Gibson ES-330TDC (1967)

The Boston-area music scene is special - insular, supportive, and diverse, with a rich and unique history sprawling from legendary venues like the Rathskeller and Club Passim to modern havens like Lizard Lounge and The Burren. On any given day, you could find local guitarist and songwriter Hugh McGowan at the latter. A supremely talented musician who had become a fixture in the scene for many years, Hugh's infectious personality and musical abilities kept him centered in a wonderful circle of the most cherished of troubadours.

Hugh played a number of great guitars throughout the years, but his 1967 Gibson ES-330TDC may have been his most prized. Its Cherry Red finish and chrome hardware made it instantly recognizable, and its tone under Hugh's fingers was unmistakable. Having it in our hands here at shop made it quite clear - it's everything you want a guitar like this to be. There's a certain midrange heft to the acoustic sound that can't be replicated in a modern guitar. It's punchy, but sweet with a certain dry, woody response. The P90s are powerful and push the acoustic voice of the guitar forwards with authority. Neck pickup tones are fat and rich, while the bridge pickup delivers classic P90 snarl. With the amp going, you're activating some satisfying feedback that can bring the playing experience to a whole other level.

Of course, these guitars can also swing into a jazz or blues gig with the best of them. They can fill out the EQ perfectly in a trio setting, or offer bigger, open tonality in a deeper mix.

Not much had been done to the guitar under Hugh's ownership - replaced tuners and some bridge saddles are the only evidence of parts replacement on the guitar. There's a small patch of velcro on the bass side of the body right by the waist, where Hugh had kept a pick container. The container was not with the guitar when it came in but we've elected to leave the velcro there as a way of preserving its prior owner's history with the guitar. The electronics, hardware, and plastics remain original to the guitar, including the transitional witch hat knobs that Gibson started using towards the end of 1967.

Paired up with what may be its original black Lifton hardshell case, it's a great vintage ES-330 all on its own. Add to the fact that it spent years in the capable hands of Mr. McGowan makes it all the more special.

As a way of remembering Hugh and supporting a music scene many of us here hold near and dear as working musicians ourselves, a portion of the proceeds generated from the sale will be donated to The Burren Backroom Series in Hugh's name.