Semi-Hollow Comparison
ES-335 vs ES-339
Two semi-hollows with the same maple-laminate center-block construction, but very different body sizes and a different pickup set.
The Biggest Difference
The ES-335 is a full-size semi-hollow with more acoustic resonance; the ES-339 is a compact version with less body and a slightly more focused voice.
Comparison Table
Body
Neck
Pickups & Electronics
Hardware
Weight & Price
Body
Neck
Pickups & Electronics
Hardware
Weight & Price
Neck & Playability
Both use a 60s SlimTaper neck, so the feel in the hand is similar. The real difference is the body: the ES-339 is noticeably smaller and more comfortable, especially for smaller players or long sets. The ES-335's larger body can feel bulky seated.
Pickups & Sound
The ES-335 uses '57 Classic pickups — warm, open and vintage-voiced. The ES-339 uses 390R/390T pickups, voiced specifically for the smaller body to keep warmth and avoid thinness. The 335 is a touch more open and acoustic; the 339 is a touch more focused and compact-sounding.
Body & Weight
The ES-339 is lighter and smaller (around 7 lbs) than the ES-335 (around 8 lbs). The 339 is the more comfortable guitar for long playing sessions.
Features
Both have a maple-laminate body with a center block, cream binding, a Tune-O-Matic and stop bar. The 335 is the original; the 339 is a modern, smaller-bodied alternative introduced for players who find the 335 too large.
Which Is Better For…
- Blues
- ES-335 — the larger body and open voice suit blues tone.
- Rock
- Both work; the 339's focused voice and smaller body suit stage use well.
- Metal
- Neither suits metal; both are semi-hollows voiced for warmer styles.
- Jazz
- ES-335 — the warmer, more open neck pickup suits jazz.
- Smaller Hands
- ES-339 — the smaller body is much more comfortable for smaller players.
- Vintage Feel
- ES-335 — the full-size body is the original 1958 design.
- Modern Feel
- ES-339 — the compact body and focused voice feel more contemporary.
Final Verdict
Choose the ES-335 for the full, open semi-hollow voice and classic body; choose the ES-339 if the 335 feels too large or you want a more focused, comfortable guitar. The 339 is the practical choice; the 335 is the classic.
FAQ
- Is the ES-339 just a smaller ES-335?
- Essentially yes — same maple-laminate center-block construction, but with a compact body and 390R/390T pickups voiced for the smaller size.
- Which is more comfortable to play seated?
- The ES-339. Its smaller body is much less bulky than the full-size ES-335.
- Do they sound different?
- Yes, slightly. The 335 is more open and acoustic-sounding; the 339 is more focused, with pickups voiced to keep warmth in the smaller body.
Explore These Models
The original semi-hollowbody — warm, woody resonance with the feedback resistance of a center block. A versatile classic.
ES-339A smaller-bodied semi-hollow with the same maple-laminate center-block construction as the ES-335. More comfortable for players who find the 335 large, with 390R/390T pickups voiced for the compact body.
Related Comparisons
Les Paul Standard '60s vs SG Standard
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SG Standard vs SG '61 Standard
The SG Standard has '57 Classic pickups and a stop bar; the '61 has Burstbuckers, cream binding and a Lyre Vibrola tailpiece.
Les Paul Standard '50s vs Les Paul Standard '60s
The '50s has a thick, rounded neck and warmer Burstbucker pickups; the '60s has a slim, fast neck and a slightly brighter, more balanced pickup set.