Gibson Semi-Hollowbody Showdown | Friday Fretworks 

Man I could listen to that all day...

I love this guy such a humble and proper lad and a great player

Man... Horses for courses, maybe, but I loved both. The 335 is so open and expansive and louder, esp in the low range, it seems. So, on the louder end of the spectrum, it's more expressive, and complex. Like in the opening riff. The 339 is dark and sultry, and more expressive in the lower dynamic spectrum, as little notes here and there pop out and weave, like in the final piece. Love both. And your music, as always, is truly lovely.

Boy am I glad I stuck around to hear those solo's. Thanks for sharing your work.

Beautifully sweet sounds as usual Chris! Thanks for all the inspiration and fueling the GAS :-) I went into stores (several times) recently expecting to buy a 339 ‘cos of the size/comfort factor. But came away with a 335 instead. 2 reasons. Firstly the more airy tone (which imo is the whole point of this type of guitar) and secondly comfort!? To my surprise, resting my arm against the body of the 335 was really comfortable and my knuckles do not rub the body/horn of the guitar like they did trying to play a 339 high on the neck. Having a regular electric thickness to the body it rests nicely without feeling bulky to me. But yes there’s no getting around the larger look. Perhaps many who think the 335 looks uncomfortably big should try one & may find that it’s actually more comfortable and physically less restrictive to play than smaller electrics ‘cos you have more space on which to work your magic. Oh & for what it’s worth every Gibson 335/355 I tried sounded different. To be clear that includes the guitars with identical year/spec. Some sounded more 3D than others, some thin, some fat. I have come to the conclusion a guitar with a large hollow element is much more of a lottery experience when you get to play them. Also listen to somebody else playing the guitars on your short list. It helps give another perspective which can help highlight traits you do and don’t like. I believe the spec & PuPs can be taken with a pinch of salt as each guitar is greater than the sum of it’s parts. If possible avoid blind/internet purchases, especially on a guitar like this. Good luck & happy shopping for those in the market!

That middle selection on that 339 is so bassy and full with an amazing amount of body and slight twanginess. I dig

Playing is so lovely man! Your note choices, feel, and dynamics are just so on point all the time. Cheers to another good one!

OMG. Midnight in Harlem!?!?? You just had to go there didn't you!! 😁😁😎😎

One of the best solos I've ever heard imo and it's in a youtube video not on from a concert! 6:22

Love the comparison. Goosebumps from 6:24 and forward! Chris got CHOPS!

In my experience the 335 has a fuller range than a 339. But a lot of that is manageable through the tone control and technique. I got an Epiphone 339 because it’s less expensive (on sale less than $300), and because the tone fits something my other guitars don’t, that warm wrapped in a quilt on a cold night feel. The Epi also has coil split pickups which gives it more tonal options than the Gibson but I don’t use them much. The size is comfortable to me. I like my 339.

Recently played an Epi 339. Exceptional instrument with great tone and build quality

Dude that Midnight in Harlem was amazing.

Don’t think I’ve ever heard any one demo with No matter what. And that’s what makes you so special Chris

So I’ve been here a few times, watched this video from 6 minutes onwards numerous times. And it is genuinely some of the most beautiful playing I have ever seen and had to comment

The first half of the solo from 6min is probably the best playing I've ever heard I reckon

Well as an old guy I’m impressed you started things off with a Badfinger song anyway lol Nice stuff young man 👍

Beautiful playing as always! I am surprised I have never heard you mention the Epiphone 339--it is such a deal compared to the Gibson and indistinguishable from the Gibson for most people.

Man. That was some sweet playing at the end on the 335.. I've recently fallen for the es and teles.after spending the last 35 years playing Paul's strats superstrats..and hand made...I have been denying myself the beauty of these tone machines I'm digging em now..There's just something beautiful about each guitar..each has its own character ..man the agony of wanting all of them ..lol. good demo.thanks.

For me 339. Chords sounds so smooth, dark and moody, love it alot. Wish I could have one :(

335-brighter, more treble and clarity on the chords, 339-darker on the chords (surprisingly) They seem more similar with single notes, IMO. Lovely playing, by the way, Buckster.

I'll buy the album!

Who wouldn't wish they could play like CB so expressive so emotional he can tear it up like anyone but can break your heart with the sweetest chord tones and bends

The problem with this comparison is that the 339 has a hard tail and the 335 a trapeze tailpiece. A trapeze gives a 335 a much jazzier sound. Two hard tails would have made the difference in body size clearer. Nice playing however.

339 sounds softer the slight brightness of the 335 seems to be that the sound is a bit better defined

Man, those were some tasty licks at the end. In a world of showoffs who need to play 20 notes per second and forget about the music, this is so refreshing. I have a 335 and a CS356 (which is comparable to a 339) and the 335 is brighter, airier and punchier, but the 356 is better at approaching Les Paul style lead tones; think Gary Moore. Some people prefer the smaller bodied versions, but I have always found the 335 very comfortable to play.

You make them both sound fantastic! A pleasure just to hear you solo. Nice comparison video.

To me, the 339 bridge pickup is just a tad brighter and more focused than the 335. I like it a lot. However, the 339 neck PU is a bit "mushy" with a more diffuse sound than with the 335. The 335 neck PU holds it together better. They're both good sounding guitars, but personally I prefer the 339 bridge PU and the 335 neck PU. For whatever that's worth. ;-)

Sublime playing as ever. I wanted to prefer the 339. 335 edged it imo...however...with a slight tweaking ....

Great video comparison, thanks for posting. Beautiful playing, as always. You could make any gtr sound its best! Interesting to read the comments. Very surprising to me that so many comments compared 339 unfavorably to 335. I didn't hear it that way at all. First off I think they sound much more alike than different. To me the 335 sounded deeper (that's a good thing) and the 339 had more clarity (a different good thing!). I own both gtrs and love them both. I enjoy the comfort of the 339 and it's brightness. It's my main gigging gtr; very versatile. I love the depth of the 335 and tend to play it more at home. I'm lucky to have both. Thanks again for posting.

The 335 sounds a little brighter, but your amps tone controls can be adjusted to compensate for that. It really doesn't matter. I had a 1968 ES 335 and kept it for a couple of years because I loved the sound. The neck and fretboard were a perfect fit for my hands but the body was too big and I felt awkward with it onstage. I bought an ES 339 because it was the right size for my body and my hands.

While they sound very similar, of course, the difference I hear is a balance issue between two competing factors: the “direct” sound, and an indirect, more resonant, sympathetic tone I’d call “jangle.” A greater percentage of the 339’s sound is direct: strings, neck wood, fingerboard wood, and hardware, akin to what a solid body Les Paul would give you. It does have more complexity than a LP, though, and a slightly higher-voiced “jangle” than the 335. The 335 has more “jangle” overall, and it’s slightly warmer. The tone is less direct and less “stringy” than the 339’s tone. The playing was rich and tasty, which made this shootout very enjoyable.

Great choice of track.....”Midnight in Harlem”. Very nice expressive playing.

The comparison here reflects my own experience. Back in '07 I had a Westerly Guild Starfire IV. In Early '08 I added a Gibson ES339. Fit and finish were beautiful and the 339 played like a dream. One day I decided to A/B them as the 339 wasn't really impressing me and it cost far more than the Starfire. Well, the Starfire just ate the 339s lunch. The 339 just does not and can not achieve the same woody, airy tone of a full-sized semi-hollow. I sold the Gibson.

They both sound great, I like the 339 being smaller . I'm sure the pick ups have a lot to do with the difference sound. If you had the 339 you couldn't tell the difference playing it by its self and you can't play two guitars at the same time .

Nice bit of Badfinger at the start there

You play beautifully mate. I can note a little difference between the es335 and es339. Thank you for your video! Cheers from Spain!

335 all the way. Clearer, fuller and with a certain amount of "roundness "... The notes bloom much better. Gorgeous playing as always, mate. Cheers

Hi Chris I have the Epiphone es339 I love it, it has coil taps so can get the brighter sound

I'm glad you mentioned that the red colour makes a difference. I own both of them and they both sound great.

I’ve wondered about this.. the 339 sounds a lot like a Les Paul to me (especially the ones with weight relief) and the 335 is just that classic semi hollow tone.

Nice to hear you playing a bit of Badfinger Chris

Thank for this Chris, I have a ES-339 (Epiphone not Gibson) exactly because of the ergonomics of the guitar, plus its versatility. That song you play from 6:54 to the outro is an absolutely beautiful song and performance. Is it one of your originals?

I have 339 from the first year they came out, my brother’s 335 was bought about the same year. I could make them sound very close. I would say the 335 could get more bottom end. Both really great instruments. I don’t see myself selling the 339, one of the best guitars I’ve ever owned.

Beautiful guitars; I love the yellow colour the binding goes as it ages, as on the 335. Lovely playing, as always.

The reason I watched and listened is because I'm going to purchase one or the other. How exciting is that? I remember unboxing my first guitar.... Fender Stratocaster. I was in awe looking at the beauty of it. I can only imagine unboxing a Gibson es335 or the 339. Your playing was incredible. Such feeling, I believe either one would be fabulous to own. Love you all.

Now that's how to play the 335 and 339's you made them guitars sing man, beautiful guitar playing .

Damn you Chris… because of your beautiful playing and amazing video I decided that I need 339 in my life and I bought it❤

Had a 335 back in the 80s. I enjoyed the tone but I just couldn't get on with the big body. It didn't stay long. When the 339 came out I was immediately interested but wanted to see one firsthand. After many years a new one appeared in a local shop fresh out of the case. I played it and fell in love. Not really much bigger than a Les Paul but much lighter. As you can hear in the video it's not a mini 335. It has its own tone and vibe that falls in somewhere between the 335 and a Les Paul. Such a fun guitar to play!

I'm thinking you can make any guitar sound good. Really appreciated the work from 6:20 on.

Chris, RU-vid's algorithms got me here. First with your John Lennon posting regarding his abilities as a guitarist now this posting. With only two views I immediately subscribed. I am the proud 'custodian' if you will of Mr. Gibson. Since acquiring him in 1975 privately Mr. Gibson has always been a far better guitar than I have ever been a guitar player. Sometime during the late 1980's is when I gave him that nickname seeing the values of vintage Gibson's and of course Fenders skyrocket. At his last insurance appraisal I was told Mr. Gibson is exactly as he left Kalamazoo Michigan, his serial number entered on the shipping ledgers mid 1964. His specs and quirks: ES335TDC, factory installed Bigsby with 2 pearl inlays over the stop tail piece studs ground wire intact, neck pick up has a 'patient' sticker and bridge pick up has a "PAF" sticker and Tune A Matic bridge with white nylon saddles. Through the years I've always enjoyed putting Mr. Gibson in the hands of a guitarist who can play him to his capabilities. Today just a few minutes into this posting you became the leading candidate Chris. Although not a practical idea, this is my way of praising this video, your technical prowess and musicianship. Bravo !

335 = fatter and more air; 339 = tighter and punchier. To my ears I almost liken the sound of the 339 to an LP Special or an SG, but more scooped in the midrange. When it comes to generating resonance in a chambered instrument, size definitely matters. But both have great tones, and your playing and demonstration was excellent also. Thanks for posting.

Fantastic review and playing! I'm in :)

Another great yet understated video. Bravo. There's never any possibility of listened fatigue on you videos. Anytime i watch something here if I hadn't checked and these videos out for a couple months, i become VERY focused on dynamics. I've incorperated quite a few things from your playing here, most notably the slide & lil vibrato/slide & vibrato again...... And again.

When 335 kicks in for solo at the end, it feels so good to me!

The only thing I learned from this video is both guitars sound amazing because of who’s playing it. When I close my eyes I can’t tell which is which. To those who hear a difference, I guess you have a better ear than I do, but I’ll still enjoy the music either way.

They sound very similar to me. Not exactly, but close. I have a 339. It is my favorite Gibson. Balanced with all the necessary appointments. Great video. Love midnight in harlem!

Both sound amazing - I did get very distracted listening to your sublime playing over that Tedeschi Trucks - awesome

You didn't mention the pickups in each but, the 339 has a bigger, more muted sound. This could possibly be settings, or higher output pups etc. But that is what was presented.

It's midnight up in Harlem. Definitely feeling the Derek vibes on that 335, so vocal in the attack.

The 335 has a tail piece, it's going to sound different..

I think for sonic tonal quality, the 335 would be my preference. However, comfortable playing for me would be a huge factor and since I'm just a regular playing guitar with buddies type of guy, I would get the 339. I have a 1962 ES-340 and it sounds great but just isn't comfortable enough for me and wished it was smaller in size and willing to give up some on the tonal side.

339 much more mellow. Suits you and your love of music 👍

Lovely playing yet again. The 335 wins this one for me, but there is not a lot in it either way. I know what you mean on the ergonomics of the 335, but as a lefty the 339 simply wasn’t an option - so Gibson solved that problem for me ;-). You really couldn’t go wrong with either, the 335 is such a versatile instrument.

The ES335 just did it for me sounded richer, fuller, and had the bass that I find I miss as a n ES339 owner. When I am going from a les paul to the ES339, I miss that punch of the les paul, but I feel like the ES335 would have enough low end for me not to long for the punch as much. Still love the ES339, it fits the bill for a Gibson that won't break my shoulder and easy to play, but as far as pure sound, to me in this comparison the ES335 won hands down.

An interesting comparison would be between the LP, 339, 335, and Epi Broadway. All 2 hum guitars - solid, sm semi, lg semi and lg hollow. Go from dark and woody to light and creamy. IMHO, the 339 sits between the LP and 335 and can give nods in either direction that with the right EQ can get you pretty, pretty close. If I'm choosing between the 339 and the 335 and I already have an LP, I probably get the 335. If I'm choosing only one of the three and I want the most versatile, it's the 339 with coil splits.

I prefer the 339 because of the size, the size of a 335 does grow on me a lot

love your touch. it’s very similar to how someone would sing. i’d love to see some instrumental music with you soloing over it out on Spotify and such someday. keep on playing!

I got more goose bumps listening the 335 😂

335's all day and every night

Just be glad that Gibson makes all these models. Whatever you need they've got you covered if you can afford them.

Nice one ;-) The 335 with a 60s trapeze is a bit different too from a stop tail but the pups make a big difference

The 335 has that open plinky vintage paf tone you cant duplicate aside from that its most an aesthetic difference imo. I would take the 339 i prefer the smaller body, and i would get a more vintage acurate sounding set of pickups installed into it.

Just like a Gretsch 6120 JR is a scaled down version of the 6120 ... doesn't sound too dramatically different, way more comfortable for playing on stage (not sitting down) and certainly way less feedback issues when playing at ear splitting volume ... but still retaining all the interesting characteristics of a hollow body (6120 JR) or a semi-hollow body (339) guitar.

The 339 is in between a Les Paul and a 335. If you already have a Les Paul, I would be more inclined to go with the 335.

The difference is the types of capacitors or resistors. And the type of metal that is used in the fret wire and hardware. That's what is causing a difference in tone.

335 sounds fuller but I can recommend changing pickups in the 339. The 57 Classics in it are a bit too ”modern” sounding I think. It’s a bit tricky to change pickups in a hollowbody though.... ☺️

Came for the showdown, stayed for the sweet playin

Great comparison, and exceptional playing!

Great video...thanks. I play 99% at home, so I bought the 339 mainly for the comfort factor...beautiful clean tones on my VOX AC10.

The taillpiece on the 335 is different. My Uptown Kat has a decidedly more 'open' sound because of the trapeze taillpiece.

Wow, that 339 has some warmth. Both are cool guitars but I’m a fan of the 335 especially with the tail piece, such a beautiful guitar. Since they shrunk the 335, always wanted them to make a 335 in a 17” version, that would be interesting. S, M and L.!

My sense is that you could make *any* guitar sound great with your technique. That being said, it's a bit of an apples and orange comparison, despite your attempts to equal them out. But it's a helpful video nonetheless, and gave me the answer I was looking for: the 5 suits my taste and style better than the 9. It really is an individual thing - both are great machines.

335 for sure ! ♥

midnight in harlem ! Well played sir.

I prefer the 339… but then, I have one of my own!!

I'm not a big guy, so the 339 fits me better, and I really wanted to like it more...but that 335 tone can't be beat.

From my experience, the pickup determines the tone of the guitar. The type of wood, bridge, nut etc determine the sustain. You'd really need to have the same pickups in each guitar to get a true comparison.

Should be tested with same pickups

Beautiful playing

very nice touch on the wires mate !

It's weird but I prefer the 335 on the neck for that classic warm expressive sound, but I find the attack of it a little flat on the bridge ,whereas for me 339 comes into its own in bridge position, the smaller body giving it more jangle. So yeah, sorry kids... Christmas is cancelled, Daddy's gonna have to get both.

Easiest way for me to describe... Seems like one has the "reverb" turned up vs less reverb on the other. Tone is slightly darker on bigger guitar too... Like a dark long spring vs a smaller brighter plate verb on the other haha. Definitely different, I personally prefer the brighter snappier option and comfort is always king! Thanks Chris, excellent work.

I have both! Not a 66 though! I have a funny relationship with the 339 ! Sometimes i can’t put it down ! Sometimes I tire easy of it! I think the 335 has more bell like tones to my ear! I like the idea to drop the 339 pus! Your playing is inspirational brother Thankyou ! ❤️👌🤟

sweet sweet sweet playing

I'm honestly surprised, to find that the 339 is much duller than the 335. I would have expected it to be slightly brighter.

On YOUR guitars, the 335 sounds fuller and richer. That said, I played a lot of 335s and found them to be all different and sometimes unimpressive. I had just about given up on a 335, when I walked into a Guitarcenter, and there on the wall, was a brand new, plain Jane, 2014, satin cherry 335. The sales guy told it had been in two stores, unsold for a couple of years. I asked the guy to take it down and plugged it into a Blues Deluxe reissue. Magic. I bought that 335. Later I bought a Memphis made 339, and it sounds equally as awesome. The 335 has ‘57 Classics, the 339 has MHS humbuckers, which I find to be great pickups. Both played through my ‘65 Deluxe Reverb reissue sound great. But the nod goes to the smaller, more comfortable 339.

My look on this is with the wood on the ES335 being aged and would have hardened over the years, could result in the more treble induced sound. Of course body size etc and build matter a whole bunch but that why I think the 335 here is more defined in presence.

The 339 is sharper, brighter and has more presence; the 335 is jazzier, softer, rounder and has more “air”. Consequently (depending on musical context of course), the 339 probably has better potential to find its place in a busy mix. Isolated, I prefer the 335 but in a band setting, the 339 probably gets along better with the other kids in the sandbox, so to speak.

The 335 sounds like a great singer. The 339 sounds like a great singer with a pack a day smoking habit. I’m not a smoker but I prefer the 339