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Description
The 1964 Gibson ES-330 is a classic piece of musical history that continues to captivate guitarists with its vintage charm and distinctive sound. This iconic solid body electric guitar is renowned for its hollow body design, which contributes to its warm, resonant tone and exceptional playing experience. Originally released as a more affordable alternative to the ES-335, the ES-330 quickly carved out its own niche among musicians, celebrated for its unique blend of comfort and sonic versatility.
Crafted during a pivotal era for Gibson, the ES-330 features a fully hollow body that sets it apart from its semi-hollow counterparts, offering a lighter weight and a distinctively airy sound. The P-90 pickups are a hallmark of this model, delivering a powerful yet nuanced output that is perfect for rock, blues, jazz, and more. Its 22-fret rosewood fingerboard and slim neck profile provide an excellent feel for both rhythm and lead guitarists, making it an ideal choice for players seeking both vintage aesthetics and reliable performance.
The 1964 ES-330 is not just a guitar; it's a piece of musical heritage that has been cherished by countless musicians across decades. Whether you're a collector or a performer, this instrument offers a timeless sound and feel that continues to inspire.
Key Features:
- Solid body electric guitar with hollow body design
- P-90 pickups for powerful, nuanced sound
- 22-fret rosewood fingerboard
- Slim neck profile for comfortable playability
- Vintage 1964 model, beloved for its historical significance
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | ES-330TD |
| Finish | Cherry, Natural, Sunburst |
| Year | 1962 - 1964 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Hollow Body Guitars |
| Body Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Body Type | Hollow Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Brown, Red, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson ES-330 |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson ES-330TD Short Neck |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What are the tonal characteristics of the 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry?
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The 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry is known for its warm, resonant tone with a prominent midrange, thanks to its fully hollow body and P-90 pickups. It delivers a rich, vintage sound ideal for blues, jazz, and rock.
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How does the 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry differ from other Gibson ES models?
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Unlike some other Gibson ES models, the ES-330 is a fully hollowbody guitar, which contributes to its distinctive, airy tone. It also features a shorter 24.75-inch scale length and P-90 pickups, setting it apart from semi-hollow models like the ES-335.
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Is the 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry is suitable for live performances, offering a unique tonal palette and comfortable playability. However, being a fully hollowbody, it may be more prone to feedback at high volumes compared to semi-hollow alternatives.
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What is the neck profile of the 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry?
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The 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry typically features a comfortable, rounded C-shaped neck profile, making it accessible for players who prefer a more traditional feel.
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What kind of music genres is the 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry best suited for?
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The 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry excels in genres like blues, jazz, and classic rock, thanks to its warm, resonant sound and versatile P-90 pickups. Its tonal qualities are particularly favored for clean and slightly overdriven tones.
Videos
Emerald City Guitars
1964 Gibson ES-330
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1964 Gibson ES-330.
Value and pricing
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A 1964 Gibson ES-330 purchased for $150 in 1978 has become significantly more valuable, with estimates suggesting it would cost at least $900 to manufacture today, accounting for inflation and lumber costs.
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One owner reflects on how a $60 Fender Strat from the same era, purchased alongside the ES-330, highlights the dramatic price changes and perceived value over the decades.
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A supposedly original 1962 ES-330 is listed for $28,000, highlighting significant market value but also potential for misrepresentation.
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User experience
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In the late 1970s, quality guitars required significant savings, with wages being less than a dollar per hour, influencing the perception of value and effort to purchase such instruments.
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Build quality
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It's noted that the trapeze tailpiece and bell head cover on some guitars from this era may not be original, indicating possible modifications or replacements.
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The ES-330 features a mahogany neck with dot inlays and a 22-fret Brazilian rosewood fretboard, contributing to its rich tonal qualities.
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Setup and maintenance
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Accessing the pot codes on a 330 can be challenging; using a mirror through the back pickup is recommended to avoid unsoldering.
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Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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Despite authenticity concerns, some owners still find mid-60s ES-330s to be dream guitars, indicating strong user satisfaction with this era's sound and playability.
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Though not favored for loud music due to feedback, the ES-330 excels in quieter settings, offering a classic, warm tone perfect for vintage rock and jazz.
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Features and functionality
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This model is prone to feedback due to its fully hollow design, making it less suitable for loud, high-gain environments compared to semi-hollow counterparts.
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The ES-330TD variant is equipped with two P-90 pickups, which are known for their bright and articulate sound, ideal for genres like jazz and blues.
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Artist usage
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In the image provided, Jorma Kaukonen is seen playing a 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry at the Monterey International Pop Festival with Jefferson Airplane.
In this interview for Gibson, he says...
"I love that guitar for a very specific sound. And I have a ’64 330 Cherry that I got for like 400 bucks. I usually bring a bunch of guitars to the studio, but those are the ones that mostly end up making the records.”
Full article here.
Genre Usage
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Used With
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Added to Equipboard on by
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