Gibson ES-339 Figured 60s Cherry

Gibson ES-339 Figured 60s Cherry review

The Gibson ES-339 Figured 60s Cherry takes the familiar semi-hollow guitar format and puts it in a more compact body. Its figured maple top and red finish make a strong first impression, while a solid center block runs through the body. The supplied specifications list a mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard, 22 frets, and a 628 mm scale. Gibson has made this model in the United States since February 2022. It includes a case and is listed at a price of 2,555.

Owner feedback helps explain the appeal of the smaller format. One player, accustomed to Les Pauls, found larger ES-335 guitars too bulky and described the ES-339 as a comfortable middle ground between the two. Another owner praised its size relative to the ES-335 and felt its sound sat closer to a Les Paul for rock. These are personal comparisons, not measurements, but they point to the central idea: a semi-hollow design with less body to manage than a full-size ES-335.

Build and feel

The body and top are figured maple, with a maple center block. The neck is mahogany, and its rounded C profile is paired with a 42.9 mm nut width. One reviewer compared the neck shape to a 1959-style profile, describing it as neither especially thick nor as slim as a slim-taper neck. That suggests a substantial, rounded feel without making the neck sound unusually large. The fingerboard is rosewood with small block inlays, and single-ply cream binding outlines the body.

Owners report a high standard of fit and finish. One buyer found no defects and said the factory setup was very good, needing only a small adjustment to pickup height. Another reported no quality problems despite having heard concerns about Gibson's consistency. These comments reflect the examples they received, rather than a guarantee about every guitar. Still, the available feedback is notably positive about the finish, setup, and overall presentation.

The supplied hardware includes an ABR-1 bridge, a stopbar tailpiece, Grover tuning machines, nickel-plated hardware, and top-hat control knobs. The guitar has no tremolo. Its finish is described as nitrocellulose lacquer, and the color is Sixties Cherry. Owners repeatedly single out the figured red appearance as a major part of the guitar's appeal.

Pickups and tone

Gibson lists a 57 Classic humbucker in the neck position and a 57 Classic Plus humbucker at the bridge. The electronics include a Memphis Tone Circuit and 500k potentiometers. One review describes the pickups as clear, dynamic, and vintage-voiced, with enough output for more forceful playing. That player found the guitar especially well suited to blues and classic rock, including music in the style of Led Zeppelin and ZZ Top. Another owner praised the tone with a little crunch and felt it delivered a more rock-oriented character than an ES-335.

The reviews supplied also include one reference to MHS humbuckers, which does not match the listed specifications for this model. The stated equipment is the 57 Classic and 57 Classic Plus pair. For buyers checking a specific instrument, it is worth confirming the pickup markings and production details rather than assuming that every description refers to the same configuration.

There is no single genre that defines the guitar. The player comments point most clearly toward blues and classic rock, while one owner also considered jazz a possibility. The center block and humbuckers make it a practical choice for players seeking a semi-hollow response with a focused, amplified sound. The precise balance of feedback resistance and resonance will depend on volume, gain, and playing conditions, so players should try it with their own rig when possible.

Verdict

The Gibson ES-339 Figured 60s Cherry is a compact semi-hollow with a striking figured finish, a rounded mahogany neck, and a familiar pair of Gibson humbuckers. Owner impressions consistently praise its looks, comfort, sound, and setup. Its smaller body is the key reason to consider it over an ES-335, especially for players who find larger semi-hollow guitars cumbersome but still want that format's character.

Price is the recurring reservation. One owner felt the cost was high but still considered the guitar worth buying, while another reached a similar conclusion after comparing it with other instruments. At 2,555, it is a substantial purchase, and its value will depend on how much the compact body, finish, and particular playing feel matter to you. The strongest case for the ES-339 is specific: you want a smaller Gibson semi-hollow, you like the rounded neck and classic humbucker sound, and you are prepared to pay for its build and presentation.