ES-339 30/60 Neck Profile

Captain Bb · Little Guppy Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 30 Location: UK

After playing what I was told was a 339 with 50's neck in my local store, I went ahead and ordered one (the one I tried was already sold).

Sure enough, when it arrived it felt like the same guitar but after reading a couple of threads on other forums, I began to have doubts as to it being the "50s fat neck" as described because everyone seems to refer to the 30/60 neck as having a "flat spot" (which mine has) and the 50s fat neck as being "totally round and huge".

After obtaining a set of measurements from another 30/60 owner and checking my guitar, I've now confirmed mine has a similar neck profile.

I like her just the way she is though and it's the same profile as the one I tried in the store, so this guitar is definitely a keeper Cool

For reference, the neck thickness for my 339 measures 0.810" at the 1st fret and 0.920" at the 12th (the other guy's axe was 0.845" and 0.907" respectively, so it seems there's a fair bit of tolerance variation in the mix too!).

Which just goes to prove the old adage: "Don't believe all you are told" Rolling Eyes

95strat · Cobra Joined: 29 Oct 2005 Posts: 487 Location: Canada

ES339's are great guitars.... ever since trying one for the first time a few months ago I've wanted to get one. Problem is I can't really decide which colour or neck.... I've seen all the colours and they all look good.... and I like the feel of both necks..... I'm leaning towards a '59 neck (the HUGE baseball bat of a neck! Razz

) in either red or vintage burst..... altho I do like that tea-burst one too.... oh I just can't decide Shocked

Captain Bb · Little Guppy Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 30 Location: UK

I ruled out the teaburst on account of the neck not matching the body colour when viewed from the back (I can't post pictures yet or I'd illustrate what I mean).

The red was appealing but I believe the neck is also stained red (never seen one though), which I don't think would look very natural either.

But the VSB just looks darned nice from any angle Cool

SAguitar · Posted: Fri May 30, 2008 7:27 pm Post subject:

I've been lusting for one of those since they first came out! Congratulations, Cap'n! Cool

Captain Bb · Little Guppy Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 30 Location: UK

They're lovely things for sure Sir Stanley and I think you owe it to yourself to get down n' intimate with one (tell the good Lady The Captain press-ganged you into it - she'll understand Wink

).

There does appear to be some QC issues with them though - mostly set-up related (which is no big deal I guess) but others have ugly file marks on the fretboard where they've been poorly finished, which shouldn't be tolerated on a supposedly "Custom Shop" instrument of course!

Fortunately, my guitar only has a couple of minor problems and nothing I can't sort out myself.

The 339 is almost perfect for me ergonomically and feels very natural under my (often clumsy) fingers. The only thing I don't like is the forward strap button being located at the back of the guitar but that's something I hope to get used to in due course.

She's a looker alright but most importantly she scores 10/10 in the tone Department Cool

I intend to grow old(er) disgacefully with my 339 Razz

herb · Posted: Sat May 31, 2008 6:45 am Post subject:

Gibson has always put their strap button on the back of the guitar in the base of the neck heel because that is the strongest and most solid place to put it. Gretsch puts their strap buttons on the upper bout (or body in single cuts) on the side edge of the guitar and folks have terrible problems with them stripping out and coming off. Trust me, it's an idea worth getting used to! Wink

SAguitar · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 3:09 pm Post subject:

Yeah, I've gotten used to that position for the strap button on my full-bodied ladies. Cool

Captain Bb · Little Guppy Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 30 Location: UK

Well, I'm a few months into playing the 339 and I still find the strap position quite irksome.

However, in the tone department she's without equal to my ears. The best sounding humbuckers by miles Cool

.

SAguitar · Posted: Sun Aug 17, 2008 1:49 pm Post subject:

Well, I'm glad you're loving the tones, mate! But as far as strap button position, I wouldn't recommend that you put that baby on the upper bout, it would likely rip out of there in short order. I you really want to move it, and don't mind a modification, you could drill a new hole in the base of the neck, and use Straploks fo hold it on. I did that on my acoustic guitar and it works well for me there. Cool

Captain Bb · Little Guppy Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 30 Location: UK

I've had a look inside the upper horn and you're right, there's no wood there to hold a strap button. I'll leave the guitar as is and just hope to get used to it.