For vintage electric guitar enthusiasts, 1959 stands as one of the most significant years in Gibson history, yielding many of the brand's most sought-after instruments. Among them was the debut of the Gibson ES-330, introduced that same year. Although it is often compared to its close relative, the Epiphone Casino, the ES-330 arrived first, with the Casino following in 1961. After an eight-year absence, Gibson Custom is reintroducing the 1959 ES-330 Reissue as a core offering in the Gibson Custom Historic Reissue Collection.


Check out our demo of the 1959 and 1962 ES-330 models in this exclusive video:


The 1959 ES-330 Reissue features a fully hollow, thinline body built from three-ply maple/poplar/maple. Unlike the visually similar ES-335, it does not incorporate a maple centerblock, giving the ES-330 a more open, resonant acoustic voice and noticeably greater unplugged volume. This lively response makes it especially rewarding for casual playing and helps explain its reputation as an exceptional "couch guitar".

Its one-piece mahogany neck is carved to an Authentic 1959 profile, offering a comfortable, substantial C-shape that feels classic without being oversized. The bound, one-piece rosewood fretboard is fitted with 22 period-correct medium jumbo frets and understated cellulose dot inlays. As on original 1959 models, the neck joins the body at the 16th fret, ensuring ideal bridge placement and a vintage-accurate playing experience.

A matched pair of P-90 pickups with… read more black Dogear covers gives the 1959 ES-330 Reissue its distinctive voice. The bridge pickup uses standard windings with an Alnico 3 magnet, while the underwound neck pickup features an Alnico 5 magnet, creating a balanced and complementary tonal character across all pickup positions. Each pickup is hand-wired to its own volume and tone controls using CTS potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors, while a Switchcraft three-way toggle switch and 1/4-inch output jack complete the electronics package.

Like any fully hollow design, the ES-330 is more prone to feedback than a solid-body or semi-hollowbody instrument and is not intended for the highest-gain settings. Even so, with mindful technique, it handles overdrive beautifully and delivers a singing, expressive sustain that sets it apart from nearly every other guitar. Its versatility makes it well suited for Americana, blues, 60s pop, country, jazz, rock, and more.

Additional period-correct appointments include nickel hardware, a Historic no-wire ABR-1 bridge, a trapeze tailpiece, a nylon nut, Kluson Deluxe tuners, a multi-ply ES-330 pickguard, and True Historic gold Top Hat knobs with dial pointers. The combination of gloss nitrocellulose lacquer and VOS-treated hardware gives the instrument the softly aged look of a well-preserved vintage original.

With the return of the 1959 ES-330 Reissue, Gibson Custom brings a fully hollow classic back into the Historic lineup for a new generation of players. A Lifton hardshell case is included for secure storage and travel.

Features:

- Threeply maple/poplar/maple construction with no center block for lively acoustic response
- Onepiece mahogany neck with an Authentic 1959 Cshape profile for a substantial vintage feel
- Bound onepiece rosewood fretboard for smooth, classic playability
- Matched pair of P90 Dogear pickups deliver classic grit, clarity, and dynamic response
- Alnico 3 bridge pickup provides punchy, articulate lead tones
- Underwound Alnico 5 neck pickup offers warmth, balance, and smooth articulation
- Handwired electronics preserve authentic vintage tone and responsiveness
- CTS potentiometers and paperinoil capacitors ensure true vintage signal integrity
- Switchcraft threeway toggle and output jack for reliable, professional performance
- Historic nowire ABR1 bridge improves resonance and tuning stability
- Trapeze tailpiece contributes to classic feel and tonal character
- Nylon nut supports smooth tuning and vintagecorrect tone transfer
- Kluson Deluxe tuners provide traditional styling with dependable stability
- Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer with VOStreated hardware creates a softly aged vintage appearance
- Includes a Lifton hardshell case for secure storage and transport

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