Gibson ES-335 VS ES-339: What are the differences?
Mainly size and body shape.
The 339 is smaller/lighter than the 335, and often (subjectively) compared to a Les Paul, with less of a semi-hollow "vibe". A lot of the issue here will be purely body size preference, whether you want the larger guitar with the bigger sound, or the smaller 339 with a more solid body-esque tone. For what it's worth, I'd go for the 339 for those reasons, and for the 57 Classic humbuckers plus the Grover tuning machines.
Depending on the amp, I've noticed the ES-339 almost seems warmer and more bluesy than the ES-335, but I've got to assume there are other factors in play since the ES-335 has the larger body. In most cases, a larger semi-hollow body means you'll have a lot of natural warmth.
But the Gibson 57 Classic pickups in the ES-339 are likely playing a role in that as well.
I've seen a lot of forum talk about the 339 being more like a solid body, like a Les Paul.
The ES-339's body is a lot smaller than the 335, though both have a similar aesthetic.
Guitars and tone have a lot of subjectivity associated with them, so I have a hard time splitting too many hairs over stuff like this. The reason for the Les Paul talk is because the 339 is smaller which, to me, is a comfort/physical issue and doesn't have quite as much bearing on tone as people as saying.
Personally, I like the 339 better because it's easier to hold and play, plus I like the Gibson 57 classic humbuckers.
And while they don't sound radically different, I prefer the smoother sound of the ES-339 as well.
Comparison Table for ES-335 and ES-339
This table lets you see basic specs and pricing for the ES-335, 339, and a couple other guitars from Gibson.
Gibson | Name | Rate | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 | ES-335 | n/a | |
| ES-339 | n/a | |
 | Les Paul Studio | n/a | |
 | Les Paul Custom | n/a |
Compare More Guitars
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Our disclosure↬
The Gibson ES-335 is designed with a much larger body than the ES-339, though both are excellent guitars and beautiful instruments. Flickr Commons image courtesy of Alain Asenjo
Gibson ES-335 and ES-339 Detailed Spec Sheet Comparison
The spec sheets don't tell the whole story here, though as I mentioned earlier, there are some things I prefer about the 339. Pickups and tuners are better in the 339 (only my opinion, of course), and I noticed that the tonewood grade is given for the 339, which is AAA. You usually won't see this unless the wood is of a tremendously high quality.
But it's honestly hard to say there's a "downgrade" in the 335. There's just no way it's that big of a difference.
More important than the spec sheet is how they feel.
So take this info with a grain of salt.
BODY
- Body Type: Semi-hollowbody
- Body Shape: ES-335
- Body Materia: l3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
- Top Material: 3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple
- Body Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Color: Sixties Cherry
NECK
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Neck Shape: Rounded C
- Neck Joint: Set Neck
- Radius: 12"
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Fingerboard Inlay: Acrylic Dots
- Number of Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
- Scale Length: 24.75"
- Nut Width: 1.695"
- Nut Material: GraphTech
HARDWARE
- Bridge/Tailpiece: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Aluminum Stopbar Tailpiece
- Tuners: Vintage Deluxe with Keystone Buttons
ELECTRONICS
- Neck Pickup: Calibrated T-type Rhythm Humbucker
- Bridge Pickup: Calibrated T-type Lead Humbucker
- Controls: 2 x volume, 2 x tone
- Switching: 3-way toggle pickup switch
MISCELLANEOUS
- Strings.010-.046
- Case/Gig BagHardshell Case
BODY
- Body Type: Semi-hollowbody
- Body Shape: ES-339
- Body Material: AAA Maple/Poplar
- Body Finish: Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Color: Sixties Cherry
NECK
- Neck Material: Mahogany
- Neck Shape: Rounded C
- Neck Joint: Set Neck
- Radius: 12"
- Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
- Fingerboard Inlay: Acrylic Small Blocks
- Number of Frets: 22, Medium Jumbo
- Scale Length: 24.75"
- Nut Width: 1.695"
- Nut Material: GraphTech NuBone
HARDWARE
- Bridge/Tailpiece: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge with Aluminum Stopbar
- Tuners: Grover Rotomatics with Kidney buttons
ELECTRONICS
- Neck Pickup: 57 Classic Humbucker
- Bridge Pickup: 57 Classic+ Humbucker
- Controls: 2 x volume, 2 x tone
- Switching: 3-way toggle pickup switch
MISCELLANEOUS
- Strings: Gibson, .010-.046
- Case/Gig Bag: Hardshell Case
Shared Features Between the 335 and 339
Here's a list of features that are shared between the ES-335 and ES-339. On the specs sheet, at least, they are exactly the same.
- Same body type (though the 339 is smaller)
- Same color
- Same neck material
- Same neck joint
- Same neck shape
- Same radius
- Same fingerboard material
- Same number of frets
- Same scale length
- Same nut width
- Same nut material
- Same pickup configuration
- Same pickup selection
- Same knob controls
Gibson ES-335 and ES-339 high value features
What are you paying for in these two guitars? As it turns out, it's mostly the same on both.
- Gibson brand pickups
- High quality tonewood
- Figured body/carving
- Premium hardware
These are basically the same for each guitar. When you buy one, these are the features you're spending the most money on.
What do these guitars sound like?
To my ear the ES-339 is somewhat warmer, which is odd considering the body is smaller than the 335. But again, this is going to be a matter of taste to most people. I like the 339 better, but that's just me.
Price Comparison
This section has a pricing table for both guitars. In most cases we've seen, they actually cost the same, though there is some variation depending on the figured top and finish.
Price updated Tue, December 05th, 2023.
Major Vendors
What are the major differences?
The biggest takeaway here is the body shape and some nuanced tone distinctions. They're both great guitars, clearly, but I'd prefer the ES-339 for the more manageable body size and the warmer tone profile.
Again, that's just my opinion, so you'll have to make the call for yourself.
If you have questions about it, feel free to reach out via the comments section below. We'll help out as much as possible.
See you there.
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Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Amps & Roundups
Written by GC Editorial on Electrics & Price Guides
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