Threw in the towel and ordered the parts...

[2themax]

Was playing the new 339 the other day and it barely stays in tune through a whole song. I really want to use this guitar and not dink around with it. As is, it's basically unplayable. I really like the neck, body size, and weight, but it's not doing me any good hanging on the wall.

New tusk nut, Grover Deluxe tuners, and a Golden Age roller bridge are in route. Will post some pix once she goes on the bench.

 

[MissoulaGriz]

Nice! Make sure to report back. I bet it will play like a dream.

 

[jc2000]

should do the trick. I had a problem keeping my 339 in tune and changed out the tuners with tone pros klusons. Haven't had tuning problem since.

 

[2themax]

Tuners and nut arrived, bridge should be here by the weekend.

 

[Papa]

Will post some pix once she goes on the bench.

Don't Forget!
and....
Let us know if any issues come up and how you resolve them. (some of us are still in training)

Papa

 

[GRASS]

I wonder if it will play like butter

 

[2themax]

I'm thinking of going back to 10's on it. I'm finding myself a little heavy handed for the 9.5's on this guitar. So we'll see how it goes...

 

[2themax]

This Golden Age bridge arrived yesterday and it has the small thread adjuster with approx. 1/4" mounting bushings. The 339 has the large thread adjusters with the .436" bushings. So this dog isn't going to hunt as it is.

GFS has the correct size roller bridge, it has a few reviews that the quality is OK but not tops - it's also on back order.

I would think there are probably adapters to convert the smaller threads to the Epi large post, or import diameter bushings with the smaller thread. This Golden Age bridge is nice quality it would be cool to make it work.

Thanks...

 

[edselman]

This Golden Age bridge arrived yesterday and it has the small thread adjuster with approx. 1/4" mounting bushings. The 339 has the large thread adjusters with the .436" bushings. So this dog isn't going to hunt as it is.

GFS has the correct size roller bridge, it has a few reviews that the quality is OK but not tops - it's also on back order.

I would think there are probably adapters to convert the smaller threads to the Epi large post, or import diameter bushings with the smaller thread. This Golden Age bridge is nice quality it would be cool to make it work.

Thanks...

Try a Tone Pros locking bridge.

 

[LPbuc]

Most tuning problems originate with the nut. Making sure the slots are the proper width and depth, then adding lubrication solves the problem almost every time. Tuner and bridge replacement are rarely necessary.

I've got a 339 pro on the way from Sweetwater next week.

I'll be sure to let you know how it comes out of the box and what it needs.

 

[2themax]

This isn't the nut. It just gradually goes out of tune while you're playing and does it repeatedly. Might pass on the bridge for now, or possibly go with the Gotoh replacement. This roller bridge won't work.

 

[LPbuc]

This isn't the nut. It just gradually goes out of tune while you're playing and does it repeatedly. Might pass on the bridge for now, or possibly go with the Gotoh replacement. This roller bridge won't work.

You don't give any details other than "gradually goes out of tune while playing and does it repeatedly". Are the strings going sharp? Flat? Do you know?

It sounds like the strings aren't properly installed. Its not difficult to figure out where your tuning problems originate if you have a correctly cut/lubricated nut and properly installed/stretched set of strings.

After doing considerable research on these epi es 339's before buying one, I have never heard anyone describe anything like the problem you seem to be having.

 

[2themax]

This guitar was set up by a local tech I have known for a number of years, and his work has always been pretty decent. So the guitar was set up by a professional and these strings installed about mid-December. The reason that I had the setup was changing from the stock 10's to D'Addario 9.5's and I did not have the time to do the work myself.

I got the guitar back from the shop and the action was nice and although the 9.5's felt a little light it played pretty well. But after about 5 minutes and the G and B strings went flat - figured it was new strings so parked it for a day or so. 2+ months later and it still does the same thing, same set of strings. Strings are evenly wrapped with a lock wrap, so it really shouldn't be any slipping after that amount of time.

Apparently JC2000 had a similar issue, and posted here... good luck with yours hopefully no issues. It's a nice guitar, this one just needs a tuner upgrade.

 

[LPbuc]

Parking the guitar for a day or a month won't stretch the strings. A change in string gauge from .010 to .095 doesn't warrant a "setup".

Good luck.

 

[LPbuc]

Just received my 339 pro from Sweetwater today. Fit and finish are very good. Fretwork very good, no sharp edges. A simple intonation adjustment to the high e and b and it plays great. Pickups are loud, and a bit darker than I'm used to. No tuning issues. The stock Kluson tuners are very good. Balances very well - no neck dive (like my G-400 does). I may swap the bridge out for a Tonepros at some point. Overall, this guitar is an exceptional value - plays and sounds very good with no issues at all.

 

[2themax]

.

 

[LPbuc]

.

Exactly what I was expecting.

 

[2themax]

GFS has the Import sized roller bridges in stock, so one is on it's way. Once it arrives she'll go back on the bench.

 

[ShelbyDude]

I have a 339 that I bought new about 8 months ago. It needed nothing at all out of the box. I took the original strings off and installed a set of Ernie Ball Cobalts. It stays in tune great. Even when it has set on a stand for a while, it stays pretty much in tune.

 

[2themax]

Well great for you guys, this one doesn't.