(SOLD) Gibson Custom Shop ES-339 Antique Vintage Sunburst 2009
Gibson Custom ES-339, sunburst, made in USA 2009. What a delightful guitar this is. 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. This one has a very agreeable slim 60s style neck, which pairs brilliantly with the slim body and makes for a light and breezy playing experience with plenty of natural resonance. The sunburst finish looks superb: there's something about the ES body shape that really works in a burst, and super thin gloss nitro catches the light in such a moody manner that it just radiates class at all times. It's a small thing, but the rich brown sides and neck look lush too. The Classic '57 pickups are my favourite of Gibson's regular offerings, channeling the eloquence and balance of the original PAF humbuckers. The neck pickup is woody and weighty, with a gooey sustain and port wine sweetness that brings dense chords to life in vivd colour. The bridge pickup is equal parts angular snap and creamy smoothness, bringing the best out of a dirty amp with glee and maintaining clarity and warmth no matter how much or what type of gain you throw at it. These always turn heads in the store, and rightly so: this is such an agreeable little creature. Top marks!
Model: Gibson Memphis ES-339
Made: Memphis USA 2009 (serial CS97096)
Finish: antique vintage sunburst, 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, slim 60s shape
Weight: 3.080kg
Mods: none
Pickup: Gibson Classic/Super '57 humbucker x2
Case: original Gibson Custom case, no docs/certificate
Cosmetic condition notes: The headstock has some minor scuffs on the end and edges near the nut, no major marks. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples on the back only. The back has minor scuffs in the elbow area, middle of the body, back edge and bottom corner. The sides have dimples on both horns and light scuffs in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has dimples near the knobs, scuffs in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns. Overall: very good condition (8/10).
Playing condition notes: neck is straight, intonation is good, action is low, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. The frets look good with minor wear only, 9/10 for life left. No headstock breaks. Setup with fresh 11/49 Moonshiners strings.