Epiphone ES-339 Semi-hollowbody - Vintage Sunburst

The Epiphone ES-339 Semi-hollowbody in Vintage Sunburst is a compact and versatile electric guitar that delivers the rich, resonant tones of a semi-hollow instrument in a body size that feels more akin to a solid-body. It's an excellent choice for players who appreciate the classic ES-style sound but desire improved ergonomics and feedback resistance for various musical settings.

Key Features:

• Compact Semi-Hollow Body:

  • Body Shape: Reduced-size ES-style, double-cutaway, making it significantly more ergonomic and lighter than a full-sized ES-335. This design makes it comfortable for players who find larger semi-hollows cumbersome.

  • Body Top, Back, and Sides: Constructed from 5-ply Layered Maple. This laminate construction contributes to its resonant, airy tone while effectively managing feedback, especially at higher volumes.

  • Center Block: Features a solid Maple center block running through the body. This is a crucial element that enhances sustain, adds clarity to the tone, and dramatically reduces unwanted feedback, allowing the guitar to be used with higher gain settings than a fully hollow guitar.

• Neck & Fingerboard:

  • Neck Material: Mahogany, typically set into the body (set neck construction) for improved resonance and sustain transfer from the neck to the body.

  • Neck Profile: Features a comfortable Rounded "C" profile, a popular shape that feels familiar and allows for easy playability across various styles.

  • Scale Length: 24.75" (a classic Gibson short scale length), which contributes to a warmer tone and easier string bending compared to longer scale guitars.

  • Fingerboard: Indian Laurel, a durable and smooth material, with a 12" radius, which is versatile for both chording and lead playing.

  • Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo frets, offering a good balance for comfortable fretting and string bending.

  • Nut: Graph Tech NuBone, enhancing sustain and ensuring consistent tuning stability.

  • Inlays: Pearloid Dot inlays, providing classic visual markers.

• Pickups:

  • Equipped with a pair of Alnico Classic PRO Humbuckers (one in the neck position and one in the bridge position). These pickups are voiced to deliver a warm, rich, and versatile tone reminiscent of vintage PAF-style humbuckers, capable of producing everything from smooth jazz and blues sounds to articulate rock crunch, with good clarity and dynamic response.

• Hardware:

  • Bridge: LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge for stable intonation and efficient transfer of string vibration to the body.

  • Tailpiece: LockTone Stop Bar for solid string anchoring and enhanced sustain.

  • Tuners: Grover Rotomatic tuners (or similar Epiphone Deluxe tuners) with an 18:1 ratio, ensuring precise and reliable tuning stability.

  • Hardware Finish: Nickel, for a classic and understated look that complements the vintage aesthetic.

• Electronics:

  • Standard control layout with 2 Volume and 2 Tone knobs (one set for each pickup), utilizing high-quality CTS potentiometers for reliable operation and smooth taper.

  • 3-way Epiphone toggle pickup selector switch for easy switching between neck, bridge, or both pickups.

• Aesthetics:

  • "Vintage Sunburst" Finish: A classic and timeless transparent sunburst finish that transitions from dark (often dark brown or black) edges to a warm golden or amber center. This finish beautifully showcases the maple grain, providing a traditional and appealing visual.

  • Binding: Single-ply cream binding on the body (top and back) and neck, adding a touch of classic elegance and definition.

  • Pickguard: 3-ply Black pickguard, in the traditional ES-style shape.

  • Control Knobs: Black Top Hat knobs with metal inserts.

• Case: Typically, this model does not come with an included case or gig bag; these are usually optional accessories.

The Epiphone ES-339 Semi-hollowbody in Vintage Sunburst is a fantastic option for guitarists who love the resonant, nuanced tones of a semi-hollowbody but prefer a more compact and comfortable instrument that feels closer to a solid-body guitar. It delivers classic looks and versatile performance for a wide range of musical styles, from blues and jazz to rock and pop.