Gibson Blends Two Classic Models

New 2014 version of the small-bodied ES-390 echoes the ES-330 and ES-335   23-Jun-14

Gibson tells us that, totally reconfigured for 2014, the ES-390 blends the characteristics of two favourite models, old and new, in a superbly playable guitar with entirely its own voice and vibe. They say that this ingenious redesign follows the form of the seminal ES-330, a fully hollow archtop electric with a thinline body depth like that of the semi-acoustic ES-335, but also takes the cleverly compacted dimensions of the popular ES-339, making it a more comfortable playing proposition for those used to having smaller-proportioned solidbodies in their hands.

A spokesperson told us, "It might be a size conceived in the 21st century, but the ES-390 hangs with the best of vintage Gibson semis for construction and components. The traditional ES body made from laminated maple top, back and sides is jointed to a glued-in neck made from quarter-sawn mahogany with a one-piece rosewood fingerboard sporting small-block inlays. Newly redesigned MHS (Memphis Historic Spec) P-90 pickups, created from intensive examination of the finest original vintage units, nail those beloved hot, thick, raunchy tones with impressive sparkle and clarity. Top-notch hardware--including vintage-style Kluson tuners, a TonePros Tune-o-matic bridge, and a traditional nickel trapeze tailpiece--lock it all down for optimum resonance and sustain. To cap a sweet build from the skilled luthiers at Gibson Memphis, the ES-390 is finished in high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer in a luscious Dark Burst reminiscent of the finest vintage arcthops, with vintage colored binding."

Pricing and Availability:

$2,599

More information:

• ES-390