Gibson ES-339 Trans Ebony

Gibson ES-339 Trans Ebony review

The Gibson ES-339 Trans Ebony has a character that does not need to be explained by comparing it with another Gibson. Players may hear elements associated with a Les Paul or an ES-335, but the ES-339 has its own feel and response. Its semi-hollow construction shapes the sound, while the center block gives the body a solid central section. At a listed price of 2,480, this is a USA-made instrument with a specific construction and pickup setup, rather than a generic take on a familiar design.

The body is laminated maple with a maple top, finished in Trans Ebony nitrocellulose lacquer. The dark finish still lets the wood grain show through, a detail that owners particularly value. Photos may not capture the depth of the grain as clearly as seeing the guitar in person. Cream single-ply binding provides a light contrast against the black finish, and the nickel hardware keeps the overall look restrained.

Construction and playing feel

The mahogany neck has a rounded C profile, a rosewood fingerboard, and dot inlays. Its 628 mm scale and 42.9 mm nut width are useful reference points for players considering the feel before trying one. The neck was described as comfortable and quick to get used to. One owner, who has smaller hands, found the glossy black neck finish comfortable to hold. Another found the instrument familiar after playing a Gibson Les Paul Studio, while also noting that the ES-339 felt lighter.

The body is somewhat larger than a Les Paul, but that owner reported that its size did not get in the way of playing. The semi-hollow format contributes to the guitar's identity without making it a fully hollow instrument. It has 22 frets and comes with a case. There is no tremolo system; the hardware includes an ABR-1 bridge and stopbar tailpiece, along with Grover tuning machines.

Sound and pickup response

Two '57 Classic humbuckers provide the main electric tones. Player feedback describes the guitar as harmonically rich, with a strong response and a distinctive voice. Unplugged, it has an unusual acoustic character that makes its semi-hollow construction apparent. That acoustic impression is part of what separates it from a conventional solid-body guitar, though the center block remains an important part of the design.

Through an amplifier, the bridge pickup was reported to work well for rock, fusion, and pop. Switching to the neck pickup brings out warmer sounds that owners associate with jazz and blues. One player also heard more warmth than from a Les Paul, while still noticing a familiar Les Paul-like sustain. These are subjective impressions rather than a promise of one fixed sound. Amplifier settings, playing style, and the rest of the signal chain will affect the result.

Who it suits

The ES-339 makes sense for a player looking for a semi-hollow Gibson with humbuckers, a mahogany neck, and a compact feel compared with larger semi-hollow designs. Its range may appeal to guitarists who move between cleaner jazz and blues tones and more assertive rock sounds. The reported acoustic resonance and strong harmonic detail are also reasons to consider it for players who want a guitar with a noticeable response beyond its amplified tone.

There are practical points to weigh. The body is larger than a Les Paul, even if one owner found it easy to play. The rounded C neck will not suit every preference, so trying the neck in person is sensible if profile is a deciding factor. The Trans Ebony finish is another individual preference, although its visible grain has drawn especially positive comments.

Verdict

The Gibson ES-339 Trans Ebony is a distinctive semi-hollow guitar built around a laminated maple body with a center block, a comfortable-feeling mahogany neck, and two '57 Classic humbuckers. Owner reports point to a resonant unplugged sound, warm neck-pickup tones, and a bridge pickup suited to several contemporary styles. Its identity and finish are key attractions, alongside the included case and USA manufacture. For players drawn to this combination of semi-hollow character and familiar Gibson hardware, the ES-339 offers a compelling option at its listed price of 2,480.