It looks like the 'TeleGram Scam' Scumbags are back and trying to steal from you... I don't give out prizes so if you get a message from anyone saying otherwise it's definitely not from me so report them and tell them where to go. Cheers
RU-vid should put more effort into at least stopping and taking these comments off very quickly, seeing as their Algorithm can instantly weed out hate speech and other derogatory comments. We know how fast their copyright Algorithm works so why can they not work their amazing Algorithmic abilities on these thieving pieces of Shistanza? At best RU-vid should be ploughing in recourses to catch these people, and i apply the term 'People' loosely who's mother's would be so proud of how they pray on those who are to trusting to know better. I fkning hate Theives.
Having worked in product repair in a different industry I appreciate detailed return descriptions. A customer's reason for return usually makes its way to someone who reviews the customer input and attempts to verify the fault. Something like "The neck and bridge pickup are both engaged when the switch is in the neck position; I was able to determine that the switch is functioning properly" more accurately describes your experience and also saves a troubleshooter some time and guesswork involved when something is returned with a more general description. It seems like such a little thing, but it really does have the power to make someone's day.
I think you made the right choice Colin! Having done a pickup and wiring harness swap (as I know you have as well) with a similar guitar, I know what a PITA it is to pull all the wiring and such out through the "f" hole! Hope the replacement is 100% when you get it. Cheers brother!
Another great view! after viewing your review of SG models I bought an ebony Epiphone SG Custom that I named “Colin” in your honor as well as a Standard for a set of Seymour Duncan Vintage Blues based on your Gibson version with those same pickups. I have become a huge fan of SG’s thanks in no small part to you. I can play any style with them. So versatile. I love your videos! I am also a small guitar addict. I own 27 guitars now. 😂❤ Thanks for all you do.
Yeah same happened for me too (Love the Epi SG Custom - such a nice set of PUPs from them too) . How long before I end up with the Pellam Blue Special...
I bought this model in natural last year. Haven't had any problems with it. I have to say, I bought from a reputable shop. Tried it out in the shop before buying it. I really wouldn't do it any other way. Also bought the matching case for it.
I've got the predecessor to this model, the ES-339 Pro in Pelham Blue, and it's *lovely*. Get one of those over the current IBG model if you can! Proper rosewood board, useable coil splits, and the cool Casino-style headstock! Same pickups!
I was after the Pelham blue one, but when it came to buying mine they only had the sunburst. Still looks great in that colour though. Shame you had issues with it, I imagine it's rare as my six Epi's have all been near perfect besides one having a couple of rough frets.
It's like Goldilocks. The ES-335 is too big and the ES-339 is just right. I'd have to go with the cherry though. It's a shame it was faulty, but you did a great job on the video. I'll be looking forward to Part II or whatever you want to do next. Cheers!
Another fine review and even better playing from Colin. Thank you Sir! The C in the pickup nomenclature may stand for "coaxial"; technically, that's what that braided cable is.
I’m a big fan of the “pro” series. I have the 339, and an SG both with the push pull pots that coil split. Amazingly versatile instruments. I also bought the George Thorogood signature ES , beautiful guitar.
Thanks Colin, I had a 339 Pro back in 2014/2015 which I bought to have a spare guitar for a gig I was doing. The second set started up and I decided to use the 339 for the first number. I had only played it for maybe 30 minutes so it was a big leap of faith to use it at a show. Well, it was great, like a mini 335 (Les Paul size - you are correct) and was a joy to play. I used it for the rest of the set. That being said, quirky annoying things started popping up with the electronics shortly afterwards and I sold it off. To see that is still an issue blows my mind. Thanks again for another great visit!
I love mine. I’m a shorty so is a nice size, neck is great, stays in tune and pickups sound good. Have contemplated pickup and wiring upgrade but wonder if I’d notice the difference.
I bought this Inspired by Gibson Epiphone ES 339 over a year ago. There were (2) things I didn't like about it. (1) was the neck was a little thicker and rounder than I like. (2) It was heavier than I was expecting at 8 1/2 pounds. It was the same weight as an ES 335 at 8 1/2 pounds. Even if the total body outside measurement are 2 inches smaller. Everything on my ES 339 worked fine and sounded great. I'll have to get use to it.
Love this channel. I’d like to see more Fender & Squire reviews . It seems they release more new models than do Gibson/Epiphone every year & your reviews would really help people make some decisions on them. ☮️
i bought a 2020 Fender Squier Affininity HSS strat in 2021, knowing it was a 2020 model. Initially it was gonna be a "project guitar" like that Scottish git did :-) in his Iron Maiden mod for that strat. CSG channel ? yep him. But i got it home and was not setup by the retailer coz hey they only just got it and the only thing i did was change the strings man o man that thing is not gonna get modified in any way except maybe i'll incorporate the wiring that the Ibanez AZES40 has with its toggle switch. That Squier stays in tune, and i love it. i may have mentioned about the Ibanez here a while back but seriously that AZES40 has got to be the best value for money guitar out there ATM purely coz of that toggle switch. Otherwise get a Squier strat. I own a Sun Dew Gold Ibanez Pia, bought new in 2020 and it's rare as, given the factory was shutdown coz of CV19, but is the Pia worth 20 times more than the AZES40 ? Nope. Don't get me wrong - i had money at the time and the stars aligned, so to speak. And yes given a time machine" yep i'd buy it again. It's worth nearly twice what i paid for it now, but i play my guitars and didn't buy it for investment. It's not my favourite guitar either. I ranks 3rd behind my Solar S1.6 FR QOB (no longer offered) and my Solar GC1.6 T-FAB (also no longer offered). My 3 other Solars all have the same necks which is the beauty of Solar guitars. No mid thin thick 60s pattern thick wide skinny fat necks. Buy one Solar guitar ? Like the neck ? Awesome buy more. I have 5. Two single cuts the GC1.6's, one S1.6 - the aforementioned best guitar ever, an A1.6 and an E1.6 FBB with Evertune. For me? I've been searching for this neck for 40 years. And, yes for me, the Solar neck is perfect. cheers from NZ
My 2014 Gibson ES335 Cherry Dot does not have f-hole binding either. Simple single layer cream on the rest with nickel hardware. Both of my Korean D'Angelico have fancy binding everywhere. For lots less money. But they don't have the resale value. Some people like to compare and say one is better than another. Each one has its own voice and its own place as a "voice" in my quiver of guitars.
great review as always! thanks for your cogent comments. I've had the 339 Ultra (with buckers, the NanoMAG and USB plug) for a few years and love it! Took some time to set it up right (my first Epi) but it's a great guitar! one feature of the Ultra is access to the controls from the back...😁
Hi Colin, looking forward to a full review when you get the replacement. Must admit, never seen the point of the 339, other than if I had my time over it would have been a good entry level for my lad when he was a lot younger (the epi, not the Gibson equiv) because of the body size relative to a 335. Talking of 335 style guitars, Epiphone have released a 2023 version of the import Casino (new pick ups, Indian laurel board instead of Pau ferro and a walnut-style back and sides instead of the sunburst). I would be surprised if it's a significant upgrade on what is already a decent affordable semi-hollow but might be worth investigating. All the best
I picked up one of these used from my local guitar center and it had the EXACT same problem where the bridge pickup would not disengage (still both pickups activated when switch was in neck position, or no neck-pickup-only sound). Just sorted it out after a lot of head-scratching with my tech. Turns out nothing was wrong with the switch or the wiring. Instead, the guitar cable, when plugged in (within the output jack) was touching the wiring points of the bridge pup tone pot. So we really just had to rotate the bridge tone pot inside the body (easier said than done) so that they weren’t making contact anymore. My tech was otherwise impressed with the wiring & hand-soldered points by the people at Epiphone. Wonderful guitar without any gremlins 😎
Hi Colin, thanks for another fine video. I have an older Epiphone ES 339 Pro P90 in my Collection. Was part of my "P90-Journey" and it stays - great to play and the P90 produce a very special amazing sound! Pick up this lady from time to time if my 335 appears to big at the moment and the Epi is my "travel-mate". When I´m on holidays the Epi is my choice to have a guitar with me. Keep on rocking! Greetings from Germany!
I have a ES 339 P90 Pro. It's one of my favorite guitars . The P90 Pro pickups are sweet. The scraping on the neck binding is a bit rough on it, but, I overlook that because it's such a great playing and sounding guitar.
I have a knack for traditional colors so Cherry red and sunburst are the 335s I have! I sold the BB king model because I like my others just as well! Cheers mate have a great rest of your day!/night!
I actually have a second year production, 2008 Gibson ES 339, I purchased used, in perfect condition. It is the “ Fat Neck” version w/ a 50s neck shape. Cheers!
Actually, the fault is with the Bridge pickup, if you ask me. It is not disengaging when you switch to the Neck pickup... The bridge pickup is therefore always on. But in the end it doesn't really matter. The switch isn't switching for whatever reason, which is a defect.
Yup something's shorting the Bridge Hot to the Switch o/p. Most likely a fault when soldering. A bit too much heat for too long and the copper melts through the plastic insulation. Still, I'd have sent it back too.
I bought one of these recently. I love it, but the stock strings weren't great and too heavy for me. I nearly put it in for a setup but found a set of Ernie Ball 9 Slinkys sorted it out. Much better and faster to play. What are your thoughts on the stock strings and setup?
look forward to seeing part 2. I have this in natural & I I really like it. they don't make the Pro with the coil splits any more, which is a shame, but if they can't wire it up right without them, maybe it's for the best. 🤪
Wow! I bought an Epi 339 earlier this year from Sweetwater. Exact same problem with the neck pickup. Frustrating! I sent it back and Sweetwater replaced the guitar and the new one doesn't have any issues. It has grown on me over the last 4 months and I like the guitar, I gigged with it a couple of times.
I have one in Pelham blue.... I have to say....one of my favorite guitars. NO issues with mine... but I did purchase from a shop after having played it. Sounds great, very little set up needed and stays in tune well. All in all.... I would recommend .... but maybe try before you buy!
I got a 339 p-90 pro a few years back. Played great, sounded like an SG, though. Also had a problematical switch. Eventually got it working, but you can’t get inside without a world of trouble. The huge center block makes it sound like a solid body. Got a 335 copy that hits the spot. Looks nice though.
I’m only at 22.34 in the video, but when my Custom Shop ES-335 arrived with a neck break, GUITARGUITAR dispatched another the same day and it was exchanged, at the door, with the Courier the following day. In my view, and bearing in mind the prevalence of Gibsons for snapping across the short wood grain at the point the neck angles back to the headstock, I feel they could have done no better. Excellent service. (The problem was actually caused by the neck support, in the case, being installed a couple of mms off-centre, putting the treble side tuners in close contact with the side of the case, causing a modest shock. in transit, to transfer directly into the headstock.) Equally, Andertons replaced my Firebird by the same method, when the original arrived with a non-functioning neck humbucker.
@@theguitaristas I think the main difference, Col, is that, in both the cases I mention above, rather than deal with the problem via the website, I telephoned - and, quite importantly, took the name of the person I was dealing with for future reference. Building a relationship with someone can give a much more positive outcome than ticking website boxes - unless it’s Peach Guitars, o’korst! 😜🙄
Part 2 eagerly awaited! I have a 339 in Natural which is a nice player but I'm not that keen on Alnico Pro pickups. I much prefer their Probuckers. I used to have a 339 PRO with P90s but sold it. I also had a 335 PRO but sold that as well. That had a pronounced D shape neck which I didn't like. As far as faulty guitars go I only now buy from stores that at least claim to check them before they send them out. Could the C on the pickup stand for cloth----as in cloth covered wire? Dunno, just a guess.
Nice review as always Colin! Shame about the wiring issue😢. I have the IBG 335 in sunburst and love it! Every once in a while I consider upgrading the pickups to Gibson 57 Classics which is what those classic pro Epi pickups are emulating I believe. But then I plug it in and realize these Epi Classic Pros really sing, so why change them? Aside from ergonomics I can’t see a need for a 339. Even though I’m a small guy I find the 335 quite comfortable. It feels like an acoustic… Cheers
I'm south east asian and small. It makes sense for it be comfortable, since it's big and I don't cramp my arms. I agree with what you said, it's kind like having a big body acoustic. I have IBG 335 in blueberry burst. I'm actually a bassist and this is my first guitar, I love 335s.
Bummer about the switch and the neck pickup not working as a result boy Colin you just can't get any luck these days it seems! I like the smaller size of this compared to the ES 335 it seems like it would be more manageable. Good sounding guitar though. I look forward to seeing the part two of this, great job as always 👍
Gibson stole the idea of the smaller body from Ibanez. I had an AM50 Ibanez a long time ago, way before the Gibson came out. Anyway, this size is so much nicer than the 335 size. Easier to play standing, more LP-ish sound. Good for Epiphone, I think a lot of people will like this, despite the finish flaws. The o I’ll
Just watched Cole do an eReturn. I wonder if there is anything else we could watch you do. Love the video, buddy! This is the best part of my Fridays. Nice jam. That guitar really rips.
I bought a 2020 version no coil split . The guitar needed a full set up , fret level , crown and polish , fretbends were very sharp . Binding looks unfinished ,The tuners were not tightened, and the bridge would buzz real bad until I replaced it ..The Jack was wonky also …but It is a nice guitar now after I finished working on it
Had the same problem with a PRS SE I bought last week. They used so much solder on the switch lug connected to the neck pick up that it had flowed to the middle lug and made a permanent connection. It was easily fixed with a soldering iron, but the card from PRS Europe claiming they did a QC on the electronics wasn’t worth much I guess. Nice Epiphone! Hope to see part two of your review soon.
I just got my Casino out today after a spell....I love that guitar...those P90s and that worn finish...my idea of a good time. I have the full sized IG 335 in sunburst...two of my favorite guitars.
Hi Colin, will you be trying the new Squier Paranormal StratoSonic - a Strat shaped Les Paul Special with P90s, wraparound bridge and 24.75 scale length?
I have an IBG ‘59 LP now for a couple of years (only upgrade was Faber stop bar) phenomenal guitar. I am actually looking at these 339s (Canada). As usual primo review, I will make sure to have it completely checked for QC.
I agree with you about coil splits Colin, if I want a single coil sound, I'll use my Strat or Tele. Now you've got me excited for next Friday to roll around! Sweet little semi-hollowbody. Is the Pelham Blue color,... (or as you might spell, colour, lol),... on this guitar more sparkly than the Pelham Blue SG Special, or are they about the same?
Perhaps you just Born Under a Bad Sign, Colin? 😆 Hope your return goes well. Too bad the Guitar Guitar folks can't give a cursory inspection to their merchandise BEFORE they send it out. This crap happens way too often and is easily avoidable. I have the Epi ES339 P90 Pro and love it!
Colin, thanks to your channel my harem is growing. I have purchased a Vintage brand V100, Epiphone 1959 Les Paul, and an Epiphone Sheraton Ii pro. My wife says your sending me subliminal messages. Love your channel. I start my Fridays with my coffee and you. Cheers from Tennessee.
My pick up selector switch needed replacing too (a common Epi issue.) Besides that I love the guitar. The neck just fits my hands so well. Very thick neck.
Shame about that, Colin - sounded nice, what it could offer up! I have hit similar problems with an Epiphone Double Cutaway and a PRS SE 245 I had my eye on (on that one there was no signal at all from neck pick-up). Wiring from China & Indonesia can be a bit dodgy every now and then . . . let's hope they get a good replacement!
I have the Pelham Blue 339 P90 pro… (semi hollow, has a center block) …I added a Deusenberg trem… loved it, so I got the Casino coupe (hollow, no center block) with trapeze bridge and P90s… and I have the I’ve had no electronics issues with either… the 339 has hotter pups… the Casino has nice resonance and a warmer tone. Finish is not perfect, but OK for the price point… although I have a used 2001 Ibanez Artcore AFS75T thinline single cut semi hollow body with Ibanez Bigsby style licensed trem… and it’s finish is much better, f holes have binding, etc… but overall I like the Epiphones!
Jeeze Colin you're not having much good luck With guitars lately . Looks a corker that 339 in Pelham blue as well. Great licks nice bluesy rock vibe going on Great video cheers.
Hi Col great stuff as usual. I’m lucky enough to have Eastman Les Paul in the antique finish that I bought four years ago. It slays any EPI OR Gibson and I have one of each. Whilst not budget they are cheaper than Gibson and far superior. Mines getting even better as it ages. Any way forgive my rambling but it might be fun to review a couple of Eastmans?
He just sold or was selling his Goldtop Eastman mate. Hope they sound as gd as they look! Ur right tho, brilliant guitars, l wanted the SB55/v Jr...but none in Australia!! I ended up buying one of their Parlour accoustics.. little cracker of a guitar!
Thanks for the video! I used to just fix stuff myself but nowadays, I send it back for any issues. You pay good money for something, in my opinion, it should be right. Have taken back 4 Fender hand wired deluxe reverbs to sweetwater the last couple months. Just redicoulas that a "custom shop" can't get something right. Almost all esp ltd guitars I've bought, have had faulty switches.
Hello Colin.Great review.I had purchased the Epiphone "Casino Coupe" which is the downsized version of "Casino" and when I opened the box it was a disappointment. It felt like a toy and the p90s , well let's just say it sounds better unplugged.I guess the point is the size and quality did not work for me.Thanks gor your channel.
Bummer about that wiring issue, but that's life happening in real time. The playing at the end was viscous, fantastic job on that. Just wanted to say after the firebird episode I ordered one and it just shipped. So I'll be watching that episode until mine gets here in a few day hopefully... can't wait to see the next episode... cheers
You haven't had your problems to seek - again! You did the right thing, sending the faulty guitar back, though I'm sure you don't need anyone else to tell you that. Roll on part 2 - again!! P.S. A comparison with the Sheraton would be a very good idea - with the smaller body (bout), tonally it should be an interesting comparison. And, no jokes at your expense from me, either!
Cheers Colin!! always look out for your videos man. keep rocking dude! im saving for one of those Yamaha THR30 desktop amps presently. you've peaked my interest with this AMP LOL P90 SG's
So, normally when you select 'bridge' the switch removes the ground or 'earth' from the neck p/u so it goes silent. In 'both' position, both pickups are grounded so there is potential for current to flow through the entire circuit and we hear both pickups. Since the overall resistance in 'both' is about half what you measured for 'bridge' alone, as expected, this is a parallel circuit. In 'neck' position the ground SHOULD be disconnected from the bridge p/u to silence it. You obviously have a signal from both pickups, proving they are indeed both grounded. This suggests that the switch is just wired improperly and not subtracting the signal from the bridge pickup by defeating its ground when you select 'neck.' If you fell in love with this particular guitar (which you really didn't, right?) and wanted to keep it, you could pull the switch back out, test the ground continuity in each switch position with your meter, figure which pickup ground lead needs to be moved to another switch lug (you could test this with a jumper wire with alligator clips), and you're back in business. One further test in conjunction with the audible tap test would be to roll off each volume pot in turn with the switch on 'both' just to rule out a bad neck vol pot. I would welcome a better explanation and remedy from a real electrician as I am honestly not an expert, just an experienced handyman. Anyway, in this case sending the guitar right back is the thing to do business-wise. Be ready for GuitarGuitar to deny your claim and say you voided the warranty by going into it yourself. Cheers from Dallas!
@@oldrrocr Absolutely! So here's proof that they don't always do thorough QC and are willing to let a few dogs slip out when schedules get tight. Like Big G and Big F? That's modern production manufacturing for you. I've been lucky with Epiphones but I've bought all mine used and got to play and examine them first. If this kind of shit keeps up I'll find a new brand.
Nice review as far as you could. Let's see what happens and always interesting your reviews anyway. In all honesty, as much as I like the looks, it's a guitar style that would sit idle for years with me. Each to their own, and maybe I should expand, LOL.
It's great that you show one of the problems of buying online. I'm thinking of buying from Sweetwater here in the states to see if their hands-on inspection really helps. Better luck with the next one! Cheers.
Oh Colin--you are reading my mind! I have been considering selling a larger semi hollow and getting one of these. I will be very interested in your discoveries!
Yeah those bindings. If you feel brave you can scrape it. Makes a big difference. It looks great. Never played one. Always fun troubleshooting electronics on these hollow guitars.
Funny I was just looking at these last nights night, had a custom shop 339 that I recently had to let go as you do, fabulous guitar. Looking forward to the replacement. Fingers crossed
I watched so many videos on Epiphones vs Tributes vs Gibson that in the end I was convinced they were all almost the same. Wrong. I went to a shop and played the whole lot, for hours. They sound similar indeed, but they all feel very different! If you are talking about Gibsons, two of the exact same mode feel different. So my advice is go to a shop, try all within budget, and get the one that matches your playing style. For me that was a specific Gibson Les Paul Tribute, even though it was way under budget.
I had a Epi ES339 a few years back and sold it after about 6 months after buying it new. It was a great guitar and played and sounded every bit as good as my USA Strat. Only thing I didn't like about it was that it was suffered from neck dive when I played it standing up with a strap. Have often thought about getting another one though. Great and entertaining review as always BTW.
Was eagerly anticipating a 'great' demo/presentation ! Oh well... How sad... Too bad... BUT... Hopefully this story will have a HAPPY ending ? Looking forward to Chapter Two... ?? "Polly ? Put the kettle on Dearest..."
At least I'm not tempted by you once again to buy ANOTHER guitar, but only because I already have one of these. I do wish mine was Pelham, though. I got the Wine Red with P90s. Quite an excellent guitar.
Peham blue! Deja vu time. Is it 1970? I wish....Epiphone does make great guitars....gig-worthy. Reliant once they're fixed. This video is why I buy my guitars in person.😍
Like you said Colin, digging into the lower bout ( learned a new word) ,not really, is a pain in the ass, frustrating not worth the effort for the price! Keep up the good work, always look forward to your 🎸videos!
Honestly w the initial camera angles, it looked like it was gunmetal gray. This just reminds me to rebuy a Casino, altho I liked the slim D and wonder how the new 60s mid C compares. Maybe a video idea. Throw a Casino Coupe into the mix too, since it's the 339 equivalent
It just occurred to me I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Stratocaster on here. I know your a humbucker/p90 guy but I see Telecasters here and there. Is there Strat videos that I’ve missed? I just ordered an American Vintage 2 ‘61 White one so I have Strat fever ha ha.
Colin another great vid as usual. I just pre ordered the Epiphone Shinichi Ubukata ES-355 hopefully it gets to me by December so says my rep @ Sweetwater. 😂
Geez, bad luck with damaged guitars lately! Hope it all works out satisfactorily. We have a Epi 339 in the store I teach at a few days a week and it is a sweet little player!
I don't know why, but "street price" always cracks me up. Maybe it's because I'm imagining a herd of turtles all stacked up in a trench coat, pretending to be a person, and opening said garment to show the guitars dangling from the inside of it.
