Gibson ES-330 1960

The Gibson ES-330 was introduced in 1959 as a fully hollow, thinline electric guitar, positioned as a more affordable alternative to the ES-335. Unlike the semi-hollow 335, the ES-330 lacks a center block, giving it a resonant, open tone with a woody warmth, perfect for blues, jazz, and rock. The model gained popularity among players like Grant Green, B.B. King (early years), and later Keith Richards and Slim Harpo, all of whom appreciated its lightweight feel and distinctive tone.

This particular guitar still has lots of deep red in the cherry finish, and is otherwise very gracefully and awesomely aged. Super resonant, very loud acoustically, has been refretted so it plays like a new guitar, and with killer tone from the P90 pickups.

The volume pots have been replaced, but the tone pots are the original CTS units and are dated week 43, 1960. A strap button has been added to the upper horn, a common modification on short-neck 330s. Weight is 2900g. Comes in a non-original Hiscox case in excellent condition.

This ES-330 is truly special, a joy to play, and everything a golden era Gibson electric should be.

SPECIFICATIONS

Body: Fully hollow, laminated maple top, back, and sides
Finish: Cherry, nitrocellulose lacquer
Neck: Mahogany, set neck
Fingerboard: Brazilian rosewood
Inlays: Pearloid dots
Scale length: 24.75” (628mm)
Nut width: 1-11/16” (43mm)
Frets: 22, professionally refretted
Pickups: Two original Gibson P-90 single-coils
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone (volume pots replaced), 3-way toggle switch
Knobs: Black reflector knobs
Bridge: Tune-O-Matic-style with Bigsby vibrato tailpiece
Tuners: Original Kluson Deluxe tulip buttons
Weight: 2.9 kg
Additional: Strap button added to upper horn
Case: Non-original Hiscox case