Gibson ES-330 TDC (1965)

One look at our most recently sold vintage electrics and you'll see we've had some great Gibsons come through, including a couple of ES-330s similar to this beautiful 1965 ES-330 in Cherry Red.

This clean and almost entirely original example is from early 1965, pulling in some of the transitional features often found during this time period. The nickel hardware used throughout this guitar (pickup covers, bridge, tailpiece, and tuners) would give way to chrome hardware later in 1965, and the 1.65" nut width - a common transitional width as Gibson began to move away from 1 11/16" - foreshadows what would become the narrow 1 9/16" nut width found on most every Gibson guitar from 1965 onward. This ES-330 made the popularity cutoff just in time, as those earlier specs are heavily favored over what they would become later in the decade.

The previous owner of this guitar purchased it new, and it was in his possession until it found its way to us just recently. It was very well maintained with only a replacement nut and a perfectly executed refret to reveal any changes made. Otherwise, it's all stock, from the nylon saddle ABR-1 to the black reflector knobs, and early 1965 potentiometers to the frets, finish, and pickups. The Cherry Red finish is still quite vibrant both front and back, and shows very little wear given its age.

The fully hollow thinline construction of the ES-330 makes them about as comfortable and inviting as any electric guitar out there. This one's got a punchy, dry acoustic voice that breathes some serious energy into a pair of higher output P90 pickups, resulting in a very lively tone that has both fundamental power and touch-sensitivity. With the right finesse and technique, you can take this ES-330 from Grant Green jazz to Americana and even into some heavier rock contexts (Radiohead's Thom Yorke can often be seen playing early 60s Epiphone Casinos and ES-330s) with ease.

Ask any of our electric staff here at the shop about vintage guitars that really excite us, and you're sure to hear that the ES-330 is comfortably at the top of the list.

Priced with aftermarket TKL hardshell case.

Please Note: We pride ourselves on thoroughly vetting each vintage instrument we sell. If you have specific questions about the condition or originality of this instrument, we invite you to call us to discuss further. We're here to help! 

• Fully hollow laminated Maple body w/ nitrocellulose Cherry Red lacquer finish
• Mahogany neck w/ bound Rosewood fingerboard and small block inlays
• Transitional 1.65" nut width
• Slim C 1965 neck profile: .78" @ 1st fret / .90" @ 10th fret
• Original Kluson double line tuners
• Original P90s and wiring harness - visible pot codes date to early 1965
• Neck Pickup output: 8.07k
• Bridge Pickup output: 8.68k
• Orignal ABR-1 bridge w/ nylon saddles
• Original trapeze style tailpiece
• Original plastics and reflector knobs
• Weight: 6lb 3oz