1964 Gibson ES-330 + Hard Shell Case
Late 1964 ES-330. Well played but well looked after example with the desirable 43mm wide nut width and classic ‘64 neck profile. Plays and sounds superb. Repro tuners, re-fret and non original nut otherwise original and in great condition. A really nice example at a great price.
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ES-330’s have been something of a sleeper in the vintage guitar market in the past but in recent years players and collectors have come to realise just how great these guitars are and they are becoming increasingly sought after with prices rising rapidly. They still represent something of a bargain though when you consider the kind of prices commanded by their bigger siblings the ES-335, 345 and 355 of similar vintage.
This example dates from late ‘64 and features the most desirable specs of 1 11/16” (43mm) nut width, and a highly regarded ’64 neck profile. The neck really is just about the perfect profile in our opinion and is extremely comfortable and responsive to play.
The pair of P-90’s have all of the sonic hallmarks you’d expect of these great pick ups, and when combined with the natural volume and resonance of the hollow body deliver a big sound that has warmth, bite and clarity in equal measure.
The overall condition is very good. There is a considerable amount play wear on the back of the neck - which can be viewed as a good sign. This guitar has been well played (for good reason) but very well looked after with light wear on the rest of the guitar body and some light lacquer checking.
The wiring harness is completely original with the correct Sprague Black Beauty caps and untouched solder. The pair of original mid 60’s P-90’s feature chrome covers. This guitar could well have had final assembly in early ’65 as this would be right in the transition period when the pick up covers switched to chrome. Though we do know that there were a reasonable number of Gibson basses from 1964 that left the factory with chrome neck pick up covers for example, so this ES-330 could have been the recipient of the very first batch of chrome P-90 covers in late ’64 or early ’65. The rest of the hardware is nickel plated.
There have been a few minor changes over the lifetime of this guitar which mean that it isn’t strictly 100% original – but is original in all the right places. The tuners are repros of the correct plastic button Kluson Deluxe type. The tuner holes have at some point been drilled to 10mm to accommodate Grover type tuners and there are faint washer indents on the face of the headstock. There has been a very professionally done re-fret and the nut has been changed – probably at the same time as the re-fret which is normal practice. The strap button on the back on the guitar is non original but has been on the guitar a long time. Some ES-330’s from this period left the factory without a strap button here so this may have been fitted very early on in the guitar’s life?
There is a light dink over the serial number and a small amount of touch up has been applied here. With the exception of this small area of touch up the guitar blacklights perfectly with no breaks or repairs.
If you have been looking for a vintage ES-330 you’ll no doubt be aware of just how desirable these have become and how prices have been increasing. Here is a really good example with the most sought after neck profile and width. It is priced competitively taking into account the minor changes listed above.
Comes with a vintage early 70’s Gibson branded purple-lined Lifton case which is in good condition with all latches working correctly.
