Heritage H-530 vs Gibson ES-330

[jazzmanstever]

Has anyone here had experience with comparing the Heritage H-530 to a Gibson ES-330.
Both thin-line hollow-body guitars, both with P90 pickups....
I cant really afford the Gibson 330 and am considering the Heritage instead.
I've tried Epiphone Casino guitars (not the real vintage ones) and they feel pretty cheap to me
Thoughts?

[Hammertone]

Buy this one, save a pile of money, get a superior quality instrument, and be happy:
Seventy Seven Exrubato Hollow-S (P-90s)

[Jimmy Mack]

HI jmstever, I don't know anything about the Heritage H530, don't think I've ever seen one. Old 330's and Casinos are very cool, but EXPENSIVE, and you have to be very careful choosing one and using one!

If you can find one, an Epiphone 1961 RI Casino IS an excellent guitar. I found one used, and very affordable, but man! is it ever a great guitar!!!. It's alive, the neck is great, lightweight, resonant and the P90's they put in these are Gibson P90's. Downside is the poly finish, but it's thin, and the top is thin too which adds to the aliveness.
For me, it's a jazz, blues or rock machine and one of the best guitars I have ever played. I have played many in almost 60 years, and this one is a keeper. Try one

[blille]

There was a recent thread about someone considering a Casino you may want to check out. There are several Casino levels, you may like one.

I don’t have a 530 but I have a 535 and couldn’t be happier.

I currently have a 330 but before I had a Peerless Songbird I really liked. Other alternative are the Eastman T64 and the short lived Ibanez ASR70 but I don’t have experience with them.

[Marty Grass]

I own a couple Heritage H-530s. I've also had a couple ES-330s. the 530 and 535 are slightly thinner by 1/8". Importantly, the 530 has the same neck as the 535, meaning it is easy to hit the highest frets. The 330 comes with two types on neck joints. The first two are 530s, both a bit customized. The second two are 330s. All are excellent instruments.

[jazzmanstever]

Marty Grass,
Thanks so much for your input.
How does the H-530 sound compared to your 330?
Thanks!

[jazzmanstever]

Jimmy Mack
Thanks for the input

[Gregc57]

Here's an H-530 I recently picked up. I put a pickguard on it. Other than it being slightly slimmer in depth and the input jack being on the rim (which I really prefer) it's a great 330 substitute. The Plek job on the nut and frets is great and the Jason Lollar P-90 pickups are wonderful. Surely worth the coin.

[Marty Grass]

I played a 330 for years. I don't have one now.

The rim jack input is an advantage to me. I have seen a few cracked tops from guys walking away forgetting the guitar is plugged in. The rim is more stable.

I have not noticed a difference in tone really. I'm sure there is some, but nothing important.

The Gibson is a little louder acoustically.

Either model is fine. The Lollars are excellent.

[blille]

I own a couple Heritage H-530s. I've also had a couple ES-330s. the 530 and 535 are slightly thinner by 1/8". Importantly, the 530 has the same neck as the 535, meaning it is easy to hit the highest frets. The 330 comes with two types on neck joints. The first two are 530s, both a bit customized. The second two are 330s. All are excellent instruments.

Beautiful guitars!

It’s true, where the neck joins the body is a difference. So the 530 joins in the 19th fret like the ES-330L (not normal ES-330 which is the 16th).

[Gregc57]

Gibson started building the 330 in 'long neck' version in 1968. '59-'67 was 16th fret to the body joint.

[Marty Grass]

Gibson Memphis ES-330 2018 | Reverb


They have made reissues of the short neck. The long necks seem quite stable.

[Sydex]

Aren’t the USA Casinos just rebranded 330s to cash in on the Beatles fame? In any case, the USA Casinos I’ve tried have all been great.

[Gregc57]

Pretty much! I see some cosmetic diffs; mostly tailpiece, tuners, pickguard mounting scheme. I'd expect the same sound. I just can't get over the pricing these days........
I bought my Heritage 530 discounted as a floor model unit; saved me ~$650 over a new one coming out of a box~

[blille]

Gibson Memphis ES-330 2018 | Reverb


They have made reissues of the short neck. The long necks seem quite stable.

Yup, that’s like mine. Not in the beautiful but overpriced Olive though

I do really like the shorter neck.