Hot or Not - Epiphone Ultra-339

Mark Wein

Grand Poobah
Staff member
11101502443-body-l.jpg


http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/ET39NANH



Epiphone Ultra-339 at a Glance:
  • Dual pickup systems
  • Unique electronics
  • Built-in Tuner
  • Built-in computer connectivity

Dual Pickup Systems:
The Epiphone Ultra-339 gives you more tonal combinations than ever before, thanks to two completely separate signal paths. Start with the Alnico Pro pickups for classic humbucker tone with exceptional clarity and output. But pull the volume control up to switch over to the Shadow NanoMag acoustic-style pickup, and you enter another world. The Shadow NanoMag pickup gives you access to sweet acoustic-sounding tones without changing guitars. Best of all, you can combine the NanoMag output with the output of your Alnico Pros, for a completely unique blend of acoustic and electric tones.

Unique Electronics:
To enhance both your performing and recording experiences, Epiphone has created a clever set of electronics for the Ultra-339. The Ultra-339 gives you dual outputs to tap into the power of its dual pickup system. The Mono output combines the output of both the Alnico Pro pickups and the NanoMag pickup into one signal. Connect a second cable to the Stereo output and you now have your NanoMag signal on the Stereo output, and the Alnico Pros on the Mono output. Route each of these to separate amps or inputs on your recording device for some serious creative potential.

Built-in Tuner:
The bridge pickup ring on the Ultra-339 feature an eleven-segment LED tuner. Turn it on and your output is automatically muted, allowing you to tune in silence.

Built-in Computer Connectivity:
The Ultra-339 sports a USB port for fast and easy access to your favorite guitar software - the Ultra-339 even comes with Native Instruments Guitar Rig 4 LE guitar amp and effect modeling software to get you started. So even if you don't have a home recording studio, you can turn any computer with a USB port into your virtual amp and effects rig.

Epiphone Ultra-339 Features:
  • Classic ES-339 body style gives you the look and sound of one of history's most revered guitars
  • Combination of Alnico Pro and NanoMag pickups give you more tonal combinations than ever before
  • Dual outputs let you blend electric and acoustic sounds, or send them to separate amps for even more creative potential
  • Built-in tuner mutes your output for fast, easy, and silent tuning tweaks
  • Built-in USB port takes the guesswork out of having fun with guitar software - no audio interface necessary!
  • Color: Natural
Epiphone brings a classic guitar into the future with the Ultra-339 semi-hollowbody.
SpecificationDetail
Body MaterialMaple
Top MaterialMaple laminate
ColorNatural
Neck MaterialMahogany
Neck ShapeSlimTaper D, set
Scale Length24.75"
Fingerboard MaterialRosewood
Fingerboard InlayMother-of-pearl dots
Number of Frets22
Nut Width1.6875"
Bridge/TailpieceLockTone Tune-o-matic, Stopbar
TunersWilkinson Vintage tuners
Number of Pickups3
Neck PickupAlnico Pro humbucker, Shadow NanoMag humbucker
Middle PickupNo middle pickup
Bridge PickupAlnico Pro Plus humbucker
Controls3 x Volume, Master Tone, NanoMag Gain, NanoMag Treble EQ, NanoMag Bass EQ
Case IncludedNo case included
Manufacturer Part NumberET39NANH1
 
I played one not long ago. Pretty nice. The one I saw had the Probucker pickups, which were real nice. Didn't get to mess with the nanomag.
I don't have much use for that part, so the standard 339 appeals more to me.
One thing I will say is that when Epi has been releasing all new designs lately, they're pretty nicely done.
It's still a mid level import, but much improved from older stuff.

EG
 
honestly, the one i played had GC burn, so i really couldn't tell anything. it could be a good instrument, but that one was a poor example. looks cool though.
 
Seems like a nice set of features, and a classic shape. I'd give it a spin.
 
honestly, the one i played had GC burn, so i really couldn't tell anything. it could be a good instrument, but that one was a poor example. looks cool though.

"GC burn" :spit:

I like the smaller 339 body, but would have to try one in person.

In Pelham blue, please!
DV016_Jpg_Large_H71865.001_pelham_blue.jpg
 
I really want to play one, not the Ultra, just the regular one. If it has the same neck shape as the Epi Nighthawk, then it is a no go for me.
 
...most guitars at GC are that way...

most guitars at GC haven't been dropped from 10 feet and have action 1/4" off the fretboard. they're usually tuned to stupid with dead strings, and maybe some scratches, but not flat out abused. this one looked like it had shipping damage. i call it "GC burn" because they're stupid enough to put it out on the floor as new product, instead of sending it back. but it is not the normal state of affairs.
 
Back
Top