NGD (And first post!) - Epi "Dot" ES-339 VS

[JP68]

Hi everyone... I picked this up used, but in mint condition yesterday at my local shop. The S/N label reads "Epiphone Dot ES-339 VS," but I can't find reference online anywhere to a Dot 339, only the 335. It has the push-pull coil splitters on the volume knobs, so I think it's an ES-339 PRO. Is this correct? I'm mostly a Fender player, so I'm not too familiar with Epi's models. Whatever it is, it's a fantastic guitar!

Thanks in advance.

 

[Brian16sg]

Looks nice i like the color and fade . I beleive from what i have learned is only the Pros cam with push pulls . My SG Pro has them theres usualy somthing printed right on the trus rod cover lke 399 PRO . I could have been changed out though.

 

[Shadow Explorer]

Nice axe, if it plays as good as it looks, you are set! Welcome to the forums!

 

[JP68]

Thanks everyone! This is all new to me, but I think I'm slowly unraveling some of the mystery...

If I'm understanding things correctly, my "Dot ES-339" model had what Epiphone called "Probuckers" in them, which is an Alnico-II PAF-type humbucker. At some point they changed to "Classic Pros" (Alnico-V's, based on the Gibson Classic 57 pups ???) and renamed the model "ES-339 Pro." The Classic Pros are hotter, the Probuckers more vintage sounding. So it looks like I have a Dot model with Probuckers? Does that sound right?

 

[Norton]

I think the 339 was always the 339 pro (as in pro bucker). The other model is the 339 ultimate? With usb as well as 1/4” outputs.

Shouldn’t They both should have push pulls?

As far as which alnico magnet I think you’ll need to pull one out and see what it says.

 

[Davis Sharp]

Welcome to Epi-Talk.. Congrats on the mint 339.

 

[Steven Howes]

I have a 339 Pro. But with P90s, the cover I think (I'm at work) says "ES339 P90 Pro". I'm not sure about the finish, but I'd assume they'd do a VS. I wanted a wine red but there were none available so I got the Cherry. It is one of my favourites. I love the semi hollows. the 339 is nice and light, sounds and plays great. my only problem with it (and it's MY problem not the guitars) is I like the Input jack on the top not the side(like an LP). The Patch gets in the way when I play seated.

It's not my Go to guitar, but when I play it I'm always surprised I don't play it more.

 

[Paruwi]

so I think it's an ES-339 PRO. Is this correct?

Yes !

Congrats & Welcome here @ €piTalk

 

[JP68]

Yes !

Congrats & Welcome here @ €piTalk

Thanks Paruwi! I've been trying to figure it out for a few days. My Epi has a May 2015 Serial Number, but has "Dot Es 339" on the label in the F-hole. I've come across a number of people who say they have 339 PRO's with the Dot 339 label. Did Epi just use up old labels on the new model? Did the DOT 339 also have coil split knobs? If mine is a 2015 guitar does it have the Alnico Classic Pro pickups, or the Probuckers? It's been really hard to find solid info on this guitar!

 

[JP68]

I finally just called Gibson customer service and cleared it up. Even though the labels say "DOT ES 339" there never was a model by that name. The first Epiphone ES-339 in 2011 was called just that, and had the ProBuckers. In 2012 they switched to Alnico Classic Pros (otherwise the specs stayed the same) and renamed the model ES-339 PRO, which continues to this day.

Don't know why the s/n labels don't just say "ES-339 PRO" instead of DOT, but such is life...!

 

[InfiniteAwareness]

Thanks so much for clearing this up! I just bought an Epi "DOT ES 339" from a seller on Reverb, and had the same questions. He had it listed as and Epiphone ES 339 PRO. I saw the label in the F hole and thought he had misrepresented what he was selling. I really appreciate finding this out.

 

[soulman969]

So the earlier pre-2012 model did have ProBuckers whereas from 2012 forward they used Alnico Classic Pros. Wonder why since IMHO the ProBuckers are a better sounding pickup.

 

[Caddy]

I just checked my 2014 ES-339 Pro and the label inside does say Dot ES-339. Somehow I had never noticed that until now. Have had it for seven years and found out something new. It does have the Alnico Classic Pro HB’s (still have film from the pickups).