Gibson Memphis ES-330, Sunset Burst

Gibson Memphis ES-330, Sunset Burst Overview

First introduced in 1959 and going through several cosmetic changes, the hollow-bodied ES-330 unfortunately became the underdog of Gibson's ES range. Discontinued in 1972 due to low sales, and a general overshadow by both it's semi-hollow big brother, the similar looking ES-335, and by the (then) virtually identical Epiphone Casino (as used by several very famous English musicians), the ES-330 seemed to be relegated to the back shelf and low resale values of Gibson's history, until some developments and musical crate digging which started in the late 1980s.

The resurgence of, and a new interest in long forgotten and obscure jazz, funk, and soul-jazz, brought about an interest in several over-looked, and immensely talented guitar players from the 1950s, '60s, and early '70s; some of which were found to be using ES-330s or similar hollow-bodied, P-90 equipped Gibsons. A classic, unique, and glorious sound (and instrument), had been rediscovered, and fortunately for us players, Gibson would soon start reissuing the ES-330 for a whole new generation. The ES-330 is Beautiful.. Ain't it 330 Now.. We love this guitar here at GAK!!

Finished in classic sunburst, this Memphis made model dates from 2018, and whilst having a specification and appearance that is almost identical to that of a mid '60s block inlayed model, also features some modern enhancements; an ABR-1 bridge with titanium saddles, a hand-wired MTC control assembly, and MHS P-90 pickups with hum-canceling capabilities. But beyond the modern updates, this guitar is pure 330 to its core; 16th fret neck join (as opposed to the ES-335's 19th), Vintage Style White Oval Button tuners, Thinline Trapeze tailpiece, 3-ply Maple/Poplar/Maple body, quarter sawn Mahogany neck with Rounded "C" profile, 12" radius Rosewood fingerboard and Rolled Binding, gloss nitro finish, and a traditional 5-ply Black (B/W/B/W/B) pickguard.

Weighing in at just 6.38lbs, the 330 feels almost featherlite compared to its centre-blocked siblings, and being such a responsive and lively guitar, the lightness is not just physical; light touches around the upper neck give rise to a beautiful crystaline P-90 chime which, with a heavier hand and twist to the volume knob, can easily turn to a classic big single coil bite and growl. But, this guitar can also talk, and the inflections of the mid position are where you go if you want to hear it speak; an accent originally born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, but evolved via Memphis, and a thousand late night jam sessions. Roll the tone back and switch to the neck pickup, and the sound morphs to a fluid, almost sub-aquatic sounding tonality - fat but in no way muddy - the land of jazz - we're in a dark, smokey NYC basement club some time in the past, and I think I'll be staying here a while...

A true understated classic. The ES-330 is back in its rightful, glorious, and unique place; get yourself one!