Product information
This 1968 Gibson ES-330TDC is one of a recent string of late 60s Gibsons that have come through the shop in incredible condition. This guitar is crazy clean!
In 1968, Gibson changed the ES-330 neck joint from its original 16-fret location to the 19th fret, following the ES-335's template for enhanced upper fret access. When you hear the term "long neck" in reference to this model, this '68 is a perfect example of that.
Recently acquired from a local gentleman, we were simply aghast at this guitar's condition. Aside from the typical lacquer checking you'll see on an old Gibson from this period, the guitar has been so incredibly well preserved in its factory state. That is, until we put some new frets on it. Refret aside, though? This guitar had been untouched since the day it left Kalamazoo.
The original Cherry finish retains all of its vibrancy and color, and the original chrome-plated hardware shines bright throughout. Even the plastics show very little in the way of play wear. The binding has yellowed uniformly, showing barely any contact wear.
The P90 pickups are strong and punchy, with a fat, rich neck pickup, and a clear, biting bridge pickup. They're wired out of phase from the factory as well, so middle position yields some great funk or R&B tones.
The guitar is super light - just a couple of ounces shy of 6lbs on our scale - and the neck has a nice round C carve with a large taper typical of the era. It's an incredibly comfortable guitar to play, and is supremely acoustically resonant and lively.
Paired with an aftermarket SKB hardshell case.
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