Gibson ES-330TDC (1961)

We're just going to come out and say it- this a total beast of an ES-330.

1961 Gibson ES-330TDC just in from the son of the original owner!

There's something about the Cherry-finished ES-330 models from this period that are so classy and so...well...Gibson! The "Dot Neck" period represents the first true production period of the ES-330 as it replaced the ES-225 model from the 1950s, and you can hear/feel the evolution of the thinline hollowbody in this guitar.

The guitar has lived in Massachusetts since it was purchased new, and was cherished by its original owner. We excitedly captured a photo of the guitar with a printed copy of a photo of the original owner performing with it as a teenager in his band The Silver Foxes. It appeared as though he'd added three star stickers on the peghead at some point, but they'd been longed removed and currently show no evidence of having been permanently affixed to the guitar. The rest had remained just as it was from the factory. We were surprised to find unbroken lacquer across the truss rod nut as well! The guitar was just honestly played throughout the years - an example we love to see!

The P90s in this guitar are some of the most rich and powerful sounding of their kind, at least in what we've heard in similar period ES-330s. They just have a massive depth of tone that we're not always used to hearing in these guitars.

The only truly worn out part of this guitar was its frets. We performed a refret with Jescar 45100, keeping things similar to the medium jumbo wire Gibson was using at the same. It feels and plays like a million bucks!

The cherry on top (pun intended) was the inclusion of an original Lifton hardshell case that's also been with the guitar its entire life. Adorned with a couple of appliques to give it a personal look, it remains in very nice shape, with just one latch lost to wear/time.

Another uncirculated one-owner guitar from Gibson's Golden Era to steward back into the guitarverse! We never grow tired of it...