1965 Gibson ES-330TDC. Near mint. Late ’64 spec + OHSC
Gorgeous near mint ES-330. Early ’65 with late ’64 spec - 1 11/16” nut width, nickel parts, perfect ’64 neck profile. Killer tone.
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Here we have something rather special, a superb collectors grade 1965 ES-330 with the sought after ’64 specs. This one is in stunning near mint condition and plays and sounds exceptional.
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 quite 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.
1965 was a transition year for the ES-330 with several changes occurring throughout the year. The most notable being the narrower neck width of 1 9/16” at the nut which was introduced sometime in ’65, and also the chrome plating of all metal parts. The neck profile also changed during the year. This example dates from earlier in ’65 and features the most desirable late ’64 specs of 1 11/16” nut width, nickel parts and a perfect ’64 neck profile, which is very similar to a ’59 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 (no centre block on ES-330’s) deliver a big sound that has warmth, bite and clarity in equal measure.
The overall condition of this guitar is quite exceptional for a 56 year old. It is in near mint condition, with just a handful of very small nicks and some subtle but cool lacquer checking, as well as some light tarnishing to the nickel plating as to be expected. All parts are original and all solder joints are untouched. There are no breaks or repairs. Finding good, original, clean ES-330’s (or any guitar from the golden era for that matter) in this condition is getting harder and harder.
Comes with the original hard shell case which is in very good condition, as well as the original tune-o-matic instruction sheet and an ID tag which looks like it was from the original retailer – Cooks Music Shop in Iowa.
Weight: 6lb 3oz
Pick up readings: Neck 8.1k, Bridge 8.5k
