Epiphone ES-339 Cherry

Epiphone ES-339 Cherry review

The Epiphone ES-339 Cherry is a semi-hollow electric guitar with a smaller body than the familiar ES-335 format. Its maple top, back, and sides sit alongside a mahogany neck and an Indian laurel fingerboard. The listed price is 459, and the model has been available since November 2020.

Owner reports describe an instrument that can sound and play impressively for its price, but arrive with uneven setup or cosmetic details. Some players received guitars they considered exceptionally well finished, while others found paint marks, fret-polishing issues, or electronics that needed attention. That variation is worth keeping in mind when judging the model. A careful inspection and setup may be part of getting the best from it.

Body, neck, and hardware

The Cherry finish is a vivid red rather than a muted vintage shade, according to one owner. Several reviewers were drawn to its appearance and the smaller body, which they found comfortable to handle compared with a full-size ES-335. The guitar has cream-colored binding and small block inlays on the fingerboard. A tremolo is not fitted, and neither a case nor a gig bag is included.

The neck has a rounded C profile, with a 628 mm scale length and a 43 mm nut width. Some players describe the neck as substantial, so it may feel thicker than a slim-profile electric guitar. Others found it comfortable and easy to play. The fingerboard has 22 frets. Owners' comments on fretwork vary: some praise the frets and binding, while others report rough polishing, high spots, or fret ends that feel sharp. If you use bends and vibrato often, check the frets closely when the guitar arrives.

Hardware includes a GraphTech NuBone nut, Grover Rotomatic tuning machines, a LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge, and a LockTone stop bar. Several owners found the tuning machines stable and the hardware solid. Those details make a strong impression at this price, though they do not guarantee that every example will need no adjustment.

Pickups and controls

Two Alnico Classic Pro humbuckers provide the guitar's HH pickup layout. Each pickup has its own volume and tone control, giving players separate adjustments for the neck and bridge positions. Owners generally speak well of the pickups, describing them as clear, versatile, and good enough that replacement was not an immediate priority. Reports also mention a warm sound with a lively, open quality. One player found the guitar responsive to different picking approaches and able to produce controlled feedback.

That range makes the ES-339 a plausible choice for players moving among jazz, blues, rock, and heavier styles. Individual impressions depend on amplifier settings, playing technique, and setup, so there is no single sound that will suit every player. Still, the stock pickups draw notably positive comments from owners who expected to upgrade them.

Setup and quality checks

Setup is the most consistent caution in the owner feedback. Some guitars were ready to play, while others arrived with high string action, strings that owners wanted to replace, or intonation that needed correction. A basic adjustment can make a substantial difference to comfort. Check the neck relief, string height, intonation, and pickup height before deciding that the guitar itself is difficult to play.

Finish and assembly reports are less consistent. Examples include paint visible at the edges of the F-holes or over the binding, uneven binding cleanup, and marks around the finish. Some owners also reported fret abrasion or high spots, and one described an intermittent pickup selector switch. Other reviewers received guitars with clean finishes, well-dressed frets, and no apparent faults. Inspect the finish, frets, controls, and switch on your specific instrument rather than assuming that every unit shares the same condition.

Verdict

The Epiphone ES-339 Cherry offers a compact semi-hollow design, dual humbuckers, and well-regarded hardware at a listed price of 459. Owner feedback suggests that its sound and playing comfort can exceed expectations, especially after a suitable setup. The fuller neck will appeal to some players and feel bulky to others. Quality control reports range from excellent to disappointing, so a close inspection matters. For a player who wants a smaller semi-hollow guitar and is prepared to address minor setup needs, the ES-339 Cherry is a compelling option in its price range.