Gibson 1962 ES-330 Reissue (Vintage Burst) inc Hard Case

Gibson Custom returns the 1962 ES-330 to its Historic Reissue lineup after an eight-year absence, delivering the fully hollow thinline that predated the Epiphone Casino by two years. The three-ply maple/poplar/maple construction omits the centrblock found in the ES-335, resulting in dramatically greater acoustic volume and a livelier, more resonant response that makes this one of the most satisfying unplugged electric guitars ever built. The SlimTaper 60s C mahogany neck is noticeably slimmer than 1959 versions, paired with a bound rosewood fretboard featuring 22 medium jumbo frets and period-correct small-block cellulose inlays instead of the earlier dot markers.

Two hand-wired P-90 pickups with black Dogear covers deliver the sonic payload: the bridge uses standard windings with an Alnico 3 magnet, while the neck is underwound with an Alnico 5, creating a perfectly balanced set across the tonal spectrum. Each pickup connects to individual volume and tone controls via CTS potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors, routed through a Switchcraft three-way toggle. The neck joins at the 16th fret–identical to 1962 originals–optimising bridge placement on the Historic no-wire ABR-1 and trapeze tailpiece. Kluson Deluxe tuners, nylon nut, nickel hardware, and VOS-finished gloss nitrocellulose lacquer complete the vintage-correct specifications.

The fully hollow body responds eagerly to blues, jazz, country, Americana, and 60s pop styles, sustaining and singing in ways semi-hollow and solidbody guitars cannot replicate. Feedback becomes a consideration at extreme gain levels, but moderate overdrive remains controllable with proper muting technique. The ES-330 excels in recording environments and lower-volume stages where its acoustic resonance and dynamic response shine. A Lifton hardshell case protects the instrument during transport and storage.

Features

• Fully hollow three-ply maple/poplar/maple thinline body construction without centrblock
• One-piece mahogany neck with SlimTaper 60s C profile, 16th-fret join
• Bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets, small-block 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 tone capacitors
• Historic no-wire ABR-1 bridge, trapeze tailpiece, Kluson Deluxe tuners
• VOS gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish with Lifton hardshell case included