First launched in 1959, the Gibson ES-330 was introduced as the successor to the ES-225 single-cut model, which Gibson produced throughout the mid-1950s. While its popularity is often eclipsed by the semi-hollowbody designs of the era, such as the ES-335, the Gibson ES-330 is a fantastic and frequently under appreciated guitar, offering a tone that stands apart from other vintage instruments. This 1967 ES-330 is a stellar representation of the later '60s models, featuring a fully hollow maple body, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fingerboard.
The absence of a center block gives this guitar a distinctively woody, acoustic resonance, which, when paired with its original clear-bobbin P90 pickups, delivers a truly unique sound. Its clean tones are warm and rich, with excellent dynamic response, while the gritty, driven tones through a tube amp evoke that unmistakable '60s garage rock vibe—a signature characteristic of these guitars. This ES-330 boasts the original chrome hardware and pickup covers introduced in 1965, along with a mother-of-pearl block inlay neck and the longer 19th-fret neck joint, an optional feature available in the late '60s. The neck is comfortable and highly playable, with the 1 9/16" nut width typical of Gibson instruments from this period. Perhaps most interestingly, this guitar features a factory fitted Maestro vibrato tailpiece. This is fairly rare for an ES-330, and there is no evidence that it has ever been drilled for a trapeze tailpiece.
This guitar is in very good condition for an instrument of its age. The electronics are all original and fully functional, and although there are no readable pot codes, the loom is clearly untouched. The original ABR-1 wire bridge is present and correct, as are the double line Kluson tuners, although the buttons have been replaced at some point. The finish is original with no evidence of any touch up or overspray that we can see. The knobs are the witch-hat style typically seen on cherry ES-330s from this era. This guitar also includes its original case.
As with all our vintage instruments, this guitar has been given a thorough service by the Vintage Instrument Workshop and is guaranteed for 2 years in line with our vintage instrument warranty. Get an additional 3 years workshop warranty cover with the No.Tom Guitars Extended Warranty.
