NGD

[38thBeatle]

Well it has finally happened, I have gone over the the dark side (partially at least) and bought myself a humbucker equipped guitar.This one has been bubbling under for a while now and there were times when it was touch and go but anyways, it is a Gibson ES339 in Vintage Cherry.
This was bought from a friend in the USA who bought it new some while back. He has a huge collection of guitars and this was one he mentioned that he might sell and eventually he offered it to me at a price that was too good to pass on. I am told, but have no way to verify just yet, that it was either the third or fifth made. The nut was changed for a bone one.
As many of you will know, I have been a Fender player and so this is something of a major departure. I always wanted a semi but have never got around to one. I have only had a half hour or so playing through my own amp (it is at a mates house in prep for a rehearsal tomorrow night) and it sounded great. I am thinking about amp settings and getting the best tones. I am loving the wide range of tones available. I'll never stop being a Fender man but this guitar establishes and fills a place in my modest collection and I will most certainly use it for gigs. I have to get a really good stand first though and obviously I have to bear in mind the Nitro finish.

Bad out of focus picture-my camera hardly had any juice left.

[Philly Q]

Nice one Steve, it's a beauty!  I'd noticed your hints that something might be on the way.  :D

Is it the '59 or 30/60 neck shape?

[38thBeatle]

Thanks Philly. You know I really don't know-it never came up in conversation. It doesn't feel particularly clubby so I'd guess and say 1960s.

[d1dsj]

Great guitar, congrats. I'd love one of those too. Enjoy.

[Twinfan]

Gorgeous, Steve - nice purchase!

I can totally recommend the Hercules range of guitar stands.  I've used it with my Modern Eagle and Fano, which have a nitro finish, and had no issues with the foam they use.  Plus the stand is a steady as a rock:

http://www.herculesstands.co.uk/product/85317/GS422B/Floor_Stands/Auto_Grab_Duo_guitar_stand

[Antag]

Well it has finally happened, I have gone over the the dark side

Hardly.  Buy a Jackson KV2 with blood splatter graphic finish, then I'll welcome you to the dark side :)

Happy NGD either way though :) looks nice.  Hope you enjoy it.

out of focus picture

Yeah, my first thought was "I didn't know you could get those in 12-string :)

[Philly Q]

Thanks Philly. You know I really don't know-it never came up in conversation. It doesn't feel particularly clubby so I'd guess and say 1960s.

You're probably right, the '59 is a big ol' chunk of wood. 

If you look at the paper label in the f-hole, it says ES-339 if it's a 30/60 shape and ES-3399 if it's a '59 shape.

[Andrew W]

That is a really lovely guitar and proof that, once in a while, Gibson can still get it right.  I think this is probably the best new thing to come from them in years.  I haven't seen one in cherry before and it really suits it.  Hope it's the start of a  long-term relationship.

[Philly Q]

That is a really lovely guitar and proof that, once in a while, Gibson can still get it right.  I think this is probably the best new thing to come from them in years. 

Agreed, and it's notable that it fills an actual gap in the market (at a reasonable price), rather than just being a cosmetically tarted-up version of an existing model.

I just hope they have the good sense to keep making them, rather than drop them after a couple of years like they do with most new models.

[Ted 'N' Leo]

Gorgeous, Steve - nice purchase!

I can totally recommend the Hercules range of guitar stands.  I've used it with my Modern Eagle and Fano, which have a nitro finish, and had no issues with the foam they use.  Plus the stand is a steady as a rock:

http://www.herculesstands.co.uk/product/85317/GS422B/Floor_Stands/Auto_Grab_Duo_guitar_stand

Good recommendation, i have one for my Guild and one for my 339.

I noticed you had hinted at one a few times 38th, i'm glad your so pleased with it. I personally was surprised at the sheer range of tones you can get from it and the general quality of it.

[Will]

Looks lovely :)
would be nice to hear how it sounds in your band mix Vs the old strat

[38thBeatle]

Thanks guys, Lol Antag-by my standards this is as dark as I am going. Thanks for the stand recommendations Dave and seconding from Ted  & Leo.

This might be more timely than I could have imagined as we have currently recruited a new guitarist into the band and he plays a Strat- so the Gibson/Fender mix might be good. I am not retiring the Strat-I suspect that it will remain my main gigging guitar. Some of the venues I play are very cramped and I don't want to be clouting it against a wall but I shall certainly take it to as many gigs as possible.

I have been playing it this evening and it feels so good( and different) and makes me do things differently and I really like that. A bit frustrating that my amp is not here but that can't be helped.

The finish is flawless and the guitar is the right weight and size for me. I'll try and get better pics.

Too early to think of pickup changes-these sounded pretty damn good to me through my amp but never say never.

Thanks again for the feedback guys.   

[Twinfan]

In the right guitar, Classic 57s can sound good.  I really liked them in the Gibson '61 SG I had.

[CaptainDesslock]

now that's classy,

I do remember you saying you were considering a NGD but I cannot recall what for...at any rate glad you enjoy your purchase!

[gwEm]

classy indeed!