Gibson Custom ES-339, cherry, made in USA 2009. This little cutie is truly an outstanding guitar. The ES-339 debuted in the mid 2000s as a smaller and lighter take on the iconic ES-335. At 36cmn across and 3.1kg, it's around 5cm smaller and 1kg lighter than a typical 335, which makes quite a difference in the hands, especially if you're playing long sets. This one was made at the Memphis Custom Shop, so you can be confident that a lot of love and care went into every aspect of the build. It feels very agreeable: the neck is a fat fifties shape, with a generous D style profile that's perfect for dense chord work or legato leads. The body rings enthusiastically at the lightest touch, so every little note comes out with shimmering detail and lively dynamics. The Classic '57 pickups are the pick of Gibson's offerings: wound like a tradition PAF style humbucker, brimming with sparkle and clarity through the highs and complemented by an understated, confident low end with a strong fundamental note. I suspect many Gibson CS guitars don't see a lot of playing hours, but this one has a tasteful collection of minor scuffs, dimples, pick marks and rub wear in the high-contact spots to suggest that it's been looked after but has sung for it's supper in the past, which I feel to be a good sign. Heck, I'd play it all the time too if it lived in my house. The original case is missing, but the certificate of authenticity is included, and we've paired it with a Mono Sleeve to maximise the pragmatic aesthetic. The rich red of the heritage cherry finish is accented perfectly by the yellowed binding, dark rosewood board and pearl inlaid headstock; it looks as classy as private island. Buy it once, play it ten thousand times, smile every single time.

Model: Gibson Memphis ES-339
Made: Memphis USA 2009 (serial CS96964)
Finish: cherry, gloss nitro
Body: maple/poplar/maple 3-ply top/back/sides, arched top, maple centre block, 358mm across, 42mm deep
Neck: one piece mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, fat 50s shape
Weight: 3.085kg
Mods: frets dressed, nut replaced
Pickup: Gibson Classic/Super '57 humbucker x2
Case: Mono M80 Sleeve, outer pocket zip non-functional but otherwise in great working order. COA included

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has some dimples on the end and top edge. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some scuffs around the neck joint, horns, some dimples around the back and bottom edge and the elbow area and a bit of rub wear in the middle of the body; no major marks. The sides have rub wear on both horns, scuffs and rub wear on the elbow area and some dimples and marks near the jack, nothing nasty. The front has some dimples in the elbow area and near the back edge behind the bridge, scuffs around the controls and bridge and some play wear on the horns and pickguard, again nothing nasty. Overall: very good condition (7.5/10).

Playing condition notes: neck is straight, intonation is good, action is low, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have just had a fret-dress and polish, so they're in great shape, 8/10 for life left. No headstock breaks. Setup with fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.