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Average Price: $3,999

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Description

Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of the Gibson ES-300, a classic piece of musical craftsmanship that harks back to the golden era of electric jazz guitars. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is a testament to Gibson's dedication to superior sound and aesthetic appeal. Originally crafted with a distinctive long-angled pickup, the ES-300 transitioned post-World War II to include the renowned P-90 pickup, known for its warm, rich tones and exceptional clarity.

The ES-300's archtop body style is not just about elegant lines; it’s an acoustic marvel that produces a resonant and dynamic sound, perfect for both intimate venues and large stages. Its design is further enhanced by a trapeze tailpiece and F-holes, which contribute to a balanced sound with a touch of vintage charm. Whether you're playing smooth jazz or powerful rock, the ES-300’s split block inlays and tortoiseshell pickguard provide both style and function, ensuring you stand out in any performance setting.

This guitar isn't just about nostalgia; it's a versatile instrument for the modern musician, blending historic design elements with a playability that meets today’s demands. The combination of a semi-hollow body with the P-90 pickup delivers a sound that's both classic and contemporary, making the Gibson ES-300 a prized addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for rich, resonant sound
  • P-90 pickup for warm, clear tones
  • Archtop body style with F-holes
  • Trapeze tailpiece for vintage aesthetic
  • Tortoiseshell pickguard
  • Split block inlays for a classic look
  • Two control knobs for tone and volume adjustment

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-300
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 1946 - 1956
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Non Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson ES-300
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration S
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the primary music genre suited for the Gibson ES-300?

The Gibson ES-300 is well-suited for jazz, blues, and early rock and roll, thanks to its warm, resonant tone and hollow body design.

What kind of pickups does the Gibson ES-300 have?

The Gibson ES-300 features a single-coil pickup, which delivers a bright and clear sound, ideal for genres that benefit from articulation and detail.

How does the Gibson ES-300 differ from other Gibson ES models?

The Gibson ES-300, with its hollow body and single pickup configuration, offers a distinctively warm and resonant tone compared to semi-hollow models like the ES-335, which typically have dual humbuckers for a thicker sound.

Is the Gibson ES-300 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson ES-300 is suitable for live performances, especially in genres like jazz and blues, where its hollow body and single-coil pickup provide a rich, vintage tone.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-300 like?

The Gibson ES-300 features a set-neck construction with a comfortable mahogany neck, providing a smooth playing experience ideal for intricate fingerwork and chord transitions.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

1947 Gibson ES-300 Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Paterson

Video thumbnail for 1947 Gibson ES-300 Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Paterson by Chicago Music Exchange

1947 Gibson ES-300 Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Paterson

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1945 Gibson ES-300 played by Jack Ruch by Carter Vintage Guitars

1945 Gibson ES-300 played by Jack Ruch

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for Amazing Jazz Tone! Vintage 1952 Gibson ES-300 Natural with P90 Pickups by PREMIER GUITARS

Amazing Jazz Tone! Vintage 1952 Gibson ES-300 Natural with P90 Pickups

PREMIER GUITARS

PREMIER GUITARS

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES-300 from 1952 presented by Tobias Hoffmann at Vintage Guitar Oldenburg by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson ES-300 from 1952 presented by Tobias Hoffmann at Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-300.

Setup and maintenance

  • The low E string frequently slips off the saddle, a common setup issue that requires luthier attention for optimal playability.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Originally priced at $300, the ES-300 was considered top-of-the-line, reflecting its rarity and high value in today's market.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The 1947 ES-300 is noted for its historical significance and connection to pre-war Gibson design, making it ideal for collectors and vintage enthusiasts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Vault: 1950 Gibson ES-300 - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The 1950 Gibson ES-300 is a piece of electric guitar history, known for its laminated maple body and P-90 pickups that deliver a quintessential Gibson tone. While praised for its professional quality and aesthetic appeal, including a bound headstock and pearl inlays, the guitar's production was hindered by WWII, affecting availability. The ES-300's vintage charm is undeniable, yet its practicality in modern settings may be limited. Overall, while collectors might appreciate its historical significance, players might find it less versatile compared to contemporary models.

Gibson ES-300 | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Gibson ES-300, once the pinnacle of Gibson's electric archtop lineup, dazzles with its historical charm and craftsmanship. Launched in the 1940s with advanced features like adjustable pole pickups and luxurious finishes, it remains a testament to Gibson's innovation. While its early pickup design faced criticism for being unwieldy, quick improvements made it more player-friendly. The ES-300's transition to laminated maple post-war streamlined production and maintained its aesthetic appeal. Though eventually overshadowed by cutaway models, the ES-300 is cherished for its role in Gibson's legacy and its high-quality construction.

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Artist usage

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See how Charlie Starr uses Gibson ES-300

Charlie Starr

Guitarist

Blackberry Smoke

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Sunburst Year: 1946

At 3:42:40 in the "The Collection: Director’s Cut, Part One" video by Gibson TV, guitarist Charlie Starr showcases his Gibson ES-300, which he mentions purchasing from a pawn shop while on tour.

See how Django Reinhardt uses Gibson ES-300

Django Reinhardt

Guitarist

Quintette du Hot Club de France

...
Verified via Photo

Django Reinhardt is seen with a Gibson ES-300 in a user-uploaded photo on Tumblr, illustrating his use of this semi-hollowbody electric guitar.

See how Duke Robillard uses Gibson ES-300

Duke Robillard

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

I played a lot of Gibsons – an L-7, ES-300, ES-5, and they were great. But somewhere along the line, I got an Epiphone Deluxe. What a sound!

See how George Barnes uses Gibson ES-300

George Barnes

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

George Barnes is seen playing a Gibson ES-300 in a user-uploaded photo on Wordpress, showcasing his use of this semi-hollowbody electric guitar.

See how Danny Cedrone uses Gibson ES-300

Danny Cedrone

Guitarist

Bill Haley & His Comets

...
Verified via Archive

"On Rock Around the Clock Danny Cedrone played a mid to late ‘46 honey-brown, sunburst Gibson ES-300 (serial number 21 G4669) with one P-90 Pickup (First introduced on this guitar model) through an 18 watt, top-of-the-line Gibson BR-1 Amp with a 12" Jensen speaker.

The specs for this particular ES-300 are as follows: Two-piece top of solid maple showing moderate flame; two translucent gold barrel knobs; one P-90 pickup; nickel plated tailpiece with f holes; tulip shaped tuners on non screw plates; one-piece mahogany neck; rosewood fingerboard with double parallelogram inlays; the head inlaid with black letter logo and crown device; no cut-out, unbound f-holes.

This 'Rock Around the Clock guitar' is currently on display at the Rock'n'Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland, USA."

Album Usage

The Gibson ES-300 has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson ES-300, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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