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Gibson ES-330

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Gibson ES-330
ManufacturerGibson
Period1959–1972
Construction
Body typehollow
Neck jointSet
Scale24.75"
Woods
Bodymaple (laminated)
Neckmahogany on most models in most periods; sometimes maple
Fretboardrosewood on most models, ebony on some
Hardware
BridgeFixed
Pickup(s)1 or 2 P-90s
Colors available
Vintage Sunburst, Cherry, Black, Natural

The Gibson ES-330 is a thinline hollow-body electric guitar model produced by the Gibson Guitar Corporation. It was first introduced in 1959 and the guitar had the same dimensions as the ES-335.

History

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Sales of Gibson’s Electric Spanish (ES) series guitars (ES-100 through ES-350) in the 1930s and 40s encouraged the company to continue to produce more electric guitars. In 1955 Gibson released the ES-225T and the Gibson ES-350T thinline models. In 1958 Gibson released a new model, the ES-335, featuring a double-cutaway body.[1] The ES-330 was released in 1959,[2] In for a retail price of $275.[1] The 330s came as a one P-90 guitar pickup model called the ES-330T, and a two pickup called the ES-330TD.[2]

Specifications

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The ES-335 was released in 1958 with the same dimensions as the ES-330. The 330s had a maple top, back and sides, with two F Holes in the top. The body was 19 in (48 cm) long, 16 in (41 cm) wide and 1.75 in (4.4 cm) deep. Initially the neck met the body at the 16th fret, rather than the 19th-fret on the ES-335. In 1968 Gibson changed the 330 to meet the body at the 19th. The 330 was hollow, whereas the 335 had a center block to prevent feedback. The 330 had P-90 pickups, while the 335 had humbuckers.[2] The 330 had a mahogany neck with dot inlays and a 22-fret Brazilian Rosewood fretboard. The guitar also had a nickel-plated trapeze-style tailpiece.[1] It was released in cherry, sunburst and natural finishes.[3] In 1970 a walnut finish was added.[4]

Reception

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The guitar was prone to feedback because of its hollow design. By the time it was released in 1959 the trend was for loud music, which did not favor the 330.[2] The model was discontinued in 1972.[5][6]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Mullally, Tim; Braithwaite, Laun; Rogers, Dave (9 January 2017). "Vintage Vault: 1959 Gibson ES-330TD". Premier Guitar. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d Brakes, Rod (28 May 2022). "The history of the Gibson ES-330". Guitarist. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  3. ^ Vinnicombe, Chris (18 March 2020). "The Money Shot: 1959 Gibson ES-330TDC". Guitar. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  4. ^ "Gibson ES-330TD Thin line semi-acoustic guitar". Vintage Guitar and Bass. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  5. ^ Gruhn, George (2010). Electric guitars and basses : a photographic history (Rev. and updated, [2010] ed.). New York: Backbeat Books. p. 224. ISBN 9780879309749. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
  6. ^ Achard, Ken (1990). The history and development of the American guitar. Westport, CT: Bold Strummer. p. 125. ISBN 9780933224186. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
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