ES-330 is back.

[jb_abides]

Original Collection.

60s Block this time around, but not a strict 'Reissue' spec as it comes with the Rounded "C" Profile not Slim Taper.

I like the Tobacco Sunburst in this config; the exclusive Ebony with Block works, too! No lefty models, ho-hum, I've got my Memphis 59 Reissue in Vintage Burst.

 

[charliechitlins]

Sweet.
I love hollow guitars and P90s, but I've had TWO "longneck" 330s that I couldn't dig.
Gotta try the earlier model.

 

[jb_abides]

Sweet.
I love hollow guitars and P90s, but I've had TWO "longneck" 330s that I couldn't dig.
Gotta try the earlier model.

Highly recommend the Memphis 59 Reissue!



There's also the USA Casino.

 

[goldtop0]

Great to see this and for me it's the cherry.
They say a Rounded C neck however there are one or two I've seen so far that are at .840" at the 1st fret, I'm not a fan of slim taper myself.
Wondering if they'll eventually do a run of 330L in future.

 

[Red Rogue]

If that black one was aged...

As @goldtop0, I was wondering too why they don`t release the long neck version.
I know, that a 330 is no shredder guitar, where you play solos behind the 14 fret. But maybe I´m so used to the 335 ergonomics.

Although George Gruhn was wondering about the short neck:

The history of the Gibson ES-330

We take an in-depth look at the background, development and evolution of Gibson’s iconic double-cut thinline hollowbody electric...

www.guitarworld.com

 

[renderit]

Highly recommend the Memphis 59 Reissue!

View attachment 27507

There's also the USA Casino.

Memphis got this one right.

 

[mdubya]

If that black one was aged...

As @goldtop0, I was wondering too why they don`t release the long neck version.
I know, that a 330 is no shredder guitar, where you play solos behind the 14 fret. But maybe I´m so used to the 335 ergonomics.

Although George Gruhn was wondering about the short neck:

The history of the Gibson ES-330

We take an in-depth look at the background, development and evolution of Gibson’s iconic double-cut thinline hollowbody electric...

www.guitarworld.com

They have so much tone in the first 14 frets, there is no need to go any further up the neck.

Then there is that old proverb: above the 12th fret is known as the upper register. Below the 12th fret is known as the CASH register.

Then a Nashville cat pokes his head in and says, "I think you meant the 7th fret."

Seriously, a vintage voiced hollowbody guitar does not need upper fret access. And the deep neck joint produces tone that you won't get with a long neck.

 

[mdubya]

My Memphis VOS '59 spec.

IYKYK.

 

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

My personal ES330 impersonator is an Eastman T64V.

I love playing this guitar so much whether it's plugged in or just playing acoustically sitting on the couch. Played through some tape delay, optical or harmonic tremolo, a deep spring reverb, or any combo of the above into a beautiful sounding clean amp is a near religious experience for me.

It just sounds incredibly alive, with depth and sparkle for days on the neck and middle positions, but with nice sting and bark in the bridge position. It can do nasty snarling crunch, or smooth and singing overdriven tones for days too.

One of the things I love most is that with the neck P90 moved closer to the bridge because of the 16th fret neck joint the neck tones never get excessively muddy. They always retain a good bit of clarity, but thanks to the full hollowbody design they do not ever lack for depth either.

One of these days I will get a Gibson ES330, but until then I never feel like I am missing out in the least. Eastman makes an awesome tribute to the OG, and the Lollar Dog Ear P90's and Bigsby don't hurt either.

 

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

They have so much tone in the first 14 frets, there is no need to go any further up the neck.

Then there is that old proverb: above the 12th fret is known as the upper register. Below the 12th fret is known as the CASH register.

The a Nashville cat pokes his head in and says, "I think you meant the 7th fret."

Seriously, a vintage voiced hollowbody guitar does not need upper fret access. And the deep neck joint produces tone that you won't get with a long neck.

Very true. It also pushes the neck pickup closer to the bridge which keeps you out of Mudsville while not lacking in depth or those smooth flutey lead tones with the tone knob rolled back

 

[goldtop0]

And the deep neck joint produces tone that you won't get with a long neck.

Interesting to see you state that about the 330L
I've not had the opportunity to play one as yet.

 

[mdubya]

Interesting to see you state that about the 330L
I've not had the opportunity to play one as yet.

This is just my very unscientific personal (and, hopefully, humble) opinion.

Everyone has their own theory about "Les Paul" tone.

Mine is that the 16th fret neck joint and deep neck/body set is a major contributor.

Single cut ES guitars and the ES 330 (not to mention my Momose Korina Furtura) shine for the same reasons.

Nothing wrong with an ES 330 L. It almost certainly will lean in the ES 335 and SG direction as mid focused - if my theory holds water.

Since I own a few 335s, and the ES 330 is a different beast altogether, I think the traditional ES 330 is a good bet and not a compromise.

ETA: my primary concern for an ES 330 L would be sturdiness of construction, not tone.

ETA II:

I will always remember Phil X gushing over this ES 330 L. I think he ended up buying this guitar. And he had plenty of short neck ES 330s to compare to.

 

[mikeslub]

I'm glad they are building them again, but I don't get why they went with block inlays, yet a rounded neck - and worst of all, the wrong knobs! Yikes!

Reflectors started in 1960.

These are vintage originals (1959, 59, 60, 60, 60, 60, 61) before the block inlay period, but note the reflector knobs starting in 1960.



And here is a 1964 with block inlays that I sold a few years ago. Note the knobs and the pickup covers and the nylon saddles.

 

[mdubya]

I'm glad they are building them again, but I don't get why they went with block inlays, yet a rounded neck - and worst of all, the wrong knobs! Yikes!

That is what makes them Standard USA stamped models.

The CS line will get closer to year correct specs, IMHO.

 

[Hiwatts-n-Gibsons]

I'm glad they are building them again, but I don't get why they went with block inlays, yet a rounded neck - and worst of all, the wrong knobs! Yikes!

Reflectors started in 1960.

These are vintage originals (1959, 59, 60, 60, 60, 60, 61) before the block inlay period, but note the reflector knobs starting in 1960.

View attachment 27575

Yeah, she's cool, yeah she's sexy, she's a damn good cook, and the sex is amazing, but dammit she had to go and eat crackers in bed. Can't deal with that crap. She's gotta go

 

[jb_abides]

Yeah, they aren't Reissues like Memphis were... but you could mod them to be.

I keep eyeing the USA Casino instead, there are still some available. Keep flipping between Royal Tan and the Burst...

 

[goldtop0]

ETA: my primary concern for an ES 330 L would be sturdiness of construction, not tone.

ETA II:

I will always remember Phil X gushing over this ES 330 L. I think he ended up buying this guitar. And he had plenty of short neck ES 330s to compare to.

Cheers mdubya, that's good to hear. Yes concern re the sturdiness of the neck into the body is a comment I've seen, however I've not come across(over the years) complaints about this as such from players eg the neck wanging/moving unnecessarily.
That one Phil's playing doesn't have f holes, pretty unique.