The Gibson ES-330 is a fully hollow, thinline electric guitar introduced in 1959 as a more affordable alternative to the ES-335. Unlike the semi-hollow ES-335, the ES-330 lacks a center block, making it a true hollow-body guitar with a warm, resonant tone.
Thanks to its fully hollow body, the ES-330 has a lively, airy tone with a strong midrange and woody resonance. The P-90 pickups deliver a raw, punchy sound with great articulation, making it versatile for jazz, blues, rock, and indie. Unlike the ES-335, it is more prone to feedback at high volumes, but that can be part of its charm.
The ES-330 was discontinued in the mid-1970s but has since been reissued in various forms, including Gibson Memphis and Custom Shop models, maintaining its reputation as a vintage-inspired classic with modern playability.
The Gibson ES-330 Explained
A couple of weeks ago, we had a bunch of vintage Gibson ES-330 guitars in our store, giving us the unique opportunity to make a detailed video on the Gibson ES-330. We compared some vintage pieces with a brand-new one to see if the vintage aspect truly makes a difference.
Gibson ES330TD 1967
One of the vintage ES-330 guitars was this Gibson ES-330TD from 1967. At its core, you'll find two original Gibson Dogear P-90 pickups, renowned for their clarity and punch. Whether you're fingerpicking jazz standards or digging into powerful blues licks, these pickups deliver a warm, dynamic tone. The Bigsby vibrato bridge, ergonomically adjusted for smooth bends and expressive nuances, adds versatility and makes this a true performer’s guitar. The Tune-O-Matic bridge with nylon saddles ensures reliable intonation, while the replacement Kluson Deluxe-style tuners keep it stable.
Gibson ES330TD Sunburst 1966
This Gibson ES-330 from 1966 will appeal to both collectors and dedicated players—what a stunning guitar! Built in 1966, this ES-330 has that unmistakable vintage Gibson vibe and looks incredibly cool. The Sunburst finish shows beautiful checking and playwear, revealing years of musical enjoyment, yet we must emphasize that for its age, this guitar looks remarkably well-preserved. In terms of hardware and electronics, the guitar remains largely original, though it has undergone a refret.
