Hey guys, Thanks for watching! Please remember to like and subscribe, and stop by Spotify to listen to some music. open.spotify.com/artist/3GoaK66hG2Al2gf6ync58b?si=L7XJVS7aTCWMPUMLTpFD3Q&dl_branch=1

I own both. I was looking at Les Pauls but since 99% of my playing is sitting down, why would I get the worst possible design for lap playing. I didn't see the need of the size or weight of the ES-335, so I got the 339's. Gibson comes w the brown hardshell case, but the Epi is a great 'if it gets scratched, it adds character' guitar & thanks to the smaller size of the 339, it fits into the same standard gig bag that I use for my old MIM Strat. PRICE I didn't want to risk a lot of money on a guitar that might not be ideal & Gibson isn't something you buy on a hunch. After a few months with the Epi, I bought the Gibson. I got the Epi in cherry red back in '19, with no coil splitting (wanted the blue, but no stock), for $550 CDN via Amazon. Same Alnico humbuckers as in the video. After falling in love with the comfort & design, I got the Gibson, in the exact same color as the one you're displaying, but in matte black finish, also with the '57 humbuckers. It cost $1900 CDN, on sale from $2200. VALUE The Epi is worth its weight in gold. It shipped in that awful cardboard box, I thought I'm getting garbage here, but no way. I just had to raise the bridge slightly & it was set up. No sharp frets, no imperfections. It feels cheaper & of course doesn't have that Gibson smell, but for value there's no beating it. Sure, you're getting a guitar made in a place where cheap labor is the economy & who knows, maybe a 9 year old built it. The materials only feel cheap if you hold the Gibson as a comparison. The Epi is a really good guitar. Like Rich said in the video, the Gibson is definitely better made, you can feel (and smell) that right away. Interestingly, the ES models don't have as much mark-up as the Les Pauls, for which I'm grateful. Even if you forget the value retention, the Gibson is, IMO, worth its asking price. That's not something I say about Gibsons, ever. I'm happy to pay more if the money stays 'local' & was built by people who get bathroom breaks. STAYING IN TUNE I've got two Fenders - a Tele Deluxe & an American Performer Strat. Both have Fender locking tuners & the Strat has a Floyd Rose Rail Tail trem system. The Epi stays in tune as well as both, which is I guess average. I tune every time I pick it up & sometimes after about an hour playing. I added black Grover locking tuners to the Gibson 339 & put its original tuners on my Epi (though they didn't fit perfectly, I don't care about the Epi as much). I'll be keeping them nearby of course, so the Gibson can be 100% original if/when I sell it. I just hate plastic tuner pegs. It's the most stable tune in my fleet. I'm not a fan of the angled headstock on Gibson, which is more pronounced on the Gibson than the Epi, but the guitar is always in tune. Less so when I use 9.5 strings rather than 10s, I like to experiment. The Gibson was set up by the music store I bought it from, came with the purchase. SOUND If you only have the Epi, you'll be fine with the sound. I like the sound, but they can sound a bit 'tinny' at their worst. I use a Boss Katana wireless amp so I tried a lot of variations. If you also own the Gibson, you will forget the Epi even made a sound. The superiority of the pickups in the Gibson is so obvious. While I'd be fine tinkering with the Epi, I hear replacing pickups in a semi-hollow can be a nightmare, so I'll leave it as-is. The pickups in the Epiphone aren't a disappointment at all, but if you can hold out for an Epiphone with ProBuckers or something in them, you wouldn't need the Gibson at all.

Bought a used epi 339 recently. Previous owner had 57 classic 150’s installed and had the guitar set up perfectly for my preferences . I have replaced MIM fenders for California fenders but I think I will hold off on the Gibson 339. I really really like the epi. Feels, looks, and sounds great. I can’t put it down.

I'm crazy about the 339 gibson or epiphone.. great guitar

Thank you for doing the P90/Humbucker comparison at the end. I own the P90 version and it has quickly become one of my favorite guitars, turning me into a bit of a P90 fanatic in the process. 😎

@spacejamgoliath

3 жыл бұрын

Nice to hear. I have been wanting one for awhile

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

No problem, it was my intention when filming the video, but almost forgot at the end. Glad I did.

I own an Epi 339 but just strumming a few Gibsons at the guitar shop I noticed they’re waaay louder acoustically. But the Epi is a really solid guitar.

Thanks for showing us the difference. You are right not everyone can afford a Gibson. That P90 Epi sounds great thanks for showing us option C.

The epi with the P90's over the humbucker for sure Rich and for me over the Gibson too , simply for price and use as I play for pleasure these days so close enough, as epi's are these days, is good enough for me man 😎 as always great playing Rich and haha I enjoyed the tongue out humour at the end 🤣

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

😁

Alnico Classic Pro sure beast on price tag, I play both, and It sound 95% similar

They both sound great and as always great playing. The coil splits and price of the epi is great for dragging around out of the house. Sitting at home ... the gibson. Have you ever checked out the xavirers les pauls? Just got one for jaming at buddies places. 269 bucks and crazy specs for that price!

A few used Epi’s out there for about $350.00. It’s a steal. Wanted a 335 Epi bit when compared the tone of the 339, the 339 is a lot more versatile. The 335 has a hard time cutting through bands with two guitars. 339 cuts through nicely.

To me Epiphone sounds better and looks better I've always liked the E on the pickguard looks cool

@jesselaurencemusic

Жыл бұрын

I agree. I prefer the Epiphone sound and looks. I also like the look of the E on the pickguard.

P90 Epi is great, can tell its your personal guitar, great playing and review , as always!!

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

Thsnks Curtis

As a lefty there is only one choice (the Gibson ES-339 does come in left-handed orientation but the Epiphone 339 is, at time of writing, righty only). I can play both left and right handed (prefer playing lefty though) and I own a lefty Gibson ES-339. I did own a right handed Epiphone 339 Pro for a while and, while the Gibson is a better guitar, the Epi offers a great deal for the money. I have three P90 equipped lefty guitars - Gibson ES-330, Gibson SG and a Chinese Epiphone Casino. Will upgrade the electronics and pickups in the Casino at some point.

Playability is the most important

Thanks just subscribed! I purchased both the sg custom epiphone and the lespaul custom epiphone now looking at this great playing

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for subscribing Travis!

I wish you'd have displayed the back-of-headstock / neck joint on these guitars.

Thanks for the demo! I've been wanting to compare the epi 339s p90 vs humbuckers, and I have to say, the p90 version sounds so much like the epi casino, I kinda want to hear those two side by side now. Heh, just can't be satisfied I guess!

Instead of getting the 'Gibson', you can buy both versions of the Epiphone (HB and P90) and have a ton of change left for some pedals, an nice amp and even some original Gibson pickups you can swap... Would be my choice...

Did the same comparison with my Epi 339 with P-90s and my friend’s Gibson 339. Loved the Gibson but not for 2$k more. I was lucky enough to probably get the last new P90 version in February after watching your review. Lucky boy!

@Philipmichaelmusic915

2 жыл бұрын

I want a p90 pro badly does it have the slim taper neck ?

I've looked online at the es 339 wannabee from epiphone. I's cheaper than a Gibson. I guess I will put different wiring and pots and pickups in my MIK Sheraton. It has a sweet natural tone. Kind of like a es 335. That pelham blue is pretty.

Hey Rich, I have both Epiphones also and love both. Although the coil split pots need to be replaced in the vintage sunburst hummer. The cherry p90 model is flawless. To me they are worth way more than I paid for them. I don’t have a Gibson to compare with. Great demo I’ll keep the Epis

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

Cool, thanks Steve!

@atticusfinch4687

3 жыл бұрын

Me too. Have two red ones also with both sets of pickups. Paid less than 600 for both and love them but also want to eliminate the coil taps.

@stevelankford7343

3 жыл бұрын

Dang and was trying to slow down on guitar purchases when Epiphone shows up with these new 335 models, and I love that new riviera in maybe sparkly red it’s a sight to behold, and I don’t have any mini humbuckers 🥶

The Gibson is better, but the Epi is a good guitar for the buck.

Awesome! es339 p 90 vs Alnico Pro HB... yeah finally. thank you. peace

I agree, if You have the money, buy the real deal...it WILL give You a better sound, a better quality and last longer....on top of that, it might increase in value - BUT - if You don't have the money for the real deal buy an Epiphone and over time invest in better electronics, strings and all that and go over the guitar with a "smooth-paper" and play the shit out of it - and have fun!

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

Yes

@mbrackmann8

3 жыл бұрын

You mean like some fine grit sand paper?

@ralfhedstrom

3 жыл бұрын

@@mbrackmann8 Hello Matt! Well, this is just me, but if You compare the two guitars You see that the Epiphone is much more glossy. I am allergic to glossy guitars BUT (disclaimer) I don't want to recommend anyone just to take some sand paper and sand down their brand new guitar. But what I do is taking at least some extra fine (#0000/#000000) steel wool and/or at least 2 000 water sand paper (without the water) to gently and evenly sand away the shine (and black might be the hardest one too). I started doing it on the back of the neck many, many years ago, for a quicker/smoother neck. And it takes a lot of practice on the guitar body not to destroy it and just get a bunch of deep scratches.The thing with glossy clear coat is that the shine will come back again and again (so I have to repeat it several times until the clear coat is almost gone). What You end up with is a guitar that looks very vintage (road worn) without being destroyed/reliced the heck out of). But once again, nothing I recommend for just anyone and expensive guitars. AND the most important part is to play the guitar, a lot :)

Very nice video and demo setup. Love your videos and info.

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Jesse!

So I really enjoy my Epi 339. Though I have not actually played the Gibson version. I have the money, but not the talent to justify the Gibson price. I would love to play the Epi with p-90’s.

@Anjohl

Жыл бұрын

There're no "talent minimums" to buy a particular guitar. But what inspires you, you'll grow into it!

I would love to know where you got the 339 with ebony fretboard and p90s. What a great sounding guitar.

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

Guitar center. www.guitarcenter.com/Epiphone/ES-339-P90-PRO-Semi-Hollowbody-Electric-Guitar-Pelham-Blue-1397061557414.gc?cntry=us&source=4WWMWXGP&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5vb-BRCRARIsAJBKc6J9Mi7kRAt3gOSbeTZykuSK8UOQIs45eR4KPvHtu2UWa5C0Ka9TxSEaAsMUEALw_wcB

I will choose epiphone, its very good nowadays!

Epi 339 best bang for the buck and most consistency over the years. Do a blindfold test on listeners next time. Less bias.

It would have been nice to have heard some tones and styles without the infernal backing track and with some commentary on your settings. I’m a novice looking to replace an Epi 335 Dot which is too big for me. I still have no idea what to choose, except that I love the blue.

Can't help but think of it as the kid version of the 335...

Once you do the dew, you have to get a epi 339... But if it was a 335, it's gibson all the way...

P90 Epi 339 gets my vote of the 3, great sounding guitar.

The Epi is a bit darker. Depending on personal taste it’s not necessarily a bad thing. With the price difference you could try a lot of pickup sets in the Epi though to find your sound.

The Gibson is better, but the Epiphone is fantastic. As always Rich nice video

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve!

The Gibson has a fuller more rounded sound. But the Epiphone did not sound bad, but yes, the P90 version sounded the better of the the two Epis.

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

Agreed

I just got a used Epi 339 Pro for under $300 and saw an online sale on the Pelham Blue ones for $350 new. They are stupid good deals at those prices. They feel a bit plastic-y compared to a Gibson but (mine at least was) really well finished for such an inexpensive guitar.

I don't own a Gibson or an epiphany, I've got an American pro strategy, I love the sound of the Gibsons but to be honest, that epi with the p90's sounds amazing, for the money I would have to say the epi would be my choice

Great post Rich, Gibson sounds lovely but so does the epiphone. I'm a big fan of epiphone guitars, recently pimped my 335 dot during lockdown, pickups etc amazing guitars. They are really great value and sound tops right out the box. Thanks for sharing, really enjoy your channel, stay safe man. Your P90 epiphone has a great tone. Thanks again.

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks David!

What I miss in all of these videos is the point, how's the guitar played when you do not have the spider fingers?

Boy, those are close!

This comparo seemed limited to tone issues, and it did a great job of showing the differences among the 3 pickup sets and guitars when using the playing the same thing on the same amp settings, which is useful. What it didn't mention is the differences in "how does it sound unplugged?" which is fine, and "what's the neck like?", which to me is important. I have the same blue pelham P90 Epi (all "Epi" references here are to this guitar), and I have a '18 Gibson 339 (in walnut, with MHS pickups which are perfect in this semi hollow). I also have a Gibson 390 (2013, fully hollow 339 shape/size, w/mini HBs). The 390 weighs 5.4 pounds, the Gibson 339 weighs 7.0 pounds, and the Epi weighs a mere 6.6 pounds, just 1.2 pounds more than the fully hollow 390, despite the heavy poly finish. The Epi, though coated in poly, is very resonant, almost as much as the nitro covered Gibson 339 (but not as much as the 390). The two 339s sound very similar unplugged (neither as good as the 390), with a slight edge to the Gibson. I love the pickups on both 339s for different reasons, but those Epi P90s are so special (to my ear) that I bought 2 spare sets for future projects. But, I don't care for the Epi's neck profile. Epi puts its "Slim Taper D" on everything these days, and it's basically a slim C with big shoulders, which makes the back more flat. Add in the neck binding, and you're at 2.10" wide at the 12th fret, which, to me just feels too wide. I can reach the big E with my little finger, but it's work, and sometimes it's a fail. So, maybe just a hand size thing (I wear a medium or large glove, depending). The Gibson's neck is a slim+ C, which feels much better to me, even if I wish it had a little more thickness to it (that may an experience thing - I'm a relatively new player) - it's about .85" thick at the first fret (Epi is .84," if i recall). The Gibson's width at the 12th fret is 2.05" and while it doesn't sound like much, it makes quite a bit of difference to my little finger's reach to the E. Someday, I might "profile" some of the treble shoulder off of the Epi's neck to make the neck friendlier to me, but, we'll see. I'll leave it until I get more experience - it certainly didn't seem to bother Rich, who has lots of experience. For now, even though I have the Gibsons and they're fine, the Epi's not going anywhere - I love everything about it, but the neck, which is a personal thing. Word of caution - I may have gotten lucky and it may be you have to try a few to get a good example, as I bought a used one in Ebony - from the same factory but 2 years older (2014) - and it was 1+ pds heavier, didn't resonate much at all, and sounded deadish, even with new strings (my 2016 Epi still has the original D'Addario 10-46 strings - I'm kind of afraid to change them for fear of hurting the tone!). I thought I wanted a black one, but I sent it back and kept the Pelham Blue P90 - just a very nice guitar (but it likely doesn't have an Ebony fretboard, sorry to say - likely dyed "other" wood, since even Epi's ads never said). Thanks for the video.

@DerHamborger

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for mentioned the neck size. In those videos you always see players with spider fingers. That is not really helpful when your fingers were 🤏smaller.

@upload2352

Жыл бұрын

@@DerHamborger It's hard to find reviews that cover everything. YTubers don't want vids that are too long, so choices must be made. This vid's got a great tonal review, which is great.

Kick Ass thxDude yeah i just got a stock 339 Cherry Apple Change pick guard white Newtophats not speeddial Clean up frets ends do intonation change strings and shes a Dream SoundsGreat & StaysInTune Win I do Have AfterMarket Pick ups in My Electrics SG Les Paul Strat Tele Semi Hollow Body 339 and 22 other Guitars Acoustic Lol

@chrisvaughn6381

11 ай бұрын

Yeah Dimarzio Seymore EJ202 Pearly Gates LS59 HotRails

yes, the Gibson is worth it. I've learned that lesson way too many times. On the other hand the P90 Epi version is very nice!

Thank you. .

Gibson es339 is the best guitar in the world!

Amazing man, is the p90 pro a slim taper neck ?

Man i need to move Roo and I up to your area. You may laugh. Hahah but I think we would make a killer team. Writing music and vids. Id be all over that drum kit and keys and guitars. Learning from your guitarbplaying as well as everything in between. Recording etc. Man what a blast. Id have to find work....im sure I could rent Roo out to make people look cool. By the hour. Hahahahahahahahah. Man i love your show.

Really been thinking about getting an epiphone 339. I been playing guitar for around a year now. I tried learning as a teenager but never had the patience or passion, now in my mid 30's I decided to fill my spare time by learning again and haven't looked back, I play very day now for atleast an hour (life permitting). Back then I had a squier telelike a $200 version. Now I really have a passion for playing again I want a nice electric but $500 is top end budget for me. So I'm torn between the Squier classic vibe 60s tele or an Epiphone es 339 or 335. What you guys think?

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

I'd be torn also, those are both good guitars.

@kristianburton6811

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichBischoff yeah I love the tele look and 339. I know the tele can basically give you any sound but the 339 doesn't seem far off the same sort of performance either. 339 are a good $100 more expensive though. The classic vibe 60s and 70s model squire has had rave reviews aswell some saying they are better than the base fender models.

@Anjohl

2 жыл бұрын

Tough choice. Did more of your heroes play a Strat or LP/ES guitars?

@kristianburton6811

2 жыл бұрын

@@Anjohl abit of a mix really. I posted this last year lol, in the end I bought th telecaster it's a 60s vibe squire model cost me around 350 dollars. I haven't looked back since zero regrets I love telecasters they have such versatility in sound.

@Anjohl

Жыл бұрын

The 339 is much more versatile.

hé Rich, I was wondering what is the difference between a hollow body and a non hollow body. thanks.

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

In terms of sound?

@christineblack4654

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichBischoff yes :) just for living room playing for yourself. does it resonate more or what? I'm asking because I have never played a hollow body ever. I will have to go and try one. But what does it do to the sound compared to non hollow one? thanks you so much. I am still looking at your vids and told my gilfriend who love Gary Moore, I said man he can play srv and Gary Moore for sure. Can you play the messia will come again? that's a crazy good song :) sorry for some spelling mistakes I am french Canadian so not perfect for spelling but not bad lol

The ebony fret board/ P90 guitar seems like a better guitar.

Can I get the epiphone es 339 with preinstalled p90s in that color?

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

Yes www.bigapplemusic.com/shop/c/p/Epiphone-ES-339-PRO-Hollowbody-Guitar---Pelham-Blue---P90-x38517856.htm

@mrtravoiceburges

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichBischoff awesome thanks but it's out of stock

That is so damn close...being a freakin snob...sadly...i would buy a Gibson ...but for sure the Epi pound for price is the best...by far

P-90's sound fantastic! You an tell you like to play it. Not too inferior to the Gibson -- and I own one. Interesting.

Great, now I have to buy both Epiphone ES-339s. Thanks a lot! :)

@RichBischoff

Жыл бұрын

Welcome!

but why does it "play better"? the epi neck doesn't feel as good to you? the frets aren't dressed adequately? that's personal preference and an easy fix. not trying to be a jerk, just want to know what people mean when they say plays better.

Can't win. I find a shout-out between them, but completely different pickups.

I am so tired of folks kissing Gibson's A$$. I have over 20 guitars and the Gibson is no where near my favorite to play. But the headstock says Gibson on it. Same with Fender guitars. There are great guitar brands besides Fenders and Gibsons that will inspire one to play for hours. I absolutely love playing my Epiphone 339 Pro more than any Guitar that I own. But, go right ahead and pay thousands for a damn name on a headstock like a fool. Most guitars sound really good that don't say Gibson or Fender on them. They are making fools of us. It's not about the name on the headstock. It's about "does this guitar inspire me to want to play it" and "am I enjoying the sound of the tunes, songs and melodies that I get from playing it". If so, then you got yourself a damn good guitar. Period!!!

P90s definitely better than the humbuckers in the Epiphone.

Put the same pickups in each guitar and then compare. Not fair comparison.

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

I think that's kind of the point...

Jesus, that looks like an electric ukulele in your hands.

You a funny! Nice job thanks

The p-90 was easily the best one!!!

Like it!!!!🎼🎶🎸👍🏼

You don't need coil taps on the Gibson because it sounds perfect and you'd never switch it even if it was there.

Rich reminds me of pams first boyfriend on the office. Before she gets with jim....blanking on his name.

@RichBischoff

8 ай бұрын

Roy Anderson.

@jimijackson

8 ай бұрын

@@RichBischoff yes!!! Lol that's him

Should have been epiphone not epiphany

Does the Gibson sound better because I know it's a Gibson or because it just sounds better?🤪😵🍻

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

Both

@randywarren6925

3 жыл бұрын

@@RichBischoff 😇👍🇺🇸

Gibson holds its value? Buy a new gidson in my country and sell it after a couple of years, you lose about 30%. Thats 600+++ dollars. Buy Epiphone for 500 sell it after a couple of years for 30% less. You lose maybe 150,.......Keeps it value. Increse its value? Maybe after 40 years.........

Epiphone is definitely a better tone in my ears.

P90 version sounds best!

And strat not strategy. Predictive text 😡😡😡

the 339 is like a chubby girl who needs to be "in the mood "...but when she is.....;boy o boy...not a work horse though.....too many harmonics to play with a band....get a strat for that...

@RichBischoff

3 жыл бұрын

You mean Tele....

0 difference whatsoever when you're playing. You won't hear them side by side, so only an idiot would spend what, 10 times as much? The Epiphone even comes with coilsplit, Christ.