The ES-330 returns with a timeless aesthetic and versatile tones, in four killer finishes
P-90 hollowbody enthusiasts have something to cheer about as Gibson has reintroduced the cherished ES-330 to its lineup. Revered for its distinctive mixture of jangle and warmth, its light weight, and timeless aesthetic, the ES-330 is a go-to choice for musicians looking for an alternative to the ES-335.
Like all Gibson ES™ guitars, the ES-330 has the DNA for ultimate versatility on stage and in the studio. Over the years it has found favor among such diverse players as Grant Green, Keith Richards, Bernard Butler, Thom Yorke and Ed O’Brien from Radiohead, and William Reid of The Jesus And Mary Chain.
A classic design returns
A close cousin of the famed Epiphone Casino™, the ES-330 boasts a lightweight, fully hollow thinline body constructed from three-ply maple/poplar/maple. This design lends the guitar a supreme resonance and tonal depth, thanks partly to its hollow body, trapeze tailpiece, and a deep-set neck that optimizes bridge placement. It’s available in Sixties Cherry, Tobacco Sunburst, and Antique Natural, but the coolest choice of the lot might be the Ebony finish that’s exclusive to Gibson.com and the Gibson Garage.
Built for comfort
The ES-330 features a mahogany neck with a comfortable Rounded “C” profile, topped with a rosewood fretboard adorned with acrylic small block inlays and 22 medium-jumbo frets. Its 12-inch fretboard radius offers a smooth playing experience, whether you’re strumming clean, jangly chords near the nut or bending strings for soaring leads higher up the neck.
Image: The ES-330 in Ebony is available only from Gibson.com and the Gibson Garage
Sounds as good as it looks
Visually and sonically appealing, the trapeze tailpiece pairs with a fully adjustable ABR-1 bridge to ensure precise intonation. Vintage Deluxe tuners with white buttons add a touch of flair while working alongside the Graph Tech® nut to keep the guitar solidly in tune.
Powering the ES-330 are two Dogear P-90 pickups, hand-wired to 500k potentiometers and Orange Drop® capacitors. This setup delivers bright and clear clean tones, as well as wonderfully gritty, snarling sounds when overdriven.
While fully hollow guitars can be prone to feedback, the ES-330 manages to be surprisingly controllable with some gain. With careful palm and fretting hand muting, it produces sustain and expression that few other guitars can match.
Versatility across genres
Ideal for genres such as blues, Americana, indie-rock, 1960s pop, country, jazz, and much more, the ES-330 is a stage and studio workhorse. It’s also a fantastic songwriting companion and is often cited as the perfect couch guitar, offering enjoyable playability even when unplugged.
Find an array of inspiring tones in the Gibson ES-330 today, and for another flavor, be sure to check out this vintage 1969 example in Walnut.
