Gibson ES-339, made at Memphis USA 2017, cherry red. The 339 is a modern classic: it debuted in 2015 and has won many hearts since. The recipe is pretty simple: take the iconic Gibson ES-335, and make it fun size. A typical 335 body is around 41cm across at the widest point, whereas this a whisker under 36cm... two inches smaller and around half a kilo lighter. Gibson were making these at their now-closed Memphis plant, which also housed their Custom Shop, and was experiencing none of the quality-control wobbles that the bigger Nashville plant. As such, this feels and looks really tidy: great fret work complete with nibs, a tidy nut, evenly applied finish topped with gorgeous super thin clear nitro... it's made with a lot of love and care. The '57 Classic pickups are my favourite of Gibson's factory options: they're clear and detailed with a generous warmth and complexity. The neck pickup is percussive and bell-like with a gorgeous gooey low end, the bridge pickup is rich and sparkly with a pronounced woody midrange; the middle position offers all sorts of enjoyment. The neck is an unassuming moderate C shape, it's comfy and intuitive in the hands and balanced evenly against the lightweight body. The cherry finish has a lovely depth to it, it's an 'often imitated' colour, but this is executed with rare grace and class. These pop used used in Australia approximately as often as Clive Palmer says something sensible, so nab it while it's on offer.

Model: Gibson Memphis ES-339
Made: Memphis USA, 2017 (serial 10527741)
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 maple, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius
Weight: 3.220kg
Mods: none
Pickup: Gibson Classic/Super '57 humbucker x2
Case: Gibson hard case, excellent quality and condition

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has minor marks on the end. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has some circular scuffs around the front strap pin, some scuffs in the middle of the body and on the bottom edge and some surface scratches in the elbow area. The sides have some scuffs on the top horn, some scuffs and dimples in the elbow area and a few dimples near the jack. The front has some light surface scratches around the back edge and in the elbow area, as well as some dimples in the elbow area and some standard play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8.5/10).

Playing condition notes: neck is straight, intonation is good, action is low, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets have minor wear, 8/10 for life left. No headstock breaks. Setup with fresh10/52 Moonshiners strings.