Authentic shaping and classic semi-hollow sounds are the hallmark of the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Cherry. This more compact and lighter sister of the famous ES-335 follows the traditional design guidelines of the Gibson model and uses a maple laminate body with surrounding cream binding and centre block to minimise the feedback susceptibility of the semi-resonance construction even at high gain levels. A hand-adjusted Rounded C mahogany neck brings out the proven ES playing feel in all registers of the 22-fret Indian Laurel fretboard, whereas two Epiphone Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers on the neck and bridge call up the complete sound palette of the famous semi-hollow and evoke present PAF character. The resonant combination of LockTone Tune-o-Matic and Stopbar forms the bridge construction, while genuine Grover Rotomatic tuners on the headstock ensure the right tuning.
The two Alnico Classic PRO humbuckers resemble the classic recipe of the first Gibson humbuckers from the 1950s. Armed with Alnico magnets, these humbuckers get the best out of their respective positions and convince with a well-balanced sound, present mids and a moderate output, which allows both humbuckers to show off their strengths for both articulate cleans and hotter sounds of rock and metal. Of course, the electronics follow the high sound standards and are composed of separate volume and tone controls from the US electronics specialist CTS.
For a particularly resonant sound transmission, the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson ES-339 Cherry features the proven combination of a LockTone Tune-o-Matic bridge and a LockTone Stopbar. The bridge pin with locking function provides additional stability and a better connection to the body, giving the sound image an improved response. In addition, a nut made of Graph Tech NuBone and six Grover Rotomatic tuners are used. These ensure not only precise and reliable tuning results, but also the classic look in combination with the authentic Kalamazoo headstock and traditional kidney wings.
Finnish on guitar is 1st class, needed to replace strings , action was too high and needed to intonate guitar. Fretboard was dry but after applying some lemon oil darkened and at the side of my Gibson which has a rosewood fingerboard ,I can’t tell the difference. Couldn’t feel no sharp fret edges, tuners respond well. Neck is not too fat and feels comfortable. Sounds great on clean and gain channels. The guitar feels quite heavy for a semi. All in all it’s a great guitar for a decent price I’d recommend a proper set up 1st though . A bit extra but you’ll have a really great guitar
I've bought a few of Epiphone's new 'inspired by Gibson' line and I've got several excellent guitars.
However, I also had to return one or 2 due to manufacturing issues, and the good ones still needed some setting up...including fret and nut work...to bring them up to a playable standard. Luckily for me I can do that myself but others might be disappointed.
This ES339 was very good but had a neck pickup that was very tilted and not parallel to the strings...a not unknown issue with semis due to variations in the top contours...but, luckily, I had a flat replacement mounting ring that fit and fixed the issue. Now I'd easily compare this guitar to a Gibson...and I've played several Gibson ES339s.
Epiphone quality control needs to tighten up a little since these little 'fixes' shouldn't be necessary, even at this price point.
For the money, I don't think you'll get a better guitar. Sounds and looks good and it plays well. Every guitarist looking for a semi hollow body should seriously consider this guitar.