Description
PRELOVED GIBSON ES-333 Cherry Red Satin
Preloved condition.
The Gibson ES-333 was introduced as a stripped-back alternative to the ES-335, but over time it has become a sought-after model in its own right. Built in Memphis during the early 2000s, it keeps the classic semi-hollow construction and 24.75-inch scale, but adds a thinner satin finish, hotter pickups and a rear electronics access panel.
This Cherry Red Satin example delivers the open, resonant feel people love about Gibson's ES guitars, with a slightly rawer and more direct character than a traditional gloss-finished 335.
Classic Semi-Hollow Construction
The ES-333 uses a laminated maple/poplar body with a solid maple centre block. That gives it the familiar combination of airy hollowbody resonance and the sustain and feedback resistance of a centre-block design.
Mahogany Neck & Rosewood Fingerboard
A mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard keep the playing feel familiar to Gibson players. The 24.75-inch scale gives the strings a slightly softer feel and makes bends and vibrato easy under the fingers.
490R & 498T Humbuckers
Factory ES-333s were fitted with a Gibson 490R neck humbucker and 498T bridge humbucker. Compared with a more vintage-voiced ES-335 setup, this pairing gives the guitar a little more output and upper-mid presence, making it especially useful for rock, blues and driven tones.
Satin Finish & Rear Access Panel
Part of the ES-333's appeal is its no-frills design. The thin satin finish gives the guitar a broken-in feel and lets the wood resonate freely, while the rear electronics access panel makes servicing and modifications far easier than on a traditional ES-335.
Key Features & Specifications
- Model: Gibson ES-333
- Finish: Cherry Red Satin / Faded Cherry
- Made in Memphis, Tennessee, USA
- Body Type: Semi-Hollow Double Cutaway
- Top & Back: Laminated Maple / Poplar
- Centre Block: Solid Maple
- Neck: Mahogany
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Fingerboard Inlays: Pearloid Dots
- Scale Length: 24.75"
- Nut Width: 1.6875"
- Frets: 22
- Neck Joint: 19th Fret
- Neck Pickup: Gibson 490R Humbucker
- Bridge Pickup: Gibson 498T Humbucker
- Controls: 2 x Volume, 2 x Tone
- Pickup Selector: 3-Way Toggle
- Bridge: ABR-style Tune-O-Matic
- Tailpiece: Stopbar
- Hardware: Nickel
- Tuners: Green Key Style
- Rear Electronics Access Panel
Who Is It For?
This is a great fit for players who want classic Gibson semi-hollow feel but prefer something a little more stripped-back and aggressive than a standard ES-335. It suits blues, rock, indie, alternative and players who like a semi-hollow that handles gain well.
Our Take
The ES-333 has aged extremely well. What started as a simplified ES model now feels like a cult favourite because of its satin finish, hotter pickup set and practical rear access panel. It still gives you the core semi-hollow Gibson character, but with a slightly leaner and more player-focused personality.
Available from Colemans Music South Melbourne with Fast Shipping Aus Wide.
