Gibson ES330TD Sunburst 1966

This 1966 Gibson ES330 is sure to appeal to both collectors and dedicated guitarists, what a stunning instrument!

The Gibson ES330 is not merely a smaller or more affordable sibling to the ES335; rather, it was designed as the successor to the ES225T. Unlike the ES225, it features a double-cutaway hollow body crafted from laminated maple. The mahogany neck joins the body at the 16th fret and is topped with a rosewood fretboard adorned with block inlays. While the 330 sounds quite lively acoustically, it truly comes alive once plugged in!

The official model designation, "ES330TD," tells the story: the "TD" stands for "Thinline Dual pickup," distinguishing it from versions equipped with a single pickup or those finished in Natural or Cherry. The two original P90 pickups featuring the chrome covers introduced in 1965 deliver the signature tone that has made this model so beloved. The mahogany neck has a relatively narrow 40mm nut width and features the small block inlays that graced the model from 1962 onwards. A Tune-O-Matic bridge with nylon saddles ensures reliable intonation, while the Kluson Deluxe tuners keep the tuning stable.

Built in 1966, this ES330 possesses that quintessential, incredibly cool vintage Gibson aesthetic. The Sunburst finish shows checking and signs of playwear, telltale marks of years spent being enjoyed, yet it is worth noting that, given its age, the guitar remains in remarkably good condition! In terms of hardware and electronics, the guitar is original, though it has undergone a refret at some point.

Also of interest is the fact that this guitar left the factory as a Factory Second, identifiable by the "2" stamped below the serial number. Such instruments typically featured only minor imperfections and were frequently sold to Gibson employees. Additionally, there is a small crack in the binding on the bass side of the neck near the 16th fret, and the bridge pickup has been raised to better balance its output with that of the neck pickup.

This 1966 ES-330 is, quite simply, a fantastic vintage guitar that is sure to provide you with plenty of playing enjoyment!

This guitar has been carefully inspected for condition and playability, then set up to our Gold Standard by a luthier. We make sure it arrives in your hands exactly as it should: sounding its best, playing effortlessly and ready to be enjoyed from the very first note.