Another example of a single-pickup ES330, this time in the popular cherry red finish. Close in sound to the natural-finish example from 1960, very lightweight. Surprisingly similar wide-flat neck profile, more ‘60 than ’61, maybe suggesting the neck might be from an older batch.
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- ’61 Gibson ES330TC front
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- ’61 Gibson ES330TC back
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- ’61 Gibson ES330TC quarter
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- ’61 Gibson ES330TC body
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- ’61 Gibson ES330TC headstock
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- ’61 Gibson ES330TC in case
Video of me playing this guitar here…
Only 582 of these shipped between ’60 and ’63, of which ’61 was the ‘busiest’ year with 214 leaving the factory. It lives in a ‘64/65 Epiphone Casino case (grey with blue felt lining) but pictured in its stablemate’s original red-lined case ’cos it looks soooo good.
Both this and the natural ’60 version play like the wind and the P90 pickups are very dynamic and expressive. Probably my favourite guitar despite some very stiff competition!
I have a 1962 ES 330 TC in good condition-are you interested in purchasing it? Do you know who might? Thanks alot.
Probably not one for me, but maybe mail some pix to Rockbeare@gmail.com so I can see if there’s any interest from fellow collectors?
Hi Bob,
Many thanks for sharing your wonderful collection.
I’ve recently become the happy owner of a ’61 Gibson ES330TC (No. 34231) and it’s quickly become (probably) MY favourite guitar too. Although I’ve wanted one for about the last ten years, good ones are hard to find in the UK ~ and it was your enthusiasm for the instrument which definitely provided some encouragement. They really are amazing; I have a ’57 ES225T and a ’62 ES330TDC and they’re also great guitars, but this has a combination of features which make it ~ well, perfect. The rest is up to me now!
Thanks in no small part to your endorsement (if that’s the right word), I also found Cliff Brown and 633 Amps; so I’ve ordered a Dragonfly RT from him. It will hopefully end my search for a small amp which totally suits my needs.
Very best wishes,
Paul.
Very good to hear that, Paul. I think your setup will sound fabulous. Though it wil also remove any excuses! Enjoy and good luck.