335 too big - ?

[TF]

At least three times over my long life, I've bought a 335 or same-size guitar, then months later gotten rid of it. Too big for my short arms!

I like the look and sound of this type of semi-hollow, but... I gotta not buy these, for this reason... any agreement here? Maybe 339-type would be better, either expensive or medium-priced...

[Gitterbug]

My Epiphone ES-339 Pro is a Swiss Army guitar. Flawless, versatile, good PUs. Main testing instrument for my cab manufacture.

[Woody Sound]

At least three times over my long life, I've bought a 335 or same-size guitar, then months later gotten rid of it. Too big for my short arms!

I like the look and sound of this type of semi-hollow, but... I gotta not buy these, for this reason... any agreement here? Maybe 339-type would be better, either expensive or medium-priced...

I cut my teeth on a 335 (new in '74) as a teen and into my early 20's. Now an "old guy", I switched to nothing bigger than 15" several years ago and have been very happy. Limits your choices a bit, but there are plenty of 14"-15" archtops and semi's out there for the picking, at most price points.

(Edit - I saw that Jon Herington switched from his 335 to a 339-type a while back.)

[Jimmy Mack]

I've had 10 big bodied hollow or semi hollow guitars in my time. I'm not a big guy (5'6"). I do my best with those.

When I went to LP's or a 339 , I was not comfortable with them, sitting or standing.

So my advice : try out a few guitars that you have in mind, or maybe don't have in mind, and try them sitting AND standing (with a strap on it). I find that pickup placement, and the neck-join point also have a big influence on comfort, reach and picking.

I will be selling my Casino because the p/up, and neck join put my picking (right hand) at a disadvantage. Also, the upper fret area for playing is too far below my head - I play better on 335's.

My point is: check out all of the ergonomics. Good luck.

[Marker]

Sounds like you might benefit from a Telecaster?

Or, if needing/wanting a Gibson perhaps a smaller body + 24 3/4” scale length like an L-4 or ES175?

[Woody Sound]

Sounds like you might benefit from a Telecaster?

Or, if needing/wanting a Gibson perhaps a smaller body + 24 3/4” scale length like an L-4 or ES175?

Huh? Those are even bigger (wider) than the OP's 335!

[Marker]

They are exactly the same, actually but the ergonomics of them are quite different from a 335 style.

[Woodstove]

At least three times over my long life, I've bought a 335 or same-size guitar, then months later gotten rid of it. Too big for my short arms!

I like the look and sound of this type of semi-hollow, but... I gotta not buy these, for this reason... any agreement here? Maybe 339-type would be better, either expensive or medium-priced...

Try a 330. Neck is shorter joining the body at the 16th fret rather than the 19th. And what a great guitar.

[Woody Sound]

They are exactly the same, actually but the ergonomics of them are quite different from a 335 style.

Whaa..?

[GuyBoden]

[Marker]

they all have a 16” bout - depending on the ergonomics of the player, 335s can seem weirdly wide and thin and the other style can be more comfortable.

[Gitfiddler]

In addition to a Gibson ES339 check out the CS356 and CS336 models. Keep in mind that each will have a slightly different neck profile, so that may be another consideration.

Good hunting!

[Woody Sound]

In addition to a Gibson ES339 check out the CS356 and CS336 models. Keep in mind that each will have a slightly different neck profile, so that may be another consideration.

Yeah, that's what I meant about Herington switching to a "339-type" model. There are a few, and I'm not sure which one he went with. I think the ES models have traditional top/back/sides/block, but the CS series are chambered/hollowed out bodies, probably heavier. Myself, I'm kinda partial toward the ES-359.

[arnie65]

I cut my teeth on a 335 (new in '74) as a teen and into my early 20's. Now an "old guy", I switched to nothing bigger than 15" several years ago and have been very happy. Limits your choices a bit, but there are plenty of 14"-15" archtops and semi's out there for the picking, at most price points.

(Edit - I saw that Jon Herington switched from his 335 to a 339-type a while back.)

Actually, Jon plays an ES336 not a 339....


Arnie...

[joebloggs13]

I find the 335 very comfortable to play sitting or standing and I am not tall. 5'8. Agree that everyone is different tho...

[Greywolf]

I have a 335 and 339 as well as a 356. The 7/8 body makes it much more fun to play.

[TF]

Thanks for the replies to my OP.

I have been a Telecaster player for decades, but the semi-hollow sound and vibe still attract me.

[Danny W.]

Recommendations for Semi-Hollow for Shorter Person?

See post #30

Danny W.

[DawgBone]

I am a big guy and find a 335 is basically ideal in size.

[Dean_G]

I can't think of the model names, but perhaps one of the semi hollow telecasters would work. Fender, G&L, Reverend etc

[Woody Sound]

Actually, Jon plays an ES336 not a 339....


Arnie...

See the post before yours.

[vintagelove]

I agree, a little too big for me.

[jads57]

But the trade off for an ES-335 is a specific Mid Range Tonality. Especially on a good one! I’ve owned several 335’s,339’s as well as a myriad of Thinline alternatives. Pat Martino,Hamer Monaco,Korina Studio, Newports, Carvin Fatboy, G&L Asat Super, and many others.

The Gibson ES-335 at least the the correct original spec models have a certain tonality that’s pretty hard to beat!

[Woody Sound]

But the trade off for an ES-335 is a specific Mid Range Tonality. Especially on a good one! I’ve owned several 335’s,339’s as well as a myriad of Thinline alternatives. Pat Martino,Hamer Monaco,Korina Studio, Newports, Carvin Fatboy, G&L Asat Super, and many others.

The Gibson ES-335 at least the the correct original spec models have a certain tonality that’s pretty hard to beat!

Were your 339's ES, or CS? Big difference there. The ES construction is more like a 335, the CS construction is more like a Pat Martino.

[Jx30510]

I tried to buy a ES339, and that one is a semi Les Paul, not a smaller ES335. And it really felt wierd for me, the neck felt too long on that smaller body.
Try more in the 15 1/2 inch options.
My Ibanez AS50 is right between the ES339 and ES335, and is perfect