yeah, the painting was a happy accident.

[@TheDeadhead71]

Is the epiphone neck heavy? I had a LP epiphone where standing up, the neck would go to the floor. Sitting down no problem

[@Anton-ji4td]

Try the Ibanez AS93. I also have the Epi 335 IBG. They are both super great. I also have Gibson USA LPs and Fender USA. PRS.

[@jojolapraline]

That's what I call a good comparaison.😎

[@danfurr1907]

What amp are you using? Esp. in the intro.........nice reverb.

[@michaelp8856]

Again Nate - thank you!

[@TheGuitarFam]

My pleasure!

[@robertpeed8217]

Where did you get your T-shirt? I love it.

[@TheGuitarFam]

I think my mom picked that up for me in the Austin airport.

[@glineni_gurgusan]

The Ibanez is closer to my taste both in sound and looks, but the improv at the end is my favorite part of the video.

[@badscrew4023]

the 339 sounds more congested - less highs and stuffy mids...

[@joesbanjointerests9281]

Nice. Albanez is brighter and Epiphone sounds more vintage. Both are awaome!

[@ralex3697]

Ibanez

[@AnaBanksxo]

We’re you using any pedals in the vid at the jam at the end? looove the tone. also, were you playing the Ibanez with the new pick ups or tbe OGs in this vid? Thanks! Great vid

[@TheGuitarFam]

Hi Ana, I was just using an HX Stomp with some reverb and delay.

[@9unslin9er]

My first Electric guitar ever was an Ibanez Artcore semi-hollow in 2005. It was the model that predated the AS73. They were well made back then, and probably even better now. I don't usually like fade/gradient finishes, but they really knocked it out of the park with that maple->indigo top. They use the same Classic Elites in the Ibanez Gio RG.

[@RFV1962]

Nice video what do you think about the Ibanez as93 fm and epiphone Sheraton II pro which one is better

[@TheGuitarFam]

I've never played an AS93, but I've played a Sheraton II. I can compare the Sheraton to the 73 though. I'd say that the Sheraton is a lot like the 339. It's more traditional feeling than the Ibanez.

[@sheilasimpson7092]

Great video. I have several semi-hollow body guitars. I have both of the ones in your video. Of the two, I like the The 2014 ES-339 Pro with P-90 pick ups much better. I bought the Ibanez because of the color, I have the Green Valley Faded Maple(FM). I also have an Ibanez AS 83 violin burst. That guitar sounds GREAT. I think it has Super 58 pick-ups in it. But I don’t like the full body size. That one is the size of a 335. That is too big for my comfort. The hollow body that fit me the best is my 2014 PRS SE Custom 22. Your wife would love it. You would like the PRS SE Piezo hollow body. As you can tell, I really like the look of hollow bodies and that is the primary reason that I buy them plus the are light weight.

[@leomilani_gtr]

The epiphone pickups sound way better... But I love the neck and finish of the Ibanez guitars. Maybe an upgrade in those pickups takes it to another level.

[@TheGuitarFam]

Funny you mentioned that. After I recorded this video, I put the same pickups that were in the Epiphone in the Ibanez. ;)

[@anderstammyct]

Great comparison video, Nate! You have two awesome sounding guitars there. I would be very interested in seeing how the Epiphone fits me size-wise. For sound, I prefer the Ibanez. While I don’t have a semi hollow, I do have a full body hollow Ibanez AF75G that I love.

[@TheGuitarFam]

Thanks for weighing in Tammy. I think this video will be pretty split down the middle for what people like, but we will see.

[@joellecasagrande914]

i definitively go for the IBANEZ !!!

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Take that pick guard off that gorgeous Ibanez….looks so much better without, imo. Nice playing dude

[@TheGuitarFam]

Yeah, I'm going back and forth between the pick guard or not. I LOVE the blue finish and wood... but I love black too.

[@ebaybasuki]

The 339 sounds closer to a les paul than it is to a hollow body

[@cironicholas526]

Sad But True was probably the last song in the world i would expect on a semihollow demo

[@TheGuitarFam]

LOL. Yeah, I just have a small list of standard songs for comparisons like this, so I figured why not. Sad But True is pretty easy and crunchy.

[@mboyer68]

How funny, I own an Ibanez af73 in red and I'm buying an Epiphone es339, both off craigslist. The Ibanez was $300 with a nice case, and the Epiphone is going to be $400 but it's $550 new and basically brand new, the ouch guard isn't even scratched. The Ibanez is just so big! I was planning on selling one after I played both. I do really like the Ibanez because it's got the nicer fret markers, binding on the headstock and around the f holes, so it's a higher optioned guitar in my opinion. But the Epiphone is a gorgeous burst design and it's got the coil taps, so....decisions decisions. I just want one of every guitar, is that so bad? One thing is I removed the pick guard from the Ibanez, the way it's designed, the strings are high off the body, so I don't ever hit the body with the pick. I think the Epiphone is going to be similar.

[@TheGuitarFam]

That' is funny. I guess these two are direct competitors. I ended up putting Epiphone pickups with coil taps in the Ibanez.

[@kendallpeters6451]

I got a semi-hollow cause my solid bodies are nice but I’m looking for tone. And my Ibanez gives me the tones that the solid bodies don’t. So cool.👍😂😂

[@chrisgjelsten3621]

I bought an Ibanez AS-93 FM and sold it right away. The neck was wavy and it wouldn’t stay in tune.

[@TheGuitarFam]

That stinks.

[@islander4986]

I think "coil tap" switching actually shortens the winding length/output of any pickup, including single coils like P-90's. Pretty sure your 339 has "coil-splitting" switching which splits the dual coil humbuckers into single coils, at least that seems to be what you're describing.

[@liv4music]

5'9" is not short. 😁 Absolutely beautiful playing at the end of the video. Great review. Thanks. Liked and subscribed.

[@TheGuitarFam]

Thanks Brian Q. Guess I just have a lot of tall friends. ;)

[@erebus79]

pretty short for a white man

[@BlackonBlack-]

wow, AS sounded way better. I have a D'Angelico 339 , its awesome, but bigger guitar body matters

[@shawndoig4392]

Ibanez seemed a little brighter sounding. The Epiphone seemed to have a fatter bottom sound.

[@0e0]

i like the cleaner notes out of the Epiphone

[@razeu482]

Those are guitars I'd want but I think Gretsch could be better.

[@msaintpc]

The Ib sounds much better.

[@mr.smithgnrsmith7808]

Ibanez all day

[@wearashirt]

jaw drop! the ibanez sounded better. Epiphone was sibilant / icy

[@lazvt8469]

I prefer the woodier mellower sound of the Epi especially clean tones. Ibanez was brighter, a bit crisper but kinda sterile sounding (yes, 'modern' like my great Schecter strat). Go with an Eastman and get a Gibson equiv for 1/3 the price. As for guitar aesthetics....the Germans say "the eyes get to eat too". I'm a sucker for looks...I'm shallow.

[@TheGuitarFam]

I liked the woodier mellow stock sound of the Epi as well. I ended up putting the same pickups in the Epiphone into the Ibanez and it made it head in that woodier direction a bit more, but it still has more bite than the epi.

[@ianbarnes1406]

I just treated myself to an Eastman T484, their 339 equivalent, and it's a fantastically made guitar. However, I'd be a bit worried about gigging with it in case it got damaged or stolen, so I took a punt and bought an Epi 339 online. I have to say that I'm not a huge fan of Epiphone guitars, but the 339 has impressed me in terms of build quality and playability

[@lazvt8469]

@@ianbarnes1406 That's good to know...I'm a lefty...almost bought a used Sheraton. I prefer the smaller size of the T484/339...the 335 feels to big to me. I don't gig...just collect..but don't tell my wife.

[@MCarvalho232]

Ibanez Top!

[@baragentledragon]

Only 5 9? The average height in the USA is 5 9. So this is not short. Its average. And some people may not like being considered short, when the nations average height is 5 9.. Just saying.. I ma 5 9. Not short... Average. The guitars are fab. Playing is cool , for an average dude :)

[@georgehorner1578]

Epi