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Description

Experience the timeless charm of the Gibson ES-330 T, a true icon in the world of electric guitars. This masterpiece is a fully hollow double cutaway, diverging from its semi-hollow siblings by offering a resonant, airy tone that is both warm and articulate. Crafted with a maple body and a rosewood fingerboard, the ES-330 T provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience. The single P-90 pickup is a standout feature, delivering a punchy, vintage sound that captures the essence of rock and roll's golden era.

The ES-330 T's neck joint is set at the 17th fret, offering a unique feel and accessibility that players adore. Its classic trapeze tailpiece and Tune-o-matic bridge ensure stable tuning and sustain, while block inlays add a touch of elegance to its design. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding guitarist, this instrument's heritage and build quality make it a worthy addition to any collection. With a legacy that includes legendary players like Martin Barre and Grant Green, the ES-330 T is not just a guitar; it's a piece of musical history.

Key Features:

  • Fully hollow double cutaway design
  • Maple body with rosewood fingerboard
  • Single P-90 pickup for vintage tone
  • Neck joint at the 17th fret
  • Tune-o-matic bridge and trapeze tailpiece
  • Block inlays for a classic look

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 type of music is the Gibson ES-330T 1959 - 1963 best suited for?

The Gibson ES-330T is ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres due to its warm, resonant tone and hollow body design, which provides a rich, full sound.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson ES-330T 1959 - 1963?

The Gibson ES-330T features a comfortable, rounded neck profile, suitable for players who prefer a vintage feel and ease of playability across the fretboard.

How does the single pickup configuration affect the sound of the Gibson ES-330T 1959 - 1963?

The single pickup on the Gibson ES-330T delivers a clear, articulate tone, emphasizing the guitar's natural resonance and making it perfect for rhythm and lead parts in various musical styles.

Is the Gibson ES-330T 1959 - 1963 suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson ES-330T is well-suited for live performances, offering a rich, vintage sound with excellent projection, thanks to its hollow body construction.

What is the scale length of the Gibson ES-330T 1959 - 1963, and how does it affect playability?

The Gibson ES-330T has a 24.75" scale length, which provides a slightly softer string tension, making it easier to bend notes and enhancing overall playability.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

1959 Gibson ES-330T Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo

Video thumbnail for 1959 Gibson ES-330T Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo by Chicago Music Exchange

1959 Gibson ES-330T Sunburst | CME Vintage Demo

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1959 Gibson ES-330T Sunburst | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1959 Gibson ES-330T Sunburst | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1960 Gibson ES-330T | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1960 Gibson ES-330T | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1962 Gibson ES-330T Sunburst | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1962 Gibson ES-330T Sunburst | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Mark Goldenberg playing our 1959 Gibson ES-330T at Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Mark Goldenberg playing our 1959 Gibson ES-330T at Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1959 Gibson ES-330T and 1964 Fender Vibroverb by Emerald City Guitars

1959 Gibson ES-330T and 1964 Fender Vibroverb

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1960 Gibson ES 330 T - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1960 Gibson ES 330 T - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1959 Gibson ES 330 T - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1959 Gibson ES 330 T - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Gibson ES330T Sunburst 1960 played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo by TFOA Demos

Gibson ES330T Sunburst 1960 played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique single pickup design offers distinct tonal character

  • Excellent acoustic sound, versatile P90 pickup

  • Lightweight full hollow body, not neck-heavy

  • Neck attachment enhances comfort, ideal for shorter players

  • Great feedback and sustain for dynamic performances

  • Affordable alternative to two-pickup models

  • Original design never reissued, adds collectability

  • Comfortable playability with neck set around the sixteenth fret

CONS

  • Upper registers past the nineteenth fret are difficult to play

  • Center pickup placement may hinder picking for some players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-330T 1959 - 1963.

Build quality

  • Only 219 natural finish models were shipped in 1960, making it rarer than sunburst but more common than cherry for that year.

    Source
  • Models from 1962 onwards replaced black pickup covers with nickel and dot inlays with block inlays, marking significant design shifts during its production run.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Unlike the ES-335, the ES-330T is a true hollow body guitar, lacking a center block, contributing to a lighter weight and distinct tone.

    Source
  • The ES-330T's sound is appreciated both unplugged and plugged in, providing versatility for different playing contexts.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Natural finish models from 1960 can fetch around $10,000, significantly more than sunburst or cherry models valued around $6,000.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Mark Knopfler uses Gibson ES-330T 1959 - 1963

Mark Knopfler

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified

Mark Knopfler purchased this 1960 ES-330 from Fretted Americana in Calabasas, California, in May 2008 as a companion to his first 1960 ES-330, which was a gift from American singer-songwriter Tony Joe White in the 1980s and remains in Knopfler’s collection to this day.

The guitar was tried during the recording process to get an idea of the sound and where it might fit in a particular song, but ultimately did not make it onto a record. From time to time, this guitar has been kept in his study for home use. Knopfler told: 'Even if I wasn’t putting the guitars on records, I was playing them at home. They would be there to hand, never very far away from me.'

See how Rick Nielsen uses Gibson ES-330T 1959 - 1963

Rick Nielsen

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Rolling Stone

So far, Nielsen's biggest seller was his 1956 Sunburst Gibson Les Paul Junior, which sold for $5,760, or significantly less than a bag of Kanye West's air. However, Neilsen has since put his 1959 Gibson ES-330T Mint Collector Grade on Reverb, and that guitar has already racked up a $6,800 bid with three days left in the auction.

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-330T 1959 - 1963, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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