Gibson Custom Shop 1962 ES-330 Reissue Vintage Burst

The 1962 ES-330 Reissue returns to the Gibson Custom Historic Collection

Gibson instruments have evolved in subtle ways throughout their histories, and the ES-330™ is no exception. First launched in 1959, the model underwent several updates by the time 1962 arrived. Although it shares clear DNA with its close relative, the Epiphone Casino™, the ES-330 actually came first, with the Casino debuting in 1961. After an eight-year pause, Gibson Custom is pleased to reintroduce the 1962 ES-330 Reissue as a core offering within the Gibson Custom Historic Reissue Collection.

This new 1962 ES-330 Reissue features a fully hollow, thinline body constructed from three-ply maple/poplar/maple. Unlike the visually similar ES-335, the ES-330 does not incorporate a maple centerblock, which gives it a more open, resonant character, as well as impressive acoustic presence when played unplugged. It remains one of the most enjoyable and inspiring electric guitars to pick up casually and play acoustically at home.

Its one-piece mahogany neck is shaped to an Authentic 1961 Thin D profile, a sleeker and less rounded feel compared to the 1959 ES-330 examples. A bound, one-piece rosewood fretboard carries 22 period-correct medium jumbo frets and features cellulose small-block inlays in place of the simpler dot markers found on earlier variants. True to 1962 specifications, the neck meets the body at the 16th fret, a detail that ensures ideal bridge placement.

A set of P-90 pickups with black Dogear covers drives the 1962 ES-330 Reissue. The bridge unit uses standard windings paired with an Alnico 3 magnet, while the neck pickup is underwound and fitted with an Alnico 5 magnet, producing a complementary and well-balanced tonal partnership. Each pickup is wired by hand to its own volume and tone controls, using CTS® potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors. A Switchcraft® three-way selector and 1/4” output jack round out the electronics.

As with any fully hollow instrument, increased gain or extreme stage volume can induce feedback more readily than on solidbody or semi-hollow guitars. Still, the ES-330 remains surprisingly manageable with moderate overdrive, and its responsiveness under careful right and left-hand muting creates a singing, expressive voice that sets it apart. Its strengths span Americana, blues, 60s pop, country, jazz, rock, and more.

Additional historically accurate elements 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 VOS finish on the hardware and gloss nitrocellulose lacquer imparts the softly aged character of a pristine vintage instrument preserved through the decades.

We’re excited to welcome the 1962 ES-330 Reissue back into the Gibson Custom Historic lineup and look forward to the music today’s players will create with it. A Lifton™ hardshell case is included for secure storage and trave