Gibson ES-339 2025 - Trans Ebony

The Trans Ebony finish is what grabbed me first on this one. In normal lighting it reads as a very deep black, but once you get some light across the body you can see the grain and these subtle purple/charcoal tones underneath it. It gives the guitar a lot more character than a typical solid black finish, and the cream binding and nickel hardware contrast against it really nicely.

What I like most about the ES-339 in general is that it gives you a lot of the feel and familiarity of a Les Paul without completely losing that semi-hollow character, and this one is a really good example of that. It feels compact and easy to handle, but there is noticeably more resonance coming back through the body when you play it. Unplugged, you can already feel it vibrating against you more than a solidbody.

The neck is comfortable and familiar, and the current setup passed inspection exactly as it sits. The action is more in the medium range rather than ultra-low, but it feels smooth and easy to play across the board. The frets are basically like new, the fretboard is excellent, and intonation is spot on.

The original '57 Classic and '57 Classic Plus pickups are a great match for this platform. The neck pickup has that warm, rounded character you expect from an ES guitar, but the smaller body and center block keep it from getting too loose or woolly. The bridge has more bite and push while still retaining some of that open semi-hollow character. To me, it really does feel like a Les Paul and an ES-335 meeting somewhere in the middle. All electronics tested perfectly.

Condition is excellent overall and very close to new. I am seeing hardly any evidence that it has actually been played. The body, neck and back are all extremely clean, and there are no meaningful dings or blemishes that jump out at me.

What stood out to me:

• Trans Ebony finish shows subtle grain and purple/charcoal tones in the light
• Compact semi-hollow body that feels much more manageable than a full-size ES-335
• Resonant and lively without feeling overly hollow
• Familiar, Les Paul-like feel in the hands
• Comfortable current setup
• Spot-on intonation
• Frets are essentially like new
• Excellent fretboard condition
• Original '57 Classic / '57 Classic Plus pickups
• Electronics tested perfectly
• Hardly any visible signs of play
• 6.95 pounds on my scale
• Original Gibson hardshell case
• Complete original case candy

This one is a really easy guitar to like because it does not force you too far in either direction. It still feels tight and familiar enough for someone who normally gravitates toward a Les Paul, but there is a little more air, resonance and openness coming from the semi-hollow construction. At 6.95 pounds, it is also incredibly comfortable compared with most traditional Gibson solidbodies.

Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and insured.

⏳ Quick note
These guitars don’t usually sit. Most are purchased within 1–5 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!