Is the Gibson ES-330 a semi-hollow or fully hollow guitar?

The Gibson ES-330 is a fully hollow guitar. Unlike the ES-335, it does not have a solid wood centre block running through the middle of the body.

What pickups are used in the ES-330 Antique Natural?

This model features two Dogear P-90 pickups. These are single-coil pickups known for their bright cleans and raw, aggressive growl when overdriven.

What is the neck profile of the ES-330 #208150112?

It features a mahogany neck with a Rounded C profile. This shape is designed to provide a comfortable, vintage-style feel for most hand sizes.

How does the hollow body affect the weight of the guitar?

Because it lacks a heavy maple centre block, the ES-330 is significantly lighter than the ES-335. This makes it a popular choice for players who prefer a more ergonomic, lightweight instrument.

What type of tailpiece is found on this model?

The guitar is equipped with a traditional trapeze tailpiece. This component is period-correct for the original 1959 design and contributes to the guitar's specific string tension and resonance.

Can the ES-330 handle high-gain rock music?

While it can produce a gritty rock tone, its fully hollow design makes it susceptible to feedback at very high volumes or high gain levels. It is generally best suited for jazz, blues, and classic rock styles.

What materials are used for the body construction?

The body is made from a 3-ply laminate consisting of maple, poplar, and maple. This combination is a standard Gibson specification for balancing durability with tonal resonance.

What is the typical price for a Gibson ES-330 in Antique Natural?

The typical retail price for this specific model and finish is approximately £2,899. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific dealer and regional taxes.

What bridge is installed on the ES-330?

It features an ABR-1 bridge. This is a classic Gibson design that allows for precise intonation adjustments for each individual string.

How does the ES-330 differ from the Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue?

The primary difference is the construction; the ES-330 is fully hollow with P-90 pickups, while the Epiphone ES-335 is semi-hollow with a centre block and usually features humbucking pickups.

Does this guitar come with vintage-style tuners?

Yes, it is equipped with Vintage Deluxe tuners. these are intended to maintain the period-correct look of the instrument while providing modern reliability.

Is the wiring in the ES-330 vintage-accurate?

Yes, the pickups are hand-wired to vintage-specification electronics. This helps ensure the guitar retains the tonal characteristics and response of the original 1950s and 60s models.

Gear article

Gibson ES-330 Antique Natural #208150112

The Gibson ES-330 is a fully hollow electric guitar known for its resonant, acoustic-like character and distinctive Dogear P-90 pickups. Originally introduced in 1959, this Antique Natural reissue maintains the period-correct specifications that distinguish it from semi-hollow models like the ES-335.

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History and Background

The ES-330 was launched by Gibson in 1959 as a more acoustic-voiced alternative to the recently released ES-335. While it shared the same double-cutaway silhouette as the ES-335, it was designed without a solid maple centre block. This construction choice resulted in a lighter instrument with a more responsive, open tonal profile. Since its inception, the model has been embraced by musicians across genres, ranging from jazz and blues to early rock and roll and British Invasion pop.

Design and Construction

The ES-330 Antique Natural #208150112 features a classic 3-ply body constructed from maple and poplar. Unlike semi-hollow guitars, the body is entirely hollow, which increases resonance and acoustic volume. The neck is crafted from mahogany with a comfortable 'Rounded C' profile, designed to suit a variety of playing styles. Period-correct hardware includes an ABR-1 bridge, a traditional trapeze tailpiece, and Vintage Deluxe tuners, ensuring both aesthetic accuracy and tuning stability.

Electronics and Sound

This model is equipped with a pair of Dogear P-90 pickups, which are hand-wired to vintage-specification electronics. The P-90s provide a unique sonic middle ground between single-coil clarity and humbucker warmth. Players can expect bright, articulate clean tones that transition into a raw, growling overdrive when pushed. Because of its fully hollow design, the guitar is highly responsive to touch and offers a natural, 'woody' compression not found in solid-body instruments.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to the Gibson ES-335, the ES-330 is significantly lighter and more prone to controlled feedback at high volumes due to the lack of a centre block. While the ES-335 uses humbuckers for a smoother, high-gain sound, the ES-330's P-90s offer a grittier, more mid-focused attack. For those seeking a smaller footprint, the ES-339 offers similar aesthetics in a downsized body, whereas the Gretsch Nashville Hollow Body provides a different tonal palette with its Filter'Tron pickups and Bigsby vibrato system.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Gibson ES-330 a semi-hollow or fully hollow guitar?: The Gibson ES-330 is a fully hollow guitar. Unlike the ES-335, it does not have a solid wood centre block running through the middle of the body.
What pickups are used in the ES-330 Antique Natural?: This model features two Dogear P-90 pickups. These are single-coil pickups known for their bright cleans and raw, aggressive growl when overdriven.
What is the neck profile of the ES-330 #208150112?: It features a mahogany neck with a Rounded C profile. This shape is designed to provide a comfortable, vintage-style feel for most hand sizes.
How does the hollow body affect the weight of the guitar?: Because it lacks a heavy maple centre block, the ES-330 is significantly lighter than the ES-335. This makes it a popular choice for players who prefer a more ergonomic, lightweight instrument.
What type of tailpiece is found on this model?: The guitar is equipped with a traditional trapeze tailpiece. This component is period-correct for the original 1959 design and contributes to the guitar's specific string tension and resonance.
Can the ES-330 handle high-gain rock music?: While it can produce a gritty rock tone, its fully hollow design makes it susceptible to feedback at very high volumes or high gain levels. It is generally best suited for jazz, blues, and classic rock styles.
What materials are used for the body construction?: The body is made from a 3-ply laminate consisting of maple, poplar, and maple. This combination is a standard Gibson specification for balancing durability with tonal resonance.
What is the typical price for a Gibson ES-330 in Antique Natural?: The typical retail price for this specific model and finish is approximately £2,899. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific dealer and regional taxes.
What bridge is installed on the ES-330?: It features an ABR-1 bridge. This is a classic Gibson design that allows for precise intonation adjustments for each individual string.
How does the ES-330 differ from the Epiphone 1962 ES-335 Reissue?: The primary difference is the construction; the ES-330 is fully hollow with P-90 pickups, while the Epiphone ES-335 is semi-hollow with a centre block and usually features humbucking pickups.
Does this guitar come with vintage-style tuners?: Yes, it is equipped with Vintage Deluxe tuners. these are intended to maintain the period-correct look of the instrument while providing modern reliability.
Is the wiring in the ES-330 vintage-accurate?: Yes, the pickups are hand-wired to vintage-specification electronics. This helps ensure the guitar retains the tonal characteristics and response of the original 1950s and 60s models.