Gibson ES-330TDC (1968)
Hollow-Body · Vintage
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.
| Style | Hollowbody |
| Body | Laminated Maple |
| Finish | Nitrocellulose |
| Color | Cherry |
| Pickups | P90s | 8.44k Neck / 7.68k Bridge |
| Electronics | Original CTS | 137 6833 visible code |
| Controls | Volume (x2) / Tone (x2) / 3-Way Toggle |
| Bridge | ABR-1 w/ Trapeze Tailpiece |
| Tuners | Original Double Line Kluson |
| Pickguard | Original |
| Knobs | Original Witch Hat |
| Neck | Mahogany |
| Binding | White |
| Carve | Slim/Medium C | .81" @ 1st -.98" @ 12th |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Radius | 12" |
| Inlays | Small Blocks |
| Frets | Jescar 45100 (Refret) |
| Nut | Original |
| Scale Length | 24 3/4" |
| Serial # | 523676 |
| Weight | 5lb 14oz |
| Case | SKB HSC |
Every instrument is thoroughly checked and set up before shipping fully insured via UPS with tracking to your door. We reuse boxes and materials to cut waste when they meet our protection standard.
Inspect it, play it, and if it isn't right, contact us within 48 hours of delivery to arrange a return or one-time exchange. Returns are subject to a 5% restocking fee, and the buyer covers shipping both ways.
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Tasteful Restoration
When restoration is needed, we approach it with respect and restraint - always in service of preserving the instrument’s integrity and extending its musical life for decades to come.
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Shipping
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