Playing jazz on the Gibson es 339

**roegtr** · 08-30-2016, 08:49 AM

I put some D'Addario jazz light strings on my es 339. Playing through a Fender Super Champ x2. It's a bit brighter in the video than in the room. Does it pass the jazz sound test? Or is it just a little too tight sounding?

**kris** · 08-30-2016, 09:46 AM

nice clear jazz sound and nice playing!

**Jabbarn** · 08-30-2016, 09:49 AM

You are such a good player that if you think it is a jazz tone, it is! I certainly wouldn't argue.

**ronjazz** · 08-30-2016, 10:34 AM

There is no jazz sound test, unless you're looking to live in the past.

**roegtr** · 08-30-2016, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by ronjazz

There is no jazz sound test, unless you're looking to live in the past.

I do agree on that. However, that tune is from the past.. The es 339 has a more "modern" jazz sound I guess. I like the guitar, but I'm soon about to trade it for a 80's mahogany es 175 plus some change.

**Bluedawg** · 08-30-2016, 11:07 AM

Sounds great to me

**greasy0015** · 08-30-2016, 11:17 AM

Sounds good to me. How do you like the super champ x2?

**roegtr** · 08-30-2016, 12:26 PM

Originally Posted by greasy0015

Sounds good to me. How do you like the super champ x2?

Thanks! The SCX2 is a bit digital sounding until you get to turn it up. Also it's on the bright side... I don't think mine is a keeper...

**jbear** · 08-30-2016, 02:11 PM

I traded mine. I always loved the tone, but I couldn't get to higher frets because the space between the lower horn and the neck was too tight. If it weren't for that...a favorite.

**Sean65** · 08-30-2016, 02:28 PM

Sounds cool to me. Nice playing. Next time you change strings maybe try Pyramid Max Performance strings. They're pure nickel and round wound. Nice and warm and they last well.

**Jazz_175** · 08-31-2016, 06:37 AM

You play very well, that is what is important to me, not the tone of the guitar.

**GNAPPI** · 08-31-2016, 07:11 AM

The same way Steve Howe, Ted Nugent, and Brian Setzer play instruments not ordinarilary associated with their style, ANY git can be pressed into service on most any style of music where a git is needed.

**Franz 1997** · 08-31-2016, 07:37 AM

All comments above are valid, and I agree with many of them.

But, if you're asking if the 339 sounds thin and bright in the video, I'd say yes. Whether that's 'modern' or not, I don't know; personally I prefer a fatter sound on the treble strings.

**Frank67** · 08-31-2016, 07:58 AM

I agree - the playing is really great!

For the sound - it would not be my favorite sound. But this is of course just personal preference. I once had a Superchamp (now gone) and liked it for jazz with bass and treble basically turned all the way down on the clean channel (pretty much like most set a twin for jazz) plus some tone roll off on the guitar.

... But you could probably play on a cigar box with rusty strings and sound a million times better than me :-)

**Doctor Jeff** · 08-31-2016, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by GNAPPI

The same way Steve Howe, Ted Nugent, and Brian Setzer play instruments not ordinarilary associated with their style, ANY git can be pressed into service on most any style of music where a git is needed.

Brian Setzer explains his love for Gretsch--don't forget Eddie Cochran, George Harrison, Chet Atkins, Poison Ivy...perfect for rockabilly!

Brian Setzer | Gretsch® Electric Guitars

**Frank67** · 08-31-2016, 08:37 AM

Setzer (great guy!): "In between the Fender and the Gibson sound" is not a bad characterization of Gretsch .... It kind of defines the Genre of rockabilly.

I really like my Gretsches. They play extremely well and sound glorious through a twin reverb. Maybe a bit jangly for jazz but great nonetheless.

**Durban** · 09-03-2016, 02:51 PM

great playing, the tone for me is good, but needs a bit more warmth, bluesy tone, but maybe the amp treb sown who knows, good playing though.

**Drifter** · 09-03-2016, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by Doctor Jeff

Brian Setzer | Gretsch® Electric Guitars

Haha, wonderful! The sound of a Gretsch is inbetween a Fender and a Gibson. So true! I suddenly realize that I always try to make my Fenders sound just a little bit more like a Gibson and vice versa. No wonder I love my Gretsch!

**r_cc_c** · 09-04-2016, 01:25 PM

I like the sound captured by the camcorder where there are a lot of the direct acoustic and picking, with the amp sound supporting in the background. More low-end (using EQ) coming from the amp (with another microphone) and blend with the acoustic sound might give you something interesting.

And please teach me how to play like you do!