Watch It First
The ES-339 is one of those guitars that does something really smart. It takes the ES-335 concept and shrinks the body down so it sits more comfortably, especially for players who find the full-size 335 a bit unwieldy. Same semi-hollow character, same tonal territory, just in a slightly more manageable package. The Epiphone version in Cherry is a genuinely great guitar for £422.
If you’ve been eyeing the Epiphone range and wondering which semi-hollow to pick up, the ES-339 is one of the strongest options in the lineup. Let’s dig in.
The Smaller Body – Does It Matter?
The ES-339 body is noticeably smaller than a full ES-335. For players who primarily play sitting down, or who find larger guitars tiring to hold for long sets, this is a real practical improvement. The body depth is also slightly shallower which helps with overall comfort.
Tonally the smaller body gives the 339 a slightly tighter, more focused sound compared to a full 335. A bit less air, a bit more punch. Neither is better, they’re just different. Some players actually prefer the 339’s more controlled sound for recording and live work where feedback management matters. If you want to understand how body size affects tone, this semi-hollow guitar guide explains it well.
Specs
- Type: Semi-hollowbody, smaller body
- Body and top: Maple
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fretboard: Indian Laurel, 22 frets
- Scale: 628mm
- Pickups: 2x humbuckers (HH)
- Color: Cherry
- Price: £422
Sound and Tone
The humbuckers on the ES-339 have a warm, full sound with enough output for blues and rock without being overly hot. Clean tones are genuinely lovely – warm in the neck position, brighter and more cutting at the bridge. The middle position gives you a nice blend that works great for rhythm playing.
Compared to the Casino’s P90s, the 339’s humbuckers are warmer and more versatile across different gain levels. You can push them into crunch territory without feedback issues becoming a problem. For gigging players who switch between clean and driven sounds frequently, this is a practical advantage.
The semi-hollow construction adds natural warmth and sustain to both clean and driven tones. Its not quite as airy as a full hollowbody, but you still get that woody resonance that makes semi-hollows so appealing. Check out the Ibanez AG95QA review for another great semi-hollow at a similar price point.
Build Quality at £422
Epiphone has improved dramatically in recent years. The ES-339 in Cherry is well built – the binding is clean, the frets are properly dressed, and the finish is consistent. There’s nothing that feels cheap or poorly thought out. FYI – you might want to eventually upgrade the nut and potentially the tuners, but as a stock instrument it plays and sounds great.
The Cherry finish is rich and deep. Not quite the vintage depth of a Gibson original but genuinely attractive and consistent. On stage it looks the part completely.
Who Is This For
Players who want a semi-hollow tone but find full-size 335-style guitars physically awkward. Blues and jazz players on a budget who want humbucker warmth without solid body stiffness. Gigging musicians who want a great looking, versatile guitar that doesn’t cost a fortune. Basically anyone who wants ES-335 vibes without ES-335 money.
Final Verdict
The Epiphone ES-339 Cherry is a well-made, genuinely good sounding semi-hollow at an honest price. The smaller body makes it more practical for many players and the tone covers a wide range of styles capably. If the semi-hollow sound calls to you and £422 is your budget sweet spot, this is an easy recommendation.
