1963 Gibson ES-330 TDC, Cherry

Introduced in 1959 as the successor to the ES-225 and the budget thinline alongside the ES-335, the ES-330 bridged the gap between the new centre block arch top guitars and Gibson’s classic arch tops of the previous decades, becoming a firm favourite with players such as BB King and Grant Green not to mention the rhythm guitar of choice for many.

The cherry finish has mellowed and faded a little over time creating a beautiful, vibrant see-thru red colour that really accentuates the grain pattern of the maple. This guitar has clearly been played and loved over the years. The neck shows wear to the shoulders in places (likely from rings), the nickel hardware has tarnished and dulled perfectly, there is some really nice, subtle lacquer checking but overall the guitar is in very good condition. 

The frets have recently been replaced and are in perfect condition, ready to rock, swing, jazz or whatever you like for another 60 years!

Electronically the guitar looks to be correct, original harness, pots, caps etc. The pickups have at least been out of the guitar with a sign that the bridge pickup might have been rewound as the tape has been changed. Straplocks are fitted too.

Acoustically this guitar has a pleasantly warm tone that certainly tips the hat to Gibson’s archtop heritage. Plugged in the guitar runs the gamut from warm neck pickup to a more honky, biting bridge pickup tone. 1963 saw Gibson revert back to fuller neck profiles and this is a fine example of that, being very comfortable in the hand

If 330’s are your thing and why would they not be, don’t let this one get away…

Comes with a non-original hard shell case.