Gibson ES-339 Figured Sixties Cherry

The Gibson ES-339 Figured Sixties Cherry

The Gibson ES-339 Figured Sixties Cherry is a refined instrument. It shows the ongoing evolution of the semi-hollow electric guitar. This model is part of the famous ES series. It has a smaller body shape.

This design helps modern players feel comfortable. It still keeps the sound qualities of the larger models. This description gives a clear overview of the instrument. It focuses on how it is built, its parts, and its sound abilities.

Construction and Materials:

The Gibson ES-339 Figured Sixties Cherry has a laminated maple top and back. This choice of materials helps improve its sound quality and sustain. The figured maple, finished in Sixties Cherry gloss, shows a beautiful grain pattern. This adds a touch of style.

The solid maple centerblock is a key part of semi-hollow guitars. It helps reduce feedback and keeps the natural sound. This centerblock splits the body into two chambers. This design creates a mix of solid-body sustain and hollow-body airiness.

The mahogany neck has a rounded “C” shape. This design makes it comfortable to play. It works well for both chords and lead styles.

The rosewood fingerboard, adorned with 22 medium jumbo frets, provides a smooth playing surface. The 12-inch fingerboard radius, a standard specification, balances playability across the neck, accommodating various techniques. The mother-of-pearl dot inlays serve as visual markers, aiding in navigation along the fretboard.

The body of the Gibson ES-339 Figured Sixties Cherry is smaller than the ES-335. This makes it a more compact and easier-to-handle instrument. This smaller size is helpful for players who find the bigger body of the ES-335 hard to handle. This is especially true during long playing sessions or live shows.

Hardware and Electronics:

The Gibson ES-339 Figured Sixties Cherry has Gibson’s Calibrated T-Type humbuckers. These pickups are made to sound like vintage PAF humbuckers. These pickups deliver a balanced output, providing a versatile range of tones suitable for various musical genres. The Alnico 5 magnets contribute to a clear and articulate sound, with a pronounced midrange and a smooth high-end response.

The control layout consists of two volume and two tone knobs, along with a three-way toggle switch. This standard setup gives players precise control over the instrument’s tone. It lets them mix the neck and bridge pickups to create the sounds they want. The hand-wired control assembly, featuring Orange Drop capacitors, ensures signal integrity and tonal consistency.

The ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, coupled with a Stop Bar tailpiece, provides stable intonation and sustain. This bridge system allows for precise adjustments to string height and intonation, ensuring optimal playability. The Grover Rotomatic tuners offer smooth and accurate tuning, maintaining stability during performance.

Sonic Characteristics:

The Gibson ES-339 Figured Sixties Cherry’s sonic profile is characterized by a blend of warmth, clarity, and sustain. The semi-hollow design and maple centerblock create a rich sound. This sound has strong midrange and clear highs. The Calibrated T-Type humbuckers contribute to a versatile sound, capable of delivering both clean and overdriven tones.

The neck pickup offers a warm and mellow tone, suitable for jazz, blues, and clean rhythm playing. The bridge pickup provides a brighter and more aggressive sound, ideal for rock, blues-rock, and overdriven lead playing. The combination of both pickups produces a balanced and versatile tone, suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

The instrument’s ability to handle various levels of gain and distortion is notable. The centerblock effectively minimizes feedback, allowing for higher gain settings without compromising clarity. This versatility makes the Gibson ES-339 Figured Sixties Cherry great for players who need an instrument that can adapt to different music styles.

Ergonomics and Playability:

The smaller size of the Gibson ES-339 Figured Sixties Cherry makes it easier to hold. This design makes it more comfortable to play, especially for long times. The rounded “C” neck profile provides a comfortable grip, facilitating both chordal and lead playing. The 12-inch fingerboard radius allows for smooth bending and vibrato techniques.

The instrument’s weight distribution is balanced, contributing to a comfortable playing experience. The small size and balanced weight make the ES-339 a good choice for players who value comfort and ease.

Aesthetic Considerations:

The Sixties Cherry finish, combined with the figured maple top and back, creates a visually appealing instrument. The gloss finish enhances the depth and clarity of the figured maple, adding a layer of sophistication. The mother-of-pearl dot inlays and chrome hardware add to the look. They create a classic and refined style.

The instrument’s design reflects a blend of vintage aesthetics and modern refinements. The classic ES body shape, along with smaller dimensions and modern hardware, creates a good-looking and versatile instrument.

Conclusion:

The Gibson ES-339 Figured Sixties Cherry shows how the semi-hollow electric guitar keeps getting better. Its smaller size, along with its flexible sound options and stylish design, makes it a good choice for many players. The instrument’s design, materials, and parts create a clear and balanced sound. It can adapt to different musical styles.

The ES-339’s ergonomic design enhances its playability, making it a comfortable instrument for extended playing sessions. Its ability to handle various levels of gain and distortion, coupled with its clear and articulate tone, makes it a versatile tool for both stage and studio applications. This model is a testament to the continuous evolution of Gibson’s iconic ES series, providing a blend of classic design and modern refinements for the discerning player.