With the Gibson 1961 ES-330TD Figured VOS Dark Natural, Gibson Memphis presents an authentic reproduction of the Thinline Hollow Body electric guitar with the specifications of the popular 1961 vintage. Accordingly, the guitar has a magical sound with a unique acoustic timbre thanks to the hollow body made of maple laminate and two Gibson MHS P-90 pickups, while the Bigsby B-7 Vibrato provides gently shimmering modulations.
Despite its resemblance to the legendary Gibson ES-335, the 1961 ES-330TD has some differences in construction that give it a unique guitar sound. The thin body is made of 3-layer maple/poplar laminate, but no solid centre block is used. Accordingly, back and top can vibrate freely, giving the guitar a particularly resonant basic sound with an acoustic wood note. In addition, the top layer of curly maple veneer gives the guitar a particularly noble appearance. For a pleasant playing feeling, it is manufactured with a glued mahogany neck with "Traditional C" profile, which nestles comfortably in the hand and allows long guitar playing.
Two Gibson Memphis Historic Spec P-90 single coils with authentic "Dog Ear" caps are used as pickups on the Gibson 1961 ES-330TD. Equipped with a moderate number of windings and historically correct Alnico magnets, the pickups deliver an official vintage guitar sound. They convince with organic dynamics, a lively high frequency spectrum and concise mids, which transmit the acoustic timbre of the full resonance construction in all its tonal facets to the amplifier. In the clean channel chords and melodies are displayed with harmonic warmth, while overdrive features singing leads and finely resolved riffs. The pickups are managed by a 3-way toggle switch and individual volume and tone controls for each pickup.
The equipment of the Gibson 1961 ES-330 is completed by classic vintage hardware with indestructible functionality. A classic Bigsby B-7 vibrato serves as the tailpiece on the body, with which gently shimmering tone modulations can be created that bring every sound played to life. From there the strings are guided over a Gibson No Wire ABR Tune-O-Matic bridge before they meet the historically correct nylon saddle after 628 mm scale length. In addition, Kluson White Button tuners not only provide an authentic look but also a precise tuning that is reliable even when the Bigsby is used frequently.