The Return of the ES-330! Classic Gibson Comparison

[@ArchieOnEarth]

Once upon a time, Gibson made a “long neck” version of the 330, with same neck placement as a 335. I kind of wish the new 330 was a long neck to better differentiate it from the Epiphone USA Casino.

[@Bugg-oc8lj]

Heritage H-530. Currently in production. I think they're better than the 330 or any of the various Casinos.

[@seanzinger]

I can’t believe it but I actually like the 330 better. It sounded unbelievably good, so Beatlesque.

[@jasonswitzer1748]

I’d love a comparison of the USA Epiphone Casino and the Gibson 330.

[@mikelevitt7365]

Same guitar built on the same line...

[@mortonwilson795]

Me too. As mentioned here I suspect they are the same guitar. Also there was a 'Slim Harpo' Artiste Model 330 a few years back from Gibson around the time the US Casino launched but didn't hear much about either of them.

[@guithawk-ij8is]

I am fortunate to own a 1967 es330, tobacco sunburst, it is my favorite guitar and the guitar I have owned the longest (traded a 72 strat for it in 1978). It's a fantastic guitar that I used to gig with a lot, but I rarely take it out these days. The P90s sound incredible, but it does feedback if you play loud. It's so fun to play and sounds great acoustically, very resonant. So glad to see Gibson bringing them back!

[@charlottesimonin2551]

I feel in love with electric guitars that are warm hollow body sounding. How ever I'm older dirt.

[@rudolphpyatt4833]

As a big Grant Green fan, I love this. I scratched the itch with a Casino (import version) a couple of weeks ago.

[@rudolphpyatt4833]

I should add that I once owned a 1966 ES-125TC (one neck position P90, single cutaway). BRILLIANT instrument, and the lightest guitar I've ever owned. That model was a HUGE seller for Gibson from 1960 until its end circa 1970. Killer jazz and blues guitar, and one they should absolutely bring back. George Thorogood famously plays the two pickup version.

[@mortonwilson795]

Great review / comparison (as always) so thanks for that. I would love one of these, esp. in that classic colour. I bought a MIC Epi Casino 3 or 4 years ago and had it modded - Lollar P90s / '50s Wiring / Bone Nut - and I absolutely love it. The slim neck is a real plus and it's easy to see why it's a 'songwriter's guitar' - light, very acoustic and having high fret access not really a necessity. I'm hoping one of these turns up here in HK - will definitely check it out. Cheers!

[@shaftsburbia]

Hope the ES-390 makes a return.

[@craigthomson3621]

…and a lefty version of the ES390.

[@GreggBennett-j3p]

I’ve owned a ‘67 es 330 since the mid ‘80’s. I traded a Strat for it. It’s the era of the 1 9/16” neck. The string spacing is the same as the 1 11/16” necks so there’s very little room on the sides. This leads to pulling off the high e string frequently. I still find it annoying. That said, the guitar is fabulous. It’s never needed a truss rod adjustment. It’s still absolutely perfect. Amazing sound. Especially through my ‘61 Amper Reverberocket. I assume this 330 has a ‘normal’ 1 11/16” neck.

[@guithawk-ij8is]

Same story for me! I traded a 72 strat for my 76 330 in 1978. Best trade ever for me.

[@randydean23]

I'd like a return of the Florentine series as wes as the es 175

[@ZenoIV]

I have tried top wrapping on LP and soon reverted. 😊

[@samhill3496]

I like it unplugged and handy to pick up and play anytime

[@jasoncasper16]

The 330 is gorgeous. I love the 335 too, and the breakup on the humbucker bridge was really nice. I have a Heritage 530 (their version of the 330) and I appreciate the body meeting the neck at the 19th fret like the 335, so you get all that upper fret access but with the P90s and the fully hollow construction.

[@ChroniclesOfASadPunk]

I am glad! What I want would be Original Series DC Juniors and Specials. But the strap button in the traditional position.

[@whodat3644]

The P90s just have a tone to them. Awesome pups. Guess I’ll be needing one of the ES-330s.

[@PeteA54]

I was about to say I love the P90 neck pickup sound and the bridge Humbucker sound better but then Coop stated exactly that! Since I almost always play the neck pickup, the 330 wins, sound wise, to me. Oh, and I love that old cherry red color. Thanks for a great comparison review as usual guys.

[@astrofire68]

Loved the sound of the 330 on neck pickup. 👌

[@Hur1517]

Wow, Es 330 feels a bit more open! I love it so much! And the playing is amazing!!

[@robert-wr6md]

Yes Trogy opened one up and it's full of splinters and unfinshed edges, poor quality finishing.

[@3cardmonty602]

On the 330 it looks as though you’re a lot closer to the first frets. That might make it comfortable with someone of a smaller stature. I’d like to see Gibson come out with a Byrdland or a 175 again

[@dmac3316]

Cool vid. I’ve always liked the 335, I’ve got the EPI version, this 330 looks cool 👍

[@guitarman3968]

I like them both for different reasons.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I really want a 330. Zoinks.

[@mr3klax]

I love my Ebony Gibson Custom-Inspired Epiphone 1959 ES-355.

[@jeffjablonski7777]

I watched the video of the Gibson ES330 found it rather interestingʻ. So if I may ask is the main difference between the 335 and 330 is neck/ body construction, neck real-estate and pick ups correct? My question as I have ES330t, is mine has a single P90 and dot inlay on the neck, cherry body with now a beautiful vanilla binding. Where I am hung up is the double pick up on a ES330?

[@user-bo8yt4uc8b]

14:30 That’s basically the description of Epiphone Lee Malila RD

[@BB-ft6nd]

I play a Les Paul and a J45. I like the ES-335, but the tonal differences between it and a Les Paul aren’t big enough for me. The ES-300 seems perfect. It's flexible.

[@roughcutguitars]

Yep! Played an Epi and it's definitely a different animal from the 335 - and that's a shade between the LP. Unbelievable acoustic vol and tone. The shorter fret access rightly earns it the 'songwriters guitar' rep, but all the 'meaty' notes are there and not everyone really goes that far up the dusty end. Besides, you've got that covered with the LP. Only deal-breaker for me was the Casino neck U profile - too much 'shoulder'. I crave a nice round C - just not sure I crave it $3,5k worth.

[@skeres01]

I have the Eastman equivalent of those two guitars, and they are quite different to play. I find the 335 more usable, but the 5lbs 330 is great at low volumes, but hard to stop feedback at gig volumes in my experience.

[@ymelfilm]

that deep set neck. how can I reach the upper frets? Casino the same. I skipped it

[@Jonathan-py9xr]

Is the neck on the 330 slim like the neck on the Casino ($700 version with gig bag)

[@yomalab]

In 1940s they had weak magnets, thick wire and no so much chances to wind pickup wrong way if it was P-90. It strange what in parallel soapbars almost go to Fender territory instead PAFs don't (with 10K turns of same wire). I think P-90s more suitable for work with some Varitone circuits and even on-board preamp or boosters especially on hollowbody.

[@CBGypsy03]

Collings i30 lc! Thats my jam, and zero QC issues.

[@Old_Sailor85]

I had a Custom Shop ES330 that had the neck set at a different fret than the one shown here. Great guitar for Ted Nugent. Feeds back like crazy, which can be a good thing.

[@omax1023]

The ES-330 has more of angular appointed sound over the ES-335, It would be interesting to hear them both at the lower register of the fretboard!

[@johnwashburn3793]

Yes, you had my acoustic playing but bent over and opening cases. I'll take the P-90. Cooper, i was hoping you would push it up break up! U know that you wanted to...

[@Old_Catholic]

That model is really the only guitar I want.

[@texhaines9957]

What amp are you playing this through?

[@AlamoMusic]

Hey Tex, it is a Fender Blues Junior. - Chris

[@texhaines9957]

@AlamoMusic thank you. I really liked the 330.

[@TweedTones]

If only they made version with the higher fret access and heel joint the 335/345/355 have. I love the 330 but it’s limited above the 12th fret

[@pouyatorkiyan3258]

Nice 👍

[@kalvino67]

How is the 330 different from the USA Casino?

[@nathanbottrell2529]

Good question! Head stock and neck profile (?) only it would seem for the uneducated... Would love to see a comparison video, Casino v 330

[@craigthomson3621]

I would like to see a lefty ES-390.

[@Mauitaoist]

I prefer the 330.... that's why I play an Epiphone Casino

[@Johnny_Doe]

The best ES-330 ever made was the Beale Street Blue ES-330L….Too bad I sold mine..

[@Mauitaoist]

Funny you said they couldn't get past the fact that it didn't say Gibson on the top I got to tell you my epiphone's every bit as good as any damn Gibson

[@johnwashburn3793]

I'd hit the "buy now" but I would rather have a road trip

[@JakeL202]

Still not available in Canada, after looking at the US price it will cost $4900 once it's available in Canada, not including Tax

[@jamesrodriquez2863]

I think the 330 sounded better than the 335.

[@philclinton9430]

The 335 rules the roost, Room 335 ala Larry Carlton........end of story.

[@roberthealy1814]

How come You don't Play any Gretsch Guitars any more? Compare one with a Gibson.

[@texhaines9957]

They have. I bought the Gretsch

[@texhaines9957]

What amp are you playing this through?

[@CenterThePendulum]

My main go-to is a 335. I can’t find a 330 or Casino I like. Wrong pickups for a low-mass guitar.

[@guitarman3968]

4 minutes playing. 14 minutes talking. Typical Almo Music video. 👎

[@craigtodd8297]

Are you two high?

[@janmichaeljablonsky9847]

I'm a nice guy and I only give constructive criticism and that being my preface, I must say the demonstration was somewhat lacking. This guitar has some lovely tones which were not sampled here. It's nice to hear its twangy side, but there's so much more that this guitar can do.