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Average Price: $1,895
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
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Description
Introducing the Gibson ES-333, a semi-hollowbody electric guitar that marries affordability with the timeless charm of its more renowned sibling, the ES-335. Designed for musicians who crave the warm, resonant tone that only a semi-hollowbody can deliver, the ES-333 offers features that don't skimp on quality, yet remain accessible to a broader audience.
This guitar stands out with its satin finish and exposed humbuckers, providing a raw and authentic aesthetic that's as visually striking as its sound is compelling. The absence of a pickguard adds to the sleek, understated elegance, letting the craftsmanship and wood grain shine through.
Built during its production years from 2002 to 2005, the Gibson ES-333 is a rare find on today's market. It features a solid maple center block that reduces feedback while maintaining the airy, open sound that players love. With its classic double-cutaway design, this guitar offers easy access to higher frets, making it an excellent choice for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or an aspiring musician, the ES-333 delivers a versatile sound palette suitable for jazz, rock, blues, and beyond. Its distinctive voice and playability make it a beloved choice in the world of semi-hollowbody electric guitars.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody with a solid maple center block
- Satin finish with exposed humbuckers
- Classic double-cutaway design
- Years of Production: 2002 - 2005
- No factory-installed pickguard
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-333, ES-333 (Exposed Coil) |
| Finish | Cherry, Natural, Sunburst, Worn Brown |
| Year | 2002 - 2005 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Semi-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-333 |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What is the difference between the Gibson ES-333 and the ES-335?
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The Gibson ES-333 features exposed-coil humbuckers and a matte finish, while the ES-335 typically has covered pickups and a gloss finish. The ES-333 also has a rear control cavity for easier access, and uses a decal logo instead of the ES-335's pearl inlay.
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What kind of music is the Gibson ES-333 best suited for?
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The Gibson ES-333 is versatile, making it suitable for blues, rock, and jazz. Its semi-hollow body design offers a warm, resonant tone that complements a wide range of musical styles.
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How does the neck profile of the Gibson ES-333 affect playability?
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The Gibson ES-333 features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a smooth playing experience and good sustain. The rosewood fretboard adds a warm tone, making it comfortable for both rhythm and lead playing.
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Are the pickups on the Gibson ES-333 suitable for high-gain music styles?
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Yes, the exposed-coil humbuckers on the Gibson ES-333 deliver a powerful output suitable for high-gain music styles, offering clarity and punch for rock and heavier genres.
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Does the Gibson ES-333 come with a pickguard?
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No, the Gibson ES-333 does not include a pickguard, giving it a cleaner aesthetic and showcasing the plain maple top.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
How Did These Get So Expensive? | 2007 Gibson Tom Delonge Signature ES-333 | Review + Demo
How Did These Get So Expensive? | 2007 Gibson Tom Delonge Signature ES-333 | Review + Demo
The Trogly's Guitar Show
Gibson ES-333 Guitar
Dave's World of Fun Stuff
Gibson ES-333
SgtThump
Gibson ES-333 and Marshall SV20c
Gene M Thompson
2003 Gibson ES-333, cherry, Part1
GregsGuitars
Gibson ES 333 Guitar
Dave's World of Fun Stuff
Gibson ES 333 Gets Some Love
Dave's World of Fun Stuff
2003 Gibson ES-333 AN (ES-335) / Kloppmann GH Golden Voice PAFs
GregsGuitars
2003 Gibson ES-333 Cherry Red.
krispood
Great Scott! This is my Gibson 333!
Chris Brown
Reviews
PROS
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Offers a 335-style experience at a significantly lower price
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Rear access plate simplifies pickup swaps and electronic maintenance
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Cream binding and satin finish provide a vintage aesthetic appeal
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Excellent playability with a comfortable neck profile
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Great sustain and sound, even with distortion
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Versatile for multiple music genres beyond just jazz and rock
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Mod-friendly, allowing for easy customization
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Often mistaken for vintage models due to its classic look
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Solid build quality comparable to more expensive Gibsons
CONS
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Stock pickups may not offer the best tone, upgrades often recommended
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Lacks a pickguard, potentially leading to finish wear
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Prices have become inflated due to its rarity and rising demand
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Some players find the neck profile not ideal for speed playing
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-333.
Features and functionality
Mods and upgrades
Value and pricing
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Historically, the ES-333 was less popular and often sold for under £1000 in the early 2000s, making it more affordable than the ES-335.
Source -
The ES-333 is noted for its high resale value, sometimes reaching $6-8k, but some question its worth compared to cheaper alternatives like the Starcaster.
Source
User experience
Use cases and applications
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The ES-333's design was reportedly influenced by Tom DeLonge's preferences, aligning with his style more closely than the ES-335.
Source -
The Starcaster is praised for its playability and is recommended for Blink-182 fans due to its tonal characteristics.
Source -
One owner enjoys the Starcaster's durability for casual play, appreciating it as a guitar they don't worry about damaging, unlike their Gibson ES-333.
Source
Comparisons
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Owners often compare the Gibson ES-333 to the Starcaster, noting the Starcaster's large neck helps balance and its surprisingly light weight, under 7 lbs.
Source
Setup and maintenance
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Some setups recommend replacing missing bridge or tailpiece with a high-quality TonePros replacement for improved intonation and sustain.
Source -
To measure scale length accurately, measure from the center of the nut to the center of the bridge; typical scale length is 24.75 inches.
Source -
It’s noted that measuring neck carve, nut dimensions, and string spacing with digital calipers offers the most accuracy.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 5 Reviews and 8 Ratings
57
Best Bang For Buck ES
This guitar is a pretty well kept secret. I have owned it for about half a year and I love it. It cost me $1500 CAD, which is an absolute steal considering that the only difference between it and a 335 is no headstock inlay, 490R and 490T pickups and a maintenance port (cheaper maintenance). I would recommend this guitar to anyone looking to buy a semi-hollow. It sounds GREAT and it looks even better with the cream binding. On a number of occasions people have confused my guitar with a real vintage es. It plays like a dream, it has a nice wide neck with a medium/thick profile. It plays better than most new Gibsons I've played. Summary: Sounds great, looks great, plays great, costs little.
41010
they sued to be a well kept secret, trading used for under a grand in USD... now people are hip to them and they've really gone up. When new they cost about what you paid or less as I recall.
41010
the 333 is pretty much the same guitar as the 80s 335 studio... both unsung and unloved budget semis with Gibson craftsmanship... and easy toa ccess control harnesses ;-)
623
111
Gibson 333
An absolutely amazing 'budget' Gibson. It sounds better than any other I've played.
Great guitar
They only ran this for a few years, and I was lucky to pick one up. I,ve since added a Bigsby.
41010
You ADDED a bigsby to a an es? aww hell, most guys with vintage ones are ripping the bigsbies and trapeze tails off and modding them for a stop bars. I love bigsbies, but they are tone killers on a 335 or similar.
Had the opposite effect to this, added some depth to it. I think! ????
Artist usage
Add artist
In this live video, Corey uses a Gibson ES-333 as a second rhythm guitar in the live version of Through Glass by Stone Sour
Recalled in this video feature of Quesada's ES-446 for KUT Austin.
"I used to play a 333 and it was stolen at a gig in Houston."
Andrew White is pictured using a red Gibson ES-333, which is likely his primary guitar for touring with the Kaiser Chiefs, as seen in the photo on Veggieadvisor.
In this YouTube video Steve mentions owning a Gibson ES-333 at the 21:52 mark:
"I have a (...) 333 Gibson. It's like the satin finish, I think that's all the three means instead of the 335."
Caloncho uses a Gibson ES-333, as seen in his Instagram post during a session at Rubber Tracks.
Oliver Main is often seen playing a red Gibson ES-333, as captured in a photo by 616 Photography on Flickr during a performance with The Pigeon Detectives.
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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-333, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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