ES339. Sighted. Assimilated. We are Borg.

Walks Backward

Walks Backward

Well-Known Member
Ok. Pay Call. Money in the bank. Got the phone back on. Meaning internet as well. Was fun really not having it. Was like the 50's all over again. Went to Tyler (city east of me) to make my car payment, buy a pound of specific gun powder, and have lunch at a "fancy" restaurant. That means one where the don't call your number but actually take your order from the table. Big medicine for a backwoods heathen like me.....

Something in the back of my mind went "ping...ping...ping" it was a Borg activation signal. I drove to Guitar Center. Entered with only minor detection by humanoids present. Tracking systems active, acquired strong signal from used sector. Many instruments present. Narrowed pattern on search. 2014 mfg. pristine, like new Epiphone natural finished ES339 targeted. Sensors near overload. Must assimilate! MUST ASSIMILATE! !
Target assimilated in new black polyester cloaking device (gig bag) and deposited in rear cargo bay of land cruiser (trunk of my Lincoln ) Returned to primary quarters to regenerate assimilated sonic generating device with main power unit. Ummmm, plug into an amp and go nuts!

Found out it's got pull pots to split coils in the most pleasing humbuckers. Nice touch. Didn't know this model had that feature. After a quick setup to suit my taste, I found it even more playable than in GC. Splendid neck. Responsive controls and very dynamic pickups. Blues with style. Rocked like a big dog with a generous amount of screaming sonic bombast in the manner of Nuge! I left a stain!

Smaller than a 335. Lighter than a Les Paul. But contains qualities from both. Why haven't I ever really looked at one before. Traditional thinking? Turned my nose up at it because it was different? Who knows? One thing for sure, it's a keeper. Mucho cool!

Can't see the grain in this pic, but it's nice. Not too curly or such. Just a nice smooth maple grain with enough character to enjoy but not detract if ya know what I mean. Anyway, here the required "pic or it didn't happen" thing.
tmp_6692-2017-03-31 20.05.011815058253.jpg
 
eSGEe said:
Now you can get your UNCLE TED vibe really going
Click to expand...

Well, close. There's a massive block amidship that works very well on keeping hollowbody feed back in check, but I'm one of the few Borg that can neutralize it an get the famed "howl"!
Stranglehold baby!:celebrate2:
 
congratulations! Good choice. Especially finding a good quality used one. I have the P-90 version.
Caledonia 6@100.jpg
I keep posting pictures of mine... people are probably sick of seeing them. But I had been lusting
after the Gibson version for a number of years. My ES-339 G.A.S. began bubbling when I first read
about this model, back in maybe 2008 or nine. Gibson might have built these before, but I never
knew it.

Anyway, when I first became aware of the ES-339, Gibson was pricing them at $1999, and including
a pair of '57 Classic p'ups. A fair price, I thought, for a real Gibbie, simply because it's such a cool
guitar, and so appealing.

But, since i own a few really nice guitars, I was slow to pounce. A cat that's slow to pounce
catches nothing, eh? But I would always look when M/F or Sweetwater would illustrate them in
their catalog. I found one in a music store in Tucson, and was sorely tempted, because I got a
chance to strap it on and plug it in. I had the same reaction you did... loved the neck, loved the tone
and feel, loved the balance and the compact size. I think it's an excellent innovation in the ES line.

Fast fwd to the great 2015 Gibson Bash-fest. There was a lot of sore-head comments flying around,
concerning Gibson's colossal arrogance in assuming we would stand in line to buy their highly priced
instruments with the new-fangled robo-tuners and the zero fret nut that was made outa pot metal that
was too soft. I usually stand there staunchly defending Gibson's right to be... but became quietly
distracted by Epiphone's version of the ES-339, and her sister the Epi Casino Coupe.

So my ES-339 P-90 pro was my vote in the great Gibson 2015 live or die debate. While all the other
yay-hoos were at the Colosseum screaming thumbs up or thumbs down, I went out behind the bunkhouse
makin' beautiful music with my Epi home-girl. I named her Caledonia. Here's one feature I really like:
neck back 3@100.jpg
No one sees it but me... but so? I really like the look of this mahogany neck glued into the maple
(plywood) body. And this neck feels great to my grubby paws... fast and comfortable. I don't think of this
guitar as a hollow body guitar... she seems more like an electric guitar with hollow wings. I don't think
this one gets any "acoustic' tone, so the hollowed out cavities are for weight relief. And for show
I suppose. Caledonia weighs about 8 lb (3.63 Kilos) so she's comfortable, like a Telecaster.

My guitar's selector switch crapped out after about a year of playing, so I replaced the wiring harness
with a good quality kit from Sigler Music. That was a bitch! I think they install the wiring harness before they glue the back on, which makes a lot of sense until you want to swap something out. I think it's easier to
pull all the guts out of a Humbucker equipped model... but the P-90 model with the center block means
everything has to come out the F hole, and then everything has to go back in, with fishing lines tied to
the new parts so you can draw them up and into the right hole. It's fiddly and exasperating, but I'm
glad mine's done, and I don't ever have to do that again. When I pulled the stock wiring
harness out, I was surprised to see the Epi equipped with CTS pots. Does that mean:
Chinese Telephone Supply? Or what. Dunno, but I already had the new wiring ready to
go in, so I just yanked it all.
_DSC0028@100.jpg
_DSC0030@100.jpg

I love my ES-339... can you tell? *grins
Congratulations again. Love to see some more pictures, even though yours looks quite a bit
like mine. These guitars are notorious for the big Euro "E" peeling off the pick guard. I simply made
myself a new P/G out of ebony headstock veneer, because I'm so fond of this instrument. Others just
peel the durn E off and 86 it.
 
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I've had old 335's from '68, '85, & '90. Epi Sheridans, Dot Deluxe, and even a Gretch or tw but this is a really remarkable instrument. I snubbed them and the Gibson models as being too small, unnatural, and other biased opinions based solely on being on old coot that resists change. But this model, with the Alinco Pro Classics pickups and well executed coil tapping, and simply great playability and balance has me eating my ill spoken words of the past. I was badly mistaken in my previous judgement, it is a remarkable instrument.

The previous owner has the stopbar cranked down on the deck and the TOM so high you could slice cheese with it. Common mistake but no harm. There was absolutely zero dents, dings, or scratches on it. The nickel hardware was shiny and free of damage as well. Frets were as if untouched. I suspect it may have been poorly set up for slide. But for a 2014 to be in this condition is an uncommon sight. Col., you may rest assured I will treat this instrument as I do my others. Wiped down after every sitting. Cleaned and polished weekly. Fretboard cleaned and lightly oiled every string change. Stored in the case every night. All my instruments and weapons are extremely well cared for. I learned this from my childhood having few items and tools. They were costly to obtain on the rez and hard to replace so I took great care of my things. The old sarge's gear is always ready for inspection Col.(y)
 
I have the CS336. It is very similar to the ES339. It is glorious. Congrats in a smart and attractive purchase!
 
Same colour as mine - amazing value guitars, and even with a lens I can't find a single part of the build less than perfect. The only problem mine came with was the Epiphone decal that was peeling away from the pick guard. One tug and that was fixed.

And of course it is way more comfortable to play than a 335, particularly in a high wind.
 
Walks Backward said:
Ok. Pay Call. Money in the bank. Got the phone back on. Meaning internet as well. Was fun really not having it. Was like the 50's all over again. Went to Tyler (city east of me) to make my car payment, buy a pound of specific gun powder, and have lunch at a "fancy" restaurant. That means one where the don't call your number but actually take your order from the table. Big medicine for a backwoods heathen like me.....

Something in the back of my mind went "ping...ping...ping" it was a Borg activation signal. I drove to Guitar Center. Entered with only minor detection by humanoids present. Tracking systems active, acquired strong signal from used sector. Many instruments present. Narrowed pattern on search. 2014 mfg. pristine, like new Epiphone natural finished ES339 targeted. Sensors near overload. Must assimilate! MUST ASSIMILATE! !
Target assimilated in new black polyester cloaking device (gig bag) and deposited in rear cargo bay of land cruiser (trunk of my Lincoln ) Returned to primary quarters to regenerate assimilated sonic generating device with main power unit. Ummmm, plug into an amp and go nuts!

Found out it's got pull pots to split coils in the most pleasing humbuckers. Nice touch. Didn't know this model had that feature. After a quick setup to suit my taste, I found it even more playable than in GC. Splendid neck. Responsive controls and very dynamic pickups. Blues with style. Rocked like a big dog with a generous amount of screaming sonic bombast in the manner of Nuge! I left a stain!

Smaller than a 335. Lighter than a Les Paul. But contains qualities from both. Why haven't I ever really looked at one before. Traditional thinking? Turned my nose up at it because it was different? Who knows? One thing for sure, it's a keeper. Mucho cool!

Can't see the grain in this pic, but it's nice. Not too curly or such. Just a nice smooth maple grain with enough character to enjoy but not detract if ya know what I mean. Anyway, here the required "pic or it didn't happen" thing.
View attachment 3710
Click to expand...


Col has one, I am sure he will chime in soon enough. Congrats, Wade
 
Thank you gentlemen for the resounding approval and praise for my venture. Don is quite correct about not finding a single part of the build less than perfect. I couldn't agree more. As with many of the Epiphone instruments produced in the past decade or better, their quality continues to remain a standard that serves as a benchmark for many other companies to be measured by.

I didn't truly intended to buy another guitar. Maybe another distortion pedal or similar perhaps. But when this ES339 fell into view and I played it I was hooked. In reality I'm glad the Borg sent me in. :D
 
What a beautiful guitar Wade! I fell in love/lust with the Col's p-90 version when he first posted it at the other place. I really like the 339s.
 
It's a love fest! or a Consensus, amazingly enough. Pardon me, but I would dearly love to
have bought the Gibson version. Except that it was too much money. Not just too much, but
way too much. If I had more money than brains, I might have indulged my G.A.S. and be the
proud owner of a lovely and lacquered lady who got herself made in USA.

But I'm very happy with this Epiphone. Like our other members, I looked my prize over after
taking her outa the box. Fit and finish were excellent, and since she's finished with Polyurethane,
she's pretty much impervious to anything but vicious blows with hard edged implements. Wade,
ya don't have to fuss so much over an Epi. The Polyurethane is a very durable and practical finish
for a working guitar IMHO.

On mine, the Fret over Binding is very well done. Another reason to go Epiphone in 2015. I get very
impatient with the endless bickering over Gibson's nibs. As a matter of fact, whenever I see that word
in play, I tend to scroll on by. Not interested. I would never buy a guitar with nibs on the neck, because
I'm so happy with my unbound Martins and Gibsons. For me its an imaginary issue... like a nightmare.

But I have two Epiphones, and each has fret over binding that seems perfectly done. My Epi Wilshire's binding
blends so well that I didn't even realize it was there for a long time.
Skeeter binding4@100.jpg
Dunno what this binding is made of... on an inexpensive guitar, maybe it's plastic that looks
like rosewood. But I've had this Wilshire for more than five years with no problems. She was made
in 2006 as a replica of the Sixties Wilshires made in Kalamazoo. Time will reveal any flaws I suppose.
Caledonia headstock@100.jpg
Here's the headstock on my Epi ES-339... modded with black tusq nut, ebony TRC and black Gotoh tuners.
but check out the fret over binding. It's very nicely done and comfortable to play. I'm very fond of this
guitar, does it show? If I gave a once sentence review (not like me) I'd say it's very fun to play.
Frets and binding seem well made, guitar responded very well to setup and modifications and is
a joy to make music with.
Caledonia binding@100.jpg
I got my ES-339 at a very low price. Painfully low, if you like to support U.S. industries
and workers, as I do in spite of this incident. A lapse of character on my part, but hey...
I own enough 'merkan guitars to be considered a patriot, except that my patriotism quotient
is at it's lowest ebb right now, I don't want to talk about it. I just wanna play my Epiphone.
Caledonia 2016@100.jpg
 
Col Mustard said:
It's a love fest! or a Consensus, amazingly enough. Pardon me, but I would dearly love to
have bought the Gibson version. Except that it was too much money. Not just too much, but
way too much. If I had more money than brains, I might have indulged my G.A.S. and be the
proud owner of a lovely and lacquered lady who got herself made in USA.

But I'm very happy with this Epiphone. Like our other members, I looked my prize over after
taking her outa the box. Fit and finish were excellent, and since she's finished with Polyurethane,
she's pretty much impervious to anything but vicious blows with hard edged implements. Wade,
ya don't have to fuss so much over an Epi. The Polyurethane is a very durable and practical finish
for a working guitar IMHO.

On mine, the Fret over Binding is very well done. Another reason to go Epiphone in 2015. I get very
impatient with the endless bickering over Gibson's nibs. As a matter of fact, whenever I see that word
in play, I tend to scroll on by. Not interested. I would never buy a guitar with nibs on the neck, because
I'm so happy with my unbound Martins and Gibsons. For me its an imaginary issue... like a nightmare.

But I have two Epiphones, and each has fret over binding that seems perfectly done. My Epi Wilshire's binding
blends so well that I didn't even realize it was there for a long time.
View attachment 3720
Dunno what this binding is made of... on an inexpensive guitar, maybe it's plastic that looks
like rosewood. But I've had this Wilshire for more than five years with no problems. She was made
in 2006 as a replica of the Sixties Wilshires made in Kalamazoo. Time will reveal any flaws I suppose.
View attachment 3721
Here's the headstock on my Epi ES-339... modded with black tusq nut, ebony TRC and black Gotoh tuners.
but check out the fret over binding. It's very nicely done and comfortable to play. I'm very fond of this
guitar, does it show? If I gave a once sentence review (not like me) I'd say it's very fun to play.
Frets and binding seem well made, guitar responded very well to setup and modifications and is
a joy to make music with.
View attachment 3722
I got my ES-339 at a very low price. Painfully low, if you like to support U.S. industries
and workers, as I do in spite of this incident. A lapse of character on my part, but hey...
I own enough 'merkan guitars to be considered a patriot, except that my patriotism quotient
is at it's lowest ebb right now, I don't want to talk about it. I just wanna play my Epiphone.
View attachment 3723
Click to expand...


Even if you don't want to talk about it, keep your patriotism quotient up as high as you can. Your country needs it.
 
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