Description

The 2009 Gibson Custom ES-330L in Vintage Sunburst is a beautifully crafted American-made hollow-body electric guitar that combines the rich, resonant character of the legendary Gibson ES-330 with improved upper-fret access, classic P-90 pickups and premium vintage-inspired styling.

Produced during Gibson's Memphis era, the ES-330L takes inspiration from the late-1960s long-neck ES-330 design, offering an appealing alternative to both conventional semi-hollow guitars and the earlier short-neck ES-330.

Its defining feature is its fully hollow body construction, which produces a lively, open and naturally resonant response.

Unlike the Gibson ES-335, the ES-330L does not feature a solid centre block running through the body. Instead, its laminated maple/poplar/maple construction provides the rich acoustic character and dynamic response associated with traditional Gibson hollow-body instruments.

The Vintage Sunburst nitrocellulose finish beautifully complements the guitar's double-cutaway body, traditional binding and timeless appointments.

A set mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard and 22 frets provides a comfortable playing experience, while the long-neck design joins the body at the 19th fret, providing improved access to the upper register.

The guitar features two Gibson P-90 single-coil pickups, offering a wonderful balance between the warmth of a humbucker and the clarity, bite and articulation of a traditional single coil.

These pickups are particularly expressive when paired with a responsive valve amplifier, producing everything from warm jazz cleans and woody blues tones to raw, dynamic rock overdrive.

The traditional two-volume, two-tone control configuration and three-way pickup selector provide excellent tonal flexibility.

This particular Gibson Custom ES-330L is presented in Excellent Pre-Owned Condition, weighs just 6.56 lbs (approximately 2.98kg) and comes complete with a hardcase.

The guitar carries serial number CS91859, consistent with 2009 production.

For musicians seeking an exceptional American-made Gibson hollow-body with vintage-inspired character, expressive P-90 pickups and enhanced upper-fret accessibility, the ES-330L is a truly compelling instrument.

At A Glance

Detail Information
Brand Gibson
Model Custom ES-330L
Year 2009
Finish Vintage Sunburst
Body Construction Fully Hollow
Pickups Dual P-90 Single-Coils
Weight 6.56 lbs / 2.98kg
Condition Excellent – Pre-Owned
Serial Number CS91859
Case Hardcase Included

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Excellent Condition

This 2009 Gibson Custom ES-330L Vintage Sunburst is presented in Excellent Pre-Owned Condition, indicating only very light signs of previous use.

The guitar features its beautiful Vintage Sunburst finish, traditional double-cutaway hollow-body construction and distinctive long-neck design.

Its elegant appearance is complemented by classic Gibson appointments, including body binding, a rosewood fingerboard and traditional control layout.

Please study the accompanying product photographs carefully for an accurate assessment of its individual cosmetic condition, including the body finish, neck, fingerboard, frets and hardware.

Serial Number

CS91859

The serial number is consistent with Gibson Custom's 2009 numbering format.

Weight – 6.56 lbs

This particular guitar weighs 6.56 lbs (approximately 2.98kg).

Its lightweight fully hollow construction is one of the instrument's greatest attractions.

Compared with many conventional solid-body or centre-block semi-hollow guitars, the ES-330L offers a remarkably comfortable playing feel.

Hardcase Included

This Gibson Custom ES-330L comes complete with a hardcase, providing valuable protection during storage and transportation.

What's Included

  • 2009 Gibson Custom ES-330L Vintage Sunburst Electric Guitar

  • Hardcase

Service & Setup

The Gibson ES-330L features an adjustable truss rod and traditional adjustable bridge hardware, allowing suitable adjustment of neck relief, string action and intonation. Its fully hollow construction requires appropriate care during transportation and storage, particularly when exposed to changing environmental conditions. Regular maintenance of the nut, frets, tuning machines, bridge and electronics helps preserve consistent performance. As with all guitars, setup can naturally change due to variations in humidity, temperature and other environmental conditions, potentially affecting neck relief, string action and overall playability.

Key Features

  • Gibson Custom ES-330L: Premium American-made hollow-body electric guitar.

  • 2009 Production: Memphis-era Gibson Custom instrument.

  • Vintage Sunburst Finish: Classic Gibson appearance with traditional nitrocellulose lacquer.

  • Fully Hollow Construction: Open, resonant acoustic character.

  • No Solid Centre Block: Distinctive response compared with an ES-335.

  • Laminated Maple/Poplar/Maple Body: Traditional Gibson hollow-body construction.

  • Double-Cutaway Design: Familiar ES-series styling.

  • Long-Neck Construction: Neck joins the body at the 19th fret.

  • Set Mahogany Neck: Traditional Gibson construction.

  • Rosewood Fingerboard: Smooth playing surface and classic appearance.

  • 22 Frets: Full playing range with improved upper-register access.

  • 24.75-Inch Scale Length: Traditional Gibson string tension and feel.

  • Two Gibson P-90 Pickups: Warm, articulate and expressive single-coil tones.

  • Independent Volume & Tone Controls: Flexible pickup adjustment.

  • Three-Way Pickup Selector: Traditional Gibson switching.

  • Classic Gibson Hardware: Vintage-inspired appearance and functionality.

  • Lightweight Construction: Just 6.56 lbs.

  • Excellent Pre-Owned Condition: An exceptionally attractive example.

  • Hardcase Included: Valuable protection for storage and transportation.

Why You'll Love It

The Gibson Custom ES-330L offers something genuinely special for musicians who appreciate traditional Gibson electric guitars.

Its fully hollow construction creates a noticeably different playing experience from a conventional ES-335.

Without a solid centre block, the body responds more freely to the vibration of the strings, producing a lively acoustic character that translates beautifully into its amplified sound.

This makes the ES-330L particularly expressive for players who rely on dynamics, touch and subtle variations in picking technique.

The dual P-90 pickups are another major attraction.

Their distinctive sound combines warmth and body with excellent note definition, providing an expressive tonal palette that works beautifully for blues, jazz, soul and classic rock.

The neck pickup delivers smooth, rounded tones for melodic passages and clean chords, while the bridge pickup provides additional bite and aggression when pushed through an overdriven amplifier.

The long-neck construction is particularly appealing, offering improved access to the upper frets compared with earlier ES-330 designs.

At just 6.56 lbs, this example is also wonderfully light, making it an attractive choice for players who want a resonant Gibson without the weight of a traditional Les Paul.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Classic Gibson ES-330 Design

The Gibson ES-330 was introduced in 1959 as a fully hollow electric guitar featuring two P-90 pickups and the now-iconic double-cutaway ES body design. The ES-330L revisits this concept while incorporating the longer neck-joint arrangement associated with later examples. The result is an instrument that combines vintage-inspired sound and appearance with practical improvements to upper-fret access.

Fully Hollow Body Construction

One of the most important differences between the ES-330L and many other Gibson ES models is its fully hollow body. Unlike the ES-335, there is no solid centre block running beneath the pickups and bridge. This allows the body to resonate more freely, producing a lively, acoustic-like response with warmth, depth and excellent sensitivity to playing dynamics.

Laminated Maple/Poplar/Maple Body

The ES-330L features traditional laminated maple/poplar/maple construction, combining strength and stability with the resonant characteristics associated with classic Gibson hollow-body guitars. The laminated design supports the instrument's distinctive amplified response while maintaining a lightweight playing feel.

Beautiful Vintage Sunburst Finish

The Vintage Sunburst finish is one of Gibson's most recognisable colours, featuring a warm amber centre surrounded by darker shading. Applied over the elegant hollow-body construction, it highlights the instrument's traditional styling and creates an appearance closely associated with classic Gibson guitars from the 1950s and 1960s.

Long-Neck Design with 19th-Fret Joint

The defining feature of the ES-330L is its extended neck-joint arrangement. While earlier ES-330 guitars generally featured a neck joining the body farther down the fingerboard, the long-neck design places the joint at the 19th fret. This provides improved access to the upper register, making the instrument particularly appealing to guitarists who enjoy melodic lead playing and more demanding fingerboard techniques.

Set Mahogany Neck

The ES-330L features a set mahogany neck, following a traditional Gibson construction method. The neck provides a comfortable, familiar playing feel and complements the guitar's fully hollow body. Its traditional 24.75-inch scale length makes expressive bends, vibrato and chord work particularly enjoyable.

Rosewood Fingerboard & 22 Frets

The rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth, natural playing surface with a familiar Gibson appearance. Its 22-fret layout allows access to a full range of rhythm and lead guitar techniques, while the longer neck joint makes the higher frets more accessible than on earlier short-neck ES-330 designs.

Gibson P-90 Neck Pickup

The neck-position P-90 delivers a warm, rounded sound with excellent articulation and dynamic response. Its combination of single-coil clarity and substantial midrange makes it particularly effective for blues, jazz, soul and expressive melodic playing. Rolling back the tone control produces smooth, mellow sounds, while opening it up brings additional bite and definition.

Gibson P-90 Bridge Pickup

The bridge P-90 provides greater attack and upper-midrange presence, creating a lively and expressive sound that works beautifully for blues-rock, classic rock and vintage-inspired rhythm guitar. When paired with an overdriven valve amplifier, it produces the raw, harmonically rich character that has made Gibson P-90-equipped guitars so desirable.

Traditional Dual Volume & Tone Controls

The ES-330L uses two volume and two tone controls, allowing each pickup to be adjusted independently. The three-way selector provides neck, bridge and combined pickup settings, offering excellent flexibility. This traditional layout allows players to balance the warmth of the neck pickup against the bite of the bridge pickup for a broad range of sounds.

Lightweight Playing Feel

At just 6.56 lbs, this particular ES-330L offers exceptional comfort compared with many traditional Gibson solid-body instruments. The fully hollow body reduces overall weight while creating a lively resonant response. This makes the guitar particularly appealing for long rehearsals, performances and recording sessions.

Excellent for Blues & Jazz

The combination of fully hollow construction and dual P-90 pickups makes the ES-330L especially effective for blues and jazz. Its warm, rounded neck pickup sounds complement complex chords and expressive melodies, while the resonant body responds naturally to subtle variations in playing technique.

Expressive for Classic Rock

Despite its traditional hollow-body construction, the ES-330L is equally capable of producing powerful classic rock sounds. The bridge P-90 offers plenty of bite when paired with overdrive, while the lively body contributes to a distinctive sense of resonance and sustain. At higher gain levels, players can also explore the expressive feedback characteristics associated with fully hollow electric guitars.

Who Is It For?

Blues Guitarists: Warm P-90 tones and expressive playing dynamics.

Jazz Players: Smooth clean sounds and resonant hollow-body character.

Classic Rock Musicians: Raw, articulate P-90 overdrive.

Soul & Roots Players: Organic response and traditional Gibson sound.

Gibson Enthusiasts: A distinctive long-neck version of the legendary ES-330.

Recording Guitarists: An expressive alternative to conventional solid-body and semi-hollow instruments.

Collectors of Modern Gibson Classics: A desirable Memphis-era model with vintage-inspired construction.

Playing Styles & Applications

The Gibson Custom ES-330L is particularly suited to blues, jazz, classic rock, soul, roots, indie, alternative and vintage-inspired pop.

Its neck pickup provides smooth, mellow sounds for chord-based music and expressive lead playing.

The bridge pickup offers additional clarity and bite for driven rhythms and blues-rock solos.

The combined pickup position provides a balanced response suitable for a wide range of musical styles.

Because the guitar is fully hollow, higher amplifier gain and volume levels can encourage acoustic feedback. This can be used creatively, although players who require maximum feedback resistance may prefer a centre-block semi-hollow instrument.

How It Compares

Gibson ES-330L vs Gibson ES-330

Both guitars feature fully hollow construction and traditional P-90 pickups.

The principal difference is the long-neck design.

The ES-330L joins the neck to the body at the 19th fret, providing improved upper-fret access compared with earlier short-neck ES-330 models.

For players seeking traditional ES-330 character with greater freedom in the upper register, the ES-330L is particularly appealing.

Gibson ES-330L vs Gibson ES-335

Although both instruments share the familiar double-cutaway Gibson ES silhouette, they differ significantly in construction.

The ES-335 features a solid centre block and typically uses humbucking pickups, creating a more focused response with greater resistance to acoustic feedback.

The ES-330L is fully hollow and uses P-90 single-coil pickups, producing a more open, resonant and dynamically sensitive sound.

Gibson ES-330L vs Gibson Casino

The Epiphone Casino is another iconic fully hollow, dual-P-90 electric guitar inspired by a similar design philosophy.

Both instruments offer lively resonance, distinctive single-coil tones and classic styling.

The Gibson ES-330L distinguishes itself through its long-neck construction, American manufacture and premium Gibson appointments.

Gibson ES-330 Heritage

Introduced in 1959, the Gibson ES-330 became one of the company's most distinctive hollow-body electric guitars.

Featuring a double-cutaway body, fully hollow construction and P-90 pickups, it offered an alternative to the centre-block ES-335.

The ES-330 developed a reputation for its lively resonance, warm amplified response and expressive playing character.

During the late 1960s, Gibson introduced a longer neck-joint arrangement, providing improved upper-fret accessibility.

The modern ES-330L revisited this feature, bringing the classic fully hollow design to a new generation of players.

Built during Gibson's Memphis era, the ES-330L remains a particularly interesting model for musicians who appreciate vintage-inspired construction and distinctive P-90 tones.


Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Product Type Electric Guitar
Brand Gibson
Model Custom ES-330L
Year 2009
Finish Vintage Sunburst
Country of Manufacture USA
Production Facility Gibson Memphis
Serial Number CS91859
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Construction Fully Hollow
Body Laminate Maple / Poplar / Maple
Body Binding Cream
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Construction Set Neck
Neck Joint 19th Fret
Fingerboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 22
Scale Length 24.75" / 628.65mm
Pickup Configuration SS
Neck Pickup Gibson P-90
Bridge Pickup Gibson P-90
Controls 2 Volume, 2 Tone
Pickup Selector Three-Way Toggle
Electronics Passive
Number of Strings 6
Weight 6.56 lbs / Approx. 2.98kg
Condition Excellent – Pre-Owned
Case Hardcase Included

Power Requirements

The Gibson Custom ES-330L features passive P-90 pickups and does not require a battery or external power supply.

The guitar connects to a suitable amplifier, effects processor or audio interface using a standard ¼-inch instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

The 2009 Gibson Custom ES-330L Vintage Sunburst is a superb example of traditional Gibson hollow-body design, combining beautiful craftsmanship, exceptional resonance and expressive P-90 tones.

Its fully hollow body creates an open, dynamic response that makes it particularly enjoyable for blues, jazz and roots-based music.

The long-neck construction is a significant advantage, offering improved access to the upper register while retaining the classic playing feel associated with the ES-330.

The dual P-90 pickups provide a wonderful balance of warmth, articulation and bite, making the guitar surprisingly versatile across clean and overdriven sounds.

Its Vintage Sunburst finish and traditional Gibson appointments give it timeless visual appeal.

This particular example is presented in Excellent Pre-Owned Condition, weighs just 6.56 lbs and comes complete with a hardcase.

Best Suited For: Blues, jazz, roots, classic rock, soul and musicians seeking a premium fully hollow Gibson.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Epiphone Casino models, Gibson ES-335 guitars, conventional semi-hollow instruments and other P-90-equipped electrics.

Most Commonly Paired With: Fender Deluxe Reverb, Vox AC15 or AC30, Marshall valve amplifiers, low-gain overdrive, delay and reverb.

Our Tip: Try the neck P-90 with a clean valve amplifier for warm, expressive blues and jazz tones. Switch to the bridge pickup with light overdrive for a wonderfully raw vintage rock sound.

Showroom Advice: The fully hollow construction is the defining characteristic of this guitar. Compared with an ES-335, the ES-330L feels more acoustically responsive and can produce a more open sound, particularly at clean and lower-gain settings.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned Gibson Custom ES-330L from Fair Deal Music provides an opportunity to own a premium American-made hollow-body electric guitar with a distinctive place in Gibson's modern history.

Our experienced team understands the importance of accurate condition descriptions, detailed specifications and transparent information about included accessories.

This particular guitar is presented in Excellent Pre-Owned Condition, weighs 6.56 lbs, carries serial number CS91859 and comes complete with a hardcase.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned electric guitar, with its condition and included accessories detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

The included hardcase provides valuable protection during storage and transportation.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, keyboards and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers find instruments suited to their playing styles and requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including Gibson Custom guitars, vintage and collectable instruments, electric guitars, basses, amplifiers and effects pedals.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this Gibson Custom ES-330L.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Gibson Custom ES-330L in?

It is presented in Excellent Pre-Owned Condition, indicating only very light signs of previous use.

Does the guitar come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

How much does it weigh?

6.56 lbs, approximately 2.98kg.

What is the serial number?

CS91859.

What year was it manufactured?

The serial number is consistent with 2009 production.

Where was the guitar made?

The ES-330L was produced in the USA during Gibson's Memphis era.

What finish does it have?

Vintage Sunburst.

Is the ES-330L fully hollow?

Yes. It does not feature the solid centre block found in an ES-335.

What does the L stand for?

The L refers to the long-neck configuration, which provides improved access to the upper frets.

Where does the neck join the body?

At the 19th fret.

What is the body made from?

The model features laminated maple/poplar/maple construction.

What is the neck made from?

Mahogany.

What is the fingerboard made from?

Rosewood.

How many frets does it have?

  1.  

What is the scale length?

24.75 inches.

What pickups does it use?

Two Gibson P-90 single-coil pickups.

Are P-90 pickups humbuckers?

No. P-90s are single-coil pickups with a distinctive warm, powerful response.

Does the guitar require a battery?

No. Its pickups are passive.

How many controls does it have?

Two volume controls, two tone controls and a three-way pickup selector.

Is it suitable for blues?

Yes. Its expressive P-90 pickups and resonant body are particularly well suited to blues.

Can it be used for jazz?

Yes. The warm neck pickup sound and fully hollow body make it an excellent choice for jazz-influenced playing.

Does it sound like an ES-335?

It shares some traditional Gibson characteristics, but the fully hollow body and P-90 pickups create a more open, distinctive response.

Is it prone to feedback?

Fully hollow guitars can be more sensitive to feedback at higher gain and volume levels than guitars with a solid centre block.

Is it suitable for classic rock?

Yes. The bridge P-90 produces expressive overdriven tones with excellent bite.

Is it comfortable for longer performances?

At 6.56 lbs, this particular example is exceptionally lightweight compared with many Gibson solid-body guitars.

Can I part-exchange another guitar towards this Gibson?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers selected guitars and other musical equipment for part exchange.

Good to Know

How long is the warranty period?

For new products, you will get the full manufacturer warranty. For our second-hand products, we will cover any fault within 4 weeks of the purchase of any guitar. For pianos, that will be extended to 3 months.

What is the estimated delivery time?

We use the 24hr delivery in UK mainlands if it can be delivered by post. For Scotland and Wales, it depends on the area and the distance from our warehouse, but our aim is to get you order to your hands as soon as possible.

For products that cannot be posted, we will arrange the delivery with you to suit your schedule and deliver it to you

Do you offer international shipping?

We usually can ship instruments worldwide. Please get in touch to get a quote

What is the maintinance on your USED products?
  • Guitars: Every guitar will be setup to a high playing standard before shipping. The electronics are checked and if there is any issue with guitar, it will be fixed.
  • Pianos: Every piano is fully tested to make sure it's fully functional, cleaned, and if it's digital, a facroty reset is performed.
Do you offer assembly and installation?

We offer installation and assembly for pianos, drum kits, or any products that require it for and extra charge. Please get in touch so we can provide you with a quote.

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