Gibson ES-339 pickups

[Bach5G]

57 classics, I’m told.

I’ve been playing my 339 more recently. I’m not completely sold on the pickups but before heading down that rabbit hole, I thought I’d ask if there were any opinions regarding these. My main complaint is a nasal top end. Maybe something sweeter?

[Jimmy Mack]

Some people love them, and others don't - it's a common concern.
Mine were muddy in the neck position, so, I went with a p/up that had an Alnico V magnet for more clarity, and that worked on my 345, plus giving a brighter top end. And yes the guitar itself seemed more nasal, compared to say, a P90 equipped guitar.

[jads57]

Up until the last couple of years ES-339 came stock with 57 Classics. I believe they changed to MHS humbuckers in the last few years.
I have a 2011 model and replaced my Classic 57 with Manluis Fat Diane PAFs

Although these Manluis Pickups are excellent, I thought the Classics were actually very good in this guitar. A bit hotter and more minds with the Classic 57's

[neilspeers]

When I bought a 339 a few years ago the studio had the 57’s and the non- studio had Burstbuckers. 2016 series I believe.

I preferred the 57’s - by a lot, and saved a few dollars by buying the studio.

Can’t speak to other years, I don’t know a Gibson as well as I know Fender, and I’m not an expert on Fender by any measure.


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[GNAPPI]

It depends on the year made what pups are in it, mine is a 2018 and it has MHS pickups, I'd rather they were 57's but the MHS are OK enough to work with.

[lammie200]

I believe that I finally have the guitars that will satisfy me to no end. One of them is a Herb Ellis ES-165. It has a 490R pick up and I am liking it a lot. They can be had for not too much money, so it might be worth a try. Words are words, but I wouldn't say that it has a nasally top end. Sweet is a good description.

[Lorettanar]

There really is no comparison between the two. The Gibson, IMO,is a instrument of higher quality. Not just with the Lennon model, but the DOVE & the HUMMINBIRD too.

[Jimmy Mack]

To the OP: it could be the guitar. But, the SD Seth Lover p/ups are very very popular, not many unhappy reviews. players get a "sweeter" response - they are brighter. Haven't tried them myself tho.

[patshep]

i have the studio version and it's for sure 57s... i love the tone of this guitar
have had tuning issues and after a setup, i need new tuners and a fret job
for the price i paid, it's a freaking tone machine... i love the pickups, the neck and the sound

[jzucker]

love the 339 pickups.

[sbeishline]

love the 339 pickups.

Which pickups are those, Jack?

[339 in june]

Mine (2011) has Classic '57s
Lovely as is.

[jads57]

This is a guitar where the Classic 57 pickups work really well. Seth Lovers are also a really good choice as well. But I believe they are not wax potted,so occasionally you might run into feedback issues.
But I've also had feedback issues with the cover not being tight enough. Pretty easy fix with a couple of drops of elmers glue and a piece of masking tape.