Brand: Gibson
Instrument Categories: SOLD
Built from 1959 to 1972, the Gibson ES330 is essentially the same as the 1961 ES-230 Epiphone Casino, a double cutaway, fully hollow model with a pair of P-90 pickups. From time to time, Gibson re-issues this guitar.
From a short distance, the Gibson ES330 looks very much like the ES-335 models, but there is a key construction difference in the lack of the center block. The body is otherwise similar, with Laminate Maple for the top, back and sides, with Mahogany for the neck and a bound Indian Rosewood fingerboard. At this point Gibson had just stopped using Brazilian, which was embargoed and in short supply.
The neck joins the body at the 19th fret. Originally, the join was at the 16th fret, but by 1968 the 19th fret joint was offered. This provides better access to higher frets, which was becoming more and more important to guitarists.
The top is braced with two longitudinal tone bars, and the bridge posts are mounted directly into the top, supporting a standard ABR-1 tune-o-matic bridge. A Trapeze tailpiece is stock, and Kluson Deluxe individual tuners with creme buttons are at the head.
This Gibson ES330 is in good playing order, and aside from a long-ago refret appears to be in original condition. The nitrocellulose lacquer Cherry stain finish is in good shape, with natural lacquer checking and honest play wear. The ES-330 is a fun guitar to play, being very light and resonant, and P-90s can really sound good – full, thick and rich. Typical of 1960’s models, the nut is narrow compared to modern Gibson models, with a difference of about 3mm or 1/10th of an inch.
A Gretsch hard shell case is included.
- Model: ES-330
- Year: 1969
- Finish Gloss Cherry
- Class: Vintage
- Serial Number: 810790
- Country of Origin: USA
- Condition: Brand New
- Date Posted: 06/11/2019
- This instrument has been sold
- Consignment Item
- Required CITES documentation
- Including Hard case
- Instrument Weight: 6.07lbs 2.76kg
- Scale Length: 24.75in 628.6mm
- Nut Width: 1.57in 40mm
