Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $4,399
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Stepping into the spotlight with its vintage charm and exceptional quality, the 1960 Gibson ES-330T revives the golden era of music. Unlike its semi-hollow siblings, this fully hollow beauty dances between the realms of warm, vibrant tones and the crisp clarity that only a P-90 pickup can deliver. Ideal for the purist seeking authenticity in sound and aesthetics, this guitar represents a piece of history that continues to resonate with musicians across genres. Its lightweight, double cutaway body offers comfort and accessibility, making it a favored choice for those long, inspired sessions. A true testament to Gibson's craftsmanship, the ES-330T is more than an instrument; it's a bridge to the past, ready to carry its legacy into future melodies.
Key Features:
- Fully hollow double cutaway body, without the center wood block found in semi-hollow models
- Equipped with a P-90 pickup for that unmistakable vintage tone
- Neck joint at the 17th fret, enhancing playability
- Classic Tune-o-matic bridge paired with a trapeze tailpiece
- Iconic block inlays on a rosewood fingerboard
- Standard Sunburst finish, embodying the essence of its era
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-330T |
| Finish | Cherry, Natural, Sunburst |
| Year | 1959 - 1963 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Hollow Body Guitars |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Hollow Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Brown, Red, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson ES-330 |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson ES-330T |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | S |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
-
What are the tonal characteristics of the 1960 Gibson ES-330T?
-
The 1960 Gibson ES-330T offers a warm and resonant tone due to its fully hollow maple body and single P-90 pickup, making it ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres.
-
Is the 1960 Gibson ES-330T suitable for live performances?
-
Yes, the 1960 Gibson ES-330T is suitable for live performances, but its fully hollow body can be prone to feedback at high volumes, which is something to consider for louder settings.
-
What is the neck profile of the 1960 Gibson ES-330T?
-
The 1960 Gibson ES-330T features a comfortable, slim-tapered neck profile, which is favored by players who prefer fast and smooth playability.
-
How does the 1960 Gibson ES-330T differ from other Gibson ES models?
-
Unlike other Gibson ES models that often use humbucker pickups, the ES-330T is equipped with a single P-90 pickup, providing a distinctively brighter and more articulate sound.
-
What type of music is the 1960 Gibson ES-330T best suited for?
-
The 1960 Gibson ES-330T is best suited for jazz, blues, and classic rock due to its warm, articulate tone and responsive playability.
Videos
frettedamericana
1960 Gibson ES 330 T 00883
Reviews
PROS
-
Unique single pickup design offers simplicity and character
-
Warm, jazzy, and gnarly tones with the original P90 pickup
-
Comfortable neck/body attachment ideal for players with shorter reach
-
Excellent sustain and feedback control for expressive performances
-
Vintage appeal with a rich history and heritage
-
Offers great acoustic sound quality alongside electric performance
-
Lightweight and not neck-heavy, enhancing playability
-
Affordable compared to two-pickup versions
-
Versatile sound range from throaty growls to sparkling clean tones
CONS
-
Upper registers past the nineteenth fret are difficult to access
-
Center pickup placement may interfere with picking for some players
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1960 Gibson ES-330T.
Features and functionality
-
The 1960 Gibson ES-330T is a true hollow body guitar, unlike the ES-335 which has a center block, affecting both tone and weight.
Source -
Natural finish ES-330T models are the rarest, with only 294 produced before discontinuation in 1960.
Source -
It's suggested that the ES-330T originally used tape wound strings, contributing to its distinctive vintage tone and playability.
Source
Value and pricing
-
Natural finish models are estimated to be worth around $10,000, while sunburst and cherry finishes are valued approximately at $6,000.
Source
User experience
-
Owners report the guitar sounds great both unplugged and plugged in, and is notably lightweight.
Source -
Some owners caution against wearing clothing with hard materials, like jean jackets with buttons, to prevent finish damage during play.
Source -
Bringing a guitar stored for decades back to life is described as a rewarding experience, emphasizing the durability and timeless quality of the instrument.
Source -
The guitar is celebrated for being played actively, suggesting its value as both a collector's item and a working instrument.
Source
Build quality
-
Commonly features a diamond-top trapeze tailpiece, differing from the Bigsby or Gibson vibrola seen on some models.
Source
Setup and maintenance
-
Tape wound guitar strings, resembling early 1960s coated strings, offer a retro look and feel, providing an alternative to pure nickel or nylon strings.
Source -
Black Diamond once produced black-coated strings, popular in the 1960s, potentially matching the original string appearance for vintage authenticity.
Source
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating
I Learned To Play On This Guitar
My grandfather is a well-known bluegrass artist in Texas and when I was around 12 years old, he passed his 1960 ES-330T down to my father, who eventually gave it to me. I learned to play guitar on a 1960 Gibson ES-330T... I had no idea how lucky I was until I was in college and started to study, modify, refinish and craft electric guitars. This guitar is the most priceless instrument I own. I'm sure many people feel like the single P-90 limits the ES-330T. On the contrary, I really enjoy the simplicity of the single pickup design. That nearly 60 year-old Gibson pup has all the range to lay into a throaty growl or you can roll off the volume knob and drift off into some sparkling clean tones. And the neck... I have never (yes, legitimately NEVER) played any guitar with a smoother, faster, more comfortable neck. These instruments ought to be worth much more than they currently sell for.
Artist usage
Add artistGenre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
More Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
julianwolf2Gear IQ 13060
-