By C.

Few instruments exude the elegance and musical versatility of the Gibson “ES” guitars. The ES-330 model in particular is a longtime favorite of players and collectors, and its not hard to see why. These models feature meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design synonymous with the Gibson brand name. From its inception in the late 1950s to its continued relevance in contemporary music, the ES-330 is a true hall-of-famer in the world of electric guitars. That’s why were pleased to discuss this new addition to the shop, a 1968 Gibson ES-330TD!

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Introduced by Gibson in 1959, the ES-330 was conceived as a sibling to the famed ES-335, sharing many of its design features but diverging in crucial aspects. While both models were part of Gibson’s “Electric Spanish” line, the most distinctive characteristic of the ES-330 is its fully hollow body, which sets it apart from its semi-hollow counterparts like the ES-335, 345 etc.

Crafted from premium ply maple, the hollow body of the ES-330 produces a mid-forward, resonant sound with acoustic overtones, making it a favorite among jazz, blues, and rock guitarists seeking rich, organic soundscapes. The ES-330’s classic design is exemplified by its sleek, double-cutaway silhouette, which not only enhances playability but also exudes vintage 50’s charm. Its double f-holes, reminiscent of classic archtop guitars, add a touch of sophistication while allowing for enhanced acoustic projection.

This ’68 wears its original sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer finish that’s relatively unfaded, with some finish checking and light cosmetic playwear seen throughout. This example is not what you might call a “closet queen”, but was clearly played with care by its previous owners over the last 56 years.

The guitar also retains both of its original ‘Dogear” P-90 single-coil pickups, which are renowned for their distinctively smooth sound. Unlike the humbuckers found in the ES-335, the P-90s imbue the ES-330 with a darker tonal palette, ranging from warm cleans to gritty overdriven textures. This sonic versatility has endeared the ES-330 to generations of guitarists across various genres, one of the most notable being the jazz stylings of Grant Green.

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The ES-330’s appeal lies not only in its sonic landscape but also in its playability. Being a ’68, the guitar features a narrower 1 9/16″ nut width and comfortable medium ‘C’ shape neck profile, excellent for those seeking a neck that sits in the hand comfortably and doesn’t demand too much playing effort to enjoy. The original frets are also in very good condition, with playability across the fingerboard lots of life left.

Over the decades, the ES-330 has undergone subtle refinements while staying true to its vintage roots. From the iconic trapeze tailpiece to the Kluson Deluxe tuners, every component is meticulously crafted to uphold Gibson’s legacy of excellence. While vintage specimens like this original 1968 are treasured by collectors for their historical significance and unique character, modern reissues ensure that aspiring musicians can experience the magic of the ES-330 firsthand. But of course, it should be emphasized that, like a fine wine, somethings just get better with age!

The ES-330 holds a special place in music history. From the soulful riffs of BB King to the jangly chords of early Rolling Stones, the ES-330 has played an integral role in shaping the sound of popular music. Its timeless design and versatile tonality continue to inspire new generations of guitarists, reaffirming its status as a true icon of the guitar world.

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This ’68 Gibson ES-330 stands as a shining example of what a classic vintage guitar is all about. From its hollow body construction to its dual P-90 pickups and trapeze tailpiece, every aspect of the ES-330 is meticulously designed to deliver great tone and playability. As it continues to rise in the ranks of vintage Gibson guitars, this 330 will remain a timeless symbol of Gibson’s legacy of the 1960’s.