Successor to the ES-225. the ES-330 was introduced in 1959 - a model that bridged the gap between the new centre block guitars and Gibson's classic archtops of the previous decades. The 17-fret neck to body join and lack of centre block made for a lightweight more comfortable feeling guitar for many, and the P90 pickups and fully hollow body gave a different tonal character that lent itself well to jazz and blues as demonstrated perfectly by the likes of Grant Green and BB King. 

This is the first incarnation since it's release in 1959, with pearl dot fingerboard inlays and black plastic P90 covers and rounded cutaways. 

This is a really nice 330 in excellent overall condition. Having been owned and cherished by a professional luthier for years it comes as no surprise that it plays beautifully and has the wonderful tone and resonance these models are known for. The dark sunburst finish is in excellent condition and the neck has just the right amount of wear for a tactile, smooth feel. The binding has yellowed nicely and overall it's a great looking guitar with subtle lacquer checking and surface scratches befitting of an instrument some 62 years of age. 

The neck profile has more depth than a '60 or '61 would generally offer, while retaining the steeper shoulder and slightly flatter back typical of the period. Overall it's a very comfortable guitar to play with a nice resonance from the Maple hollow body. Frets appear original and have plenty of height remaining, the nut is original, and overall the setup is very good. 

The bridge is a repro Nickel part and the tailpiece is later (Chrome.) An additional hole by the rear strap button signifies the previous addition of a tailpiece with a slightly different footprint. Pots, wiring, loom and solder all appear correct as are the 2 Sprague Black Beauty caps. 

Tonally the guitar goes from rich and warm on the neck pickup to thinner, brighter and well balanced on the bridge pickup with the middle position giving a more honky/quacky sound great for choppy rhythm playing. 

Overall this is a very good guitar that's really difficult to put down. Chances are, the first to try will buy!