Description

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar: FAQ

How does the Epiphone ES-339 differ from a full-size ES-335?
The ES-339 uses a smaller body while retaining familiar ES-style features including semi-hollow layered maple construction, a solid maple centerblock and dual humbuckers. Its more compact dimensions make it a good option for players who want semi-hollow character in a smaller playing platform.

How does the ES-339 centerblock affect feedback?
The solid maple centerblock helps resist unwanted feedback compared with a fully hollow guitar, making the ES-339 better suited to amplified playing at higher volume levels. As with other semi-hollow guitars, feedback can still occur depending on gain, volume and playing environment.

Is the Epiphone ES-339 suitable for players coming from solidbody guitars?
Yes. The ES-339's compact body can feel more manageable to players accustomed to solidbody guitars than a larger semi-hollow design. Its rounded "C" neck, 24.72" scale and 12"-radius fingerboard also provide a familiar playing platform.


Semi-hollow resonance meets manageable proportions in the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES-339 semi-hollowbody electric guitar. Its layered maple top, back and sides surround a solid maple centerblock, combining the character of an ES-style semi-hollow design with added feedback resistance for amplified playing. A rounded "C" mahogany neck, 24.72" scale and laurel fingerboard provide familiar playability, while dual Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers with CTS potentiometers deliver versatile two-humbucker tones for everything from clean rhythm work to driven leads. Grover Rotomatic tuners, a Graph Tech NuBone nut and LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece complete a compact ES platform designed for players who want semi-hollow character without the dimensions of a full-size ES model.

Compact Semi-Hollow Construction With Centerblock Control

Layered maple forms the ES-339's top, back and sides, with a solid maple centerblock running through the semi-hollow body. The centerblock helps resist unwanted feedback at higher amplified volumes while retaining the resonance and response associated with semi-hollow construction. Compared with larger ES-style instruments, the ES-339's reduced body dimensions create a more compact playing platform that can feel familiar to guitarists accustomed to solidbody instruments. The result combines recognizable ES construction with proportions suited to a wide range of playing situations.

Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers Expand Tonal Range

Dual Epiphone Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers give the ES-339 a flexible two-pickup voice. The neck pickup provides a warmer response for clean passages, chords and lead lines, while the bridge pickup offers additional definition and attack for rhythm work and driven tones. Independent volume and tone controls with CTS potentiometers allow each pickup to be adjusted separately, and the 3-way toggle provides quick access to either pickup or both together. This traditional control layout makes it easy to move between contrasting sounds without adding unnecessary complexity.

Rounded C Neck Provides Familiar ES Playability

A mahogany neck with a rounded "C" profile gives the ES-339 a substantial yet approachable feel across its 24.72" scale. The 12"-radius laurel fingerboard carries 22 medium-jumbo frets, providing a comfortable surface for chord work, bends and lead playing. Combined with the guitar's reduced body dimensions, the neck helps create a familiar playing experience for musicians moving between solidbody and semi-hollow instruments while retaining the proportions and feel associated with a traditional ES-style design.

Classic Appointments Reinforce Traditional ES Style

Traditional appointments give the compact ES-339 the visual character of Epiphone's larger semi-hollow designs. Single-ply cream binding outlines the layered maple body, while a five-ply black pickguard provides familiar visual contrast. The 1960s Kalamazoo-style headstock and nickel hardware further reinforce its vintage-inspired presentation, creating a cohesive ES aesthetic across the instrument without distracting from its straightforward working layout.

Reliable Hardware Completes a Versatile Semi-Hollow

A LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge provides individual intonation adjustment, while the matching stopbar tailpiece securely anchors the strings. Grover Rotomatic tuners offer precise tuning adjustment, and a Graph Tech NuBone nut completes the string path with a durable engineered material. Bringing these practical appointments together with dual Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers, centerblock construction and compact proportions, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES-339 semi-hollowbody electric guitar offers classic ES character in a smaller, versatile platform.

Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar - Vintage Sunburst
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar - Vintage Sunburst
Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitar - Vintage Sunburst

Features

  • Compact semi-hollow electric guitar with dual humbuckers and maple centerblock
  • Layered maple body surrounds a maple centerblock
  • Rounded "C" mahogany neck supports familiar playability
  • Laurel fingerboard includes 22 medium-jumbo frets
  • Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers cover warm cleans and driven tones
  • Individual volume and tone controls use CTS potentiometers
  • LockTone bridge and stopbar support stable intonation
  • Grover Rotomatic tuners provide smooth adjustment
  • Graph Tech NuBone nut promotes consistent string movement
warning

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

General
  • Product type: Semi-hollow electric guitar
  • Series: Inspired by Gibson
  • Model: ES-339
Body
  • Body construction: Semi-hollow with centerblock
  • Body shape: ES-339
  • Top wood: Layered maple
  • Back wood: Layered maple
  • Side wood: Layered maple
  • Centerblock: Maple
  • Binding: Single-ply cream, top and back
  • Body finish: Gloss
  • Available colors: Cherry, Natural, Pelham Blue, Vintage Sunburst
Neck
  • Neck construction: Set neck
  • Neck wood: Mahogany
  • Neck profile: Rounded C
  • Scale length: 24.72"
  • Truss rod: Dual action
  • Headstock: 60s Kalamazoo
Fingerboard
  • Fingerboard material: Laurel
  • Fingerboard radius: 12"
  • Frets: 22 medium-jumbo with pearloid dot inlays
  • Nut: Graph Tech NuBone
  • Nut width: 1.69"
Hardware
  • Bridge: LockTone Tune-O-Matic
  • Tailpiece: LockTone stopbar
  • Tuning machines: Grover Rotomatic
  • Pickguard: 5-ply black
  • Hardware finish: Nickel
Electronics
  • Pickup configuration: HH
  • Neck pickup: Alnico Classic PRO humbucker
  • Bridge pickup: Alnico Classic PRO humbucker
  • Controls: Individual volume, individual tone
  • Switching: 3-way toggle
  • Potentiometers: CTS
  • Output jack: 1/4"
Strings
  • Number of strings: 6
  • Factory strings: .010-.046
Other
  • Orientation: Right handed
  • Case: Sold separately

Featured Articles

Reviews

4.58

19 Reviews

95%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Solid and beautiful guitar

I was surprised at how fat the neck is when I unpacked the guitar, I have small hands so I wasn't sure it would work for me. Neck is thicker than my Martin D-35 acoustic, for reference. But somehow, it feels comfortable. I thought the guitar came with coil splitting, the older ones did, this one does not. Not a biggie, I have a Strat. Otherwise nothing but raves, the build quality is solid. For years, when I had more money, I was looking for a Gibson like this, but every one I found seemed poorly made and overpriced. I got it to study jazz guitar, but as a mostly blues and Americana guy, no complaints, it handles everything fine, sounds amazing for folk rock types of music and gets very modern sounding tones for playing blues. I was thinking of returning it due to the thickness of the neck, but too late, fell in love with it and the neck isn't really a problem for some odd reason, can't explain it, it just feels good. The main thing to pass on is, this is a solidly built and beautiful guitar and can cover a lot of styles. I lowered the action myself, usually pay someone to set up my guitars, but after lowering the bridge the intonation was still spot on and it plays beautifully. Bought a comparably priced Ibanez, but returned it, the difference in quality was remarkable, no contest, Epiphone got this one right, it's a keeper. No cosmetic flaws, beautiful finish, Grover tuners, it looks and feels great and makes me smile when I play it.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Good Value

I am satisfied with this Guitar. Was able to try the es 339 of the rack. I liked the feel and size of neck. Very comfortable to play..This one also had no fret buzz and fairly low action (Which is not always the case).Also pick ups were clear with a good tone . I felt with a change of strings and slight adjustment in string height the guitar would be a nice guitar. I play jazz standards & smooth jazz.. Used it on a venue and it sounded great. Was impressed how clear and clean sounding it came across. Also very balanced tone. Pick ups may be slightly hot but not a real problem. In closing found the guitar to have good tone and comfortable to play. It's a good value.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Jamming14
  2. Practicing13
  3. Recording8
  4. Small Venues8
  5. Rock Concerts4
Cons
  1. Heavy for small semi hollow1
  2. Poor Pick Up1
  3. Poor factory setup1
  4. No coil splitting like older models1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced14
  2. Professional Musician3
  3. Novice2
Pros
  1. Good Tone17
  2. Fun To Play16
  3. Good Feel15
  4. Solid Electronics13
  5. Good Pick Up12
  • Outstanding guitar and value!

    5

    submitted3 months ago

    byRussell

    fromBrooklyn, NY

    I got this beauty from GC (used) and the staff at the Brooklyn location couldn't have been nicer and more helpful. The guitar was packed really well, and it was in great condition. It plays like a dream! I couldn't be happier with my experience in purchasing and playing this guitar

  • I would buy this again

    5

    submitted6 months ago

    byMitch

    fromRockport, Texas

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    This is a beautiful very well built guitar.

  • Good guitar but too heavy

    4

    Verified Buyer

    submitteda year ago

    byBlake

    fromDayton ohio

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I like the guitar but for a small semi hollow it was too heavy. I play in clubs almost every week and I need a guitar that is 8 pounds or less.

  • Solid and beautiful guitar

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byJesse

    fromEugene, Oregon

    I was surprised at how fat the neck is when I unpacked the guitar, I have small hands so I wasn't sure it would work for me. Neck is thicker than my Martin D-35 acoustic, for reference. But somehow, it feels comfortable. I thought the guitar came with coil splitting, the older ones did, this one does not. Not a biggie, I have a Strat. Otherwise nothing but raves, the build quality is solid. For years, when I had more money, I was looking for a Gibson like this, but every one I found seemed poorly made and overpriced. I got it to study jazz guitar, but as a mostly blues and Americana guy, no complaints, it handles everything fine, sounds amazing for folk rock types of music and gets very modern sounding tones for playing blues. I was thinking of returning it due to the thickness of the neck, but too late, fell in love with it and the neck isn't really a problem for some odd reason, can't explain it, it just feels good. The main thing to pass on is, this is a solidly built and beautiful guitar and can cover a lot of styles. I lowered the action myself, usually pay someone to set up my guitars, but after lowering the bridge the intonation was still spot on and it plays beautifully. Bought a comparably priced Ibanez, but returned it, the difference in quality was remarkable, no contest, Epiphone got this one right, it's a keeper. No cosmetic flaws, beautiful finish, Grover tuners, it looks and feels great and makes me smile when I play it.

  • ES-335 NOT 339

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    bySteve

    fromLowell, MA

    Wanted one for years, and finally got one in Oct. during that GC sales month. I love how it sounds, feels, plays and looks, happy I bought it. Pelham blue is a great color. However, it's listed as a 339, but it's a 335. Look at my pictures. It's 16 inches, not 14; 335=16, 339=14.

  • I really love this guitar for the price point

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byDan

    fromRaymond New Hampshire

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Plays nice. Quality is what you would expect for a 500.00 guitar. I love the look and thin-line construction. The neck is very good with a "C" style feel. It fits my hand, in a comfortable position. The tobacco vintage appears to be way cool. Not too heavy. The only drawback is the tuners. I find it hard to keep tuned. This may be due to the Hollobody construction. I've tried three different string manufacturers with the same result. I rate myself as an advanced beginner. Overall a good buy. The Epiphone website is pretty good, my only phone call to customer service was received, very good, with helpful information.

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked byDoug

    fromUnited States

    The wiring states HH wiring. This usually means coil tapping, so you drop a coil and essentially turn the humbuckers into single coil pickups. Can anybody confirm this, and where is the switch for single coil?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    HH means that the guitar has 2 humbucker pickups
  • asked byChris

    fromSyracuse, NY

    Do new guitars, such as this one, receive any type of inspection or setup before being shipped?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This guitar would come with a setup and inspection from the factory.
  • asked byAlphasoixante

    fromNYC

    What kind of pickups are in this guitar?

    Open Reply - Ronald
    Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers
  • asked byMersit

    fromBrooklyn,NY

    hey, what type of input cable do I need for the guitar

    Open Reply - Thomas
    A standard 1/4" guitar cable. Something like: Livewire Elite Instrument Cable 10 ft. Black