DATE :
Monday, June 30, 2025
1960 Gibson ES-330: The Fully Hollow Body Icon
1960 Gibson ES-330: The Fully Hollow Body Icon
Why the 1960 ES-330 Matters
The 1960 Gibson ES-330 represents a pivotal moment in electric guitar history—the first year of production for what would become one of Gibson's most beloved fully hollow body electric guitars. Unlike the semi-hollow ES-335 introduced in 1958, the ES-330 offered players the warm, woody tone of a completely hollow construction, making it the electric equivalent of Gibson's esteemed archtop tradition.
What makes the 1960 ES-330 historically significant:
First year of production: The ES-330 debuted in 1959 but true production numbers began in 1960
Fully hollow construction: No center block like the ES-335, creating a more acoustic-like resonance
P-90 pickup configuration: Single-coil pickups that delivered crisp, cutting tones perfect for the era
Transitional features: Early examples bridged Gibson's archtop heritage with modern electric guitar design
Pre-patent number era: These guitars featured the coveted early 1960s specifications before major design changes
The 1960 ES-330 emerged during Gibson's golden era of innovation, when the company was perfecting electric guitar designs that would influence music for decades to come.
Historical Context: Gibson in 1960
The year 1960 found Gibson at the height of its creative powers. Following the successful launch of the ES-335 in 1958, Gibson expanded the thinline series with the fully hollow ES-330, targeting players who wanted electric amplification without sacrificing the acoustic warmth of a hollow body guitar.
During this period, Gibson was experiencing:
Manufacturing excellence: The Kalamazoo factory was operating at peak efficiency with skilled craftsmen
Premium materials: Old-growth maple was still readily available for tops and backs
Hand-wound pickups: P-90 pickups were individually wound and tested
Attention to detail: Binding, inlays, and finishing were executed to exacting standards
The ES-330 filled a unique niche in Gibson's lineup, sitting between the full-sized ES-175 and the revolutionary ES-335. This positioning made it attractive to jazz players seeking amplified hollow body tone and rock players wanting something different from solid body guitars.
Notable early adopters included blues and R&B players who appreciated the guitar's responsive, dynamic character. The fully hollow construction made it particularly expressive for players who relied on touch sensitivity and natural compression.
Current Market Value (2025 Update)
The 1960 Gibson ES-330 has experienced steady appreciation over the past decade, with values reflecting both its historical significance and relative rarity compared to other Gibson models from the same era.
Key Value Factors:
Originality: All-original examples command premium pricing, especially with original P-90 pickups
Condition: Clean examples with minimal player wear bring top dollar
Finish type: Natural finish examples are rarest and most sought-after
Hardware integrity: Original Kluson tuners, ABR-1 bridge, and electronics significantly impact value
Case: Original brown hardshell cases add 10-15% to overall value
Recent Market Trends: Prices have increased approximately 25-30% over the past five years as collectors recognize the ES-330's unique position in Gibson's catalog. The guitar's association with influential players and its distinctive tone have driven steady demand.
Note: At Edgewater Guitars, we consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops for premium examples, recognizing the true market value of these exceptional instruments.
Detailed Identification Guide
Serial Numbers
1960 ES-330s typically feature 5-digit serial numbers ranging from approximately 8 5000 to 9 2000, stamped inside the treble-side f-hole. However, Gibson's serial number system during this period can overlap years, making additional verification essential.
Factory Order Numbers (FON)
More reliable than serial numbers, the Factory Order Number is stamped inside the bass-side f-hole. 1960 ES-330s typically show FONs in the format of a letter followed by 4-5 digits, such as "T 5XXX" or "U 1XXX" series.
Neck Dating
The heel of the neck (visible when removed from body) contains pencil markings indicating month and year of manufacture. Look for notations like "3-60" through "12-60" indicating the specific month in 1960.
Potentiometer Codes
1960 ES-330s used CTS (Chicago Telephone Supply) potentiometers with date codes:
CTS Code: 137 (manufacturer identifier)
Year Code: 60 (indicating 1960)
Week Code: Two-digit week of manufacture
Key Visual Identifiers
Body Construction:
Fully hollow laminated maple body (no center block)
Single-bound top and back with cream binding
Traditional f-holes with bound edges
Thin body profile (approximately 1.625" deep)
Neck Specifications:
Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
Pearl dot inlays (not blocks)
Bound fingerboard with cream binding
Medium C-profile neck shape
1-11/16" nut width
Hardware Details:
Chrome-plated Kluson strip tuners (not individual)
ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge
Early trapeze tailpiece (later changed to stop bar)
Cream plastic pickup rings
Single-layer cream pickguard
Headstock Features:
"Gibson" logo in pearl script
Crown headstock inlay
No patent numbers (pre-patent era)
P-90 Pickup Identification
1960 ES-330s came equipped with two P-90 single-coil pickups featuring:
Cream-colored plastic covers (not white)
Alnico V magnets with steel pole pieces
Resistance readings typically 7.5-8.5k ohms
Dog-ear mounting with cream plastic rings
Original Gibson stickers on pickup bottoms (if present)
Detailed Physical Specifications
Body Dimensions:
Length: 20 inches
Width: 16 inches (lower bout)
Depth: 1.625 inches
Weight: Typically 6.0-7.5 lbs (lighter than semi-hollow guitars)
Neck Specifications:
Scale length: 24.75 inches
Nut width: 1-11/16 inches
Fret count: 22 frets
Fingerboard radius: 12 inches
Neck profile: Medium C-shape (.82" at 1st fret, .95" at 12th fret)
Electronics:
Two P-90 single-coil pickups
Two volume controls, two tone controls
3-way toggle switch (treble, middle, bass positions)
Original wiring harness with cloth-covered wire
Hardware:
Kluson strip tuners with cream buttons
ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge
Trapeze tailpiece (most 1960 examples)
Chrome-plated hardware throughout
Case:
Original brown hardshell case with pink plush lining
Gibson logo on exterior
Internal accessory compartment
Tonal Characteristics
The 1960 ES-330's fully hollow construction creates a unique tonal profile that sets it apart from both solid body guitars and semi-hollow instruments:
Fundamental Tone:
Woody resonance: The all-hollow body produces natural acoustic overtones
Dynamic response: Exceptional touch sensitivity rewards subtle playing techniques
Natural compression: The hollow body provides musical feedback and sustain
Midrange focus: P-90 pickups emphasize the critical midrange frequencies
Pickup Character: The P-90 pickups in the 1960 ES-330 offer:
Crisp attack: Single-coil design provides immediate note definition
Harmonic richness: Complex overtone structure enhances chord work
Moderate output: Perfect balance for both clean tones and natural tube overdrive
Position versatility: Bridge pickup cuts through mixes, neck pickup warms jazz chords
Amplified Characteristics:
At low volumes: Clean, articulate tones with excellent note separation
Medium volumes: Natural compression and musical sustain
Higher volumes: Controlled feedback that enhances sustain without unwanted noise
The combination of hollow body construction and P-90 pickups creates what many consider the perfect balance between acoustic warmth and electric presence.
Common Issues & Modifications
When evaluating a 1960 ES-330, experienced collectors look for these common concerns:
Structural Issues
Top sinking: Hollow bodies can develop slight top depressions over time
Binding separation: Age can cause binding to separate from body edges
F-hole cracks: Stress cracks sometimes develop around f-hole points
Neck angle: Changes in neck angle can affect playability and require professional setup
Common Modifications
Pickup replacements: Many owners have replaced original P-90s with humbuckers
Electronics updates: Wiring harnesses are often modernized or repaired
Tuner upgrades: Some players replace strip tuners with individual Grovers
Bridge modifications: ABR-1 bridges sometimes replaced with modern equivalents
Value-Affecting Factors
Refinishing: Any refinishing significantly reduces collector value
Hardware changes: Non-original hardware impacts authenticity and value
Neck repairs: Headstock breaks or neck resets affect structural integrity
Pickup modifications: Routing for humbuckers permanently alters the guitar
Authentication Concerns
Period-incorrect features: Later features incorrectly attributed to 1960
Serial number discrepancies: Mismatched serial numbers and features
Pickup swaps: Incorrect P-90 replacements claiming to be original
Why Players and Collectors Value 1960 ES-330s
Playing Characteristics
Musicians gravitate toward the 1960 ES-330 for several compelling reasons:
Comfortable ergonomics: The thin body and moderate weight make it ideal for long playing sessions
Expressive response: The fully hollow construction responds beautifully to playing dynamics
Versatile tone palette: Equally at home with jazz, blues, rock, and indie music
Recording excellence: The guitar's balanced frequency response makes it perfect for studio work
Collector Appeal
Historical significance: First full production year of an iconic model
Relative rarity: Lower production numbers compared to ES-335 or solid body models
Transitional features: Represents Gibson's design evolution in the early 1960s
Investment potential: Steady appreciation reflects growing recognition of the model's importance
Musical Legacy
The ES-330's influence on popular music cannot be overstated. Its unique voice contributed to countless recordings across multiple genres, from jazz standards to rock anthems. The guitar's ability to deliver both clean articulation and natural overdrive made it a favorite among session musicians and touring professionals.
Selling Your 1960 Gibson ES-330
If you own a 1960 Gibson ES-330, Edgewater Guitars offers the most comprehensive and rewarding selling experience available:
Premium Valuations
Our team of vintage guitar experts understands the specific value factors that make 1960 ES-330s special. We consistently offer 30-40% more than local guitar shops because we recognize:
The significance of original P-90 pickups and their tonal characteristics
How finish type and condition affect current market demand
The importance of matching serial numbers and factory order numbers
The premium that collectors place on completely original examples
Expert Authentication Services
Our specialists can quickly identify:
Original vs. replacement parts and their impact on value
Period-correct specifications and transitional features
Signs of professional restoration vs. amateur modification
Documentation that enhances provenance and value
Streamlined Process
Step 1: Initial Assessment Contact us with basic information about your ES-330, including serial number, condition, and any modifications. We provide preliminary valuation within 24 hours.
Step 2: Detailed Evaluation For instruments valued over $5,000, we offer in-person evaluation throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. Our expert brings professional photography equipment and authentication tools.
Step 3: Fair Market Offer Based on current market conditions and your guitar's specific characteristics, we present a competitive cash offer with no obligation to accept.
Step 4: Immediate Payment Upon acceptance, we provide immediate payment via cash, certified check, or wire transfer. No waiting periods or consignment fees.
Ready to discover what your 1960 ES-330 is worth? Contact Edgewater Guitars at (440) 219-3607 for your free, no-obligation evaluation.
Related Resources
Gibson Dating and Authentication
Market Information
Selling Resources
Conclusion
The 1960 Gibson ES-330 represents a unique chapter in electric guitar history—a fully hollow body instrument that bridged the gap between acoustic tradition and electric innovation. For owners considering selling, the current market offers exceptional opportunities for those who understand their instrument's true value.
Edgewater Guitars serves collectors and players throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. Our mobile evaluation service brings expertise directly to you, ensuring that your vintage Gibson receives the professional assessment it deserves.
Whether you're downsizing your collection, settling an estate, or simply curious about your guitar's current value, our team provides the knowledge, fairness, and professionalism that vintage instrument owners deserve.
Contact Edgewater Guitars today at (440) 219-3607 or through our secure online form for your free, professional evaluation.
About the Author: The Edgewater Guitars team has over 20 years of combined experience in vintage guitar authentication, evaluation, and sales. Our experts have handled thousands of vintage Gibson instruments and maintain current market knowledge through ongoing dealer relationships and auction house monitoring.
