Gibson ES-339 Vintage Sunburst

In 1958, Gibson debuted a guitar that provided the perfect combination of solidbody and hollowbody features-the ES-335. With a solid maple block running down the center of its thin, hollow body, the ES-335 provides the fat, resonant tone of a hollowbody guitar while delivering the sustain and feedback resistance of a solidbody. Gibson's hybrid design, known as a semi-hollow guitar, remains a perennial favorite of players of nearly every style of music from jazz and blues to rock and punk.

While the ES-335 is thin like a solidbody, its body width and length are similar to the large dimensions of an archtop guitar. As a result, many players accustomed to solidbody instruments often find the ES-335's size and weight somewhat unwieldy. Now solidbody players can enjoy the distinctive tones of a semi-hollow guitar thanks to Gibson's new ES-339 model, designed and built by the experts at the Gibson Custom Shop. The ES-339 features smaller body dimensions but sacrifices none of that huge semi-hollow tone that makes the ES-335 universally appealing. Lighter, more compact and comfortable than a traditional semi-hollow guitar, the ES-339 feels like a Les Paul but sounds like an ES-335.

Despite its smaller body dimensions, the ES-339 does not look like an awkward dwarf version of a 335. The craftsmen at Gibson managed to shave several inches off the traditional semi-hollowbody design while retaining perfect proportions that look classy and natural. You may not even notice the difference until you pick up the ES-339 and instantly realize how much lighter and more comfortable it feels.

All the features guitarists love about the ES-335 are present and accounted for on the ES-339. First, it boasts a pair of '57 Classic Humbuckers that deliver full-bodied tone with rich midrange and singing sustain that players can't live without. The tulip-head Kluson tuners, nickel hardware, ABR-1 bridge, stop tailpiece, dot fingerboard inlays, and lacquer finish look like they came right out of 1958. Even the craftsmanship and attention to detail is as good as it's ever been.

However, Gibson did make a few subtle improvements based on feedback from players over the years. The output jack is mounted on the side of the guitar instead of on the top, keeping the cable out of the way. The slim 30/60 neck has the slim, wide feel of an early '60s Gibson, with an extra .030-inches of depth-perfect for today's faster playing styles. A heftier '59 neck profile is also available for guitarists who prefer a chunkier neck but still enjoy fast, smooth playing action. An improved electronic wiring circuit preserves the guitar's high frequencies no matter where you adjust the volume control. The 339 sports Gibson's new Memphis Tone Circuit, which preserves the guitar's high frequencies no matter where you adjust the volume control. Named in honor of the great guitar builders of Gibson Custom Memphis, where each 339 is handcrafted, the Memphis Tone Circuit gives the 339 a beautiful, open tonal spectrum at any volume.