Anybody playing a Gibson ES336 or 339?

[pullshocks]

Visually it is a knock out, but I am wondering how the body shape works out for playing while seated.  The lower bout is proportionally big and round, and the waist is pretty narrow.

[Willabe]

I had a Gibson ES-335 in the 80's and I had no problems with playing it while sitting. But I was thin back then.    

Wish I still had a 335.

Also had a big-box ES-175 (?) now that was a little uncomfortable to play sitting down, but not bad.


                  Brad    

[G._Hoffman]

I had a Gibson ES-335 in the 80's and I had no problems with playing it while sitting. But I was thin back then.    

Wish I still had a 335.

Also had a big-box ES-175 (?) now that was a little uncomfortable to play sitting down, but not bad.


                  Brad    

Yeah, but a 335 is very different from 339.  335's are 16" across the lower bout, and quite a bit longer, while the 339 is a 14" lower bout, and the center of weight is much closer to the neck.  Personally, I find 335's unplayable in any position, because their lower bout is right where my arm wants to be.  I'm working on a 339 sized semi-hollow, though, and as soon as I get my CNC machine finished I'm going to start trying to make it. 


Gabriel

[Willabe]

Yeah, but a 335 is very different from 339.  335's are 16" across the lower bout, and quite a bit longer, while the 339 is a 14" lower bout, and the center of weight is much closer to the neck.

Oh, that's why the different #.

Yeah my arm came across the upper part of the lower bout on the 335 a little funny but it wasn't too bad. The 175 was worse, too me anyway.

My Les Paul would bug my arm sometimes. This is one of the reasons I like a Strat, for me it's very comfortable.   

Had an old White Falcon years ago same kinda thing with the lower bout. I never did figure out how the controls worked on it.   

I'll have to try a 339.


                       Brad       

[Geezer]

I played one @ banjo center a while back & loved it....very comfortable to me.

I went the other way (bigger)....took some getting used to, but I LOVE it! >> http://www.el34world.com/Forum/index.php?topic=12398.msg133838#msg133838

[G._Hoffman]

Ibanez makes a bunch of guitars which are similarly sized - the John Scofield model, for instance.  Very nice, and a LOT cheaper than the 339.


Gabriel

[SILVERGUN]

I picked up an CS-336 in a local music store a few months back and didn't want to put it down...
I know the guy behind the counter and they usually stock about 100 guitars,,,,,I walked in and said "whats the best one you got?"......without hesitation, he handed me this guitar (and then stood next to me with a huge grin) and I couldn't agree more....WOW......I've played PRS, Les Paul, and Parker for years,,,,,this one is just as good, if not better
Quality, playability and great sound.....I just couldn't even look at the price tag.......I want to stay married

But, to answer your question...I don't remember being uncomfortable sitting with it, but ,,,,,I was in love

[pullshocks]

Thanks for the feedback.  I had an ES-330TDC back in the day but it had the larger body like the 335.  and in any event I don't remember that much about playing it.  Sure did love that cherry red though.

I am drafting up a 336 variant right now.  Lower bout and waist will be pretty similar, cutaways will be slightly different, and of course it will have my signature peg head.  It will be 25" scale.  The neck and bridge will be pulled in an inch or so so it looks less neck heavy.  The heel and neck joint will be done differently so no loss of access to the high frets.

[SILVERGUN]

Nice....didn't know you were building it
The 336 is a perfect size...a little scaled down 335...perfect
Got any pics of what you've built?....link?

Don't forget about the old Gibson "wine red"