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Average Price: $6,545

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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

What are the tonal characteristics of the 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry?

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.

How does the 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry differ from other Gibson ES models?

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.

Is the 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry suitable for live performances?

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.

What is the neck profile of the 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry?

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.

What kind of music genres is the 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry best suited for?

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.

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

1964 Gibson ES-330

Video thumbnail for 1964 Gibson ES-330 by Emerald City Guitars

1964 Gibson ES-330

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for "Pick of the Day" - 1964 Gibson ES -330 and Carr Mercury V by Emerald City Guitars

"Pick of the Day" - 1964 Gibson ES -330 and Carr Mercury V

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1964 Gibson ES-330 TDC - Cherry / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1964 Gibson ES-330 TDC - Cherry / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Vintage 1964 Gibson ES-330 by PREMIER GUITARS

Vintage 1964 Gibson ES-330

PREMIER GUITARS

PREMIER GUITARS

Video thumbnail for ATB Guitars | 1964 Gibson ES-330 by ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars | 1964 Gibson ES-330

ATB Guitars

ATB Guitars

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

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • A supposedly original 1962 ES-330 is listed for $28,000, highlighting significant market value but also potential for misrepresentation.

    Source

User experience

  • 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.

    Source

Build quality

  • 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.

    Source
  • The ES-330 features a mahogany neck with dot inlays and a 22-fret Brazilian rosewood fretboard, contributing to its rich tonal qualities.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Accessing the pot codes on a 330 can be challenging; using a mirror through the back pickup is recommended to avoid unsoldering.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A 1968 model would typically have chrome pickup covers, differentiating it from earlier models.

    Source
  • Unlike the ES-335, the ES-330's neck initially met the body at the 16th fret, impacting playability and upper fret access.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jorma Kaukonen uses 1964 Gibson ES-330

Jorma Kaukonen

Singer, Guitarist

Jefferson Airplane

...
Verified via Photo

In the image provided, Jorma Kaukonen is seen playing a 1964 Gibson ES-330 Cherry at the Monterey International Pop Festival with Jefferson Airplane.

B

Blake Sennett

Singer, Guitarist

Rilo Kiley

...
Verified via Photo

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

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1964 Gibson ES-330, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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