Gibson Custom returns the 1959 ES-330 Reissue to its Historic lineup after an eight-year absence, bringing back one of the most revered fully hollow thinline electric guitars from a watershed year in the company's history. Unlike the similar ES-335, the ES-330 omits the maple centre block entirely, delivering a resonant, lively acoustic response that makes it exceptionally responsive when played unplugged. The three-ply maple/poplar/maple construction and fully hollow design produce a distinctive voice that excels across blues, Americana, jazz, and rock applications where controlled feedback becomes part of the musical palette.
The one-piece mahogany neck features an Authentic 1959 C-shaped profile paired with a bound rosewood fretboard hosting 22 medium jumbo frets and cellulose dot inlays. Body join occurs at the 16th fret, replicating the original bridge placement for optimal string tension and resonance. Two P-90 pickups with black Dogear covers deliver the tone: a standard-wound bridge pickup with Alnico 3 magnet, an underwound neck pickup with Alnico 5 magnet. Hand-wired electronics feature CTS potentiometers, paper-in-oil tone capacitors, and Switchcraft switching throughout. Historic nickel hardware includes a no-wire ABR-1 bridge, trapeze tailpiece, nylon nut, and Kluson Deluxe tuning machines.
The VOS finish and gloss nitrocellulose lacquer replicate the appearance of a well-preserved 1959 original, complete with True Historic gold Top Hat knobs featuring dial pointers and an ES-330 multi-ply pickguard. Feedback characteristics differ markedly from semi-hollow or solidbody guitars, requiring thoughtful gain staging and muting technique at high volumes. With moderate overdrive and careful playing dynamics, the ES-330 sustains with a singing quality that rewards nuanced touch. A Lifton hardshell case provides protection during transport and storage.
Features
- Fully hollow thinline body with three-ply maple/poplar/maple construction
- One-piece mahogany neck with Authentic 1959 C-shaped profile
- Bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and dot inlays
- Bridge P-90 with standard windings and Alnico 3 magnet
- Neck P-90 underwound with Alnico 5 magnet for balanced output
- Hand-wired electronics with CTS potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors
- Historic no-wire ABR-1 bridge, trapeze tailpiece, and Kluson Deluxe tuners
- VOS finish with gloss nitrocellulose lacquer and Lifton hardshell case included



