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1968 Gibson ES-330TDC Vintage Hollowbody Electric Guitar Cherry w/ohsc, ES330

Estimated price for orientation: 3 699 $

Category: Electric Guitar
Class:











Description
Dexterity: Right-Handed Model: ES-330TDC
String Configuration: 6 String MPN: Does Not Apply
Brand: Gibson Exact Year: 1968
Body Type: Hollow Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
UPC: Does not apply


Up for sale, a 1968 Gibson ES-330TDC in excellent condition and in perfect working order. A significant and transitional year for the ES-330, 1968 was pivotal for the instrument in that the model was changed in this year to have the neck meet the body at the 19th fret (instead of the 16th as in previous years), which allowed greater access to the higher frets and a feel akin to an ES-335. This is also the only model year to boast a one-piece Honduran mahogany neck with this more player-friendly neck joint, as Gibson moved to a less desirable three-piece neck the following year!Finished in its original lustrous Cherry nitro lacquer and featuring a pair of chrome covered dog ear P-90 pickups, this ES-330TDC ("TDC" standing for Thin Double Cherry) has a warm, powerful, and articulate tone. The fully hollow maple body has the presence and attack associated with this tone wood, with the roundness and open quality generated by the lack of a center block in the body. The bridge pickup has the P-90's signature growl and midrange, with bell-like top end and plenty of cut, while the neck pickup is all girth and warmth, howling with the best. Professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar and strung with fresh 11-50 strings, this ES-330 is ready for stage and studio use, with low action and solid intonation.The neck has a very desirable C shaped profile, shaped in a way that's typically only seen on Gibsons from 1967-68. The profile starts out quite slender at the nut and grows increasingly in depth as you move up the fretboard, filling out to a robust and chunky "baseball bat" feel by the time you reach the octave, and continuing to increase in depth all the way to the heel. The shoulders on the profile follow suit, staying more slim at the nut and filling out with great roundness as the neck depth increases. This profile makes for effortless chording at the nut, and really gives you something hearty to hold on to as you play up the neck. The rosewood fretboard features pearloid small block inlays with original wide/flat frets that show uniform wear on frets 1-6, with lighter wear beneath the plain strings until roughly fret 9. The guitar plays cleanly up the neck with no buzzing or dead spots, and the neck is arrow straight with a responsive truss rod. The nut measures 1 9/16", which was the width Gibson introduced in '65 and used through the end of the ES-330's run in '72. On the headstock, a set of vintage Kluson Deluxe double line/double ring tuners are installed and turn smoothly with original white buttons. The guitar was previously outfitted with a different set of tuners, but thankfully no additional holes were drilled, although on the face of the headstock there are impressions of a larger set of tuner bushings around the ones currently installed.All of the electronics work as they should, with original pickups and untouched solder joints on the pots, complete with original ceramic disc tone capacitors. All of the original hardware is intact including the chrome trapeze tailpiece, witch hat knobs, patent # bridge, and black pickguard. The original Cherry lacquer finish is in excellent shape, with a rich and unfaded shade that highlights the grain of the maple on the body and contrasts nicely with the chrome hardware. The finish is 100% original with no touchup or overspray, and the guitar has zero cracks or repairs. There is light vertical lacquer checking on the body and a few small assorted nicks and finish scratches, but as the photos show, this guitar is in remarkable shape. There is also a small ding in the neck profile behind the 5th fret which doesn't impede playability in the slightest, and a spot of wear down to the bare mahogany behind fret 9, but nothing serious or structural in any way. There are also a few light scuffs on the pickguard in the pick path, and some light finish chips around the headstock edges. Overall, this is an extremely well cared for, honestly played, and professionally setup instrument, complete with one of Gibson's most iconic and desirable finishes.The original hardshell case is included. This case has a gold interior, "large pebble" exterior, and all but one of the original latches. There's some sticker wear and rough edges on the case covering, and the case is structurally sound.
Please check out our shop "Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar" on the web, and feel free to call us directly with any questions at 206.399.8518.
Shipping in the continental USA will be $65, fully insured and shipped via FedEx Ground. We will happily ship WORLDWIDE, but please contact us for an accurate international shipping quote before bidding or buying, as cost varies by buyer location.
International orders will be declared as “merchandise,” and the value of merchandise will be declared as the amount paid. We cannot declare anything as a gift or for a lesser value. No exceptions! The customer is responsible for all taxes and duty, which may be collected upon delivery.We do our best to describe all items with honesty and accuracy, but to be sure, please contact us with any questions or concerns prior to bidding or buying. We require payment within 48 hours of auction end. In the unlikely event of a return, buyer pays all shipping costs. Your positive feedback and five star ratings are very important to us, and we appreciate your communication in resolving any issues!