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Description

Dive into the melodic realm of the past with the 1965 Gibson ES 330, a masterpiece that marries vintage charm with unparalleled sound quality. This guitar stands out in the realm of semi-hollowbody electric guitars, offering a fully hollow body that resonates with every note. Its distinctive P-90 pickups deliver a warm, rich tone that's as versatile as it is captivating, making it a favorite among musicians who value depth and clarity in their sound. With a design that's both aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior, the Gibson ES 330 is a testament to the craftsmanship and innovation that Gibson guitars are known for. Whether you're a jazz aficionado or a rock enthusiast, this guitar will elevate your music, making every performance unforgettable.

Key Features:

  • Fully hollow double cutaway body, devoid of the center wood block found in its semi-hollow counterparts
  • Equipped with a pair of rich-sounding P-90 pickups for that vintage, warm tone
  • Neck joint at the 17th fret, allowing for easier access to higher notes
  • Thinline double pickup model (ES-330TD) for enhanced sound versatility
  • Maple body and Rosewood fingerboard construction for a balanced tonal quality
  • Features a Tune-o-matic bridge and trapeze tailpiece for superior intonation and sustain
  • Decorated with block inlays, adding to its classic aesthetic appeal

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-330TD
Finish Burgundy Metallic, Cherry, Sunburst, Walnut
Year 1965 - 1975
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
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-330
Model Sub-Family Gibson ES-330TD Short Neck
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the 1965 Gibson ES 330?

The 1965 Gibson ES 330 features a short neck with a set-neck construction, providing a comfortable and vintage feel that is ideal for players who prefer a more compact scale length.

What type of pickups does the Gibson ES 330 have, and what tones can I expect?

The Gibson ES 330 is equipped with dual single-coil pickups, delivering warm, rich tones suitable for blues, jazz, and rock genres, with a distinct clarity and articulation.

Is the Gibson ES 330 suitable for beginners or advanced players?

The Gibson ES 330 is more suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its vintage design and nuanced tonal characteristics, which may not be ideal for beginners seeking a more straightforward playing experience.

How does the hollow body design of the Gibson ES 330 affect its sound?

The hollow body design of the Gibson ES 330 contributes to its resonant, airy sound with a natural acoustic quality, making it ideal for genres like jazz and blues.

What is the scale length of the 1965 Gibson ES 330, and how does it influence playability?

The 1965 Gibson ES 330 has a 24.75" scale length, offering a slightly shorter reach that enhances playability and comfort, especially for players with smaller hands.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

1965 Gibson ES-330TD Sunburst | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson ES-330TD Sunburst | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1965 Gibson ES-330TD Sunburst | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson ES-330 | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1965 Gibson ES-330 | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1965 Gibson ES-330TD | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1965 Gibson ES-330TD | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson ES-330 TD - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1965 Gibson ES-330 TD - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson ES-330TD by Dream Guitars

1965 Gibson ES-330TD

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES 330 TD 1965 - Guitare Village by Guitare Village

Gibson ES 330 TD 1965 - Guitare Village

Guitare Village

Guitare Village

Video thumbnail for 1965 Gibson ES-330 TDC | Jared James Nichols by Carter Vintage Backstage

1965 Gibson ES-330 TDC | Jared James Nichols

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-330 TD from 1965 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson ES-330 TD from 1965 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers fantastic vintage sounds with classic P90 hollow body tones

  • Offers a unique tone that’s darker and well-balanced, resembling a Gretsch

  • Excellent for studio use with a dynamic and tonal range

  • Very versatile, suitable for rock, blues, jazz, and country

  • Lightweight design makes it easy to handle during long sessions

  • Comfortable neck and great attack enhance playability

  • Ideal rhythm guitar with impressive open tuning sound

  • Beautiful tobacco burst finish adds visual appeal

  • Exceptional highs and depth from the fully hollow body

  • Budget-friendly alternative to more expensive vintage models

CONS

  • Feedback issues due to fully hollow body design

  • Original unshielded wiring may cause electronic interference

  • Body top may sag, potentially requiring modifications

  • High bridge might need adjustments for optimal intonation

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1965 Gibson ES 330.

Setup and maintenance

  • Transitioning from .10s to .11s adds 10 lbs of tension; significant adjustments may not be necessary.

    Source
  • A ruler marked in /64ths is recommended to check truss rod functionality during string gauge changes.

    Source
  • Owners report fine adjustments may be needed a day or two after increasing string gauge if the guitar is intact.

    Source

User experience

  • A user successfully uses .14 gauge Thomastik-Infeld Swing strings on a late '60s ES-330 without structural issues.

    Source
  • Experienced owners note that walking the stage during soundcheck can help identify feedback-prone areas, useful for managing live performance dynamics.

    Source
  • The ES-330's double cut maple top is noted for its stiffness, making it easier to control feedback compared to single cut models like the Byrdlands with spruce tops.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The ES-330 is favored over the ES-335 by some for its more resonant body, providing a lively feel especially when paired with a good amp.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ES-330 is well-suited for Southern rock, blues, and country rock, but may require stage feedback management at high volumes.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Drew Shirley uses 1965 Gibson ES 330

Drew Shirley

Guitarist

Switchfoot

...
Verified via Photo

So good today, double tracking hollow body guitars side by side with my man...J4, on the title track for #switchfoot #album10 . ????????: @officialgretsch through silverface @fenderguitar Princeton ????????: 65 Gibson 330 through @jhspedals superbolt into Supro 1624

See how Andy Dunlop uses 1965 Gibson ES 330

Andy Dunlop

Guitarist

Travis

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official video for "All I Wanna Do Is Rock" you can see Andy Dunlop with a Gibson ES - 330 most likely from 1965, he is also seen with this guitar in his presentation with Travis in "Later With Jools Holland" in 1996, also in his concert at G-mex Arena with Noel Gallagher in 1997. He is seen using this guitar during his early stint with Travis, until 1999 where he is seen with his usual Gibson Les Paul Deluxe.

See how Craig Gannon uses 1965 Gibson ES 330

Craig Gannon

Guitarist

The Smiths

...
Verified via Photo

In the following picture, Craig can be seen playing live with a Gibson ES-330.. it was Morrissey’s first solo gig in 1988, located in Wolverhampton.

See how Avi Bortnick uses 1965 Gibson ES 330

Avi Bortnick

Guitarist

...
Verified via Graphtech

Avi plays a 1983 Fender Squier Telecaster, a 1965 Gibson ES-330, and a 1990 American Standard Stratocaster.

Album Usage

The 1965 Gibson ES 330 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1965 Gibson ES 330, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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    Gear IQ 13728