es-339 vs sg-61' reissue

[jus10]

Ok so I've really wanted an SG for awhile....

2 weeks ago I bought a used SG special....it was a good deal...so I settle for less than I wanted...but was fine with the price I paid for it.


Before I bought the special, I tried every SG I could find....to include the 61 reissue...WOW....I loved this guitar....But I couldn't justify the price.

Now after playing this special....which does sound good...I've realized I'd really like to have the binding and a proper case...

And thats just the looks and extra's....

The 61 sounds great with those 57 classics.

So I went into GC to try it out again....and the guy turned me onto the ES-339....I was reluctant to try it...because I want an SG...

I have a hollowbody and its great for certain things....but like most it prone to excessive feedback....

So I was pleasantly surprised to see that the 339 had 57's and when I cranked it on the neck pickup it didn't feedback....this was at a modestly loud volume...

the guitar looks great...its a custom shop with a COA...and its slightly cheaper than the 61 reissue....

So....anyone out there have this guitar...and what do you think about it?

 

[Oaklanda]

I have a '61 SG RI with Fralins and it's a great guitar. Nice and light, fast neck, great tone. Some complain they're neck heavy, but I've never run into that.

I'm really interested in the ES-339's too. Musician's Friend was blowing out blems for a while. From what I've heard they're pretty good guitars but have had some setup issues out of the box. The plastic nut is problematic (why, Gibson, why? How much more would it cost to use bone, Corian, or Tusq nuts??). I've heard that the fretwork is a little sloppy, too. Of course, these may have been the blem issues.

I love the look of them and the size. I almost pulled the trigger on one but opted for the GOTW #33 Les Paul instead.

Tough decision between the two because they're pretty different. I say buy both.

 

[Blues Rocker]

I'm a huge ACDC fan, so though I don't own one, I've always liked their tone.

I've been playing solid bodies for decades, but after seeing the light, I just today put an order in for a antique vintage sunburst ES-339.

Though I looked at SG's, they never felt or played right to me. I am a boogie-blues/rocker who is trying to become cultured and incorporate some jazz into my rock and blues...ala Robben Ford and some of Larry Carlton.

Sooo...the ES-339 will become my main axe. Reasons:
Raunchy crunch when I need it for hard rock
Smooth, luscious tones for my budding jazz style
Looks to bring the dead back to life!
Stage presence
Covers blues, rock, jazz, country, funk, folk, and any genre I might play.

No one can make a choice for YOU, but for me...it's the 339!

 

[Deus Vult]

i think its great that youre so pysched....you cant stop posting about it. i think you'll be happy with your 339. you must post pics as soon as she arrives. any idea when she's due?

 

[Blues Rocker]

i think its great that youre so pysched....you cant stop posting about it. i think you'll be happy with your 339. you must post pics as soon as she arrives. any idea when she's due?

And Who might share some of the blame for THAT!

Monday, baby! Counting the minutes!

 

[nick1962]

In last month's Guitarist magazine (UK) there was a glowing review of the 339 - seriously, they LOVED it! Get a copy and be convinced....

 

[Blues Rocker]

In last month's Guitarist magazine (UK) there was a glowing review of the 339 - seriously, they LOVED it! Get a copy and be convinced....

Thanks for the tip!

 

[Blues Rocker]

I'm a huge ACDC fan, so though I don't own one, I've always liked their tone.

I've been playing solid bodies for decades, but after seeing the light, I just today put an order in for a antique vintage sunburst ES-339.

Though I looked at SG's, they never felt or played right to me. I am a boogie-blues/rocker who is trying to become cultured and incorporate some jazz into my rock and blues...ala Robben Ford and some of Larry Carlton.

Sooo...the ES-339 will become my main axe. Reasons:
Raunchy crunch when I need it for hard rock
Smooth, luscious tones for my budding jazz style
Looks to bring the dead back to life!
Stage presence
Covers blues, rock, jazz, country, funk, folk, and any genre I might play.

No one can make a choice for YOU, but for me...it's the 339!

I just spent 2 hours playing on my new ES-339 through my Bassman and I can tell you that it is everything I had hoped for and more. I couldn't stop playing it. It plays so easily, absolutely sings the blues, raunchy rock and back the volume down and it is awesome for jazz. It went flat out for rockabilly, a genre I enjoy also.

I cannot give the ES-339 anything but my highest recommendation. Simply a beautiful, "custom shop" axe with a finish to be proud of and an action that is like greased lightning!

 

[Deus Vult]

I just spent 2 hours playing on my new ES-339 through my Bassman and I can tell you that it is everything I had hoped for and more. I couldn't stop playing it. It plays so easily, absolutely sings the blues, raunchy rock and back the volume down and it is awesome for jazz. It went flat out for rockabilly, a genre I enjoy also.

I cannot give the ES-339 anything but my highest recommendation. Simply a beautiful, "custom shop" axe with a finish to be proud of and an action that is like greased lightning!

that's great. got any pics yet?

 

[guitar_randy]

I don't care about the guitar body,but it sure is better in my opinion playing on a neck that does have binding.Can't say why,just is

 

[2manyGuitars]

I play in a classic rock band that does everything from Beatles to Foo Fighters. I own Les Pauls (Standard, Classic, Junior, Special), SGs, an Explorer, and a dozen or so non-Gibson guitars. Once I brought the 339 to rehearsal for the first time, it became my "go to" guitar. I've heard the same story many times from other players. A Custom Shop Gibson for under two grand? How can you go wrong?

 

[jus10]

thanks for the replies guys...as its turns out I picked up a 61 reissue yesterday in beautiful tax free oregon....YEAH!

I've played both guitars and both are great...but the better deal in the long run was the SG....not to mention its an awesome guitar.