The Gibson Custom 1962 ES-330 Reissue marks the return of a beloved model to the Gibson Custom Historic Reissue Collection. First introduced in 1959, the ES-330 evolved through several subtle refinements in its early years, and by 1962 it had arrived at one of its most celebrated forms. While it shares visual similarities with its close relative, the Epiphone Casino, the ES-330 predates it, with the Casino first appearing in 1961. After an eight-year absence, the 1962 ES-330 Reissue is once again part of Gibson Custom's core Historic lineup.


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


This reissue features a fully hollow, thinline body built from three-ply maple/poplar/maple. Unlike the visually similar ES-335, the ES-330 does not employ a maple centerblock, giving it a more open, resonant voice and impressive acoustic character when played unplugged. That lively response makes it one of the most rewarding electric guitars to pick up and enjoy acoustically at home, while also delivering the distinctive tone players expect when plugged in.

The one-piece mahogany neck is carved to an Authentic 1961 Thin D profile, offering a sleeker and less rounded feel than earlier 1959 examples. A bound, one-piece rosewood fretboard is fitted with 22 period-correct medium jumbo frets and adorned with cellulose small-block inlays, replacing the simpler dot markers found on earlier versions. True to 1962 specifications, the neck joins the body at the 16th… read more fret, an important construction detail that helps ensure proper bridge placement.

A pair of P-90 pickups with black Dogear covers powers the 1962 ES-330 Reissue. The bridge pickup features standard windings with an Alnico 3 magnet, while the neck pickup is underwound and equipped with an Alnico 5 magnet, creating a balanced tonal combination with clarity, warmth, and character. 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 selector switch and 1/4-inch output jack complete the electronics package.

Like any fully hollow instrument, the ES-330 can be more prone to feedback at higher gain settings or extreme stage volumes than a solid-body or semi-hollow design. Even so, it performs remarkably well with moderate overdrive, and its sensitivity to both right- and left-hand muting gives it a singing, expressive voice that stands apart. Its tonal strengths make it equally at home in Americana, blues, 60s pop, country, jazz, rock, and beyond.

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

With the return of the 1962 ES-330 Reissue, Gibson Custom brings a distinctive hollowbody classic back to the Historic lineup for a new generation of players. A Lifton hardshell case is included for secure storage and travel.

Features:

- Three-ply maple/poplar/maple construction with no center block for enhanced warmth and natural projection
- One-piece mahogany neck carved to an Authentic 1961 Thin D profile for a fast, comfortable feel
- Bound, one-piece rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets for smooth, precise playability
- Dual P90 Dogear pickups delivering classic clarity, grit, and dynamic response
- Bridge pickup with Alnico 3 magnet for punchy, articulate output
- Underwound neck pickup with Alnico 5 magnet for warmth, balance, and definition
- CTS potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors for authentic vintage tone response
- Switchcraft three-way selector switch and output jack for reliable performance
- Nickel hardware and Historic no-wire ABR1 bridge for period accuracy
- Trapeze tailpiece and nylon nut for classic feel and tone transfer
- Kluson Deluxe tuners for vintage styling and stable tuning
- Gloss nitrocellulose lacquer with VOS-treated hardware for a naturally aged vintage appearance
- Includes a Lifton hardshell case for premium protection and transport

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