Gibson ES-339 vs Epiphone ES-339

[charleydelta]

So many guitar players will tell you – why play an “imitation” Gibson, when you can play the real thing! Others will say – Hey! It’s made in China, how good can it be! But the reviews I’ve read about the Epi ES-339 (unless they’re all counterfeit reviews) make me wonder. Maybe these Chinese workers making the Epis are motivated enough (even at earning a couple of bucks U.S. an hour) to make a great guitar that can compete with Gibson (even if Epi IS owned by Gibson). This is a quandry for a lot of us that were saving up to buy a Gibson – and now wondering – WHY? I’ve played an Epi ES-339 – Hey – It’s a great guitar. Sould I save my money and try to buy a scratched up Gibson ES-339 on e-bay or get a new Epi ES-339 from Sweetwater. Where is my crystal; ball when I need it!!!

[GnLguy]

@charleydelta wrote:

So many guitar players will tell you – why play an “imitation” Gibson, when you can play the real thing! Others will say – Hey! It’s made in China, how good can it be! But the reviews I’ve read about the Epi ES-339 (unless they’re all counterfeit reviews) make me wonder. Maybe these Chinese workers making the Epis are motivated enough (even at earning a couple of bucks U.S. an hour) to make a great guitar that can compete with Gibson (even if Epi IS owned by Gibson). This is a quandry for a lot of us that were saving up to buy a Gibson – and now wondering – WHY? I’ve played an Epi ES-339 – Hey – It’s a great guitar. Sould I save my money and try to buy a scratched up Gibson ES-339 on e-bay or get a new Epi ES-339 from Sweetwater. Where is my crystal; ball when I need it!!!

Just a suggestion – Before you pull the trigger on an Epi, you should consider taking a look at the Ibanez semi-hollow guitars. The AM93 is about the same size as the Epi and it has Ibanez’ Super 58 pickups, which are their better pickups
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=ibanez+am93

The AS93 is the same size as a 335 with the Super 58 pickups
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.php?s=Ibanez+AS93+Artcore+Semi+Hollow&Go=Search

The semi and full hollow body guitars from Ibanez haves great workmanship and play like a dream

[micgorman]

I had a Epi 339 and just before the end of last year I traded it in for a Gibson 339. They are both great guitars but overall there’s nothing like the real deal. There is definitely a noticeable difference in the quality of the finish work. The Gibson is hand made and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

For me it was a lot about holding and playing what I know is a quality made guitar and one I plan to keep. All other cheaper guitars that I have owned in the past I ended up trading them in or selling them. I love my Gibson 339, this is the only electric guitar I now own and don’t plan to ever buy another guitar.

Best,
Mike

[StratPlus66]

Hi,

I have an Epiphone Les Paul Standard Plus Top Pro. It is brilliant and cost me £350. I also have a 2001 Gibson Les Paul Standard which I paid £1300 for, new, and a 2015 Standard which I paid £1999 for.

You can tell the difference, there is no doubt, but the binding on the Epiphone is better than the Gibsons and the Grover Tuners are smooth and accurate. It rarely goes out of tune. The maple veneer is gorgeous. It is probably my favourite guitar of the lot (Strat Plus, Tele Deluxe, Ibanez Artist) as it is so well balanced. The pick ups are not quite as good as the 2015 and are darker and more bassy BUT it is a great guitar. Think very carefully before you buy. You won’t be disappointed with the Epi.

[frankie05]

I’ve been on the cusp of buying the am93 or as93 for 2 months now but my GC hasn’t had one in stock. Not sure if I want the black or the red or the larger as or smaller am. I hate to order it blindly online 🙁

[GnLguy]

@frankie05 wrote:

I’ve been on the cusp of buying the am93 or as93 for 2 months now but my GC hasn’t had one in stock. Not sure if I want the black or the red or the larger as or smaller am. I hate to order it blindly online 🙁

Just to add to your angst, when I played the AM93, I found that even though both guitars has the same radius, there were subtle differences in the necks. I have an AS83 and it plays like a dream. The 83 has their cheaper pickups but it sounds good enough that I won’t swap them out any time soon

Both guitars are very well made and the Super 58 pickups receive great reviews. You won’t go wrong regardless of which that you buy

[Maradonagol]

Tough call, I am like Bluezhawk, an Ibanez convert. I wanted to add a semi-hollow and spent a great afternoon in our famous local guitar store and tried them all……Gibson 335/339, Epiphones and other brands……the sales person I normally work with brought out the Ibanez Am93 in the wine quilt……after the others……and I was blown away….I was able to put them side by side physically with the others and the quality was excellent, great feel, and as Bluezhawk can attest, those pickups are simply wonderful…..and to make it better, it was used in perfect condition with case…..bought it then and there….I also ordered a Gibson 335 Studio which I also thought was the best of the bunch for the money……I was not impressed at all with any 339…..the Ibanez over the 339’s hands down…..in tone and quality IMHO.

Give the Ibanez a try, as well as the Gibson 335 Studio……..have fun

Roberto

[GnLguy]

@maradonagol wrote:

Tough call, I am like Bluezhawk, an Ibanez convert. I wanted to add a semi-hollow and spent a great afternoon in our famous local guitar store and tried them all……Gibson 335/339, Epiphones and other brands……the sales person I normally work with brought out the Ibanez Am93 in the wine quilt……after the others……and I was blown away….I was able to put them side by side physically with the others and the quality was excellent, great feel, and as Bluezhawk can attest, those pickups are simply wonderful…..and to make it better, it was used in perfect condition with case…..bought it then and there….I also ordered a Gibson 335 Studio which I also thought was the best of the bunch for the money……I was not impressed at all with any 339…..the Ibanez over the 339’s hands down…..in tone and quality IMHO.

Give the Ibanez a try, as well as the Gibson 335 Studio……..have fun

I’ve often called Ibanez the poor man’s Gibson.

I don’t care for their shredder’s guitars, or anyone other company’s’ shredder guitars, but the quality of the hollow and semi-hollow bodied guitars is excellent.

George Benson, Pat Metheny and John Scofield has had Ibanez signature guitars for several years and uses them in live & studio situations. And yes, they would give greater attention to the signature guitars, the quality
of their production line guitars is as good as I have seen

[Author]

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