A Mighty Struggle Between Two Heroes!
In the world of semi-hollowbody guitars, two models stand out for their exceptional craftsmanship, tonal versatility, and iconic design: the Gibson ES-339 Semi-Hollowbody in Transparent Ebony and the Eastman Guitars T64/v-GB Antique Varnish Thinline in Antique Goldburst. Both guitars are celebrated for their unique features and superior playability, making them favourites among musicians of various genres. Here at Musicmaker, we would like to compare and contrast these two remarkable instruments, highlighting their key differences and what makes each one special.
So very special.
Design and Aesthetics
Gibson ES-339 Semi-Hollowbody Transparent Ebony
The Gibson ES-339 sports a sleek and modern design that bridges the gap between the traditional ES-335 and the more compact Les Paul. Its Transparent Ebony finish exudes sophistication, showcasing the guitar's beautiful wood grain. The body is slightly smaller than the ES-335, making it more comfortable to play without sacrificing the rich, resonant tone associated with semi-hollowbody guitars. The pearloid dot inlays and classic Gibson headstock add to its timeless appeal.
Eastman Guitars T64/v-GB Antique Varnish Thinline - Antique Goldburst
The Eastman T64/v-GB boasts an eye-catching Antique Goldburst finish, complemented by an antique varnish that gives it a vintage, well-loved look right out of the box. This thinline guitar features a fully hollow body, providing a different tonal character compared to the semi-hollow ES-339. The ebony fingerboard and aged hardware enhance its retro vibe, making it a standout in terms of both aesthetics and playability.
Build Quality and Materials
Gibson ES-339
The Gibson ES-339 is crafted from high-quality maple for the top, back, and sides, with a mahogany neck and a rosewood fingerboard. This combination of tonewoods ensures a balanced sound with plenty of warmth and clarity. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the binding to the finish, making it a reliable instrument for both stage and studio use.
Eastman T64/v-GB
Eastman Guitars are known for their meticulous handcrafting process, and the T64/v-GB is no exception. This guitar features a laminated maple body with a maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. The hand-applied antique varnish not only gives it a unique aesthetic but also allows the wood to breathe and resonate more freely. The attention to detail in the construction and finishing processes is top-notch, reflecting Eastman’s commitment to quality.
Tonal Characteristics
Gibson ES-339
The Gibson ES-339 is equipped with MHS II humbuckers, designed to deliver a vintage tone with modern clarity. These pickups provide a wide range of sounds, from warm, mellow jazz tones to bright, biting rock leads. The semi-hollow construction adds a layer of resonance and sustain that enhances the overall tonal complexity, making it a versatile choice for various musical styles.
Eastman T64/v-GB
The Eastman T64/v-GB features Lollar Dog Ear P-90 pickups, which are known for their punchy, articulate sound. These pickups deliver a clear, midrange-rich tone that excels in blues, rock, and even country music. The fully hollow body adds a natural acoustic resonance, providing a more airy and open sound compared to the semi-hollow ES-339. This makes the T64/v-GB a great choice for players seeking a vintage-inspired tone with plenty of character.
Playability and Comfort
Gibson ES-339
The ES-339’s smaller body size makes it incredibly comfortable to play, especially for those used to solid-body guitars. The slim taper neck profile and 22 medium jumbo frets provide a smooth and fast playing experience. The lower bout and upper fret access are designed to facilitate ease of play, whether you’re chording down low or soloing up high.
Eastman T64/v-GB
The T64/v-GB’s thinline body design and lightweight construction make it easy to handle during long playing sessions. The 12” radius ebony fingerboard and vintage-style frets offer a comfortable and familiar feel. The guitar’s setup, straight from the factory, is impeccable, ensuring low action and excellent intonation.
Hardware and Electronics
Gibson ES-339
The ES-339 comes with high-quality hardware, including Grover Rotomatic tuners, a Graph Tech nut, and an ABR-1 bridge with a stopbar tailpiece. These components ensure stable tuning and precise intonation. The MHS II humbuckers are controlled by individual volume and tone knobs, along with a three-way toggle switch, providing a wide array of tonal options.
Eastman T64/v-GB
The T64/v-GB is equipped with aged Gotoh hardware, which complements its vintage look. The Bigsby B7 vibrato tailpiece adds an extra layer of expressive capability, perfect for rockabilly and blues players. The Lollar P-90 pickups are wired with simple yet effective controls, including individual volume and tone knobs and a three-way toggle switch.
Which One to Choose?
Both the Gibson ES-339 Semi-Hollowbody Transparent Ebony and the Eastman Guitars T64/v-GB Antique Varnish Thinline - Antique Goldburst are exceptional instruments, each with its own strengths. The ES-339 offers a modern twist on a classic design, with versatile humbucking pickups and a comfortable, compact body. It’s ideal for players looking for a wide range of tones and reliable performance in any setting.
The Eastman T64/v-GB, on the other hand, appeals to those who appreciate vintage aesthetics and tone. Its fully hollow body and P-90 pickups provide a unique sound that is rich in character and warmth. The antique varnish and aged hardware add to its old-school charm, making it perfect for players who want a guitar that stands out both visually and sonically.
Ultimately, the choice between these two guitars comes down to personal preference and playing style. Whether you prefer the versatile modernity of the Gibson ES-339 or the vintage allure of the Eastman T64/v-GB, you’re sure to find a guitar that inspires and elevates your musical journey.
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